Culminating my Mountaineering Year, 2013, was a climb to an
underrated mountain in my hometown. It was very special because located in that mountain
is the exact CENTER OF THE PHILIPPINES. It is said that every Filipino
Geodetic Engineers dream of reaching this marker as it serves as the Point Zero
when making a map.
Luzon Datum of 1911/Station Balanacan.
This Philippine
Marker is located in the highest hill in the northwest point of Marinduque
Island. According to marinduque.gov.ph, its institutionalization as
geodetic datum origin is traced to the surveying and mapping activities in the
Philippines of the then United States Coast and Geodetic Survey (USCGS). With
the new territorial claim of the US following the Spanish-American War, the
responsibilities of the USCGS grew which included the conduct of various
scientific and cartographic initiatives in the Philippine Islands beginning
1901. Reference: http://www.marinduque.gov.ph/luzondatum.html
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| NHI Marker of Luzon Datum |
From my hometown (Santa Cruz), I drove half an hour to the nearby
town (Mogpog). I had my cousin as my sidekick in this journey. Along the way, we
took the liberty of taking pictures in some of the fascinating places.
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| Butansapa Bridge, Mogpog |
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| Magapua Footbridge, Mogpog |
We had our breakfast in Mogpog Public Market and continued
our journey afterwards.
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| Lomi for breakfast. |
The main route going to Luzon Datum is the same as going to
Balanacan Port. Upon reaching the intersection in Brgy. Balanacan, we turned
right. The first few minutes of my drive was fine, roads are concreted. And
then there comes the rough road. It was a tough one and I need to be extra cautious.
Aside from being muddy, the roads are steep. There were a lot of times that my sidekick
needs to walk so that I could pass in some dangerous portions.
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| The rough road going to Brgy. Hinanggayon |
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| The muddy trail I need to face. |
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| The MUD. Bow. |
Upon reaching Brgy. Hinanggayon, we looked for the Barangay
Hall and registered. As of December 2013, they still are not able to issue
official receipts so they only accept donations. We also asked for a guide.
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| Welcome Post of Luzon Datum 1911 |
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| Brgy. Hinanggayon's Rules for the Locals |
It took us 30 minutes to reach the Datum.
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| Point Zero. The Center of the Philippines. |
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| Positioned exactly at POINT ZERO. |
A shed was
constructed so that visitors can rest. A circular pathway was also made around
the Datum.
The summit offers a view of the shorelines of the western
side of Marinduque.
We took our lunch, rested for a while, and started to
descend.
Notes:
It is better to bring motorcycle if you are going to Luzon Datum of 1911. It will be harder for 4-wheeled vehicles.
If you will just commute, there are only two schedules going
to Brgy. Hinanggayon: 9:00 AM and 12 NN. Jeepney terminal is located near
Mogpog Public Market. Ask the locals for directions.
19 comments:
gujab. sana makarating din dyan.
Wow! That was such an adventure you had there. I wish I can ride a motorbike like you. When is the best time to go there? Would February be an ok month to visit that part of Marinduque?
oohhh..definitely I would go to the center of the philippines! This is new. thanks for sharing.
@jennifer, any time of the year is ok. But i suggest that you visit Marinduque during the Holy Week so you could visit Moriones Festival.
How much did you spend per person for this trip? Are there a lot of restaurants available?
Nice trip! I have respect to mountaineers, with their passion to nature and endurance. That summit photo is perfect.
That's quite an adventure, is there a time of year when there is less mud?
Wow!you enjoyed a great adventure.very nice photoes and obviously a nice share.
MallSaleLover: Thanks for dropping by. I appreciate your comment about the photo.
Martina: i guess summer time is perfect. Holy week is the best time I think so you could visit the festival of Marinduque as well :)
Rochkirstin: Since I live in the nearby town, I spent 500 pesos total (for the two of us) for including the gasoline, donation for the barangay, and food. There is no available restaurant in the area. You have to bring your own food hehe.
Wow, how awesome is this! I've never thought about the center of the Philippines before, but now because of this, it is definitely in my travel bucket list now!
Sounds like a great adventure. And at the center of the Philippines? Cool! Thanks for sharing. ^_^
I envy people like you, who travel and have an adventure a lot. hope i can go have some adventure, even just for one day. nice photos you got.
Your blog is amazing! My family lives in Bohol,and I miss them- especially with the earthquake and typhoon. Your blog gives me an opportunity to feel closer to them. Plus, I am a homeschool mom and my son loves science. Please come visit my blog at http://www.heartofaphilanthropist.com I posted about the Visayas today! PS. I'm going to sign up for your newsletter so I don't lose your blog!
What a beautiful place! Hopefully I can go there some day also. Glad you enjoyed the trip :)
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you've got nice adventures. saw your site's link from another travel blogger I follow. I figured out that you know each other because some of of your posts are similar. you just differ from the manner the content is written but your photos are the same as well. anyway, you're good+
aaah! nature tripping! love it! can we make travelling an occupation? hahaha
Thank you guys for dropping by.
I appreciate it.
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