Except for the majestic Mayoyao Rice Terraces, Mayoyao municipality additionally boasts some enchanting waterfalls steeped in native legends. Certainly one of them is the A’pfaw Mahencha Falls in Barangay Chumang. One morning, I, together with my media companions, Tourism Promotions Board, and Shroff Journey, set off on a 5–6km journey as much as an overlooking Khohang Backyard and Viewpoint for a picnic breakfast. The backyard serves as a gateway to the falls hid throughout the lush forest of Mayoyao.
Khohang Backyard Picnic
Khohang Backyard is a captivating little cliffside backyard amidst pine timber with views of the Mayoyao Terraces and city. There’s a big semi-circular view deck space protruding from the primary highway resulting in a pathway into the backyard with sitting areas, picnic tables, and benches. There’s additionally a scenic swing to benefit from the view which might be a part of a story afterward.
We had been every served breakfast of rice, pan-fried eggplant, sliced tomato, and dried fish, every neatly packed in banana leaves. I savored consuming by hand whereas having fun with the breeze and informal conversations. The meals gave me sufficient gasoline for the hike right down to the waterfalls.
Lush Forest Path
Our hike was led by Robert Bongayan, an enthusiastic native historian wanting to share tales and legends of Mayoyao. Whereas mountain climbing he identified edible and natural crops alongside the way in which. The meandering path descending to the waterfalls consists of 536 neatly paved steps with railings.
I loved strolling down these steps whereas inspecting the flora, from ferns and lilies to different flowering crops. Halfway down I seen an space the place birds had been energetic. I noticed warbling white eyes, arctic warblers, sunbirds, and the Luzon endemic Blue-headed Fantail.
A’pfaw Mahencha Falls
The sound of dashing water may very well be heard as I approached A’pfaw Mahencha Falls. The falls have an entrancing 3-tiered cascade with lovely and alluring basins of clear cobalt water. The location is tastefully developed with pavilions, clear restrooms, and bathe areas.
After taking photographs and movies, I didn’t waste time having fun with the icy however refreshing waters. The deep basins require warning for guests who can’t swim. However adventurous swimmers can take a plunge from the second degree, very like the legend of the stunning woman Mahencha who jumped to retrieve her misplaced amber necklace.
Storytelling by the Swing
What goes down, should come up, so I needed to take the 536 steps again as much as the highest once more. We gathered again at Khohang Backyard for snacks and storytelling.
Historian Robert Bongayon shared the “Legend of Akhinnaja,” a neighborhood woman of spellbinding magnificence who wilted the grass together with her radiance wherever she walked. As a toddler, she was taken by Pho Fu At, a fairy rat, into the forest whereas her dad and mom labored the fields. She grew lonely and weary, so the fairy rat constructed her a swing.
Akhinnaja would typically swing excessive sufficient to see her dad and mom working, and she or he would sing songs heard by her mom within the fields. However she couldn’t return residence. There’s extra to Akhinnaja’s story finest informed by Ifugao hudhud, a chant narrating these epic tales. This custom is inscribed in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
My go to to A’pfaw Mahencha Falls and Khohang Backyard was a stroll by way of nature and a world of myths bringing the Ifugao tradition to life.
Important Data
For extra data and a tour of A’pfaw Mahencha Falls and Khohang Backyard, contact the Mayoyao Tourism Workplace.
Cellular: 0906.958.2204 / 0949.664.0088
Park Charges:
- Grownup (19yo and above) P 25 (Entrance Price) + P30 (Environmental and Heritage Price)
- Youngsters and Minors (18yo and under) P 10 (Entrance Price) + P30 (Environmental and Heritage Price)
- Senior Residents and PWD (20% Low cost) P 20 (Entrance Price) + P30 (Environmental and Heritage Price)
- Desk/ Cottage Rental – P50
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning journey photographer, author and blogger. His works has discovered print in publications corresponding to Singapore Airways’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airways’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has additionally lent his experience to varied organizations just like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Basis, Save the Youngsters and World Imaginative and prescient, contributing high quality photos for his or her advertising supplies.
