Religion

Pamumuwesto at Mt. Banahaw

The pamumuwesto means to their traditional devoted life to their religion "Rizalista" by going on one puwesto or altar to another, which they gave respect to the nature and pray for their devoted life. To these puwestos, we had went 5 of them to the help of Lakbay Kalikasan.

A. The Gate of Heaven and Ciudad Mistica De Dios

The Gate of Heaven

 The Gate of Heaven is also considered the gate to heaven for them. It was potrayed with various flags of countries around the world that symbolizes to their acceptance to anyone who wish to enter. When you enter the gate of heaven, you will see the community and there a chapel called Ciudad Mistica De Dios.

Ciudad Mistica De Dios

This was the first pwesto that we visited. The group was founded by Maria Bernarda Balitaan and they considered the twelve of our national heroes as the apostles of Jesus and of Rizal. A church that prohibited people the entry of non-belonging to their group. Fortunately, we still had a chance to preview the interior of the church. At that time, some was praying so we try to minimize our noise. They considered Rizal as a Prophet. Inside, all the people are dressed and veiled and most of them were women. 

B. Book of Life

The Book of Life

The Book of Life is a rock that looks like a book. According to the people, anyone can light a candle and 

write the name of the people whom he/she wants to pray for, it will be granted. We can in the picture, the one in the middle looks like a heart. This place was also called Mother of Perpetual Help were they ask for mercy.

C. Husgado Cave

Husgado Cave

The third pwesto is the Husgado Cave which means the Judgement Cave. The cave was very narrow which one person at a time should pass through. They said that when you get many wounds, you are a sinful person. They also believe that you should leave all your problems to the cave, so it is worth it all the hardships. It is hard because you need to listen to the Lakbay Kalikasan saying the right movement. It is a disadvantage to all big and tall persons. 

D. Kalbaryo

The Cross

This is the fourth puwesto, the Kalbaryo or the Calvary. It is said  to be that the mountain where Jesus carry his cross and to be crucified. The devotees carry a rock either big or small when going the top of the mountain to make sacrifices, they will put it under the cross and pray afterwards. The trekking is long and steep so it is a sacrifice for us up and down. We can see also an image of La Pieta and an eye with blue and red symbolizes Philippine Flag in the top of the mountain, as they also believe with Rizal.

"Jove Rex-Al" - Jose Rizal

"La Pieta" 

E. Ilog Lagnas

Ilog Lagnas

This the last puwesto, the Ilog Lagnas. This is where the pumumuwesto should start. Anyways, when going to Ilog Lagnas, it hasa long stairs leading to it. The number of step is approximately 270, they say that if you count it correctly, you pray and it will be granted. It is said that the river could heal sickness inside and outside, the water was clean and cold. It is said to be miraculous.

"Hawak kamay"

"Bato bato"