Sunday, May 29, 2016

Minalungao National Park

Minalungao National Park is a protected area of the Philippines located in the municipality of General Tinio, Nueva Ecija in Central Luzon.  The park covers an area of 2,018 hectares centered along the scenic Peñaranda River bordered on both sides by up to 16 meter high limestone walls in the foothills of Sierra Madre mountain range.  It was established in 1967 by virtue of Republic Act No 5100.

The park is considered as one of the few remaining natural environments in this region north of Manila.  It is promoted by the local government as an ecotourism destination offering breath taking scenery of green pristine river and unique rock formations.  A system of unexplored subterranean caverns have also been identified as potential attractions.  Facilities for picnics, swimming, fishing, raft riding and cliff diving have likewise been put up to draw more visitors.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minalungao_National_Park



How to get to Minalungao?
Get to Cabanatuan bound buses at Cubao or Pasay and get off at Gapan City.  Look for General Tinio (former Papaya) bound jeepneys or flag a trike going to General Tinio.  Another trike ride going to Minalungao National Park will finally get you to your destination.  Travel time is three (3) to four (4) hours.



Entrance Fee to the park is Php20/person
Parking Fee is Php50
Cottages fee is Php 300

People get here to bond with their families.  The usual picnic but with the great view of Minalungao Park.  Bring your own food.


The huge crowd during weekends.  Get here on weekdays to see the true beauty of Minalungao.  Overcrowded really!!!




The building of future hotels in the park disturbing the in-born beauty of the place.

Ziplining at a very low cost of Php50.  Yeah! really 50 pesos lang!!!


River rafting, Php 500 with roof, Php 250 without roof for an hour. Php800 rent for the raft for the whole day (negotiable especially during weekdays).





Minalungao was derived from the words "mina" and "lungao" meaning gold mine in caves.  Hire a guide for Php200 (negotiable) to discover the caves here.





Major activities include Bamboo Rafting, Ziplining, Trekking, Swimming, Caving and Camping.

Summary of Expenses:
Bus fare - Cubao to Gapan City - Php160
Jeepney Gapan City to General Tinio - Php23
Trike Fare General Tinio to National Park - Php 500 (roundtrip)
Entrance Fee - Php20
Parking Fee for cars - Php50
Cottages - Php300
Balsa (Raft) - Php250 (without roof)
                   - Php500 (with roof)
                   - Php800 (whole day rental)
CR               - Php10
Ziplining     - Php50
Guide Fee   - Php200

The park is a protected area so be very responsible in throwing your garbage.

We were able to get here because my elementary classmate offered her SUV and be the driver.  Thank You so much Nerissa for bringing us here ...

Pahiyas Festival in Lucban

Pahiyas is one of the biggest and most colorful festival in the Philippines.  It is the most festive festival I've ever attended!  The color explosion is simply awesome and great!


Lucban, Quezon celebrates the Pahiyas Festival every 15th of May in honor of the patron saint of the farmers, San Isidro Labrador.  

Though I am alone traveling for the first time, still I was able to enjoy the view and take unlimited photos.  I started really early when crowd is still manageable.  This year the fiesta falls on a Sunday. The coming of people admiring for the decorations will be huge.  Started at 5:30 am and ended at 8:30am.  If you started late you have to struggle to other turistas for picture taking. I was still also able to attend the mass at the cathedral. By 8am the people are already everywhere....


How to get to Lucban, Quezon?
Through private vehicles:
Take South Luzon Express Highway and exit in any of the following:
1. Exit at 52a - Lucena exit
Pass the following towns : Sto. Tomas- Alaminos- San Pablo- Tiaong- Candelaria- Sariaya -Lucena City-Tayabas-Lucban

2. Exit at 52b - Calamba exit
Pass the following towns : Calamba - Bay - Pila - Sta. Cruz - Pagsanjan - Cavinti - Luisiana - Lucban

 By public transportation:
There are Lucena bound buses in Cubao, Pasay and Alabang and LRT Buendia. From Lucena ride a jeep going to Lucban.

There are also Sta Cruz buses in Kamuning and LRT Buendia and from there ride a jeep going to Lucban.




households preparing for their decor
According to stories that in 1595, the town's first parish priest, Father Miguel de Talavera, who was instrumentatl in the construction of a wooden church in Barrio Kulapi, had the farmers bring all their harvest to the church for blessing.  The farmers believed that this rite was necessary because they were convinced that failure to observe it could mean drought, famine and bad luck for the farmers in Lucban.







Residents decorate their houses with fresh fruits, vegetables and colorful kiping.  Kiping is a colored paper made from rice.  It is edible.

 








colorful lambanogs selling in the streets


Don't forget to attend mass at Saint Louis, Bishop of Tolouse Parish Church in Lucban.  The church was constructed in 1595 but was ruined by fires in 1733.  The renovated church was completed in 1738.  Efforts have been made to preserve the church exteriors but the interiors have been changed already.





The procession passing by the streets with Pahiyas decors to bless them fruitfully throughout the year.












the Lucbanin Farmers

Truly, it was a Walk To Remember...

Pasalubong Center: 

 Try also the garlicky and less sweeter taste of Lucban Longanisa.


Other Pahiyas treats are the "Higantes" Lucban version.

The Lucban Tourist Information Center near the cathedral.


Other Places of Interest in Lucban:
Kamay ni Hesus with 292 steps on the left and 278 steps on the right ascent. It has the 50-ft image of Jesus Christ when you reach the top.  Other places with meditative prayers are Luklukan ni Maria and Depictions of the 20 mysteries of the Holy Rosary, Angels Hill and Garden of Eden.  It was built in 2005 by the healing Priest Father Joey Faller.

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