Written on the Stones

At last! The trip that was cancelled twice finally pushed through. We had a hard time planning the trip because we cannot find any direction getting to the Angono Petroglyphs. It is easy to get there if you have a private vehicle. For commuters, the jeep or FX going to Angono or Binagonan is the main mode of transportation.

Private vehicles just need to follow the signs going to Thunderbird Resort. For commuters, you need to go down at Scrapyard Restaurant then hire a tricycle that will bring you to the caves. Luckily for us the tricycle driver was very kind enough to offer his service and is willing to wait for us. 

Petroglyphs are considered rock art. The figures are engraved on rocks making it susceptible to weathering and damage. Good thing the Angono Petroglyphs was declared as a national cultural treasure. A team led by National Museum in 1973 created the view deck to protect and preserve the petroglyphs.

A panoramic view of the Laguna Lake and nearby provinces can be seen going up to the Angono Petroglyphs. Visitors must enter a short tunnel to reach the place. From the tunnel is just an ten minute walk to the museum and view deck. A fee of P10.00 for children and P20.00 for adults is charge to enter the place.

Inside the museum are artifacts of stone carvings and China wares. Just outside the museum is the pathway up to the view deck of the petroglyphs. Most of the figures look like stick drawing of man and different kinds of animals.

The Angono Petroglyphs is a place to remind us of the ingenuity of our ancestors.

Bringing back the Trees at Mt. Talamitam

The first activity for our Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR Program for this year is tree planting on Mt. Talamitam. The mountain is located at KM. 83 Nasugbu, Batangas and as many says it, it's a minor climb and perfect for beginners. I had always wanted to experience mountain climbing and I saw this as an opportunity to accomplish one objective on my bucket list. I'm not well prepared to do a mountain hike although I've been doing workouts all summer. I know that this activity will surely test my endurance. 

The departure time at the office was at 5AM however as expected some came in late and we were able to leave 30mins behind schedule. Well, I cannot say that it's luck but we have drivers who are too fast and furious. There are several times that they overtake other vehicles and they don't mind the foggy atmosphere in Tagaytay. 

All mountaineers need to register first before they are allowed to go up on the mountain. We were also required to have a guides for the trip. We were given a short briefing by the head of the caretakers of the mountain about the hike and tree planting. We have a companion who was able to reach the mountain two years ago and five others who have an experience on mountain climbing. 

We were given mahogany and narra seedlings for the tree planting. The seedling will be planted at the foot of the mountain. As explained to us by the caretakers, they are planning to slowly plant trees way up to the mountain. So they are starting now at the foot of the mountain however for them to accomplish their goal they need support from the government, the private sectors and most especially from the locals. There are several occasions wherein the locals living near the mountains would burn the trees so that cows, goats and carabaos will have grass to eat.

After the tree planting activity we started our hike going to the mountain. The trail was muddy which makes it really hard for us. We also have to pass a river which before has a bamboo bridge but was destroyed so you have to balance yourself on the rocks to pass the river. We were moving in a very slow pace because we have companions whom I think are not used to long walks. We have to take several rest so that everyone will regain their strength. The problem is we are not really at the foot of the mountain yet.

Four of our companions gave up at the middle of the trek. We have reached the first clearing and they have decided to stay and head back to where we will have our lunch. The clearing will give you a nice view view of the town. We have a clear blue sky and a SCORCHING sun. Since it was summer and even though there are drizzles of rain it does not mean that we can escape the heat of the sun.

Most blogs have already described the place bare and has no shade. It is highly recommended to bring lots of water for this climb. Mountaineers are easy target of the sun because of the scarcity of decent shade. I just hope that tree planting activities will be able reach this part. Aside from less tree, the clearing is a grazing area for cows and horses. The clearing is an easy walk but its the direct exposure to the sun which makes it difficult for us. The clearing also gives a nice view of the peak.

The hardest part is going up the peak because of the high cogons which makes it a bit difficult to see the trail. Our guide choose to use a much easier trail for us. At this time, there were only twelve of us left climbing the mountain. Four of our members have stopped and will just wait for us to descend from the peak. There are several trails which you can follow to reach the peak. Our group was able to saw and marvel at an orange-winged bird while we are resting on our way to the peak.

The peak gives a 360 view of the place. It has a very refreshing atmosphere. Unlike the hike going up, there are cool winds at the top. There were first seven of us who reached the peak then a group of five came shortly.

The experience was worth it even if it's really very tiring. Come to think of it, the trek was short. The heat of the sun is what makes the whole climb challenging.

A view of Mt. Talamitam

The path to the peak

Panoramic view at the Peak