[Insert Adjectives Here] at Tinago Falls | Iligan City

Tinago waterfalls, like a wonder drug, provide a soothing cure for any pounding headache. The flowing water, even from the tiniest cracks in its high-rise wall, appears to wash away all unsavory elements of the world. The cold, crystalline water creates an inviting natural pool surrounded by lush vegetation. Despite men's embarrassing attempt to build unnecessary infrastructures that threaten the waterfall's bareness vibe, the place can still be described in all favorable adjectives.

But how long will this last? is a frequently asked question. If the park's management continues to allow visitors to leave their decaying trash, the waterfalls may lose some of their appeal. The caretaker explained that it was due to the large number of visitors during the November 1 and 2 holidays. I hope the place is kept clean and well-maintained on regular days. The only disappointment of the trip to Tinago Falls was seeing the empty beer bottles and plastics. The bright blue pool of water beckoned us from the start. We were rushing through our lunch of "Marang" and "lechon" so fast that we literally jumped into the water after the last bite.

Along the way to the waterfalls, you'll pass an abandoned resort with only the ruins of what used to be villas and other cottages, now almost cowered up under the embrace of long vines. A deserted swimming pool is inhabited by insects and frogs that swim in its dark water. It appeared to be a ghost town of what was once a luxurious resort. It wasn't supposed to be built in the first place because any attempt to make Tinago Falls exclusive should be frowned upon.

A circling concrete stairs leads you 100-200 feet below to the waterfalls. As we come closer to Tinago, we start to hear the rapid swooshing of the water. A feeling of excitement reigns over. Visitors can swim by wearing a life vest for safety and ride a bamboo raft towards the falls. Which we did when we finally took a dip into the water. The result was a soothing back massage courtesy of the dropping heaves of freshwater.

We took cover beneath the rocks just behind the waterfalls and listened to Dennis tell us the Tinago Falls legend. My girlfriend Lauren kept doing her signature jiggy moves while we teased Lisa Marie about her secret admirer's out-of-this-world super-Lakas.

Dennis then urged us to climb a section of the rocky wall and jump into the water. We scrambled up to the 8-foot-high wall and took turns diving. It wasn't as high as where the local kids' leap from, which was about 20-30 feet higher. Nonetheless, it was a thrilling form of attaining a 'high.' Crashing into a whirlpool and seeing nothing but small bubbles for what seemed like an eternity before surfacing was an incredible experience.

Tinago falls definitely belongs to my list of the best waterfalls I've been to. It is right up there with Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig. I just hope the place will be taken care of and rules about bringing trash back be strictly enforced. After a couple of hours, we packed our things and prepared to climb back the hundred or so steps. I took a moment to stare back at the waterfalls and yes, I felt all the negativeness of the world disintegrate at the mere sight of the rapid prowess of the white water flowing from its mouth. I was glad to share it with Lauren and the company of new friends.