Home to bats, birds, monkeys, wild boars, eagles, monitor lizards, orchids, trees, shrubs, ferns, bushes, and the last stronghold of the 1st Philippine President, Biak na Bato National Park is centered on a mountain gorge sliced by the Balaong River in the Sierra Madre mountain range.
Saint Andrew Parish Church.
In the early morning of that day, we took some time on the grounds of the beautiful Saint Andrew Parish Church, in Candaba, Pampanga. We are trying to enjoy the moment while reserving our energy for the unexpected hike in Biak na Bato.
As of this time, our idea is so little about what to expect there. All we know was that, we are visiting a historical park that our Heroes in the Himagsikan, the Katipuneros, used as their final staging camp - and resulted to the Pact of Biak-na-Bato, signed on December 15, 1897.
The Monkey Bridge.
If you see the Monkey Bridge, you are already in the mouth of Biak na Bato National Park. All you have to do is to cross the bridge and start the registration process.
There were some stores on the other side, and there's a diving pad for those that wants to splash with waters in the river. It was a very calm day with the surroundings that's green and warm.
The Trekking Begins.
It is always a good idea to pray and ask for blessings before going on to anything in life. We visited the Grotto before entering the Madlum Cave.
It has the statue of Mama Mary and the air is a bit breezing there - its good to pray and contemplate in places that is calm and silent - before the excitement sink in. Climbing several steps is not hard since we were full of energy, excitement, and enthusiasm.
Madlum Cave.
Entering Madlum Cave is just a bit creepy for me. I am not really into caving and entering deep dark holes. Spelunking is my weakness - I tried it once in Hinagdanan Cave in Panglao, Bohol. Better bring me to dive deep in dark cold waters or jump in an airplane and I can handle it with so much fun and excitement.
After exiting the cave, the beautiful scenery of huge rocks and vegetation welcomes us. It was great to take several photos from there. All the photos that's I am inset were provided by Sirs' Tom and Arnel. We use to shoot each other during getaways. That's the big advantage when you are away with your best buddies that knows how to shoot you well.
Our deal was to get the best photos of each other from our own cameras - making the journey more fun and worthwhile.
Crossing the Madlum River is not too difficult. But remember, this is the same river that took the lives of seven (7) bright students from Bulacan State University on August 2014 - when the water level suddenly went terribly high - this was the same exact spot.
During our visit, it was calm and we hoped for the best in crossing it.
The water was cold and a bit strong, although the water level is generally low. Slipping in the water means disaster to our equipment - so we crossed with lots of care. It is always a good idea to store your stuffs in waterproof plastics, to anticipate sudden rainfall or in the case of accident with crossing waters.
Mount Manalmon.
We hike the bushes towards Mount Manalmon Summit. It was forgiving and continuously sloping - but then again, for the noob hiker like me, its taking toll in the legs and may lack of exercise lifestyle.
The most thrilling part was during the final ascent to the summit of Mount Manalmon. It's a huge rock up there that you have to balance yourself, or plunge several meters below like a dead cow.
The view from above was so unbelievable. You will see the entire south-eastern side of Biak na Bato National Park from above. From there, you will realize that it's virtually impossible for the Spaniards to capture the Katipuneros. Most of the trail are ambush points. And sentries can easily detect movements from above it. Nowadays, Scout Rangers, Army Special Forces, and Light Reaction Regiments are using night visions and operates at night. Back then, forget entering this area, and you will surely die like a pig in the jungle struck with sharp bamboos.
Up above Mount Manalmon, we can see the backdraft of Mount Arayat in Pampanga. It was awesome to see it from the other side. This means that we are looking towards the west side of the park.
After descending the summit of Mount Manalmon, we have to cross the Madlum River again towards the east, and hike to the summit of Mount Gola. Good thing that the infamous river was on its calm state. There was no rain and the heat of sun is bearable in most part.
It was nice to have this photo. Sir Arnel in my right, and Sir Tom in my left - taken by someone who was there by chance using the camera. These are my great friends in getaways. Dozens of moments between the 3 of us and there was no dull moments.
Mount Gola.
Trekking towards the summit of Mount Gola is surprisingly easy at first.
Then come this part - a huge volcanic rock that's sloping almost 45 degrees without safety lines. One slip here and you will find your self with broken bones in the orthopedic ward of the nearest hospital. So, we carefully ascend with no rush - just to climb it safely on to the top. Sirs' Tom and Arnel was way ahead of me. I was taking time with my exhaustion and my terrible balancing ability.
On the summit of Mount Gola, we were on the other side of the summit of Mount Manalmon - again seeing the east side of the park, but from a totally different perspective. There was a bit bigger space on the summit of Mount Gola. It was rough there and every one has the bigger space to relax and contemplate. We stayed there for quiet some time, to relax and enjoy the moment on top above +200 meters from sea level.
On the summit of Mount Gola, we were on the other side of the summit of Mount Manalmon - again seeing the east side of the park, but from a totally different perspective. It is easy to fall into a trap of a seemingly easy trek - this was true in most cases, before a huge traumatic fall comes in - so be very careful not to under estimate everything there.
Just 80km away from Angeles City, the getaway in Biak na Bato was so unprecedented. Even just a few days after my traumatic scooter crash inside Clark, I was able to pursue the trek - without them knowing. It was fun and all worth the risk. When you have great buddies, you will have easier and more exciting moments really, during getaways.
So much of who we are is where we have been.
Based on some accounts, the Supremo of Katipunan was never killed in Kawit, Cavite by the Katipuneros - they will not kill their Supreme Leader - Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo will not give such an order as well. Gat. Andres Bonifacio (according to legend) died of natural cause after living a prosperous life there in Biak na Bato. True or not, bought of them are heroes defending the motherland during their time.
Byahe lang.. cheers!
2017 January 15, Biak na Bato National Park
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