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Seniors Reunite with Nature Posted August 10, 2009
The seniors left for Quezon at around 6 A.M. During the trip, the facilitators from Lakbay-Kalikasan gave a short background on Folk Christianity and Animism as well as on the history of Mt. Banahaw. The group arrived at Complex 1 of Mt. Banahaw in Brgy. Sta. Lucia at around 9 A.M. From there, the different sections took different routes around the said complex. Several interesting places were visited such as the Ciudad Mystica, where a thriving population of different religions around Banahaw lives. Also, different churches are found in this community, the largest of which is the Spiritual Filipino Catholic Church where they consider some of our national heroes as the counterparts of the 12 apostles.
After visiting the community, the group set for Ilog Lagnas or the place where people dip into the cold waters of the small river for them to be cleansed spiritually - a belief that has been observed by the locals. The group then prepared for Kalbaryo, the equivalent of Mt. Calvary. Some seniors took first their lunch before trekking to the said hill while others went ahead and took their lunch at the hilltop. The trek to Kalbaryo was a very strenuous and tiring hike for those who are not into physical activity. But reaching its summit is a rewarding experience as the view is spectacular and the wind is much felt. Upon reaching the top, each section was given a time to pray and to light a candle at the foot of the three crosses. It was also explained by the facilitators that the hill was so named because of the very tiring trek that one would experience before reaching the top.
After a day full of activities, the group finally bade goodbye to the majestic mountain of Banahaw bringing with them unforgettable memories of a wonderful reunion with nature and a glimpse of a unique and mystical culture.
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