Into the Great Outdoors of General Nakar: of Waterfall Treks and River Tubing Thrills
The town of General Nakar is a place that most people may be familiar with but likely have limited knowledge about. This rings true in my case. As I packed my stuff for the trip, I took a peek at its location on Google Maps and observed that it faces the Pacific Ocean and runs parallel to Polillo Island. Studying its position and knowing the geography around, it struck me that this town likely boasts a wealth of outdoor attractions, nestled as it is in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range.
Despite being enroute to General Nakar to cover the Gapo and Palusong Festival, which also coincides with the 75th founding anniversary of the town, an excited jolt shot up my body, knowing that we would be there not just for the fun revelry but also for some nature-tripping adventure.
Let the Fun Gapo and Palusong Festival Begin
According to Nakarins, a term describing locals of General Nakar, the word "Gapo" translates to "Panimula," or "Beginning," in English. Meanwhile, "Paluson" embodies the town's "Bayanihan" spirit, reflecting a strong sense of unity and community.
Gapo and Palusong celebrate the rich farming traditions of the town. From the planting season to the rituals performed during harvest, these events highlight the community's connection to the land and the sharing of its abundant blessings.
After spending our first day in chill mode at the quaint family-run Mondy & Goldy's Beach Resort, we woke up early the next day to witness the street parade. Unlike other festivals I've attended around the country, this one in General Nakar is very laid back, yet it still exudes a festive atmosphere.
I could say that I enjoyed the weeklong festivities, savoring shots of the traditional "tagayan," which consisted of the town's local wine, and participating in feasts at various houses, including the family home of Mam Chona, the owner of the resort where we stayed.
An Emerging Eco-Tourism Destination
General Nakar was named in the honor of Major General Guillermo Peñamante Nakar (1905–1942), a revered figure who hailed from the barangay of Anoling and led the 1st Battalion of the 71st Infantry Division of the USAFFE in their valiant stand against the invading Japanese Forces during World War II.
General Guillermo Nakar has shown that the town named after him boasts a long lineage of brave individuals, complemented by the equally resilient and hardworking Dumagat and Remontado Indigenous communities. A significant number of Dumagat-Remontado settlers made their home alongside the waters of the Rigrig River, in the area now known as Sitio Masla.
After nearly two hours of navigating the bumpy and muddy terrain of the ongoing construction site of the Pacific Coast Trail highway aboard a habal-habal, we finally reached Sitio Masla. This burgeoning eco-adventure tourism hotspot is teeming with excitement and exploration opportunities.
Upon our arrival, we were warmly greeted by members of the Masla Community Nature Adventure. In a bid to enhance its community-based tourism program, the municipal tourism office has empowered the Masla community members to manage all the outdoor attractions in their area.
First on our agenda is a trek to the 150-foot Sapot Falls. Fortunately, the captivating sights and the verdant beauty of the forested path kept us thoroughly engaged. It offered all the essential elements of an ideal outdoor excursion: the soothing sounds of the river streams, the melodic chirping of birds, and the refreshing water that cooled our feet.
According to our guides, a local legend tells of a Dumagat family who ventured near the waterfall. As they were climbing around the rocky walls, the child lost his footing, causing the mother to yell to the father, "Sapotin mo!" which loosely translates to "catch him!". Since then, the story evolved into a poignant reflection of familial bonds.
River tubing offers a delightful experience where you can sit on a donut-shaped inner tube, letting the gentle flow of the river guide you. This thrilling adventure activity is still in its early stages here. We quickly selected our preferred tube and prepared ourselves for an exhilarating journey.
There was a moment when we tipped over, giving us a fleeting taste of what it feels like to be inside a washing machine for a few seconds. With my companion's excited shouts of “Whoo-hoo” harmonizing with the rhythmic rush of Rigrig River's rapids, I found myself gazing up at the vast blue sky as my tube carried me in a quick, swirling dance.
A little more than an hour of this had us brimming with smiles on our faces. A little bruise here and there, but generally safe over-all, we escaped with a wonderful experience that we will all remember for a long time.
The next day, while we were enjoying the water activities at Mondy and Goldys' Beach Resort, riding a banana boat, a jet ski, and an ATV, Jonathan Saynes, the Tourism Officer, mentioned Tulaog Cave, Masanga Point, Pagapeden Falls, and the fact that much of Mt. Daraitan is in General Nakar.
General Nakar is shaping up to be an exciting destination, especially with the upcoming completion of the Quezon-Aurora road. The region boasts a wealth of natural wonders, features stunning beaches, and flowing rivers like the Tinipak and Agos.
