Online Writing subject is over, but our journey as blogger doesn't end.-BY Catherine Ramirez

   

  "Experience is the Best Teacher"  is a saying I often connect when I heard of blog.

Unforgettable and worth sharing experiences in Wawa ,Montalban Rizal

     Blogging is a way where personal journal filled with happenings,experiences,perceptions and opinions can be posted. Online Writing subject actually gives the group an opportunity to explore and do what we really wanted to do; it is to EXPLORE as we LEARN and DISCOVER as we EXPLORE. The group with an enthusiasm and interest come  up with a travel blog.. at first travel seems so diverse, the group is undecided  about what kind of travel blog are we going to work on due to over excitement. we are thinking how our blog would be different from the other travel blog, until we come up with the concept of historical travel blog which can be traveled for 2-3 hours in and outside Manila. Personally, I believe that everything has its history and history is what makes up the present... but are we willing to discover these histories? History is not just made of Intramuros,Rizal Park ,and Bonifacio Shrine.Thanks to blogging that in behalf of  the group we experience to serve our readers by touring them around such historical sites.It is a wonderful experience to feed the grapevine of history through resembling out different scattered pieces of historical sites. 

     The feeling of blogging is so natural, expecting and knowing that every entry experiences would create something new, something worth sharing to our readers . this also help us to touch blogging with researching because our concept of blog demands so, we learn not just to post too much of personal experiences but most of all reseraches that would actually support sources and establish facts in discovering histories of the  historical places. Through creating blog also makes me appreciate those followers interested enough to care about history.Blogging is such an experience, an experience of happiness , excitement and  patience and more than a requirement in the subject Online writing. 

    The group's plan of exploring other places such as Batangas and Pampanga may not be posted next week? next month? or next year? but not never, because the group have decided to be one and continue to explore and assemble again the scattered pieces of historical sites. that is why the readers can expect more of out explorations , learning and discoveries. 

    From being five in the group; four girls only remain to work on with the blog. Sometimes complications and giving up with something may happen if and only if we withdraw interest and heart to what we do; that is what actually happen to our one member.  But,We, the four girl bloggers will continue to tour our readers by blogging. thank to blogging we are able to touch someones and share something .

     Online Writing subject is over, but our journey as blogger doesn't end.

Our journey as blogger doesn't end here.. it ends there. :)

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The History I Visited by Yrwyn Policaprio

While writing this article, a question popped-up on my mind, "why did the group actually ended up with the topic History in their blog anyways?" but then I remembered, we wanted to travel and we want it to be meaningful. So the group decided that it should be, meaningful in the sense that it's not only for the sake of complying to a subject requirement although it really is, not for the sake of having something to write about, not for the sake of the readers but, for the sake of ourselves as well, knowing and appreciating pieces of our history. But with this, I realized that we didn't just write about history, we made our own history through this experience as well.  

This whole experience-- writing blogs, visiting places and knowing its history--  everything was new to me, I never thought that I would be doing something like this, thanks to our Online Writing class 'coz it made me do it, and I enjoyed it :)


It was like hitting many birds with one stone actually, we were able to enjoy ourselves while doing our subject requirement, we're gaining new knowledge, experiencing new things and exploring history all together.


Every trip felt amazing, we traveled and saw what was today's history compared before. The changes that happened to those places after so many years-- what were kept from the original infrastructure, what were improved and what are removed. We were able to travel to what was history then and what is history now, and everything was worth it.


Obviously, we can't do anything to travel back to time, but we managed to at least know the history of the places we visited -- Manila, Montalban and Malabon. Every place really has their own history, and that makes these places what they are now, and what they will be tomorrow, their history is their foundation, and inspiration to strive harder to achieve and improve for the better. 


This history that I visited will surely be one of the many histories of my life :)

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Worth It EXPERIENCE! By Veronica B. Trubanos

            It was my first time to do a blog. I have no idea on what will I do. Then our professor told us that we should create a topic that will be the content of our blog. Our Group chose Historical Place, because many people today forget the important events on that place. We would like to inform them some places that are truly beautiful inside and out and to give learning’s about on the different places that we will go through. 

The first place was along in the Manila City, the Sta.Cruz Church, Binondo Church and Quiapo Church. The second was in the Rodriguez, Rizal, The Wawa Dam and Pamitinan Cave and lastly, the City of Malabon. 

