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That time when we went to Binanga Falls...again.

July 15 was Cordillera Day. Although this is late, in celebration of the said day, let's take a hike to a waterfall in our town of La Trinidad called Binanga Falls. Remember that there are still restrictions so we can't travel anywhere just yet. This was a visit two years ago with my niblings and sister.

**A bit of La Trinidad's History** *La Trinidad* is the capital of the province of Benguet here in northern Philippines. The name *La Trinidad* means "The Trinity." It was originally called *Benguet*. It was said to have been derived from "benget," a cloth that was wrapped around the head to protect it from cold and wind. It was then called "Valle de Benguet" and later on changed to "Valle de La Trinidad." It was said to be referring to the three hills where the capital was established. However, the popular belief is that it was named after the wife (*Dona Trinidad de Galvey*) of one of the Spanish expeditioners, *Guillermo Galvey*. Why Spanish? The Philippines had been under Spanish rule for 300+ years. During those years, they explored and exploited minerals and the Cordillera is one of those regions rich in gold and other minerals. Naturally, Spanish settlements were established. That's why places here have Spanish origins. La Trinidad is known for it's strawberries, vegetables, cut flowers and places to visit like Mt. Yangbew and falls like Binanga Falls and also STOBOSA: Valley of Colors. Today, there are 16 barangays forming the municipality of La Trinidad and one of those barangays is Shilan. Binanga Falls It was the break of my niblings from school so I decided to take them to Binanga Falls, not too far from our barangay. This is just one ride from our place. It took us about 15 minutes to reach the drop off point (Shilan Elementary School) because of slow traffic. From the school, we walked another 30 minutes going down to the waterfalls. There are cars for rent that can bring you to the drop off point and then you can walk from there to the waterfalls. The road that leads to where the trail starts is paved anyway so we we did not ride a car. I was trying to find another waterfall but the persons we have inquired do not know if there was another one aside from Binanga Falls so we proceeded there. We have been here many times, the last was 2-3 years ago.

There was a sign indicating where the trail that descends to the Binanga Waterfalls is. You might get lost if it is your first time for the trail is not apparent so it is important that you ask directions from the barangay hall or the police station a few meters from the school. Also, it is advisable to rent the private cars beside the school so the driver can point you in the right direction. Once you are dropped off at the start of the trail, then it is easy to get to the falls. Just follow the trail that leads you to the vegetable gardens. You will pass more gardens along the way but keep going until you reach the waterfalls. During these months, flowers are in bloom so it is enjoyable to walk.

We passed by greenhouses and gardens along the way and one was filled with flowers. The trail is a bit steep so caution is advised for it can be slippery. It could be a challenge going down and up for those who are not used to hiking.

We got there and the first thing I noticed right away was the different kinds of butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies and other flying insects. This is the first time I saw them this plenty. It is hard to capture using my phone. I believe there were 10 or more kinds of butterflies and at least 5 or more kinds of dragonflies and damselflies.

It's like a sanctuary for these amazing flyers it was such a joy to watch.

*Binanga* came from the word *banga* meaning pot. It pertains to the pool of the falls that resembles a pot. That is where it got its name. The waterfall rises about 10 meters. It is best to come around this time of the year or during the wet months to enjoy its beauty more. During the dry seasons, the water is not that strong. We had a great time enjoying nature and the kids having a swim. The last time we were here, there were crabs hidden along the rocks. However, we could not find any this time around.

I went upstream and took some more photos utilizing my phone's slow shutter feature. Water and lights are great subjects for slow shutter. Of course the phone camera is not as great as DSLR but I still tried.

You can see how grainy it is, too much noise and not as silky. I had to find a way to keep my camera steady for I don't have a tripod that is why I have to improvise. It is important to keep your camera as steady as possible. As an example of light trails, here are some photos that I took during one of my mornings jogs. Most of these photos were set at 10 seconds. Again, no tripod used. I just placed by phone on the ground.

I hope soon we can go back to Binanga Falls again or maybe go hunt for the waterfall. If you are up for it, you can visit Binanga Falls and then hike your way to Mt. Yangbew just like what we did last time.

Do you like waterfalls or rivers? Back when I just bought my DSLR, waterfalls were my choice of water element to photograph and I have been scouring nearby places where there were some. There is one waterfall that we have been wanting to go. Hopefully after pandemic. Thanks so much for reading and all your support. Edit: I almost forgot. This was originally posted in my other blogging site. I did some revision, addition and subtraction. All photos are mine.

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