Backpacking Pilipinas: Rizal Series: Angono Petroglyphs in Binangonan

February 11, 2012
Angono-Binangonan, Rizal

Declared as the oldest known work of art in the Philippines, the Angono-Binganonan Petroglyphs is also considered as a National Cultural Treasure. This rock art on the wall of a cave in Angono, Rizal was discovered in 1965 by the late National Artist Carlos "Botong" Francisco while he was on a field trip with a group of boy scouts. As of today, 127 total drawings are still visible in forms of human figures, lizards, frogs and others.

Still a part of our art appreciation trip to Angono, Kidd, Cha, Janet and I decided to check out this pre-historic rock art.

This site is located three kilometers southeast of Angono, near its boundary with Binangonan. Commuting to this place may be a little difficult for first- time goers. From Angono, we rented a trike parked near Balaw-balaw Restaurant (P100/person), pushed towards an all uphill ride, passed by a private golf course and subdivision (where the security people were really tight) and stopped in front of what appears like a cave tunnel. There is a tiny, and almost negligible, signage near the entrance of the tunnel. Still unsure if we were at the right place, we passed through the unlit tunnel and walked through a pavement. A few meters from the exit of the tunnel we finally saw what we were looking for -- the petroglyphs!

We first checked out the museum which houses some artifacts related to the petroglyphs.

The viewing deck was made about two to three meters away from the wall where the petroglyphs are inscribed. Our guide explained that the engravings appear to be associated with the rituals done in the site by our ancestors. Looking closely though, it's sad and disheartening to see some obvious vandalism near the actual art works. :(