Heya! this is Stella, beaming with excitement to share with you my experience with my friends when we went to discover another one of nature's secrets—Cascades Nature Park. Along with retelling our moments on this place, you'll find yourself immersed by time I take you with me to feel the beauty this park displays. So, bring your picnic baskets and put on those sunglasses, because our little adventure starts now.
Get to Know Cascades
Cascades Nature Park is located in Compostela, Cebu, Philippines, known for its vast property of over 6 hectares, abundant with nature’s encompassing beauty. It is a large outdoor avenue for any celebration or event. Other than its refreshing grass fields, they also feature other significant spots and facilities that people can enjoy, such as their relaxing pool that brings a cool revitalizing feeling, a huge pavilion that is great when hosting big celebrations, and my favorite spot in the park—the lake, with the best aesthetic scenery that has an island centered in the middle. In here, you can also enjoy water activities such as fishing and kayaking, with available paddle boards, a canoe and a pedal boat. With an entrance of 200 PHP, you definitely won’t have any regrets visiting here. If you’re a nature lover like me, or you simply would like some peace and a nice break from the urban hustles, then you certainly deserve to enjoy Cascades Nature Park!
Why We Chose Cascades
Allow me to start as to how my friends and I chose Cascades for that certain occasion. My group had to perform and record our one-act play as required for our final project in one of our courses that semester. We took into consideration a place with a tranquil ambience that is less occupied so that our play can be acted out smoothly and, more importantly, the place would perfectly match the setting of our story—the 19th century of England, where eight young ladies had their picnic tea party while being surrounded by an elegant landscape. Right away, we chose Cascades. And I never would've dreamed of someplace else.
My experience at Cascades
Now that you know the context of this travel, I’m sure you’re eager to know what this nature park exactly looks like beyond its photos. Well, I got you. Let’s take it all from my point of view!
Nature’s Welcome at Cascades
When we entered the gate, I still wasn’t convinced how great the place was, even though I was able to look at some photos online. However, just a few steps further, I almost didn’t believe that a spot like this existed inside the city! Now that I think about it, the location of this park apparently gives an opportunity for the urban residents to visit and taste an idyllic rural life. As we walked on the marble road towards the main facility of the park, we were greeted by the green fields with grasses and trees bathing in the sunlight, creating a bright saturation—no filter needed if captured through your phone! Pair it up with the breezy wind; I almost danced along with the leaves! Haha.
Stayed by the Lake
Now, it was time to find the perfect spot for our one-act play. We walked a few steps further, and suddenly, the atmosphere was altogether different from the fields. It was also spacious, but at the same time, the landscape was now clustered around towering trees and several cottages (Lakeside Cabana). It gave us better shade from the sun. Moreover, one made the greatest impression of all, and yes, it had to be the lake itself. Both Danao and Compostela are located close to the shores; hence, it was everyone’s go-to, and a lake was out of the picture. But it seems that Cascades' lake somehow made its way through, which must be why it grabbed the attention of many because it was a remarkable attraction different from what they were used to seeing.
The Tea-party
When we found the perfect spot for our one-act play, we immediately set up everything and started performing with our hearts out. Our voices reverberated around the lake's quiet atmosphere, because fortunately, we had it all for ourselves that morning.
I was honestly impressed by how lovely the background was. Who needs CGI for this? It's way more stunning for its authentic display! Even the birds agreed, as they enjoyed the environment as much as we did; hence, they made sure they're part of our recorded play by giving us their sweetest chirpings.
On the Little Island
Of course, we made the most out of the place by ensuring that we captured beautiful photos together all over the lakeside, and most especially, to their little island at the center of it—where the lake is best viewed, as the sunlight created shimmers, then illuminated the place.
The Pool
We wanted to try kayaking; however, there's an additional fee for this amenity. But no worries; we went for a dip in the pool instead! The crystal-clear water did not just contribute to Cascades' serene impression, but it allowed us to cool our minds after the long battle of keeping up with the university semester.
Expectations Become Reality
The best way I could describe Cascades is that it is a painting out of the canvas! No sugarcoating is necessary because it truly is among nature's masterpieces. If you're an admirer of Claude de Monet's "The Water Lily Pond" or Georges Seurat's "La Grande Jatte," then you have the opportunity to see their paintings in real life at Cascades!
We definitely made the best choice to unwind here; it was a therapy I never thought I needed. Indeed, nature never fails to heal a part of me. Consider this place a food for weary souls, and let it be a reminder to you that sometimes, we can feel the real excitement just by staying at the quiet.
Would you like to unwind at Cascades?
Heya! I hope I sparked your zeal to travel to tranquil places like Cascades. Stella is hoping to see you again on her next blog. Au revoir! <3
