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The Turtle and the rest of the petroglyphs

Whenever we say Angono, it is all about art and its famous son Carlos “Botong” Francisco. This town, some over 20 kilometers away from Manila, has been known for being an art center of the Philippines and the annual Festival of the Giants or Gigantes Festival held every 23rd of November. It seems that everything here is associated with art…that even their ancestors were already artists already!

Yeah! Our pre-Hispanic ancestors were also artists too! And guess what, its just near Angono, but technically it is part of Binangonan town in the province of Rizal. So, when you enter the area, you’ll be surprised by this politically correct signage, “The Angono Petroglyphs in Binangonan Rizal.”

Politically Correct Signage of Angono Petroglyphs

So, what’s all the fuzz about these carvings in stone? Well, its not your usual vandalism or graffiti where “Edna loves Dindin” or “Bogart was here.” It is a collection of more than a hundred figure carvings of humans and animals that was carved in hard rock by our ancestors dating back about 3000 BCE! Wow! Talk about artistry in Angono!

It was accidentally discovered by no less than the late National Artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco in 1965 when he was strolling along the lush jungle hills of Rizal. In 1996, the government recognized its artistic and cultural importance and has it declared a national cultural treasure by virtue of Presidential Decree 260. It is now being taken cared of by the National Museum of the Philippines.

Today, it is confronted by the fact that it sits near a quarrying site and a real estate development (The site is in the middle of a high-end real estate property) and also that it sits near a tectonically active area and the challenges of nature and time. Some of the carvings have been chipped off either by nature or by man. It’s disappointing to see some vandals along the way, especially the tunnel that leads to the site.

By the way to dSLR users, the guard/caretaker at the Petroglyphs doesn’t permit picture taking using dSLR cameras. Only point and shoot cameras are allowed in the area. Well, that’s the advantage of having a simple digicam to bring along with you.

Vandalism at Angono Petroglyphs

Going here is a tough call. We went here and brought a car and it was difficult to determine where it is exactly since there are no signages even inside the real estate property! What more if you’ll commute all the way here. As far as I know, you may rent a van going here since you’ll be entering a private property, most likely public transportation is not available or can be arranged through Department of Tourism or the local government tourism offices of Rizal Province, Angono and Binangonan towns to avoid inconvenience. The place really requires effort or in Filipino “sasadyain talaga.” (If you do have any more information, please feel free to post it at the comments section. Thanks!)

Makati and Fort Bonifacio Global City View from Angono

But going here is simply breathtaking. You’ll get a panoramic vista of Metro Manila and Laguna de Bai along the way up and be greeted by friendly security guards of the property.

All in all, the artistry of the Filipinos was manifested not just here in Angono but also all throughout the country as well. It really runs in our blood that Filipinos have such talent ever since our ancestors carved those ancient figures on rock. It goes to show that Filipinos are blessed with artistry and talent, even from the ancient of days.

Now, what’s our next stop in our Laguna Lake tour? Morong, Rizal! Padayon!

For more photos of our road trip to the Angono Petroglyphs, check the slideshow below: