It was January 10, 2016 when I took my first hike at the twin mountain in San Miguel, Bulacan which is the Mt. Manalamon and Mt. Gola witg my older brother and his friends. After the hike, we went to caves and saw stones and rock formations inside. I am not really into this kind of adventure but I am indeed excited then to experience a tiring but satisfying trip.
A trip to Biak-na Bato takes you back to the era when Filipino Katipuneros took their plan of revolt against Spanish conquerors. It offers a track back in history when revolutionaries took refuge in hidden caves along the mountainous landscape of San Miguel to cure wounded revolutionaries, gather armors and hold secret meetings.
We started the day by registering to the care takers of the Biak-na-Bato National Park and advice to take down the rules and regulations upon heading to the mountain’s peak back to the foot.
When we started the trek, we have encountered the Madlum River-water flowing from the mountain. We cross the river through the stones and with the help of our tour guide but to be honest, I slipped down to the water because the stones are very smooth and I was really careless.
Upon arriving to the center foot of the twin mountains, we were mesmerized by its own aesthetic and natural formation. It was said that the word “Manalmon” came from the word “lamon” which means swallow, and the mountain’s name came from a legend.
While leading to the peak of Mt. Gola, my brother found a perfect view of Mt. Manalmon and took the opportunity to take a picture with this beautiful scenery.
After an almost two hours of trek and a little bit of climbing with sharp rocks, we finally reach the peak of Mt. Gola. It was an amazing view and it is an achievement for me because it was my first time to climb a mountain. (Thanks to my dad for allowing me.^^)
Because I love him..
..and he loves me!
After taking pictures and staying at the peak for around 15 minutes, we headed back and took a route that would lead us to the trek to the Mt. Manalmon. The trek is easier and we also took less than 2 hours until we reach the peak of the mountain. Its peak has lesser trees and steeper than the Mt. Gola.
Almost 4 hours of hike still we want more. At the afternoon, another exploration starts with a short, uphill trek to the cave. The rocks here are sharp, rough and some are unstable. The start of it all is a narrow passageway that leads to a cliff where you have go down through a rope.
Wonderful stalactite and stalagmite formations welcomed us. There was also a part where we need to climb a makeshift ladder made of ropes and bamboos. Then to a part where we need to crawl a very narrow opening. We were like snakes as we went through it because you need to bend, twist, turn, flex, and contort your body to any position possible for you to pass through.
One swing to a vine is the end of the cave. Spelunking is indeed a test of strength, endurance and flexibility.
After a long day, we took the chance to swim at the Madlum River and relax our whole body from the exhausting adventure.
TRAVEL Lei 