Mt. Manalmon

Mt. Manalmon is like a hill

This mountain in San Miguel, Bulacan is quite small, not too strenuous to traverse. It is perfect for first-time climbers. Though small, Mt. Manalmon is a historical one. Being part of Biak na Bato, you know that you’re stepping into paths that our ancestors once used to fight for freedom. We all know that the Biak na Bato pact is a treaty to put a stop to revolutionary Filipinos. It was like a peace agreement between the MILF and the Philippine government, only that time the “MILF” were the Filipinos and the “Philippine government” was Spain.

Madlum River

another view of Madlum River

Mt. Manalmon can be traversed in two hours. Getting there requires crossing the tranquil Madlum river. The river is also home to a few residents who used it for washing just about anything they have — dishes, clothes, etc.— and bathing. You may cross the river either through a bamboo raft or — this is the exciting part — the monkey bridge! Walking on monkey bridge is like walking on cable wires. For first timers like me, extra careful is necessary. No need to hurry because if you move fast, the bridge swings. Add to that, the wind will sway you, almost like teasing you, when you’re half-way through. An imbalance step will get you splashing to the 12-foot deep river below.

After the monkey bridge, we proceeded to Mt. Manalmon. The mountain and other nearby mountains were once used to quarry minerals such as marbles. We crossed a few rivers and a cave where the golden statue (daw) of St. Miguel was found. The name did not sink in to me at that time for my thoughts were preoccupied with excitement. It was only when I was writing this that I remember San Miguel is the arcangel famous for defeating the devil. I wonder where the golden statue is now.

After more walks, we reached a plain where we saw a barren rock. Climbing the top is not that difficult but I guess it will be if it’s raining. It was so hot but windy on top. The view was breathtaking if not for the scorching heat of the sun that felt like needles on my face. Our guide pointed to us two white-head eagles and their nest among the dense trees of the adjacent Mt. Gola. All five of us tried our best to spot the tree he was talking about. Kuya, ano bang tree ang tinutukoy mo eh lahat yan trees sa akin? He described the tree further including its scientific name (kidding). When — finally! — we saw the tree, we couldn’t tell if there’s a bird on it or not. Kuya Boy pointed the eagle again, saying that it was the one in white and brown. Puro green lang ang nakikita ko. Nang malapit nang dumugo ang mata ko sa kasisipat kung nasaan ang agila, bigla itong lumipad. Buti naman. Now we know where it is. Its white head and reddish body made it look like Brahminy Kite (or is it?).

going up Mt. Manalmon is easy on a sunny day

the view from the top

Kuya Boy said that the national park is not only rich with wildlife and history but of Mt. Nabio that has the very expensive tea rose marbles. He said the community fought for five years against a mining company to stop quarrying. It was stopped but, he said, there are still private armed men guarding the vicinity of the mountain. And hiking is prohibited. While he was telling me that, I looked down and saw that everything below, including the houses, the trail of the river and the quarried mountains surrounding it, make all villages surrounding Biak na Bato National Park a perfect candidate for another disaster comparable to Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Compostella Valley. I told this to Kuya.

OTHER NOTES:

• Registration and having a guide are required.You can get at the registration area. Guide to Mt. Manalmon costs Php300. If you want to explore Bayukbok, it's Php30 per person plus Php30 for the headlamp.
• Allot a budget of Php1,000 per person (includes bus fares, hired tricycle going to Brgy. Madlum, guide)
• Always ask or check first if the Cabanatuan bus will pass by San Miguel. There are San Miguel-bound buses in EDSA and Pasay. We tried Five Star (Cubao terminal-Gapan Cabanatuan) going there and Baliwag (Pasay terminal) in going back to Manila.
• Madlum River is tempting. Bring swim wear.
• There are nice camping sites in the area.