ENGLISH: Culture of Banahaw

Mt. Banahaw, the biggest and one of the most famous religous places in the country and also known as the New Jerusalem. It is said to be founded by Agripino Lontoc.

Natives in the area believe that our national hero, jose rizal is a descendant of christ that they made their own religion, “Rizalismo”. Some believed that Rizal is a prophet and some believed that Rizal is a God.

Rizalistas are said to be not only religious but they are also very nationalistic because their beliefs are influenced by the philippine culture and symbols.

There are places or “checkpoints” around the mountain that are symbolic and holy, they were called “puestos”. Those places are somehow similar to the places in Jerusalem.

Ciudad Mistica de dios

It is considered the gate of Jerusalem which is believed to be the gate of heaven where everyone is invited and welcome that was symbolized by flags of different countries around the world.

Husgado Cave

A small cave consists of dangerous rocks; it is believed to have a symbolic role in giving judgment for your sins in life. It is said that, if you pass through it without having wounds, you are considered not a sinful one, on the contrary, if you have wounds after you get through with it, you are judged a sinner.

Calvary

A steep hill and considered a sacrifice hill due to beliefs that Jesus went to Banahaw to rest for awhile and the angels brought the holy places in Jerusalem to the surroundings of the volcano.

River

A river equivalent to the Jordan river in Israel where Jesus was baptized. The people considered it holy because they believe that the water they get from it has a healing power. It is the reason why most people especially the sick, goes to Banahaw to visit the site most importantly the river.

It is important for people to have something to believe in because their religion that affects on what a person would be. Even if there are many different beliefs in the country, people should learn unity in diversity to be as one community in the country.