Honestly speaking, I am lazy when we will go in different places to get some information because we need to create an entry to our blog. I always think that it is a demanding. But I have no choice to not go with them because it was part of our subject. Later on I am thinking that it was really worth it. Because you know what, every time that we will go I have feelings of fulfillment. 

            I was lazy at first but when we there, all the laziness that I have on my body will go away and it will change to enjoyment and amazement. It was a very fulfilling experience because it was my first time to went in that different places and I am happy that I did it not because for the sake of our subject but a experience also on how to do a blog and told to everybody what you did and to share them information that will encourage them to visit this different places that was very meaningful and precious in our country. I was hoping that everyone who reads our entry will learn and try to experience what our group did.

            I want to thank my co-bloggers, Cath, Wyn, and Ate Dianne for being my group mates but I rather called them Companions. To our Professor Dean Borican who understand the whole class. And especially to God because He always give us strength to go in such different place and for always guiding us.

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MY WONDERFUL BLOG EXPERIENCE by Dianne Alvarez

                Looking back on the places that we have visited, I was amazed by how God makes everything beautiful. The three scattered pieces that we have shared to you are proofs that God has blessed Philippines so much with these wonderful natures and awesome surroundings. If only all the Filipinos are concerned about these blessings, then many of our historical sites are still preserved until today. Unfortunately, some are in the process of renovation while some are in the process of transformation.

                Looking back on our moments together, I am glad that my co-bloggers Yrwyn, Catherine and Veronica made me feel welcomed in their group. Even though I only met them this year in our Online Writing class, hanging out with them was not hard. For this, I want to give a special thanks to them and also to Marnold for sharing a few days of their lives to me. I want to thank our professor, Dean Borican, for keeping her patience, for understanding the whole class and for being kind and passionate to teach students like us. I want to thank my mother, my family and my Tita Edna for supporting me in going to such places and for appreciating my stories. But above all, I want to thank the LORD for giving me all I need and for giving me an opportunity to meet new people, to have great experiences and to appreciate His creations.

                Looking back on the scattered pieces that I love the most which are the Wawa Dam and the Pamitinan Cave, I can say that they are one of the places I have visited in my life that I will not forget. The flow of the river and the not-so-tall falls of the Wawa Dam are still clear on my mind. I was really captured by the nature that I saw back there. The river was made special because of the white big rocks scattered perfectly on the river. My happiness grew bigger when we climbed to the Pamitinan Cave. This is where we encountered a great adventure of overcoming stumbling blocks. I meant it literally. The stumbling blocks are the rocks that we need to climb on up and down to reach the cave. And when we got inside the cave, I never thought that I can see creations like those. Seeing face-to-face those rock formations called “stalactites”, that I can only see on screens before, is what made me really glad. They were glittering in colors yellow and violet. Pamitinan Cave is also unique for its location which is on top of a mountain and it has a mysterious rock formation inside. I wonder how time and environmental elements mold it that way. I wonder how God made it that way! 

                 I also remember when we went to Malabon. It’s a funny experience since we took many jeepney rides to roam around the place because we were not sure how to go to different tourist spots. The kakanin that we also bought by the street was yummy and cost us only a few peso. Our moment in KFC was also great since it’s an overflowing gravy day. Yes, it was tiring but it’s all worth it!

                As a blogger, sharing these scattered pieces to someone like you is like sharing a life and an experience. As we go and look for scattered historical pieces anywhere, we find ourselves making a history within these historical pieces. I think this is what makes a place historical – it’s when an individual or group of people come, visit, and leave their history within that place! Well this is the secret of a great history – to God be the glory!

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MALABON'S TOURISM INNOVATION by Dianne Alvarez

Malabon is a city well-known for its ancestral houses, special pancit, old churches, and different kinds of kakanin. These structures and products spiced up Malabon's Tourism. That's why tourists can't help coming back for more!

We had a great tour in this place under the torching heat of the sun even though summer is over. The thing I like most about Malabon is that the tourist spots here are still well-preserved and that the City Government is developing new ways of attracting tourists.

Their positive attitude of advancing tourism in Malabon come up with a new product called Boneless Bangus. In infrastructures, the Oreta administration also plans the New Malabon City Sports Complex Building, which is one of its kind in the CAMANAVA area; and the New 11-storey Government Center Building with scenic elevator and parking space facility.* Great things are yet to come in this place!* 

Meeting Pastora M. Haber Ursal, the OIC of the Tourism Office was such a privilege. She said that unlike before, tourism in Malabon is now growing. In fact, their team managed a tour plan if a group of people wants to visit the place – a special tour to its tourist spots and to different well-known restaurants.

