Desecration of mystical mountain

Last week, I went up the mystical Mt. Banahaw in Dolores, Quezon, once again, after more than 10 years, in response to a call for help by a descendant of Agripino Lontok, the mountain’s first known mystic and hermit.

I was accompanied by two former students, a male architect who was a frequent visitor to the mountain and a female real estate broker who had never been there but was very curious about its legendary mysteries.

The original inhabitants of the mystical mountain are very concerned about three things: first, the plan of the barangay to collect fees from people going up the mountain; second, the construction of unauthorized and questionable structures; and third, the unabated and indiscriminate cutting down of plants, herbs and trees with medicinal and/or mystical significance.

Old residents and mystics led by Lontok’s granddaughter Estela Lontok Abela are trying to put up a foundation that will protect the mountain from human predators and to preserve its natural features as dictated by the spirits.

Lack of strong leadership

Their efforts at putting up a common or united front against the onslaught of modernization are stymied by lack of funds and strong leadership. Electrification has brought the noise of the lowlands into the mountain.

“We are not against electrification as such,” explained Estela and her followers. “But we are against putting electricity in the sacred places, because one can no longer pray and meditate in peace, which is what pilgrims come here for.” They said there are so many distractions that compete for one’s attention. Thus, the traditional tranquility of the place could hardly be found anymore.

The charging of a fee to anyone who goes up the mountain during Holy Week has given rise to suspicions of anomalies and corruption. “Who accounts for all the money collected? Where do they go?” These questions, according to some old residents, have not been answered adequately.

Mt. Banahaw has been declared a protected National Park and is an important watershed area. But the old residents do not see the place being protected as much as it should be.

Recently, there have been stepped-up military activities in the area reportedly due to the presence of New People’s Army rebels. But according to the residents, they have never encountered any NPA in the area. “Everybody who comes to Banahaw is here either to pray and meditate, cleanse his spirits, or get amulets and charms. But some have come to dig for treasures.”

Unless some drastic and concerted effort is done fast by the local and national government, the predictions of the spirits may still come true. A medium was told 15 years ago that, “when the noise of the city reaches the mountain, that will be the end of mystical Mt. Banahaw.”

Estela and her followers do not wish to see the prediction come true too soon.

I recall that in the early ’80s, when there were yet no concrete steps and railings leading to the Sta. Lucia Falls, we used to hold on to ropes and roots of trees to negotiate the steps in the descent to the canyon. During wet seasons, the muddy steps become slippery, but no accident ever occurred. But with the concrete steps and nylon ropes, I was told there was recently somebody who plunged to his death when the rope to which he was hanging on broke. “The spirits of the mountain must really be angry,” murmured our hosts.

The paths leading to St. Jacob’s Well and some mystical places are now cemented. This makes a lot of difference in one’s mood and attitude.

Whereas before, we had to be very careful and must have full concentration in negotiating the narrow and rocky paths, now we can do so with ease and even talk to our companions without danger.

The old mystics and hermits of Mt. Banahaw know they can’t stop the modernization of the mountain, but they are hoping this can be done without totally destroying the very thing that has made Mt. Banahaw the mystical and mysterious place that has attracted people to it in the first place.

Note: The next Soulmates, Karma & Reincarnation seminar will be held March 8, 1-5 p.m., at Rm. 308 Prince Plaza I Condominium, 106 Legaspi St., Greenbelt, Makati. Interested parties may call 8107245, 8926806, or fax 8159890. E-mail innerawareness_2005@yahoo.com.ph

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