Opening of National Heritage Month 2026 (Angono, Rizal)

 

Opening of National Heritage Month 2026 (photo: George Buid)

Last Sunday, May 10, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) through the Subcommission on Cultural Heritage and the National Committee on Art Galleries, kicked off the celebration of National Heritage Month at the 7-hectare Loyola Retreat House - Spirituality and Art Center in Angono, Rizal, the “Art Capital of the Philippines.” This year's theme is “Roots and Horizons: Our Shared Heritage, Our Collective Future." 

Torch lighting ceremony at Kaagapay Monument (photo: George Buid)

The festivities opened with a torch-lighting ceremony at the monumental Kaagapay Monument, a massive representation of the ancient Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs, created in 2025 by renown Mindanawon artist Kublai Millan.  This was followed by a parade, showcasing Angono’s iconic 10 to 12-foot high papier-mache puppets (higantes), a Sayaw sa Patio at the Chapel of the Risen Lord and the Petros Group Art Exhibit (which showcases artwork from the Petros Group and local art galleries) opening at the Pedro Calungsod Hall.  The program proper started at Holy Trinity Garden. 

Angono street dancers and higantes (photo: George Buid)

After a message from Philpost Postmaster-General Maximo C. Sta. Maria III, the commemorative stamps of National Heritage Month were unveiled. Keynote speaker was NCCA Chairman and Executive Director Eric B. Zerrudo, Phd. He said that “it is vital to celebrate National Heritage Month as it highlights the resilience deeply embedded in Filipino heritage and gives people a sense of hope.”

 

Unveiling of Philpost commemorative stamps (photo: George Buid)

Welcome remarks were delivered by Angono Mayor Gerardo V. Calderon, opening remarks by Mr. Ivan Anthony S. Henares (Commissioner, Subcommission on Cultural Heritage) and special messages were given by Rizal Governor Nina Ricci A. Ynares, Fr. Rene Pio Javellana, SJ (Vice-President, Loyola Retreat House - Spirituality and Art Center Angono) and Most Rev. Ruperto C. Santos, DD, Bishop of Antipolo (delivered by Fr. Peter Ymari C. Balatbat, Executive Director, Diocesan Commission for Cultural Heritage of the Church, Diocese of Antipolo). A message, from Pres. Ferdinand “Bongbong" R. Marcos, was delivered by former NCCA chairman and Angono native Victorino “Ino” Mapa Manalo.

 

Opening of Petros Art Group Exhibit (photo: George Buid)

Entertainment was provided by the choral singing of the Angono Chorale Ensemble and a band performance by Angono National Symphonic Band.  Both also rendered “Mahal Kong Bayan,” a song, by the late Lucio San Pedro (Angono native and National Artist for Music, 1991), that celebrates the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Philippines.

 

Kenote speaker Eric B. Zerrudo of NCCA (photo: George Buid)

A highlight of the evening was the Sayaw ng Bati. Also called Sayaw ng Pagbabati (Dance of Greeting), it is a traditional Philippine Easter Sunday dance to commemorate the Resurrection of Christ.  It is usually led by two main dancers – the tenyenta (lieutenant, Ms. Daphne F. Pundamiera) and a kapitana (captain, Ms. Marie Immacon “Icon” C. Reyes).  These two ladies, wearing grand Filipiniana gowns with full skirts, bent their torsos to the side as they spun and turned to the waltzing tune played by the aforementioned band.

 

Angono Chorale Ensemble and Angono National Symphonic Band (photo: George Buid)

After this entertainment, the acknowledgment and awarding of certificates was done by Ms. Sabina Joy V. Cruz (Executive Council Member, National Committee on Art Galleries) while the closing remarks were delivered by Ms. Maria Teresa B. Rayos del Sol (Vice-Head, Subcommission on Cultural Heritage).  The proceedings culminated with dinner at the LRH Main Dining Hall. 

Sayaw ng Bati (photo: George Buid)

National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA): NCCA Bldg., 633 General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, 1002. Tel: (632) 8527-2192. E-mail: info@ncca.gov.ph. Website: www.ncca.gov.ph. 

