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.

Bird At Aviary - Camera Critters

This photo captured at Aviary in Eden Nature Park where different bird species can be found. I cannot remember what type of bird is this (and I like to apologize for that).

Other birds that I got are not that cool. This is the only best shot I have...c",) that I can share.

For other animals or critters photos from all over the world, please visit Camera Critters.

Few Snapshots Of Gardens

Photos above captured near at the Amphitheater. These were captured last March 2, 2009 during my Adventure in Davao.

Carabao Sculpture - Philippine National Animal - Skywatch

The photo above is a carabao sculpture with great sky at Lola's Garden inside Eden Nature Park. This was captured during my Eden Nature Park's tour last March 2, 2009.

Philippines is compose of vast areas such as farms and carabao is the animal who always help our farmers. Carabao is industrious animal and industriousness is one character of Filipino farmers. This is one of the reason why carabao is our national animal.

Davao City Lookout View From Eden Nature Park - Skywatch

Photos above captured at the other side of Eden Nature Park wherein the Davao City can be seen from it since this part is higher due to its location at the foot of Mount Talomo. This is also the place where the Sky Rider zip lines located. Photo captured last March 2, 2009

To see other stunning sky views around the world, please visit Skywatch Friday.

Ampitheater Garden

Photos above are the Ampitheater Garden of Eden Nature Park - photos captured while touring the whole park last March 2, 2009

Mayumi's Wishing Well - Watery Wednesday

The photo above shows the people gathered together and all approached a well. The name of the well is Mayumi's Wishing Well. "Mayumi" is a Filipino or Tagalog word which means beautiful. This word is being used as description of a female or a name of a female.

When I approached myself at Mayumi's Wishing Well, this is what I saw. Different colors of Gumamela (a medicinal) flower.

For other great and wonderful watery photos, please visit Watery Wednesday home site.

Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut) - Cultural Filipino Homes - My World Tuesday / Photo Friday

The photo above is the cultural home for Filipinos captured in Eden Nature Park. This kind of house is rarely seen in the city but abundant in the provinces. My family have this kind of home in my province but I have not visited it for almost 11 years now.

For other awesome My World photos around the world, please visit My World Tuesday.

This photo will be participating also to Photo Friday Challenge this week with the theme of "Brown"

Lola's (Grandmother's) Garden - Mellow Yellow Monday

Photos above captured at Lola's (Lola is a Filipino word which means grandmother) Garden last March 2, 2009. These are some of the few photos I have about flowers, I know it is not that good but I just like to share what I saw at Lola's Garden in Eden Nature Park.

For other photos with touch of yellow color, please visit Mellow Yellow Monday.

Medicinal Plants Farming

Photos captured inside Eden Nature Park at the foot of Mount Talomo Mountain.

The Real Wealth Is Come From Nature

The photo above captured inside Eden Nature Park, I posted this photo here as my introduction of my future photos for this week which is the park itself. But aside from that, after reading the message it made me realize the quantifiable value of the tree. And for me this is one of the real wealth of our world.

The Boulders Before Mount Apo Summit - Scenic Sunday

Photos above were captured while descending the boulder part of Mount Apo. This was the part of the mountain where I experienced being scared to death for my life. After four hours of ascending and descending this part of the mountain. I was really thankful I survived. Conquering boulder challenge happened last Feb 26 and 27, 2009.

To see other scenic photos all over the world please visit Scenic Sunday.

Sulfur Pillars

Photos above were captured near the Sulfur Pillars. Sulfur Pillars is one of the challenges that we are required to pass during the Mount Apo climb which held last Feb 25-28, 2009.

Sunrise At The Mount Apo Summit - Skywatch

Due to clouds at the summit, this was the photo that I got as a souvenir from its peak.

To enjoy other amazing Skywatch photos around the world, please visit Skywatch Friday home site.

At Boulders - Skywatch

Photo captured while descending the boulder part of Mount Apo last Feb 27, 2009.

To enjoy other amazing Skywatch photos around the world, please visit Skywatch Friday home site.

Mount Apo - Master or Grandfather of Philippine Mountains - Skywatch / Lensday

Photos of Mount Apo from a far was captured last Feb 28, 2009 last day of our 4 days trek. While watching this photo, I cannot believe that all of us in the group conquered successfully the highest mountain in the Philippines. This climb was the most dangerous climb I had in my life.

To enjoy other amazing Skywatch photos around the world, please visit Skywatch Friday home site.

This photo uploaded for Lensday Challenge with a them of "Mountain"

Sunrise at Tumpis - Skywatch

Photo above was sunrise view I saw before we start the second day trek of conquering Mount Apo. The photo captured at Tumpis campsite where the group spent our first night. Climb held last Feb 25-28, 2009 at Davao.

To enjoy other amazing Skywatch photos around the world, please visit Skywatch Friday home site.

Mount Apo Almost Covered With Clouds and Fog

Photos above are captured while on our way to Tumpis (the campsite for our first night to conquer Mount Apo). Mount Apo peak cannot be seen due to clouds or fog. These are from my collections of photos during Mount Apo climb in Davao held last Feb 25-28, 2009

Mount Apo Peak - My World

Photos above were captured after we returned at the jump-off site. That was the only time I saw clearly the peak of Mount Apo from a far due to clearing. Mount Apo is located at Davao in Mindanao, Philippines.

For other great My World photos, please visit My World Tuesday

Crater Lake Near at Mount Apo Summit

Photos above captured while at the Crater Lake near at the Summit of Mount Apo. Due to clearing I have few photos captured. Photos were captured last Feb 27, 2009.