Angono Petroglyphs

Being new in Rizal, I thought of exploring the province more. This is my way of integrating with my new adopted province. Sounds like a good idea because I actually have a lot of  misconceptions of this place. I thought of it as an expansion of the slums of Manila---- boring, crowded plains and isolated hills. But the more I get to explore, the more I appreciate it's beauty and the alternative it can offer to the urban jungle of the Metro.

One of the places I wanted to see was the Angono Petroglyps.I knew it is somewhere in Binangonan but I can't google how to get there. And so for those who have the same experience as I am, here it is. The Angono Petroglyps is only a few kilometers North of Thunderbird Resort Binangonan. to get here, it is advisable that you have your own car. Tricycles cannot traverse the slopes from downtown Angono passing through Eastridge golf and country club to this area because they are too steep. I heard that you can hire one from Antipolo at approximately 150php.

We were lucky to get here thanks to the city tour provided by Thunderbird Resort Rizal during our sponsored stay there. To get to the site, you have to pass through a man made cave (pictured below).....There are a lot of vandals in this cave so first time visitors might think that it's already the petroglyphs. I was also fooled for a few seconds then.lol

The Angono Petroglyphs is considered as the oldest work of art in the Philippines. It is included in the National Cultural Treasure list and even in the World Inventory of Rock Art. It as also declared as one of the most imperiled historic sites in the world by the monuments watch and the World Monuments Fund.

Human and animal like figures are engraved in the rock wall made of volcanic tuff. These work of art dates back 3,000 BC. The site is under the management and administration of the National Museum. You have to register in their office before you can walk through the site. Upon signing your name in the log book, the guard will immediately remind you that dslr's are not allowed unless you have a permit from the National Museum. A policy we find odd. Most of us were carrying dslr's so we were really upset. These photo's were stolen shots so pardon the framing and composition.

with other bloggers and Ms Nica of Thunderbird Resort Rizal

We stayed here for only a few minutes as it is really a small area. It is interesting to note though that the complete name of this historical site is Angono Petroglyphs of Binangonan. Sound odd? We didn't talk officially to the one's in charge so it's just my hunch that this area was originally part of Angono in the early days and so it was called such. Another blogger assumed that it was in honor of National artist Carlos "Botong" Francisco who is a native of Angono. He discovered the place hennce its called Angono Petroglyps. I think my assumption is a little more convincing. When you go here, be sure to ask.

Whatever it is, this place is worth your visit. It is a testament of our ancestors ingenuity. A proof the Filipinos have some form of literacy long before the arrival of the Spaniards.