Well, if you are not familiar in the place, you need not to worry because they will guide you.

But first you have to coordinate with Pastora Ursal so she can schedule you for a tour.

          Furthermore, I also appreciate the people in Malabon because they are so friendly and accommodating.

          Well one thing I can assure you - Malabon is worth visiting with all its unique tourist spots, friendly people and good-tasting products!

Want more? Click below for Malabon City's website:

*http://www.malabon.gov.ph/profiles.html

*http://www.malabon.gov.ph/tourism.html

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Malabon Old Houses By: Catherine Ramirez

     Malabon, a city image immediately associated with flood.Yet it is much more a city where old Filipino and traditional houses during Spanish period still exist. From the Conception Church of Malabon, old and fascinating houses are very noticeable. 

     The first one is the house in front of the Conception Church known as Farmacia Borja; built in 1923,two storey house owned by the Rojas-Borja Family. It is said to be one of the most preserved stone and wood house in the city.Due to the efforts of the present owner, the house still shows the structure, art nouveau.Unfortunately were not able to enter the house due to Dr. Raymundo Gonzales (owner) clinic time.

     

Benedicto Luna house under construction

     Next house is the Benedicto Luna House of the Santos Family; a three storey Filipino colonial period illustrado house built in the 1960's. The house is located at General Luna corner Paez St. Barangay conception. The house is said to be abandoned, but as what we learn from the some of the residents it is actually under construction for rental purposes.

    Another Luna House is the Paez Luna House which is said to be the treasure of Malabon. It is a two storey Filipino Spanish colonial period Illustrado House , has an art nouveau elements and an outstanding period ornate facade. The most fascinating about the house is the two rooms with ceiling paintings done by Fernando Amorsolo. Word is, Amorsolo was courting one of the Lunas residing in the house and had painted the ceiling with art Nouveau- styled drawings of women and flowers as symbol of his love.

     Below is the David Ignacio House; a 1930s two storey Filipino colonial period Illustrado House. The front of the house is along C. Arellano St. and to its rear is a river.The interior is said to have an ornate carving despite the exterior's quite unpreserved look.

     The oldest house in the city is the Raymundo House, built in 1861. It has a wall structure, especially standing out on its wall gateway which inscribed with a Hapsburg Eagle. Unfortunately, were unable to capture the House, since were already carried by a jeep going to our next stop. But, when I actually saw it. I immediately remember the wall city- Intramuros because of quite similar structure of the two.

     Moreover, the Malabon Torism Office described that such Old Houses land property are mostly in large  measures because Malabon used to be a huge vast of agricultural land. Old Houses of Malabon are mostly named after some Filipino heroes neither their families specifically Juan Luna and Jose Rizal who used to visit some of the old houses.


source

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A Trip to Malabon by Yrwyn Policarpio

As the group finds another spot for their historical trip, they targeted the City of Malabon for it's numerous old houses and churches preserved. For someone who's not "tubong Malabon" efforts must be made to fully understand and appreciate the beauty and the history of the city.

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The city is situated in the Northern Sector of Mega Manila, bounded on the North by the City of Valenzuela, on the West and Southwest by the City of Navotas, and on the East and Southeast by Caloocan City.

Malabon was founded by the Agustinians on May 21, 1599 and was then known as Tambobong for its numerous bamboo trees and abundant bamboo shoots. Later, during the Spanish era, the place was then called Malabon-- "mala" for the mud that dirtied leather shoes and "bon" for its fresh air and excellent cuisine.

source

Malabon was officially made a municipality of the newly-created province of Rizal on June 11, 1901 by virtue of Philippine Commission Act No. 137. 

When Act No. 942 was promulgated, Malabon was merged with Navotas under a new government. 

On January 16, 1906, Act No. 1441 separated Malabon from Navotas into two distinct municipalities of the Rizal province.

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And on November 7, 1975, Malabon became a part of Metro Manila through Presidential Decree No. 824.

The first mayor of Malabon was Don Agustin Salamante, a Spanish mestizo originally from Cavite. 

With the recent population census, Malabon city has a total population of 347 484 with 21 barangays having commercial fishing as their industry and their known for their "bagoong" or fish paste products.

source

The striving city have lots of accomplishments in improving and developing their town together with the infrastructures that have been made for the benefit of the people themselves.

