Discovering the mystical Mt. Banahaw

Part of the package we took from Nature Villa Banahaw is the day tour around Mt Bahanaw. 

The trip started with us walking past the neighbors and going through some grassy area. We were guided by Junjun one of the two guides of Nature Villa. 

The first stop was at the stores selling candles which will be used throughout the whole trip. The smallest candle costs Php 35 per pack (20pcs). They also sell empty water containers. Each 1 gallon container costs Php20.00. They also have bracelets, necklace, rosaries. Etc which you can wash in the waters of Banahaw. 

After buying the stuff we needed, we went down a stairs and were greeted by the first grotto where we lighted some candles and offered our prayers. We then continued to go down the stairs until we reached the second altar for lighting candles and prayer offering. Past that is where the "Tubig ng Ina" was situated. This looked like a falls where we can "cleanse" our body. The water is potable and believed to cure diseases. 

Just a few feet away from this is the "Tubig ng Ama". The water is also potable. We filled our empty containers and climbed back. The climb was a bit hard but doable :)

Upon reaching the top, we rested for a few minutes and started our walk towards the caves. We passed by locals' homes before reaching the nature part of the mountain.

The first cave we went to was Jacob's well. The entrance to the place was really small. Our guide had to go before us to light candles for our light inside the cave. 

To enter, we had to lie down and push our bodies down until we reach the area for lighting candles. From there, there is a steel stairs where people are asked to hold on to when going down since the water level is deep. Going down to the water is one at a time. Once down there, the person is requested to soak his whole body 3x as part of tradition (still holding at the stairs).   

Going back up was harder since there were no rocks to step on. But with the help of my dad and brother, we were able to climb back up. 

Next cave was the Presentahan (Presentation) where we presented ourselves to two caves (St Peter and St Paul). 

Last cave we went to was the Ina ng Awa Cave which had a heart shaped rock at the entrance of the cave. 

After the last cave, we went back to Nature Villa using a different but easier route. As we were going back (even going up), we saw some of nature's beautiful creatures.