Loyola Retreat House - Spirituality and Art Center Angono: Carnation St., Nieves Hills, Brgy. San Isidro, Angono, Rizal. Tel: +63 8651-0191.  Mobile number: (0962) 472-2175. E-mail: loyolaretreathouseinc@gmail.com.

STAR Trail Challenge 2017 and Tanay Adventure Camp (Rizal)

The finish line of the Star Trail Challenge in front of Maharlika Hall

Mother and son

Crossing the finish line

The STAR (Sierra Trail Adventure Race) Trail Challenge 2017, where my grandson Kyle participated in the 1.5-km. (gun start: 7:30AM) Kid’s Race on December 10, 2017, brought us to the Tanay Adventure Camp  (TAC), a place suitable for family bonding, team building, excursions, retreats, bikers, runners, hikers and war gamers. Their slogan is "Building Character Through Adventure."  

Though just 1-hour ride from Marikina City (via the Marikina-Infanta Road), the TAC was  still a long 2.5-hour drive from Manila, with views of the scenic Sierra Madre mountain range along the way.

Kyle on stage with his medal and certificate

Organized by Pinoy Trails and Be Trail Ready, there was also 8-km. (gun start: 7AM), 12-km. (gun start: 6AM)  and 21-km. (gun start: 5 AM) races as well as the First Hoka One One Downhill Challenge.  

The latter race was automatically participated in by runners wearing Hoka One One which are powerful downhill running shoes.  It rained all morning but this did not stop runners from competing.  With my daughter Cheska guiding him, Kyle finished his first ever race in third place.

Log House

Barracks I & II

The 3-hectare Tanay Adventure Camp, just 1-hour ride from Marikina City (via the Marikina-Infanta Road along the scenic Sierra Madre mountain range) and a 2.5-hour drive from Manila, was established in 2011.  It has a swimming pool; 2 well-designed, 230 m. long zip lines; 50 ft. high wall climbing facility; an extreme mud slide; rope courses; mountain bike and ATV trail; campsite and accommodation facilities.  

Swimming Pool

Obstacle course

Canteen

Its multipurpose hall (Maharlika Hall) can accommodate up to 400 persons (seated, no tables) and 300 persons (seated with tables), respectively.  It is equipped with a stage (that can be used for events), its own kitchen area (for prepping up foods for your occasions) and comfort rooms both for male and female(each has several cubicles inside). Rates: PhP25,000 for 12 hours, 8AM – 8 PM, PhP2,100/hour for every succeeding hour.

Private Rooms and Open Cottages

Tanay Adventure Camp offers:

• zip line/high ropes - PhP300/pax
• paintball - PhP300/pax, 30 bullets
• paragliding - PhP3,500/10-15-min. flight
• 40 ft. wall climb/basic rappelling course/ropes course & obstacle course/team building games/navigation/orienteering/basic mountaineering/outdoor ethics/physical exercises - PhP150/pax
• Swimming/campfire/bonfire/smokers night/spelunking/cave exploration/water trekking/hiking to Daranak Falls/jungle lane/jungle environmental survival training/basic first aid – PhP150/pax 

50-ft. high Climbing Wall

Campsite

Campsite Shower Rooms

Tanay Adventure Camp has triple-decker camping areas suitably provided with tents. They rent out the tents (PhP350/night, good for 4 pax) and sound system/tables and chairs (PhP1,500/day).  For those not into outdoor stay, the camp also has dormitory/sleeping quarters that can fit up to 200 persons. 

The second floor  of  the Log House (the ground floor is an office), located at the very highest part of the campsite, has a master bedroom, a kitchen, toilet, dining area and receiving area.  Good for 6-10-pax.  Barracks I (90-pax) & II (104-pax) are both are equipped with their own main comfort rooms and a room with 10 cubicles each (5 on each side) with a sink in the middle. Rate: PhP350/pax, PhP150/pax per succeeding night. 