From the 1939 Municipio on the right, to the old city hall in the middle before it became the present City Hall on the left.
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To the Oreta Sports Center built to boost morale, recreation, and welfare for the entire constituencies. The Malabon City Digital Infrastructure Project (MCDIP) which aims to provide efficient delivery of services to its constituents, to ensure effective and efficient collection of taxes and fees, and to institute transparency; as well as to improve business transactions within the LGU. And many more projects and programs of the incumbent mayor and officials. 

source

Just So You Know:

The first issue of the La Indenpendencia, the official publication of the revolutionary government, were printed in Malabon's Asilo de Huerfanos on September 3, 1898.

source 

Asilo de Huerfanos was an orphanage built to house the orphans of the plague in 1882.

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Malabon Churches by Veronica Trubanos

Our group decided to visit the City of Malabon and it’s funny because all of us don’t know how to go there but after trying our luck we finally reached the place. The first stop that we visit was the San Bartolome Church. It is located at barrio San Agustin within the school of saint James Academy. August 24 is their feast day.

The church was first built by the Spaniards in 1621 and finished in 1854.  In 1861 the facade and its twin towers were constructed.  The architecture of San Bartolome Church was simple and elegant but imposing.  With its portico of Ionic columns reminiscent of a Greek temple, it was said to be "one of the most beautiful examples of ecclesiastical architecture that Spain has left the country." The interior was mostly untouched, though, keeping its simple and dignified design with a few flourishes from the era.

Old San Bartolome Church

As you can see in this picture (below) the church seems beautiful on the outside, but when we entered, we're disappointed, the beautiful ceiling of this church becomes ugly. We were sad on what we saw because one of the oldest and beautiful Churches in Malabon turn into unattractive. One of the resident there tell us something on what happen in that church, he told that everything was because of the parish priest named Fr. Ric Torrefiel. Also, he told that Mayor Oreta gave P4 Million to this priest to beautify again this church but nothing happened.

New San Bartolome Church

The second church that we visit is the Concepcion Church; this was near the Imaculate Concepcion Academy. 

The parish of the Immaculate Concepcion was constructed in 1600 by the townspeople of Malabon. The image was installed in the main altar in 1700, and formerly known as the La Purissima Concepcion. It was canonically crowned on December 7, 1896 thorough a Papal Bull issued in September 1986 and it was renamed into Immaculada Concepcion in honor of the Dogma of the Immaculate Copcepcion which declared by Rome in 1854.

They told that that the image of Virgin was miraculous because one story comes up that there a Chinese businessman fell accidentally into the Malabon river in 1880, while waiting for the rescue, he called and prayed to the Virgin and promised to help in building the church near him. He was about to sink when a boat came just to save him. He donated a marble font to the Concepcion Church on which the name of his wife was inscribed.

Also, I was impressed of their big statue of Jesus, it was the asset of this church to get the attention of the people because I know all of us will take a look in that statue.

We cannot enter inside because it was locked. But I think this church looks good. Like the San Bartolome church, it is also old. They celebrate the feast of Imaculate Concepcion during December 8 and some events follows.

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WAWA DAM AND PAMITINAN CAVE: BEAUTY UNVEILED by Dianne Alvarez

                If you like nature and adventure at the same time, this is the place you are looking for!

                I never expected that a breath-taking place like this could be found in Rodriguez, Rizal. I spent my childhood years in Montalban but I never visited the Wawa Dam. What more surprising is that within this historical place, there’s a cave called “Pamitinan Cave” wherein historical events took place.

                With so much I can say about this really great place, let me start from where we started. Starting from Montalban Rizal, we rode a jeepney going to Wawa Dam. Going there, we felt the ambience of a province since Rizal is still a province. I missed that ambience since I’m living in the city. Riding in a jeep, we saw the side of the river and we felt excited on how much more it could be from a closer view. When we got in the terminal, we started asking the people living there which way leads to Wawa Dam. It’s a nice walk because you can see the rocks, beautiful big white rocks on the side. God is amazing because He has placed these rocks with different shapes and forms in their exact places. One could not do such wonder except God. I was so amazed looking to these beautiful rocks like I’m really captured by their beauty. Since I just can’t stop there all day and look at these rocks with the river flowing on their sides we continued our walk to Wawa Dam. But first, let me give you an advice what to wear. You can wear comfortable clothes depending on the temperature, but for the bottom you should wear “tokong” or shorts (if you plan to enter the Pamitinan Cave).

