We left the multi-cab by the road and started descending to the river. We followed the river to its source, the Uway-uway falls. Photo by Phillip Kimpo Jr.

The tigbao towered over us. Photo by Phillip Kimpo Jr.

Images of rural settings, study suggests, activate that part of our brain associated with calm and meditative state. No wonder even after a rough 30-minute or so ride through a series of mountains, and after we waded through leaves of tall grass and slid down dangerous terrains to reach Uway-uway falls, we still felt relaxed and calm.

Phillip carefully slid the slope while our guide, Frank, watched over him. Frank is followed by our lady guide, Brgy Kagawad Roselyn Nicolas.

Uway-uway falls is located inside the 300 hectare reservati0n area managed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and claimed by the indigenous people of Jamindan as their ancestral domain. One of the seven falls inside the reservation area, the Uway-uway has a series of cascades. And according to the locals, the highest part of the series where the water has its first jump towards the river has been visited only by a very few people because of the dangerous terrain strewn with boulders. We asked our local guide, Brgy. Captain Mauricio Nicolas, how dangerous the trek could be. He said, we would never know until we try.

After a long and treacherous hike, I stole a photograph of Jamindan Municipal Tourism Officer, Norma Chavez, taking a rest with Capiz Tourism and Cultural Affairs head Al Tesoro.

So Phillip, Arnold, and Brgy Captain Mauricio and I did try. We swam to cross the calm waters from one protruding boulder to the next. As we got closer, we heard the roar of the falling water.

The Barangay Captain Mauricio Nicolas leads the way, followed by Arnold Flor, then ako, and then the photographer, Phillip.

To reach Uway-uway falls, we swam to cross the calm waters and held on vines. Arnold and Phillip Jr holding on to the vine to keep afloat.

Then we turned a corner and saw a boulder suspended in the air, water gushing in between. Our hearts rejoiced.

Uway-uway Falls from a distance. Photo by Phillip Kimpo Jr.

From right: Arnold, Phillip, Mark Joefer, Me, and Brgy Kagawad Roselyn Nicolas. Photo by Franck Cancio

Brave women are always beautiful. With Kagawad Roselyn Nicolas. Photo by Frank Cancio

Kagawad Roselyn Nicolas under the rock. It was too much for me to reach. Photo by Frank Cancio

We kept tracing the river until we passed by another beautiful cascade. Kagawad Nicolas again dove feet first and took a rest underneath the rock where the water falls, behind the water. I also jumped into the water, but where she went was too much for me. I climbed up the river to take a rest before we headed back to our service vehicle for Roxas City.

Ako, Arnold, Mark, Frank, and Al Tesoro. Photo by Phillip Kimpo Jr.

If you also want to swim in Uway-uway falls, please coordinate with the Capiz Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office located on the 3/F, Provincial Capitol, 5800 Roxas City. Tel. (036) 621-0042 local 133, 221, Email: capiz.tourism@yahoo.com