We left Sinipit Falls and started a half an hour hike to the fourth and final waterfalls that we visited in Diffun, Quirino. Otherwise known as the main falls, the path to Ganano Falls was longer but still easy as it was straightforward. The trek was rather comfortable too. We traversed a trail canopied by bamboos and crossed a cool stream.

About 30 minutes into the walk and we heard the familiar sound of strong gush of water falling from above. A little more walk and the source of the sound has shown itself: the majestic Ganano Falls.

Towering at around 80 meters, the water falling down from the top of the falls roar a thunderous sound as it hits numerous rocks below, splitting the cascade to numerous channels. Consequently, a lot of smaller basins have formed below the falls where visitors may choose to take a dip.

The beauty of Ganano Falls is so awe-striking, there is just no way that we are not going near it.

In order to get close to the falls itself, we had to climb slippery, moss-ridden rocks. Our guide Mel volunteered to carry our bag as we climb the boulders. All the rocks were wet, caught in the middle of a seeming perpetual thunderstorm: water from the falls scattered by the wind and the thunderous roar of the strong impact of the water against the rocks.

I have been saying that bathing in the waters of the falls is not among our plans, but as they say, we are powerless in the presence of nature. By choosing to get near Ganano Falls, we have also chosen to get wet. When beheld with the magnificence of nature, no one would dare to mind being one with the elements.

From where we stood by the foot of the waterfalls, we went up to a wet, mossy rock to get a bit closer. At that point, it was as if we were warped somewhere else as our proximity to the falls gave the impression that we are in a place with a separate weather system and that we were in the midst of a storm. The mist of the water coming down from the falls made the immediate surrounding a tint darker and we could hear nothing but the deafening clash of the water against the rocks.

At that point, we were beheld to the power hiding in captivating beauty.

After the individual photos, we asked Mel to take our photo together in front of Ganano Falls. A place and a core memory unlocked.

The way down the rocks proved to be extra challenging as wet mossy rocks and gravity proved to be a bad combination. We had to take our time ensuring that we do not slip. We still found time to goof around though, just pardon my companion’s finger.

It was an hour hike back to the Tourist Information Center where we took a bath and changed clothes. There was a PHP 20.00 fee to use the washrooms. We then thanked our guide and off we went. It was quarter past 01:00 PM.

There is no doubt that our Quirino adventures is one that unlocked a core memory for both of us. All the experiences that goes with it, from the long road trip that led to witnessing the golden sunrise of Aurora to the awe-striking sights of Nagtipunan including the death-defying experience that we had on our way to the Governor’s Rapids, surely gave us a realization or two on the beauty of nature and the marvels of life.

Quirino was such a great experience, so much so that it has become a go-to memory for me whenever I wanted to be sentimentally happy. Who would have thought that a province then relatively unknown to me will have such an impact? There is really no telling to what life has in store.