ENJOYING THE MOMENT

by: Angeline Malacad

Bicol is a welcoming region endowed with natural wonders. The varied scenery of the area offers visitors baffling hills, perplexing caves, and outrageous black sand beaches. Bicol is a region unlike any other, with beautiful scenery and landscapes, as well as exciting activities. When you visit Albay, you will catch glimpses of the midnight blue Mayon Volcano, which is sculpted with juniper and mystic greenery and glints in the celeste blue afternoon sky. Its perfectly symmetrical conical tip penetrates the midday sky.

In Jovellar, albay we have tourist attractions     here a lot of tourist spot you can locate and witness when you come and visit the place one of it is the Quitinday or  Jovellar Underground River or mostly known as Sigpit Falls by the locals  it  is  our version of the Palawan Subterrane.

A short walk from the cave area. May 26, 2019

It is necessary to locate it by pedaling a bamboo lifeboat that comes to an end on a two-tiered smaller cascade. The underground river in Jovellar is about 30 minutes from the Green Hills. This pristine underground waterway is not as long as that of Puerto Prinsesa, but it is just as beautiful. A bamboo raft will transport you through the cavern, past glistening stalactites and the infrequent bat whizzing out of sight. At the opposite end, there are underground waterfall where you can take a bath. The water is ranting and raving, but it's cool and refreshing! You can also venture upstream, where the water is less ferocious but equally refreshing. Notwithstanding the the name's resemblance to Camalig's Quitinday Hills, Quitinday Falls and Underground River are kilometers apart and in a different neighborhood in Albay. Residents say it's their edition of the Cebu's Kawasan Falls and Palawan Underground River  rolled into one, and I must say it's stunningly distinctive, as well as magical and thrilling. Quitinday Falls and Underground River, town located of Jovellar in Albay Province, recently gained much attention through social media and have since become a touristic hotspot. It was originally known as the Naglaus Underground River and consists of a cave with flowing fluid cold water that falls into a ravine. The cave is about 150 meters long and is embellished with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and numerous rock formations. It is possible to access it by riding a bamboo raft along the underground river, which comes to an end on a two-tier smaller cascades. Claustrophobics can take the simple trail to the cave's end. A smaller cascade can be found at the end of the Jovellar or Quitinday Underground Rivers.

Two-tier water. A deep and clean water. May 26, 2019

The gorge's deep green water makes it a perfect rock leaping location. For thrill seekers, a rope hung from a tree works as an improvised swing. The bounce, I tell you, is a real challenge! The water in the gorge continues downstream on what is known as Sigpit Falls, about 300 meters from the cave's mouth. The Quitinday Underground River's back entrance is sprinkled with rock formations created by mineral deposits. It's perplexing how this incredible natural enchantment has remained unknown for so long. But now that the secret has been disclosed, I hope everyone will join me in protecting and conserving nature's work of art. A few others boarding a paddle-driven raft gasped in awe as light sources cut through fading light of a mysteriously cave system trying to serve as an underground tunnel in this whimsical country town of a lengthy river spanning from the lower slope of the majestic Mt. Mayon. Named the Quitinday Underground River, this incredible water connection is located in Barangay Quitinday, just under a kilometer from the downtown. The cave's size differs between five and eight meters, based on the irregular span among its walls, which highlight an odd accumulation of perfectly sculpted rock formations that eerily resemble an army of animatronic small minions in stylish formations. The thing that really makes people, entities, and places stand out is the element we aspire to incorporate into our lives—peacefulness in the environment. Not only do the aforementioned details above increase in importance on the way to Jovellar, but so does the pleasant ambiance you can experience while in Underground River. I acknowledge that there are many ecofriendly colors outside of Jovellar, but they aren't as lively or coherent as Jovellar. As you fly just above ground, the color green becomes more dominant than the other colors. Because of the spotless and relaxing air that birds enjoy, being in Jovellar Underground River feels like flying. The best part of trying to travel in Jovellar is beginning to feel the nature as you open your car windows.

Sigpit Falls, Quitinday, Jovellar Albay Underground River May 26, 2019

Jovellar or Quitinday falls is becoming a linkage among your soul and the marvels of nature; it feels as if you let the earth join you even if you are truly inside it. Not only are those communicating, but so are the residents of the municipality! The homeowners of Jovellar all share the same goals: can provide service to visitors and their municipal government. They contribute to promoting about there own environment and culture, and in exchange, their satisfaction is advertised, which impacts travellers. Jovellar Underground River is ideal for those that do not want to live at a quick speed like in the city or who want to be unshackled like in the province; the location combines urban and rural living. It is both unwind and exciting, making life in Jovellar easier. The Jovellar Underground river, also known as the Sigpit falls, was the best place I toured. I was able to take my family to the underground river a year ago because it is so close to our barangay. And I absolutely loved this visit because the water there was unlike any other falls or underground river I had visited. When you jump off the cliff, the water is green and totally pure, and it appears to be very deep. The entire system is fantastic, whether it be the falls and swings or the bridges that extend into the other direction. We particularly liked the location while inside the cave, sitting in a bamboo float that floats in the water; it was very relaxing inside and the water was very cold. Surely, this is the tropical paradise that I have always wished to visit. This location has a very lovely scenery because everything is green and the water is clear. All of these wonderful things are beyond description.