Thunderbird Resorts and the Petroglyphs

Last Easter (8 April 2011), we visited the Thunderbird Resort in Angono, Rizal. I really do not know what compelled or inspired us to visit the said resort. Our original plan was to go to Nasugbo in Batangas and enjoy its coastline. We intend to take advantage that Monday is also a holiday as the country celebrates “Araw ng Kagitingan”. It was actually a weekend of five (5) days starting from Holy Thursday or from April 5-9, 2012).

All the news and TV reports focused on the mass exodus of people going to their respective provinces. In the Philippines, Holy Week is synonymous to thousands of travelers all wanting to escape to the provinces. It seems that everyone would like to take advantage of this very long day-off where for four (4) days there is practically nothing to do but to rest and relax. But of course, we should not forget to fulfill our religious obligations. Holy Week should not be solely spent on leisure and in taking that much-desired vacation but it is also a time to pray, reflect and re-establish again our connections with God.

The original plan was to go to Nasugbo in Batangas. But, we thought that taking the South Luzon Expressway at this time is not a good idea. It is already Sunday and we can get trapped by a massive number of commuters who are on the way back to Metro Manila.  We also took into account that we do not have that much cash for a get-away to Nasugbo. The gasoline expense, toll fees and the cost of accommodation will definitely take a toll on our meager budget. Life has not been easy lately. It has been very difficult to find ways of augmenting my present income. My budget has been barely enough to provide for basic necessities. I really hope that the economy picks up soon. Travelling has indeed become a luxury.

We took the route to Thunderbird Resorts passing SM Taytay and then to Angono – the reputed “Art Capital of the Philippines”. It is not my first time to be in Angono. I have already seen the artworks of famous Filipino painters displayed in their respective houses converted into a museum of sorts. I am really amazed at the talent and perseverance of these painters. By just seeing the paintings in Angono is already worth the effort. I remember we even passed a street where works of Botong Francisco are displayed. I also recalled that we ate at the “Balaw-Balaw Restaurant”.

A few meters after reaching Angono, there is a big sign showing the direction to Thunderbird Resorts. The resort is visible from the road as it is located on a mountain top. We passed through a street along subdivisions. As we went straight ahead, we were challenged by a very steep road up the mountain.  While the road is well concreted, travelers to this resort should ensure that their vehicles are well-conditioned and capable of a very high climb.  Check the brakes! Negotiating this kind of road requires that the breaks are in the best condition. Losing the brake during the climb and when going down this kind of road can very dangerous. 

As we went higher, we were greeted by a spectacular view.  I felt like I was in “Cloud 9” but this time much higher and bigger. As the one behind the wheel, I really need to be careful and keep my eyes on the road.  By just momentarily looking at the cliffs, I can imagine the consequences in the event of a mistake while traversing this high road.

After carefully trudging the road, we made it into a security outpost signaling that we are already near the resort.  The security guard gave us direction on how to finally get there. I felt relieved as the guard told us that we are just a few meters away from Thunderbird Resorts.

A few meters drive thereafter, we finally reached the parking lot of the resort. It was so hot! I checked my watch at it is already a quarter to two in the afternoon. The sun, however, was still shining brightly. Its rays seem to pierce through the skin. Perhaps, the remaining ozone layer has already disappeared. I have observed that today’s temperature is very different way back during the eighties. I can remember that during that time, the sun’s rays even at high noon is tolerable. Now, just a few minutes under the sun is unbearable! I think this is already a taste of the ill effects of global warming. The sun’s heat can literally burn while the rains can cause massive flooding. Definitely, both situations are so difficult to deal with.

We parked our vehicle at the parking lot near the infinity swimming pool.  There was an on-going program celebrating Easter. There were several children in Easter costumes. As I looked at their innocent faces, I began to recall the time I have attended an Easter egg hunt. I really cannot recall having attended an Easter party. But, during my elementary days, there was a church activity where I participated in various games with kids of my age competing. If I am not mistaken, it is an Easter celebration. Usually, Easter programs are sponsored by churches. Now, it seems that it is celebrated in hotels and resorts.

