Cinchona Forest Reserve Escapade Part 3: Hug-A-Tree Campaign

Part 3: This third part includes our Hug-A-Tree Campaign. 

Location: Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park, ASEAN Heritage Park, Cinchona  Park/Forest Reserve, Kaatuan, Lantapan, Bukidnon, Philippines.

Activity: Tree Hugging

“The things of nature are God’s blessings, provided to give health to body, mind, and soul. They are given to the well to keep them well, and to the sick to make them well.” {CH 169.2}

Right from the start on our way going up the forest reserve, I couldn’t help but be amazed by the tall trees. Their grand nobility has always amazed me, not to mention the health-giving properties they could bring us. And so I always cherish the time when going to places like this.

Nature is considered as God’s physician. One author wrote that “Outdoor life is the only medicine that many invalids need.” The sound of music in nature, the beautiful flowers, trees, bodies of water, fruits, valleys and hill, life-giving trees– gives health to the mind, body and soul. So at this time, we didn’t let this trip of ours pass without enjoying fully the reasons why we are here.

A friend told me that it is beneficial for our body to hug a tree. Because the trees here in this forest is so perfect for this activity, we really tried it. Later on, I read one article which explains how the vibrational properties of plants and trees offer health benefits– not just open spaces. It also tells of the trees’ different vibrational pattern which has a positive effect on various biological behaviors within the body.

So we stopped by the road and started this Hug-a-Tree campaign.

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I don’t know if its a placebo effect but it really felt good afterwards. I should say it’s therapeutic! You can try this at home too or wherever there are a lot of trees. Just be careful with insects, snakes etc.

One thing very noticeable in the area is an abandoned cabin. We didn’t know its history but its a really good subject for photography.

We also didn’t let the opportunity pass without us having pictures with the trees. Of course, this will be incomplete without one’s signature pose.

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The group picture on the right tells of an incoming motorcycle so we cleared the road right away.

God loves to give bonuses. Upon going home, while still in Kaatuan, He let us see a wonderful overlooking view. I was able to easily identify MVC, my alma mater on the other side.

I took a picture of this signpost inspired by Kulas of #BecomingFilipino.

Kulasihan.

A promise.*

Our day ended with a rainbow along the way going home from Lantapan which was really a reminder of God’s promises and love to us. I am now fully recharged and ready to spend my Sabbath. Indeed, it was an escapade well spent at Cinchona Forest Reserve.

*Photo Credit: Mr. Steph Haim (photos with asterisk).

*Note:

You don’t want to miss Part 1 of the Cinchona Park Escapade which include the Biking Trail and Canopy Walk.

 Part 2 of the Cinchona Park Escapade which includes the Waterfalls Trek. 

 

Cinchona Forest Reserve Escapade Part 2: Waterfalls Trekking

Part 2: This second part includes our Waterfalls trekking at Cinchona Waterfalls.

Location: Cinchona Falls, Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park, ASEAN Heritage Park, Cinchona  Park/Forest Reserve, Kaatuan, Lantapan, Bukidnon, Philippines.

Access Point: Cinchona Forest Reserve,  2 km from the gate.

Mode of Transportation: Motorcycle/Private Ride with Tour guide

Activities: Multifalls Trekking/Tree Planting

After our Canopy Walk, we had our lunch and had to rest for awhile before we decided to go to the waterfalls. It was the first time for all of us and the person in-charge in the area told us that he can guide us and we will just take care of the tour guide fee. We somehow managed to arrive at a reasonable price. We actually planned to just walk on our way to the falls but to have more time to enjoy the falls, we decided to just ride in our car.

Outside the gate of Cinchona Forest Reserve. This right way is going to the Cinchona Falls.

You can actually see this outside the gate. Unfortunately, we were told that there is no Rafflesia at that time. So I took a picture with the tarpaulin instead.

After a few minutes of driving, we finally arrived at our destination. Most of the road going up is not cemented.