View of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range above the sea of clouds from TAC

The 4-6-pax Kubo (PhP1,500/night) has a receiving area with a kitchen sink and a room equipped with a double deck bed.  The 8 apartment-type Private Rooms have airconditioned rooms with private bath and a dining area. Rooms 1 up to 4 have a single queen size bed while rooms 5 to 8 have double deck beds. 

Access to swimming pool is free for those staying overnight. Check in is 2 PM and check out is 12 noon the next day.  The Nipa Hut Cottages, beside the pool area, can be rented for PhP600/day + entrance fee while the viewdeck can be rented for PhP3,000/day + entrance fee.

Tanay Adventure Camp: Sitio Malaanonang, Brgy. Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal. Tel: (632) 664-5720 and (632) 267-5170. Mobile numbers: (0925) 732-7248 (Sun), (0933) 437-3106, (0915) 596-6179 and (0947) 457-1164 (Smart). Email: inquiries@tanayadventurecamp.com.  Website: www.tanayadventurecamp.com.ph. Entrance fee: PhP50/pax (8AM – 5PM) and additional PhP100/pax for overnight stay. 

A Walk for Safety and Unity (Tanay, Rizal)

Walk for Safety and Unity

Last April 5, the DOT Region 4-A led by Dir. Rebecca Villanueva-Labit, the Rizal Provincial Government, Tanay LGU led by Mayor Rex Manuel C. Tanjuatco launched the "A WALK FOR SAFETY AND UNITY," a campaign to lift the moratorium on field trips imposed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Department of Education (DepEd) in wake of the tragic bus mishap in Tanay, Rizal which killed 15 people (14 students and the bus driver) last February 21. 

Barker Hall Basketball Court

Chapel of Our Lady of Queen of
Heaven and Earth

At 7 AM, tourism officers, travel agencies, tour operators, academe, tour guides and tourism stakeholders marched from the main road to EPIC PARC Rainforest Camp in Sitio Bayucan, Brgy. Sampaloc.  After a mass held at the Chapel of Our Lady of Queen of Heaven and Earth, a press conference was held at the Barker Hall Basketball Court.   

Mass attendees at Chapel of Our Lady of Queen of Heaven and Earth

Mayor Rex Tanjuatco

Dir. Rebecca Labit

At the presscon were Dir. Labit, Mayor Tanjuatco, Mr. Dong Malonzo (Rizal Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Chief), Dr. Oliva de Leon (Rizal Provincial Board Member), Engr. Carlos Inofre, Jr. (Chief of the Tanay Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office) and Mr. Rommel Ayuson (Rizal Provincial Board Member).  

In her speech, Dir. Labit lamented that because of the bus driver’s human error, the town of Tanay, as well as other LGUs benefitting from field trips and educational tours, suffered due to the moratorium. A meeting with DepEd and CHED, regarding the moratorium, will be held in June.  She also answered questions regarding DOT accreditation.

Mayor Tanjuatco, on the other hand, commended the  Rizal Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO)  and Tanay Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRM) for their quick response  during the accident, bringing the wounded to the hospital and preventing further loss of life. He too lamented the municipality’s loss of income and opportunity due to the incident. 

Press conference, L-R: Mr. Dong Malonzo, Ms. Oliva de Leon, Mayor Rex Tanjuatco, Dir. Rebecca Labit, Mr. Rommel Ayuson and Engr. Carlos Inofre

After the "Walk for Safety," travel agencies and tour operators participated in the free familiarization tour, from 1 PM to 5 PM, visiting Regina Rica, Calinawan Cave, and Daranak Falls plus site visits to hotels and restaurants of Tanay. 

Resort Review: Momarco Resort & Hotel (Tanay, Rizal)

Date of Stay: April 4-5, 2016

RATING (Scale of 1 to 10)

Location: ******

Rooms: ********

Condition and Cleanliness: ********

Staff Performance: ********

Room Comfort: *******

Food and Beverage: ******

Other Amenities: *******

Value for Money: *******

Momarco Resort & Hotel

The 2-storey hotel

Reception Desk

This spacious, cool, breezy and well-maintained resort, with lots of greenery, has various types of rooms available to cater to different needs with a newly built hotel and casitas with suites good for couples.  

