The town of Tanay in Rizal has always had a way of drawing you to visit. Aside from the hospitable people, Tanay offers travelers, vacationers, and outdoor aficionados many breathtaking and pristine natural sites.
And among the many sites in Tanay, the most popular and most-visited is Daranak Falls.
Derived from the word “Dara” which, means a cascade of water from above while “Nak” is when the water gushes down creating bubbles.
Daranak Falls rises 14-meter high and has often served as a splendid backdrop for many films, TV commercials, and documentaries. Both locals and foreigners go to this place not only to take to its clean, clear waters but to marvel at its natural beauty.
The falls is situated at the foot of Tanay mountain and is surrounded by a forest or trees, natural rock formation and cascading rivers and ponds.
During the 6th Hane Festival, we were only suppose to do a feature on Daranak Falls. But the clear waters and sight of people enjoying the falls proved irresistible for the team. They soon found themselves joining others in the waters. A perfect cool ending to a hectic day of filming, no doubt.
When visiting Daranak Falls, here are some tips to follow to make your stay more enjoyable.
- Although there are many stores around Daranak Falls, it is best to bring your own “baon.” You can grill food there if you crave for barbecue. You can also rent floating devices when you take a dip. The area has lifeguards on standby.
- Bring bottled water. But observe the cleanliness policies. Take note that littering is strictly prohibited.
- Best time to go to Daranak Falls is in the morning if you want a little privacy. The place gets crowded towards the afternoon especially on weekends or holidays.
- Bring mosquito repellent.
- Bring a dry bag to avoid your valuables from getting wet.
Regina Rica – Meditate and pray within the hills of Tanay
After the falls, the team then went to say a little prayer in its popular pilgrim site.
Regina Rica has been a popular and favorite pilgrim site. The 14-hectare sanctuary features a 71-foot statue of Queen of the Holy Rosary. In here, you will also find three waterfalls, a creek, and over 10,000 trees. It is the perfect place for meditation.
As if on cue, when the team arrived, we were welcomed by a beautiful ray of a rainbow.
Regina Rica (Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia) was founded by Sister Mary Epifania F. Brasil, OP on May 13, 2005, in Quezon City, Philippines. Together with her were Sister Mary Carmen C. Advincula, OP., Sister Marie Amelia F. Brasil, OP., Sister Mary Matthew F. Brasil, OP., Sister Ma. Violeta P. Sobremisana, OP., and Sister Mary Sarah R. Ronda, OP. They were all former members of the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines.
Tanay Church – San Ildefonso of Toledo Parish Church
When the ByaHero team got back from the town of Tanay, we prepared our equipment near the town plaza. We then visited the San Ildefonso of Toledo Parish Church.
The construction of the present church began in 1773 and was completed after ten years in 1783. In 2001, it was declared as a National Cultural Treasure Church by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. It is also among the five Jubilee churches of the Diocese of Antipolo.
The style of the church, with its triangular pediment and rounded belfry, leans toward Baroque architecture. The church also houses a relic of a piece of bone of San Ildefonso housed in a monstrance, given by Rev. Fr. Felipe Pedraja on October 2006 from Zamora, Spain in which the body of the patron saint lies.
The 14 Stations of the Cross inside the church is considered as one of the most beautiful Stations of the Cross in Asia. The carvings are depicted to have Malay features as evidenced by the brown skin of the natives and their squat figures, all of which are believed to have created by native Tanay artists. Some distinct depictions are borrowed from the native culture such as the “Tambuli” made of carabao and the bolo instead of the typical Roman sword. The carvings are encased in large glass windows across each side of the church.
It was a very fruitful coverage for the first episode of ByaHero. A mix of adventure and meditation and prayer is something that we need to provide us a break from our usual stressful work at the office.
Thank you, Tanay and congratulations to all the organizers of the 6th Hane Festival. We will surely see you in our next adventures.
