Wawa Montalban (Introduction) - With Significant Part of Philippine History

Before I started to feature Wawa Montalban, I would like to share some information that I myself discovered a little bit of history of the place. 

I found a great history article from searching google and found this link http://info.rockrun.com/articles/wawa-montalban.html. After reading it, I just realized that I just visited one of the historic place in my country.

Here are the excerpts I learned from the article.

"History

Nestled at the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains, Wawa Montalban, was once a safe haven for the Philippine Revolutionary Group known as the KKK.  In April 1895 the "Kataastaasang Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan” took refuge in Pamitnan Cave. Their first cry for freedom against Spanish Rule took place in the caverns found in the hollows of the Karst mountains of Wawa.

Stemming from this struggle for freedom from Spanish sovereign, a local legend “Bernardo Carpio”, instilled itself into Philippine mythology.  Bernardo Carpio, a giant in local folklore, tore the mountain in half splitting it and giving birth to the river gorge as he tried to escape from Spanish soldiers.  In 1909, apparently in need of salvaging the devastation created by the giant, the Americans built the Wawa Dam as a reservoir and pumping facility.

In later years, during the Pacific War of WWII, Wawa, Montalban became a battlefield. It became a Japanese Holding Point where the main strength of the former Japanese Manila Defense Force, the Kobayashi Force, which was formed around a nucleus of four infantry battalions with its commander, Maj. Gen. Takashi Kobayashi, defended against the returning Americans, under Gen. MacArthur.  Evidence of the epic battle can still be seen on the boulders and rock faces.  Where the smooth limestone faces catches a sudden peculiar circular track radiating outwards like a spider web, it’s obvious these were hit by bullets aimed at some poor soldier’s head.  " 

written by: Dennis Diaz

When I visited the place last year and when I saw the beautiful and amazing place, I myself caught in awe that there is such great haven for adventure such as rappelling and rock climbing just near Metro Manila. And I am glad, I had a chance to be in Wawa Montalban (now Rodriguez) Rizal even for the reason of rappelling. 

The coming weeks I will be featuring the photos of Wawa Montalban that I captured while doing and enjoying the basic rappelling course.