You should use rubber shoes so you could enjoy more walking because it’s rocky place. 

                

                Continuing our walk, we cross bridges and caves. As we draw closer to the Dam, we can hear the the river flowing and when we saw how it flows, I was like “Wow, ang ganda.”

                 During summer, people can swim below the falls where they can sit on the rocks. People there said that the river is clearer during summer days wherein no rain disturbs the water. We moved and continued our walk, not knowing that what we will see next is the calmness of the river on the other side, where people (bikers in particular) love to hang out after mountain biking. Swimming in the river serves as their relaxing moment after a tiring day.

                 From the very spot looking at the calmness of the river, we saw the two mountains separated as it was in the myth. 

                From there,  we saw a different kind of creation by God. We saw the hanging bridge together with the white rocks and the river.

                After this, we move along and went back to the Tourism Office to ask how to go to the “Pamitinan Cave”. Since it was lunch when we asked them for a tourist guide, we are asked to wait until they have taken their lunch. It’s still a worthwhile waiting because we got to hang out in the hanging bridge and saw the fullness of the Wawa Dam. 

                Going back to the Tourism Office and saw the plan they are going to establish for the improvement of the place. They are planning to build a zipline, rapelling, floating restaurant and many more! But what I thought when I realized that they will improve the place is that it’s possible that the beautiful huge white rocks will be lessened to make way for improvements.

                Finally, our two tourist guide arrived and we’re all ready for the Pamitinan Cave! 

                 We brought flashlights and our exciting hearts. Kuya Allan have me borrowed his slippers since I wore sandals that day because it’sd muddy inside the cave. Getting more and more excited, I thought we will cross first the hanging bridge but it’s not because what’s  great in here is that you will have to take the different way and how we will make it to that way. The thing is we have to climb down on rocks, ride the “balsa”, and climb up on rocks going to the cave. WOW!! It’s great if you love ones like these. Climbing down, it’s really advisable to wear rubber shoes because it’s slippery. The rocks that we are just watching lately are the ones that we had stepped on climbing down. After that, we rode the “balsa” made of bamboo. We can actually touch the river as we sat on the balsa. Then after this, the hardest but the most adventurous was climbing up on rocks. It’s really high and tiring that we all sweat. Well, to cut this trial short, we made it to the top and we reached the cave finally! Well, this is it. The Pamitinan Cave which serves as the hiding place of Andres Bonifacio and other Katipuneros. It also served as the base of the Japanese during World War II. Though it’s muddy inside, it’s still great seeing the glittering stalactites colored yellow and violet. I was really amazed. The Cave is a 1km walk and at the end, there’s a water from the river. We went back, did the same clmbing down, riding the “balsa” and climbing up to the land. It was great that all I can say after are “Wow.. astig.. Ang ganda talaga.. Grabe..”.

 

                Every place has it’s own historical part and it has all the inexplicable effect that will amaze every visitors. Just like in Wawa Dam and Pamitinan Cave, an amazing place with it's historical touch and nature wellness!

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Pamitinan Cave: Where Independence first Echoed Out By: Catherine Ramirez

   Montalban, Rizal , is actually  my hometown, I grew all these years in this small and unpopular place.
I' m not fond of exploring my town, I used to know that there is nothing to explore in this small town until my  high school professor in history had discussed the binding history of Montalban, the Wawa Dam and the most historic of all ; The Pamitinan Cave.

Natives who joined Katipunan

     Pamitinan Cave is where Andres Bonifacio and 8 other Katipuneros made their pilgrimage and covenant for freedom (The First Cry of Independence) during the April Holy Week in 1895, a year before the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution, the first Revolution in Asia.Bonifacio inscribed on the cave wall what could have been the first cry of Philippine Independence. According to the local tourism office, the cave wall still bears the inscription Viva la Independencia Filipinas! 

Gen.Licerio Geronimo and his statue in Plaza Montalban,Rizal

In November, 1896, during the revolution against Spain, General Llanera of the Filipino forces made San Mateo his headquarters. And on August 6, 1898, San Mateo joined the revolutionary government of Gen. Ernilio Aguinaldo. During the Philippine-American War, Gen. Licerio Geronimo's guerilla bands from the foothills of San Mateo and Montalban attacked the American troops in October, 1900. However, the Filipinos were defeated. A curious twist of history occurred when during the fighting, Gen. Lawton-the famous general who captured the elusive        Indian rebel named Geronimo, among his exploits- was also killed by the forces of a Filipino bearing the same name-Gen. Licerlo Geronimo. In the eyes of the Filipino people, Gen. Geronimo became a great man for killing an illustrious American General who distinguished himself during the American Civil War and the American military campaign in Cuba as well as In northern, southern and central Luzonsource.


     

     Realizing the urgent need to protect and preserve its historical significance as well as its recreational,educational and eco-tourism value, then Prof. F. Ramos, upon recommendation of the DENR, set aside, withdraw from sale,settlement and exploitation of whatever nature of forms,of disposition which include the caves. It's surroundings and other cave ecosysytem and valid private rights if there any.


    From then on, among my block section , would you believe that I am the only one who had not yet gone to these historical sites of the town? Yes! It's true. I ashamedly admit.

  And this time I will not pave the chance exploring and discovering my own town.


   It was Sunday ,August 21,2011 at around 2:30 in the afternoon, after exploring around the Wawa Dam, after reaching the watchtower, after walking all through rocky ways and narrow paths, after going through the hanging bridge,without taking our lunch; only bringing with us a 1.5 liter of Sprite; the group then proceed in exploring the Pamitinan Cave.  We are along with two tourism officers ;who'll guide us all through the cave.

The group along with Kuya Alex on the right wearing yellow and Kuya Allan wearing white on the left side.

 Walking along with Kuya Allan, he pointed me out  the cave with the Japanese sign; and when I asked him of what the sign means, he told that they were able to translate it from a Japanese who had gone through the cave which means: " Ang bawat tao ay may Pag-aari". "Siguro kaya ganun dahil may mga ibinaon na kayamanan yung mga Hapon nung panahon pa ng World War II; na ayaw nilang pakialaman ng iba, pero hangngang ngayon di pa natatagpuan" -Kuya Allan.

 A view of the cave with the Japanese sign from the community area .

  

     Furthermore, Kuya Allan pointed me out the peeks of the two mountains where they discovered two machine guns owned by the Japanese and was used in World War II. These were just one of the remains and proofs how historic the place was.Unfortunately, the community of the place make money out of it , was divided into pieces and was totally not preserved.


   Rodriguez' caves were also Japanese strongholds during World War II.Many Japanese died in the three-month long battle in 1945.source. The Japanese forces used the Pamitinan cave and Montalban mountains as a strongholds headquarters during World War II.

 Upon their arrival in the municipality of San Mateo(the next town after Montalban), the Japanese forces recommended the appropriation of school buildings and some big houses and used them as their headquarters. Productive rice lands irrigated by water from the main pipe of the Metropolitan Water District have also been forcibly appropriated and tilled under the direct supervision of the Japanese officials. Livestock and crops were likewise confiscated to supply the food needs of the Japanese military in San Mateo and Montalban (now Rodriguez)source.

    Views heading the Pamitinan Cave

   
 These views shows how dangerous it would be for us to reach the cave, the group is composed of 4 petite girls having our loaded backpacks and our guides would tell us that will be climbing through those boulders of rocks to get through that elevated Pamitinan Cave! whaaaat? with our flip flops slippers only?! haha. but still we proceed and bring our guts and go!. Extra care and relax aura is needed to reach the cave, "one slip is equivalent to one bukol!" I joked to other girls but I'm quite serious about it.

Ways to get to the cave.

      The group is also along with some  little boys from the Wawa community, from which climbing and hiking seems to be easy as they were just playing who'll be the first to reach the cave compared to us ; a first timer and having a rough times in hiking. The way is really dangerous yet adventurous.


  After hiking we thought were done and finally cave will surprise us ahead.. but still the cave lies on the other side of the mountain that we need to ride a "balsa" (made out of bamboos) that will float us along the other side of the mountain.

       It was our first time to ride a "balsa" and we'll make it sure it would not be our last.


     As we reached the other side of the mountain where Pamitinan cave lies. Boulders of white rocks and elevated opening of the cave quite far above for a first timer like us surprised us.


"Hala cathy! wag niyong sabihing aakyatin natin yan? ay nako.." vheng in a sudden surprisingly asked haha...


"huh??? asan ba yung cave?" I asked back.


