Maria Makiling And The Hot Springs of Calamba

Mud Springs or Kumukulong Putik in Mount Makiling

Maria Makiling And The Hot Springs of Calamba

              As one drives along the wide South Luzon Expressway, mystical Mount Makiling looms on the horizon.  It is the same mountain that inspired the legend of Maria Makiling. That tall and beautiful fairy goddess that is said to be the guardian of the mountain.  The same goddess that shares the bounty of the forested mountain with the residents living at its foothills.

            Mount Makiling, a potentially active volcano, is the main source of all the hot springs that are spread out in the low-lying areas of Calamba, notably Barangays Pansol and Bucal. Pansol has been a tourist destination even in the olden times. People, then and now, travel far just to dip for some time at its much touted warm water which has medicinal values.  

             I still remember, long time ago, when we would spend Sundays at Cuyab hot springs with my maternal grandmother soaking her feet at the pool.  My grandmother is long gone and I am now a grandfather who, in turn, dips at the pool with the belief that such provides relief to aching knee joints.

             Starting in the 70s and 80s, Maria Makiling has been too generous as most house owners in Pansol and the adjacent villages have their own private swimming pools which they rent out.  For eight thousand, a group of 10 - 15 can have the place exclusively for themselves overnight.  This includes at least 2 air-conditioned rooms, a dining area and a kitchen.  The price varies depending on one's bargaining skills.

            Hot spring water contains mineral and geothermal energy that give soothing beneficial effects.  For one, submersion results to good blood circulation and toxin removal. Hot spring water kills harmful bacteria or viruses.  Not only is it good for body metabolism, but it also provides relief to arthritis and produces therapeutic effects on skin-related problems. But wait, I am beginning to sound like a spa marketing director. Why don't you drive to Pansol or Bucal one day and try it for yourself?  Then tell me how it really works. Okay?  

- Konted

Mount Makiling as viewed from the National Road

View of Mount Makiling from Ayala Greefiield Estates Golf Course (Ayala photo) 

Statue of Maria Makiling

Ancestral House of Dr. Jose Rizal in Calamba

National hero Dr. Jose Rizal was born in Calamba, Laguna.

Jose Rizal's signature

Jonel's Hot Springs Resort has its own source.

Jonel's changes water of the pool every now and then.

Bigger pool at Jonel's

Restaurant, conference room and lodging inn at Jonel's.  Jonel's is located  at the national highway near the boundary of Calamba and Los Banos.

Waiting for the water to simmer down

Hot spring water has medicinal values.

Hot or cold, the kids are enjoying it.

Maximus and company at the jacuzzi pool

Albert, then 2 yrs old, near the pool at Jonel's

Albert in the same spot at Jonel's after 20 years

At 2 a.m.

Double thumbs up

Can't stand the heat ?

Chalet-style house at Jonel's

Jonel's has been in the business for more than 3 decades. 

Try Jonel 1, Jonel 2, Jonel 3

In the wee hours of the morning

Maximus crossing the bridge at midnight

For the ladies

A long trip