Photo Essay

English 10

-Entrance to  Ciudad Mistica

"Our Journey Begins"

This is the entrance to Ciudad Mistica. This is the first place you will arrive to in the outbound trip. This marks the beginning of the journey to the top of Kalbaryo.

-Stone tablets with Commandments

"The fundamentals"

This is the 10 commandments. The only difference between our stone tablet and theirs is the symbol of the Rizalistas. Every Rizalistas follow this commandments. 

-Map of Mt.Banahaw Community

"The Guide"

This is the map of the whole complex 1 of Mount Banahaw. It shows which of the puwestos should a devotee or a pilgrim go first.

-Warm up at the open court

"Preparation"

Everyone who wish to hike the Sta. Lucia complex must do stretching exercises to avoid sprain or injuries.

-Venue before the husgado cave

"The Wait"

The students of 10-SMC waited for the guides to set up candles to light up the husgado cave. Without the candles the is zero visibility inside. Before entering husgado the students prayed for safety. 

-Husgado Cave

"The Test"

After the preparations were done the students were allowed to enter the cave. There are 5 person per batch that are allowed to enter the cave to avoid clogging. Here, anyone will be judged by your sin.

-Directions to the "Kalbaryo"

"Follow the directions"

This photo shows the right path to the "Kalbaryo". Signs were posted at some points to avoid being lost.

-Centipede friend

"Little but harmful"

A little centipede that we the students of 10-SMC found on the way to our resting area.

-View of Mt.Banahaw

"The View"

It was definitely worth the climb after seeing such view from the peak of complex 1. This shows the near end of the kalbaryo.

-Students of SMC at the peak of Complex 1. 

"The Cross on top"

This is the first complex of Mt. Banahaw where you can three cross. The photo shown above shows the middle cross. People of Mt. Banahaw believes that their sins will be forgiven if they brought a rock with them all the way to the peak of the first complex. This is the final puwesto and the end of the kalbaryo.

-Group picture at the top

"Smiles and Exhaustion"

Group 1 of 10-SMC. From left: Bruce Fortuno, Roie Liwanag, Miko Cruz, Deion Bandril, and Matthew Tolosa. The smiles shows the joy we experienced after we reached the peak.

-Going down the "Kalbaryo"

"Calvary 2.0"

After climbing Complex 1 awaits a very tiring hike back to the resting area. The rocks are very steep so we had a very hard time going back.  

- Mini-shower

"The Cleansing"

This is the shower of "Buhok ng Ina". The guide told us to take a shower here before going to the river. They also told us to touch any part of our body with any problems. 

-River activity

"Baptism at the River"

The students from SMC. From right: Gianne Frias, Ivan Dycaico, Kristoffer Sumulong, Froilan Frio. The guide asked for our cooperation and unity. This puwesto was supposed to be the first station but since there are other sections the river was set to be the last.

-Journey back home

"The Return"

This photo shows Miko Cruz (middle) and Francis Lozada (Right) on the bus taking some rest after the long and tiring journey.