Lake Caliraya
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Lake Caliraya is a man-made lake situated in the towns of Lumban, Cavinti, and Kalayaan in Laguna province, Philippines.
History
Lake Caliraya was created in 1937 by US Army Enginner Major General Hugh J. Casey by flooding the Cavinti valley of the Sierra Madre Mountains to generate hydroelectric power for Manila. It was sabotaged by retreting Americans to prevent use by Invading Japanese who rebuilt it, then themselves sabotaged it as their own defeat approached. The Americans placed the Largemouth Bass in the lake. To this day, the Lake is the only freshwater bass fishing place in the country. It was 'discovered' on 1975 by several Manila tourists who then popularized the lake to Manila's elite and expatriate community. During the 1980s, Lake Caliraya's surroundings were infested by the New People's Army, affecting tourism and development. Nevertheless, starting 1985, there has been a major real estate development, with the construction of several world class resorts and country clubs.Geography and Geological Phenomenon
Lake Caliraya is situated approximately 1,200 feet above sea level, and is perched high in the Sierra Madre mountains. The lake experiences cool climate all year round. Lake Caliraya's soil has been surrounded by geologic phenomenon. The lake's bottom, as well as the surrounding hills, are characterized by having a rocky and reddish topsoil. Another phenomenon is about the lake's floor. People cannot step into the lake's bottom or floor, since it has been reported to suck people down, as it has a very soft bottom. Still well known with the residents of the lake's surroundings is the presence of certain areas in the lake that are well-known also to have sucked boats down. [This is a typical Filipino unfounded superstition]. Winds are blowing in Lake Caliraya from the beginning of September up to late May.Lake Surroundings and Islands
The lake's surroundings has been compared to various North American resorts, as suggested by the abundance of pine trees, cool climate, and verdant trees. Also, numerous islands of various shapes and sizes have been formed during the flooding of the lake. All are unnamed. The biggest island is approximately as big as Rizal Park, while the smallest is about 1 square meter often submerged during high water. This tiny island can be viewed from Lagos del Sol Resort.Resorts
Lake Caliraya is well-known as the Bass fishing capital of the Philippines and a windsurfing haven for Manilans.- Lake Caliraya Country Club: Bgy. Lewin, Lumban, Laguna. Facing Kalayaan town (Direction of north).
- Caliraya Re-Creation Center: Bgy. Lewin, Lumban, Laguna. Facing Kalayaan town (Direction of north).
- Caliraya Hilltop: Bgy. Caliraya, Lumban, Laguna. Facing Cavinti town (Direction of south).
- Lagos del Sol: Bgy. Kanluran Talaongan Cavinti, Laguna. Facing Kalayaan town (Direction of north).
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