j �� a��� w �� i �� l � i ������ f �� a �� l �� l� s
In 1998, my mom and I again visited the Philippines. As usual, she did her own things and I did mine. I love nature and thus, I am always searching for new treks around Aklan. Since I haven't been to Jawili Falls situated in Tanghalan, Aklan, I decided that this would be the day...it was one of those spontaneous moments I always do. So, I hollered at my cousins and off we went.
After passing Kalibo and some other town, we came across this small village with lots of small "sari-sari" store. We've decided to get drunk, so we bought a case of San Miguel beer and other munchies.
Of course, I was not prepared for this new adventure of ours. I suffered the consequences because I had no idea that the path towards the falls was very dusty, dusty, dusty. Lubak lubak man guid! Man, I don't recommend driving these terrains with a stick shift. If you ever decide to visit Jawili, make sure to bring lots of towels for the dust.
Anyway, when we got there I was again at awe. I can't believe that something like this is hidden in Aklan. Then again, Aklan has a lot of hidden treasures and this is one of them. Of course, I had to pay for the entrance and parking. Nothing is free anymore.
The water was not as clear as it could be though. I didn't intend to get wet, so I tried to avoid slipping into the falls. I wanted to see the very top of Jawili and I didn't have a choice but hiked the slippery ground (it was raining the night before). When I got there, oh boy! I could see the ocean and the rest of Aklan..no I'm lying, at least part of Aklan� anyway. For a moment, I was just by myself and I found solitude on this mountain top. I can even hear the water flowing freely down the very bottom of the seven basin falls. Then reality stepped in and I had forgotten that I was with my cousins...very noisy cousins and the solitude went away. Oh well, next time I'll go alone, I thought to myself.
This was the first time that my niece Mary Hope went with us to Jawili. She couldn't let go of his uncle Benjo's hand for the thought of falling on the bottom of the falls. I love being with my niece. She reminds of so much of my childhood.
After about an hour or so, I was feeling a little tipsy, but not as crazy enough to jump off the falls as my three cousins did (Benjo, Oliver, and Jade). Kids!
cousins and niece on one of jawili falls' basins
colored this time, jawili with cousins and niece
The four stooges swimming
Oliver jumping off the falls
More pictures are coming!
Come back soon. Don't miss it.