"tumingin ka kaya sa taas!" -vheng.


when I looked up...

 wow! it's really creepy! ...

Montalban- "White Mountain"

The group then proceed , and hike all along to get through the cave opening. While in the middle of the hiking activity, everything is almost white,, from rocks in scattered in the Wawa lake and rock again scattered on our way through the mountain. Actually, you need not have to question why, because from the name itself Montalban came from the words Monte- meaning mountain, Alban- meaning white. That is why as a Montalbanian,  we used to be called "people of the white mountain". And sometimes also often to be teased "tagabundok" even though, it is a total pride to be a "tagabundok" !  and I am blessed to be one!


     Finally, I estimate , after almost less than 20 minutes, we reach the entrance of the cave... woooh! It's fulfilling! despite many flaws in stepping and hiking at last were in standing in front of the cave. It is also a challenge for us to watch our steps even before entering the cave inside, because the outside platform of the cave is being cemented, so we have to take too little steps.

We finally reached the entrance of the cave

We enter the cave.

     As we enter the cave in,, it is a total darkness. But the feeling seems so strange.. We are really excited! We scream all the time; until some times that we almost disturbed the bats inside! haha.!

Inside the cave.

    
     You'll really get amazed inside the cave, though we had only three flashlights the structures of the cave is clear enough for us to view and recognized the different rock formations. Amazing!!.. Traversing inside the cave is difficult; inside is very muddy and rocky ; at the start of our walk it's quite fine but as we get along and farther we cannot even walk straightly because we are submerged to the clay like paths . From then, to get it more exciting the group decided to just bring our slippers and bare to walk nakedly. Extra care and  sharp observation are necessary inside the cave, you might slip and get wounded to some sharp edges of the rocks inside and might unconsciously be head hit to  some low rock ceilings. 


    Moreover, you'll get fascinated to scattered Japanese gun powders covered with mud found inside the cave. According to Kuya Alex and Kuya Allan, the Japanese used these gun powders during the World War II. These gun powders also are a help to aid the darkness inside, what is just needed is to light it up with an available lighter.

We gathered three kinds of  Japanese Gunpowder used in World War II 

   We pick many of it while walking along the cave, according to Kuya Alex there are three classes of these gun powders inside the cave ; the spherical one,the rectangular one, and the square one. We are fortunate to complete all of those.Its actually a souvenir. Personally, I can't keep myself of being privileged enough to have these souvenirs in my palm, looking forward that maybe some years thereafter these would banish and be made available only in little quantities to some museums or galleries.




   The path is too long, too muddy and rocky... for us to reach the end of the cave where Bonifacio and his troops exactly hide. Add also our hard times in playing tug of war against our slippers plus the mud covering our naked feet (imagine how hard and slippery it was!).


 vheng- cathy! ayoko na! ayoko na talaga...( while proceeding still) 
              labas na tayo.. parang awa niyo na.. ayoko na. !


 me- "hahahahahhaha" (just laughing)
           mamaya na.. onti nlng kapag nakakalahati na tayo..


           kuya allan! malapit na ba tayo sa kalahati nitong kweba?


kuya Allan- wala pa nga tayo sa kalahati ng one fourth eh.( with a smile)


     Due to these complications of continuing, the group then decided to turn back.But for sure will   visit the cave again and reach its end while in geared with headgear and boots. (haha).

Going down while carrying our slippers and feet covered with mud.

      It is really a tiring day at all.. thirsty and hungry we leave the cave and hike all through way down the mountain.. . Going down is more complicated actually, one slip will be too dangerous!

   

Future Beholding Pamitinan Cave

Draft of Plan for Pamitinan and Wawa Gorge.

 According to Kuya Joni delos Santos; tourism officer of Montalban Wawa and Pamitinan. The municipality of Montalban, Rizal is actually planning out for renovations and development of Pamitinan; which will include: Pamitinan zipline, Pamitinan Rock Climbing,Floating Restaurants,Additional recreational sites for families and friends .

   

   At first we get excited learning these possible developments , but in the end the group realize how these renovations would fade the original and natural aura of the place. It might be historic still, but the complete picture of its longevity will no more marks.


  


   At the end of our day, we go home with a smile as we experience a piece of Montalban, Rizal. We are privileged to pass the underground path where Philippine Independence first echoed out. Viva la Independencia! .. I'm proud to be Montalbanian!

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