Saturday, August 09, 2008 Revisiting Arayat National Park By Ma. Jhoana Rose C. Halili
WE WERE just lazing around enjoying weekend when suddenly we've decided to visit the Arayat National Park. I haven't visited the park for quite some time despite its proximity to our area.
The legendary Mount Arayat rises like a solitary giant over the central plains of Luzon. It is a dormant volcano with an area of 3,715.28 hectares. Long before it drew the attention of hikers; it was already popular in myth. It was said to be a dwelling place of Kapampangan sun god, Sinukuan, a fairy who safeguard the mountains foliage and wildlife.
According to my Lola Itang, "Sinukuan" was imprisoned in a cave sealed with white rock visible on the mountainside. He was engaged in an epic battle with his rival, Apung Pinatubo, who hurled stones at him.
Another legend about Arayat is Mariang Sinukuan, counterpart of the Tagalogs' Mariang Makiling. In some accounts, she was Maria Makiling's sister.
Like Maria Makiling, Mariang Sinukuan was a mountain dweller with fairy like-powers. She has been the subject of songs and poems. There is also a thriving Rizalista community at the side of the mountain.
At the foot of the mountain is the Arayat National Park, a picnic site with lush foliage, natural waterfalls, two swimming pools and a countless variety of unique and interesting flora and fauna. One would be delighted to the cool breeze, natural spring water that fall from the mountain.
Added attraction to the park was the Tree House. From the park, it would be a two-kilometer trek up the Tree House, which has facilities like huts and houses that can be rented for conference and meetings. The place has the best view of the mountain and the surrounding area.
Foreign and local tourists regularly visit the government–operated Mount Arayat National Park in Barangay Bano as well as several private resorts in the town.
Although the National Park has degenerated into local resort, it is still the jump off for the Arayat Peak 1. The peak has a spectacular view deck, where you can behold seemingly all of Central Luzon. Pampanga River meanders like a snake across the rice fields. The mountain ranges in Zambales and Bataan come into view, so is Sierra Madre on the opposite side.
Meanwhile, Peak 2 can be accessed from Magalang town, North of Arayat. In either trails, the “balding” of the mountain is evidenced by the intense heat of the sun. But the mountains still has forests where monkeys continue to roam freely. You can hear their calls along the last leg of the trail. There are also sightings of wild boars, local civet (musang) and native birds.
But the sad thing is, armed groups scare hikers so military personnel are dispatched into the trail. Whether it is a mountain of myth or towering landmark, Kapampangans take pride in Mt. Arayat and remains one of the most exciting hiking destinations in Luzon.
