THE THRILLS OF PAGASANJAN

Pagsanjan, Laguna, Marhc 8, 2003 -- Like a graceful swan, Pagsanjan perches on the riparian delta formed by the confluence of two cool rivers, called Balanac and Bumbungan, situated 101 kilometers southeast of Manila, easily accessible by car or bus. It consists of 16 barangays with a total land area of 2,640 has. (26.36 sq. km.). Pagsanjan is the tourism center of the province of Laguna.

Pagsanjan is the home of the most hospitable, friendly and peace-loving people. Pagsanjeños are sweet, beautiful, warm-hearted and fiesta-loving. It is a town rich in cultural heritage as revealed in their rich folklore, customs and traditions, and colorful fiestas.

Historic sentinel

Richly endowed with natural wonders, Pagsanjan boasts of its awe-inspiring gorge, roaring rapids, enchanting waterfalls, lush tropical forests and fertile gardens, ever-flowing springs and breathtaking panoramic vistas.

Adorning the town is the centuries-old national treasure, the "Puerta Real" - a stone arch standing like a lone seninel at the western entrance to this old, Hispanic pueblo. The stone gate with three Roman arches and topped by two lions guarding Spain's royal escutcheon stands as a memento of the glory that was Pagsanjan, back when it was the capital of Laguna during the Spanish colonial days. Many Pagsanjeño polistas labored for 2 years to finish this arch.

Along the wide main street, "Calle Real", are traces of the past: picturesque old houses, churches, and the town square.

Pagsanjan is a little town of global fame, diversity, and filled with fun, water-activities. Experience the colorful traditions, sights, sounds, vibrant colors and culinary treats. It entices visitors to immerse in the "unforgettable thrill of a lifetime" in the wet, oozing and wild sojourn, that is Pagsanjan!

Branching river

History and legend has it that the Hispanic name "Pagsanjan" (Pagsang-han) was originally derived by the early Spanish colonizers from the Tagalog word "Pinagsangahan", meaning 'branching' or 'juncture' because it is located where the rivers Balance and Bumbungan merge to empty into the great Laguna de Bay.

Pagsanjan first loomed in history as a barrio of Lumban, a town founded in 1578 by the famous Fray Juan de la Plasencia, A franciscan missionary-historian. In 1668, the first settlers of Pagsanjan were eight Christian Chinese and Japanese traders who were highly impressed by the strategic location of the barrio at the juncture of two rivers, Balanac and Bumbungan. They established their trading settlement in Pagsanjan and engaged in the betel-nut industry, which in due time became a flourishing trading center of Eastern Laguna. Lured by the burgeoning prosperity of the settlement, many native families from Lumban, Cavinti, Sta. Cruz and Pila migrated to Pagsanjan.

On Dec. 12, 1668, then Governor-General Juan Manuel dela Peña Bonifaz issued a gubernatorial decree creating the barrio of Pagsanjan as a town. The first gobernadorcillo elected was Pagsanjan's Cabeza de Barangay Francisco Umale, in 1687, Fray Agustin de la Magdalena became Parish Priest of the newly established Parish. He chose Mexico's Our Lady of Guadalupe as Pagsanjan's Patroness.

For 170 years (1688-1858), Pagsanjan was the capital of the province of Laguna. During this long period, the town basked in the magnificent glow of greatness. It bloomed as the commercial, cultural and learning center of the province, and was called the "Athens of Laguna".

The "Puerta Real" or the Town Gate was constructed in 1878-1880. It was inaugurated in 1894 by Don Pedro A. Paterno, and was restored in 1975 by then Mayor Gregorio F. Zaide, an internationally known historian. Later, the town was occupied by the Revolutionists in 1896; by the Americans in 1899; by the Japanese

Majestic falls

It has become the premiere, world-class tourist destination in the Philippines, owing to its natural scenic wonders and the most visited waterfalls in the country - the famous "Pagsanjan Falls". Pagsanjan is also a favorite location for the shooting of local and international filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola's "Apocalypse Now", which was filmed here from 1975 to 1976.

It is inarguably famous for its rapids. These aesthetic features of the town attract tourists for whom man-made and initiated tourism support accommodations, facilities and services are focused.

Actually, the real name of the majestic waterfalls is "Magdapio Falls" located in the next town, Cavinti. However, the falls has been popularly known as "Pagsanjan Falls" because the trip to the waterfalls, (also referred to as "shooting the rapids") starts from Pagsanjan, passes through part of Lumban, then to Cavinti.

It begins benignly enough in the still headwaters of the river, then rapidly churning to make it the ride of a lifetime.

On the way to the magnificent waterfalls, one may feel the relaxing atmosphere and beauty brought by the experience of harmony with nature. While entering the tropical gorge, one will see wild orchids, ferns, vines, spiders, dragonflies, lizards on the rocks, chattering monkeys and the beautiful sun rays filtering through the trees, as multi-colored birds hover in the greenery.

Skilled boatmen

Two of three tourist passengers are treated to a thrilling river ride on board a "banca" or canoe expertly paddled and bodily lifted upstream against the strong current through an amazing panorama of tropical canopies. It is then maneuvered downstream between the steep canyon walls, and through the rapids, rocks and roaring current at breathtaking speed by two seasoned and skilled "bangkeros" or boatmen. Passengers should synchronize their positions to maintain balance.

With the dexterity and skill of boatmen who have spent their whole lives on the river, a navigator and a pilot will safely guide your "banca" on an exciting two-hour journey. At times, you will be skimming through the gorge with walls of rock mass formations and vines that rise up over a hundred meters. There will also be times when you will be tossed and twisted through the rapids as you speed downstream to the two towering waterfalls. Depending on the water's height, there are a total of 12 or 16 rapids altogether. Upon reaching the last major waterfalls, you can transfer from the "banca" to a bamboo raft that will take you through the cascading water to a hidden cave (which looks like the profile of a devil) formed by the walls of the gorge.

No trip to Pagsanjan is ever complete without embarking on this exhilarating, adrenaline-filled, two-hour boat ride from the Bumbungan River to the "Pagsanjan Falls", whose booming water cascades down the 300-feet cliff in full view. The volume of water falling is so great that the site is filled with a never-ending thunderous sound. All in all, it is a trip that's definitely hard to forget.