Driving Through The Back Roads of Rizal

Driving Through The Back Roads of Rizal

               I took the same route as last year and the year before.  I also left at about the same time as in my previous trips-- just when the sun was at its brightest and when the heat was sweltering.  This time, instead of one, we were four.  I was driving my durable Toyota Altis which had brand new tires.  My muscles were still aching on account of Palm Sunday's activities at the Antipolo Church.  Just the same, the eagerness was still there.

              At the outskirts of Binangonan, as I was making the bend, a signage of a roadside eatery beckoned. And I responded. Michael's Resto is Binangonan's pride. As it is near the lake, Michael's boasts of fresh catch from Laguna de Bay.  We had Pinangat na Dalag, Nilasing na Hipon and Lechon Kawali. To go with the Pinangat na Dalag was Balaw Balaw sauce. We found them really delectable. These are dishes popular during our grandma's time.

              At about 1 pm, when everything around us seemed quiet except for the summer wind, we were negotiating the Cardona side of the Manila East Road. We were making a descent. And as a force of habit, I took the shoulder of the highway to get a good view of Laguna de Bay. Never mind if it was dangerous. Never mind.  It was "a view to die for." We parked there for10 minutes before hitting again the main road. At the yard of Cardona Church, townsfolk were gathering around big religious images. We joined and took a series of shots.

             At Morong town proper, which is next to Cardona,  we turned left at a narrow street leading to the historic Morong Church. It is the oldest in Rizal.  I have been there many times before and i never get tired of taking photos of the old church's facade. This time, the sky was blue and the sun was at its brightest. Perfect moment for a perfect shot. In about 30 minutes, two vans of local tourists parked alongside my car.  I turned on the ignition and started to head towards the national highway.   

             At that long stretch of the Manila East road covering the town of Baras, farm produce were being sold. Singkamas in bundles were for P50. "Bigkis bigkis na po yan. Kumuha na lang po kayo dyan." said the enterprising lady. Small water melons were also priced at P50 each. Sweet potatotes, or kamote, and Ube were other farm items being offered. I took some watermelons and a few bunches of Singkamas. As I was paying, a regular pickup stopped, an old man briefly negotiated with the lady and in a few minutes, sale was consummated. I was in awe at the quickness of how the deal was done. Pakyawan style.

            We were back on the road, munching the freshly harvested singkamas. We were enjoying the scenery and the rustic charm of the place where nothing seems to change except the seasons. In 15 minutes, we were at the town proper of Tanay and were heading towards the Lighthouse. That has always been the centerpiece of my yearly travel plan.  Strategically positioned near the concrete jetty of Laguna de Bay, the Lighthouse is more commonly known as Parola. Battered but sturdy bancas are berthed there amidst some floating water lilies. An old, heavy duty truck was unloading big bamboos and dropping them in the water. Bamboos are used at fish pens thriving in the area.

            As a gray banca was passing by, I moved eastward of the jetty to take shots of the towering Parola. It was against the sun, but, nevertheless, i proceeded to take pictures.  A boatman approached and offered his banca for a ride within the lake."Bente pesos lang po bawat tao.  Isang ikot lang po malapit dito."  

            The price was reasonable and I agreed. When I was calling the kids, a strong wind blew.   It continued for several minutes.  I noticed the strong waves caused by the wind. Quickly, I backed off: "Wag na lang, bossing, masyado malakas ang hangin. Mga bata ito."  I had to be cautious in this particular instance. Prudence is the better part of valor.

              Our next stop was the ancient church of San Ildefonso de Toledo, right at the very heart of the town.  It was built in the 17th century and has had no major renovation since.  It is considered as a National Cultural Treasure.  My two grandchildren were asking where we could find the hunchback who takes care of the the belfry.  I honestly told them that what they were hearing was all part of a big myth.  Yes, it is true, I continued, that there is a secret passage to the belfry, but there is no such being as a hunchback staying in the church.  This you only read in novels.  

             On our way back, the two were in stony silence. Apparently doing some thinking. And as I was negotiating the ascent towards Binangonan, they were in deep sleep, obviously too tired for the day's events.  I stepped harder on the gas.  And I took a last glimpse of Laguna de Bay from a far distance. We were now heading to the Metropolis. To the noise and bustle of city life. 

- Konted

1st stopover at Binangonan

Michael's Resto serves fresh catch from the lake

Entrance to Michael's

The 3 Wise Monkeys

Kira and the 3 Wise Monkeys

What does the 4th one say? Do no evil.

Pinangat na Dalag

Crunchy Nilasing na Hipon

Lechon Kawali

Balaw Balaw Sauce

Vinegar sauce for Nilasing na Hipon

Michael's Mynah

View of Laguna de Bay from the highway

Fishpens in Cardona

Cardona's Municipal Hall

Religious Icons being readied for the Holy Week procession in Cardona

Longinus and his spear

Statues with corresponding descriptions

Costumes and accessories being readied

The Triumphant Entry of Jesus is depicted

Assorted relics of Jesus Christ

Morong's vast agricultural land

Part of Uugong Park in Morong

Uugong Park is owned and managed by painter/sculptor Pacheco

Morong Church's Baroque architectural design

Toyata Altis takes advantage of the shade of the tree

Strong sunlight illuminates church's window

Jesus carrying  the cross

Holy Sepulchre inside Morong Church

Andre wants to be like St. Jerome, patron saint of Morong

Blinding afternoon sunlight 

A brief stopover in Baras

Singkamas  (Turnips) in bundle for P50

Small watermelons (Pakwan)

P50 each

Sweet potatoes or Kamote

Ube (Purple Yam)

They sell used fishing nets along the highway

Manila East Road is lined with trees

Parola or the Lighthouse of Tanay

Parola is a landmark in Tanay

Vying for Best Shot of the Day

Battered but reliable bancas

Banca on its way to the deeper part of the lake

Major contender for Best Photo of the Day

P20 per ride per passenger

Kira and the Bancas of Parola

Boatman empties rainwater

Truck unloads big bamboos 

Bamboos are used to support the fish pens at Laguna de Bay

Skilled workers hired to do the job

Andre with his favorite boat

Bancas berthed at the pier

San Ildefonso de Toledo Church in Tanay with its Early Rennaissance architecture

Plaza  in front of Tanay Church

Bonus photos:

Palm leaves for sale on Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday mass in Antipolo Church

Churchgoers wait for priest to bless their palm leaves or palaspas

Stations of the Cross outside the Church

The sign tells it all.

Cashew Nuts  and Suman as pasalubong

Penitensya goes to the streets

Jesus is whipped

High official mocks the fallen Jesus

Night procession of religious icons

There are, more or less, 29 big religious statues

Night procession is a much-awaited Holy Week activity