Hotel lobby

The 2-storey hotel  has airconditioned rooms with LED cable TV, minibar, smart key card, writing desk and private bath with hot and cold shower, hair dryer and hygiene kit – Superior A (PhP5,625-6,200, 1 queen-size bed and 1 single bed ), Superior B (PhP3,750-4,125, 1 queen-size bed) and Superior C (PhP3,750-4,125, 2 single beds). 

It also has nice and spacious, airconditioned single detached casitas with LCD cable TV, minibar, barbecue grille, outdoor garden set and private bath with hot and cold shower, hair dryer and hygiene kit – Casita De Luxe for 2 (PhP3,250-3,575, 1 king-size bed), Casita De Luxe for 6 (PhP6,750-7,000, 3 double beds) and Casita De Luxe for 7 (PhP7,875-8,125, 2 double beds and 1 bunk bed with pull out). 

Superior C Room - 207

Hotel balcony

Their regular airconditioned rooms have common wash areas, barbecue grilles and common outdoor garden table – Regular A/C for 2 (PhP1,600-1,760, 1 queen or 2 single beds), Regular A/C for 4 (PhP2,600-2,860, 2 bunk beds) and Regular A/C for 10 (PhP6,450-6,700, 5 bunk beds). 

Casita

Large groups are 
accommodated in basic fan-cooled room with double deck beds, good for youth camps and budgeted group outings (PhP425-450). Casa Lucia (PhP18,500-20,000), the yellow house on the hill, can sleep 30 persons. This full service house has a kitchen, dining and living areas.  

Bedrooms are fan-cooled and furnished with queen-size beds and or double deck beds. Bahay ni Inday (PhP11,750-12,000), good for 8 persons, has 2 airconditioned bedrooms and a living, dining and kitchen area. The Gazebo, good for 10 pax, has 2 fan-cooled rooms with bunk beds, It is furnished with grille, dining area and a service kitchen.

The Lanai Restaurant

The resort also has a restaurant (The Lanai, open 6 AM – 8 PM), bar and KTV (Bathala), function rooms (40-pax Laiban A & B, 60-80-pax Sampaloc Hall, 100-150-pax Aldea Hall, Kubo Hall), a huge, kidney-shaped outdoor swimming pool (open 7 AM – 5 PM), two smaller pools (a children’s pool with fountain and the other a manmade lagoon, lined with natural pebbles, with small waterfalls and rock features), poolside cabanas, view deck, , hiking path, mini zoo with some birds an snakes, sundry shop, basketball court, tennis court, sports center (billiards, table tennis, darts),and children’s playground. They've got bikes for rent (PhP100/hour) which you can use on the challenging Bathala Bike Trail of humps, rollers, jumps, berms and other obstacles. They offer videoke rental. 

The huge outdoor swimming pool

The food at the restaurant is reasonably priced and there are quite a lot of options. Whether you are on foot or on a wheelchair, you can get to where you want to be as there are ramps going to the swimming pool, the casitas and the resort’s other amenities. The staff was courteous and helpful. However, internet is only available at the hotel lobby. 

Koi pond

Function hall

This is a good place to unwind as it is close to nature, with massive trees of all sorts. It's also a great place for youth camps, religious activities and teambuilding. 

The resort is also open for those who want to try camping around the rolling terrain or forest trails. Its location, far from the main road, makes it more private and somehow secluded. However, the winding access road leading to the resort was bumpy. There was ample and secure parking space. 

Mini zoo

Momarco Resort & Hotel: Sampaloc Road, Sitio Bathala, Brgy. Plaza Aldea, Tanay, Rizal. Teleax:: +632-4274476. Mobile numbers: (0917) 851-3626, (0928) 559-5306, (0927) 822-9865 and (0918) 942-9873. Email: momarcoresort@yahoo.com. Website: www.momarcoresort.com. Facebook: Momarco Resort and Hotel. Entrance fee: PhP250/person (3 yrs up, inclusive of use of swimming pool). Food corkage: PhP50/pax. No pets allowed.