WHEN something is nearby and within easy access, it is more often than not just as easily taken for granted. Living about an hour-and-a-half drive from the famous Maria Cristina Falls in Buru-un, Iligan City has put this majestic masterpiece of nature into that overlooked and underappreciated category.
In my 12 years of living in Cagayan De Oro, I’ve only been there twice (this trip included). I am certainly not alone because many of my acquaintances who live near me have also not even bothered to go see this “wonderfalls.” Eh kasi malapit lang nga eh!
I am also pretty sure it is a safe bet to say that the rest of the country, particularly those living North of Mindanao, have not bothered to come see it either. My entire family in Manila, for instance, has never been there even if they’ve visited me numerous times. Sad, I know!
What’s worst is I belong to the apathetic list, too, because if I had not married a Kagay-anon, the Maria Cristina will be nothing but a mere word I was forced to memorize for my Araling Panlipunan class. Maria Cristina—region 10, Lanao Del Norte, water-form falls, and source of hydropower.
Our local Maria may be not as big as the famous Niagara in North America, but its natural beauty is equally captivating (yes, I speak from both experiences). Sometimes, it takes relatives living overseas who desire to rediscover the wonders of our motherland that force us to get-out of our usual comfort zone.
Much credit goes to my sister in-law, Gay Wabe-Delos Reyes, and my beautiful niece, Zara, because they really squeezed in this sight-seeing adventure in spite of their very tight schedule. It was Zara’s first time to see the falls, and it was amazing to see how appreciative she was in spite of having seen the mammoth-sized Niagara Falls, too.
When Zara was gushing about it, our 94-year-old great-grandma, Gloria Roxas, chimed in and said that it was also her first time seeing the falls up close. All of us expressed our surprise because Lola-Mom hails from Alubijid, which is about 45 minutes away. But granny lamented that she usually only went to the Timoga Cold Springs Pool. This is also another attraction in the area that is popular for being 100 percent non-chlorinated because of its flowing waters courtesy of the Maria Cristina.
According to one of the park rangers granny and I chatted with, Maria Cristina Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in the Philippines, measuring around 320 feet high with its water flowing from the Agus River. It is fondly referred to as the “twin falls” because of the giant rock in its brink, which breaks up the water’s flow, particularly on moments when the gush of water is not so strong.
The Maria Cristina is situated inside the compound of the National Power Corporation, which was converted into a nature park in 2010. It’s about a 10 to 15 minute drive before reaching the drop-off area where the viewing deck is located. There’s a very minimal entrance fee (my memory is 30 pesos), which is worth the price because the area is well-kept and maintained. It’s a pretty scenic route full of lush foliage to the top, and we were able to see two iguanas crossing the cemented road.
There are table and chairs by a small café near the viewing deck. You can pack a lunch if you want to stay long and listen to the calming sounds of nature. There is nothing more relaxing than the symphony of flowing water. There are other things to see and do in the Nature Park for a fee. The ranger noted that there’s a bat cave (which we were able to get a glimpse of), a crocodile farm, a botanical garden, and a butterfly farm. For the adrenaline junkies, trekking up a tree to do the zipline might be up your ally.
We didn’t stay long to do the other attractions because we had a senior citizen with us. And besides, our priority was the gastronomic adventure waiting for us in the town proper!
Located along the road, by the Timoga Cold Springs, are stalls-upon-stalls selling the famous reddish toned Iligan lechon. They also serve puso rice (in banana leaves), roasted kamote (sweet potato), boiled saba (plantains), kinilaw (ceviche), barbeque tuna, among many others. The dining area, though humble in appearance, has a great view of the seashore.
There are indeed many places to see and experience here in our region. Travel doesn’t always have to be overseas just to be considered epic. Our home country is full of wonderful things all of us have yet to discover. Don’t let Maria Cristina be nothing but a factoid from history lessons long-forgotten. Above all else, explore the Philippines because it is quite frankly both disheartening and embarrassing to be a stranger in thy own backyard.
For information check out: www.napocor.gov.ph ! Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday (but closed one day in a week for maintenance), 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.