Part 1: Tubo adventure, more than what we bargained for

Categories outdoors

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My legs were already complaining from the hours and hours of hiking up and down, but mostly ascending the rugged terrain of Tubo in Abra. The scent of pine trees filled the air, the wind was cool, the rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds filled the trail. But I was soaking wet with perspiration as we made a short stop.

I was unprepared mentally and physically. It was a spur of the moment decision that we decided to travel all the way to Tubo, near the border of three provinces: Abra, Ilocos Sur and Benguet in search of a waterfall that captured our imagination when we first saw it posted in Facebook.

Wow. I was in awe at the digital image. It was just too good to be true, wild, and in an area that have only seen a few outsiders. It was located deep in Abra where you have to cross several rivers for hours, ride at the back of a motorcycle and trace the dirt road that criscross several mountains. And then trek for a day in an area said to be infested with rebels.

What have I gotten myself into? But I can only silently ask myself. Napasubo would be an understatement. But we had to go on. That was what we agreed. With my walking stick, I pulled myself up and continued the seeming never ending trek to Tagpaw Falls.

Part 1 | Part 2 | PART 1 | PART 2 | Part 3“>Part 3

Thanx to Abra Vice Governor Chari Bersamin for making this trip possible. It was hard, it was unexpected but it was a beautiful and memorable experience!

I'm a Travel and Architecture photographer, blogger and writer based in Cebu, the Philippines.

A true blue Cebuano, I make stunning images and meaningful stories. My work has been published in various coffee table books as well as local and international publications including Geo (Germany), Sunday Times Magazine (London), done photo assignments for Mabuhay and written posts in Smile.

My personal Photography work has been exhibited around Asia and Europe including Paris in France, Germany, The Netherlands, South Korea, China and around the ASEAN regional capitals.

I am a peripatetic traveler and have been to all 81 Philippine provinces and abroad.

Check out my portfolio site at StanCabigas.

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