It was still hot and we felt that it is not a good idea to swim at this time. Since what we paid is a day tour (for P1,200.00 each person) where food is consumable, we decided to feast on the buffet. The waiter described the buffet as “Easter buffet”. An array of food was on the table. I really do not know what kind of dishes were served. But, I saw the familiar spaghetti and other pasta dishes. There are chicken and fish meals. I was thankful fried rice is being served. I was already hungry and have not taken lunch yet. I ate until I was full. After the main course, there are several choices for dessert - sliced fruits, local delicacies, sweets and “halo-halo”. The “halo-halo” is prepared by the guest. The ingredients are just lined up for the guest to choose.

After this sumptuous feast, we thought already of swimming. But, we got discouraged as the sun was still shining brightly. The sun’s heat has not diminished despite that is already around 2 pm! We then decided to visit the “Angono Petroglyphs” reputed to be the oldest artwork in the Philippines.  There is a sign showing the way to the Petroglyphs. One has to pass through a man-made tunnel a few meters long.  Vehicles are not allowed to pass through the tunnel as it may affect the structure. Visitors must walk through this tunnel to reach the petroglyphs.

After walking for just a few minutes, we reached the end of the tunnel. A few meters thereafter, we reached the site where there is an office of the National Historical Institute whose responsibility is to protect and preserve the petroglyphs. The signs say that it was National Artist Botong Francisco who discovered the petroglyphs. This really shows he has an eye for art. It is easy to dismiss the drawings or writings on the wall as insignificant. But, thanks to Botong this piece of art has been preserved for future generations to see.

As I look at these petroglyphs, I can see that there is evidence of vandalism. Names of vandals have been etched on the wall. It is so sad that there are those who failed to appreciate the importance of these petroglyphs. It is good that, at least, a big portion of this heritage site has been preserved. As I look at these creations, I began to imagine how life was during the old times. Everything was simple. No cell phones, laptops, and other high-end gadgets. The means to communicate was through the writings on the wall.

There are times, I wished that everything was simple as it was before. Sending messages may be difficult yet, there is that feeling of excitement each time a snail mail arrives. Keeping letters and reading it again during those sentimental moments with rains on the window pane as a backdrop is now a thing of the past given the fast-paced method of sending and receiving messages. Romanticism is now lost!

What really are the messages intended to convey on these walls? Perhaps, this is the question on the mind of those who have seen these petroglyphs. The drawings on the walls which seem to be a depiction of human beings, animals and plants can be subjected to various interpretations. The only limit is the imagination. In the eyes of the artist, the drawings are visual representations showing a higher form of intellect. While in the eyes of the unlearned, these are mere vandals of no value.

It is fortunate that Botong discovered these ancient artworks and took the effort of reporting his find to the authorities. As a true artist, he knows the value of these artworks and the necessity of preserving them for posterity. If he had not passed this site, these artworks would be lost and destroyed depriving future generations of seeing such wonderful ancient pieces.

I hope that the government, despite its meager resources, would continue maintaining, protecting and preserving these petroglyphs. It is not only a work of art but a testament that our forefathers are creative individuals. Too bad that the name of the artist or artists that created these petroglyphs are now lost to history. Whoever its creators are future generations will always be indebted to them. They have created something that we can be truly proud of.

The resort has an infinity pool and a Jacuzzi. It is located on a mountain top it offers a view of Laguna Bay and the nearby provinces. The restaurant is very near the pool. Visitors can sip their drinks at the poolside. I saw several foreigners enjoying, alternately, the pool, the Jacuzzi and view. I began to remember what has been observed that oftentimes, it is the foreigners who are first to enjoy, if not exploit, our natural resources. They are the first to visit those beautiful spots. We become strangers in our own country. The reason is of course financial. The difficult life in the country makes traveling a luxury for the ordinary Filipino.

Thunderbird Resorts is one good alternative for a place to visit during the weekends. It is just around two (2) hours from Ortigas depending on the traffic. Space, view and that fresh mountain air coupled with a quick visit to the petroglyphs make this resort worth visiting. It is a welcome break, after days of working, to visit a different resort other than the usual.