Pagsanjan Falls

From WikiPilipinas: The Hip 'n Free Philippine Encyclopedia

Pagsanjan Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines, with a height of 90 meters. The waterfall itself is located in Cavinti, Laguna; but the river that feeds it, and the route one takes to reach it by boat, passes through Pagsanjan. One of the earliest tourist spots in the country, it became well known after an American missionary visited in 1902 and wrote about it. It was this missionary who first published the name "Pagsanjan Falls", even though the original name was Magdapio Falls. The name Pagsanjan comes from the Tagalog word “Pinagsangahan” which means “where it branches”. This refers to the branching off of the two rivers, Bumbungan and Balanac.

[edit] Legend

According to legend, in ancient times there was a drought, which claimed Magdapio's brother Balubad. The grieving Magdapio wandered in search of water and cried out in despair. The gods took pity on him and caused the now famous waterfall to spring forth in the spot where it is today.