We turned right going to the forest on our way to the waterfalls.

This is our trail on the way to the waterfalls. We were greeted by the chirping of the birds and the cool breeze. Kuya, our tour guide, told us that a lot of youth are engaged in tree planting activities here which I plan to do in one of my birthdays. He told us that we can just coordinate with them if we plan on doing so.

The trail was not so hard but it gave us a good exercise and few sweats since the place is really cool.

So this is what we saw upon arrival to another way nearing the waterfalls.

Arrived.

We needed to go down after the signage through this cemented stairs.

Along the way, we saw a foretaste of what our eyes will be beholding in a few minutes.

It takes hard work to really see a beautiful spot. So we didn’t give up with the obstacles because this is what we were here for. I thank God for the opportunity to really get a good exercise plus a great view.

Finally, we are here on the Cinchona Falls number 1.

Cinchona Falls 1/5.

The Cinchona Waterfalls has actually 5 falls. Some would call it a multifalls. Due to time constraint, we weren’t able to make it till the last 3 falls. On the first, as you can see on the left side, there is a small cave which we weren’t able to explore.

Close-up picture of Cinchona Falls number 1.

After enjoying the view, taking pictures and just simply reflecting, we headed right away to the second falls which took us a few minutes with some few obstacles. Just below the first falls is the second falls. On our way to the second falls, we saw another cave. We also have to go down through this man-made wood ladder.

 

Top view of the second falls.*

Cinchona Falls number 2.

The first falls can actually be seen from the second falls. We enjoyed by just simply sitting on the rocks and watching the waters fall from the top. This is our version of Chillin’. I’d rather sit in here and enjoy the view than be in the house and watch TV all day.

With the gang.*

Cinchona Falls 1 and 2.*

After enjoying the falls, we went back to our trail. We hope to see falls numbers 3, 4 and 5 next time. God-willing.

Reflections:

 

A mini photo shoot that happened when we were in the falls. #leafycrown*

• The group came up with a thought along the way. When we were still small, there were a lot of superstitious beliefs about fairies who will get you and bring you to their kingdom when you go to rivers, forests and falls. Although being abducted or punished by “them” is usually equated to a bad deed, it just doesn’t feel comfortable to have this mentality. As a child, I was somehow affected with this misconception that it makes me afraid sometimes to go to nature and enjoy. Now that I’m a grown up already, a thought came to my mind “Could it be that these superstitious  beliefs are hindering us to spend time with nature and commune with God?” The nature is made for us to enjoy and to think about God’s great love for us. With this in mind, we are stewards of God’s creation and we ought to preserve them as much as we can, not for the fear of being abducted by fairies but, because we love God and we know it is our duty as His stewards. 
• We often hear of this statement “Failures are stepping stones to success.” I was somehow thinking of this when I stepped on the stones when we were in the falls. While it may take a hard work, few failures and decided effort in order to be successful, we are also reminded that when we are doing God’s will and His business, “not once should we even think of failure. We are to cooperate with One who knows no failure.” {COL 363.1} We are assured of this if we give ourselves wholly to God and follow His directions in our work.

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  Going down to Cinchona Falls number 2.*

  Most of the best things in life can be achieved through hard work. God gives us different trials and obstacles, in order for us to grow and be the person God wants us to be. We are to climb daily in the ladder of life in order to overcome ourselves and become better versions each day. Our character, health, relationships etc. are among the things that need hard work and maintenance. When we grow each day through hard work, perseverance, decided effort and trust in God, we will not regret of these investments that are of eternal value. We can only wish we have given more.

 

 

 

*Photo Credit: Mr. Steph Haim (photos with asterisk).

*Note:

You don’t want to miss Part 1 of the Cinchona Park Escapade which include the Biking Trail and Canopy Walk.

Part 3 of the Cinchona Park Escapade which includes the Hug-a-Tree Campaign.