The Art of Andy Maluche, Banahaw

We were in Santa Lucia and there are many little caves and waterfalls here.
Each one of them is dedicated to a saint and you can visit them all or focus on one that specializes on your particular kind of problem.
Huffing and puffing we left the shops behind and climbed upwards between enormous rocks covered with ferns and moss.

Huge trees towered above us and lianas seemed to tie them to the rocks.
Sun rays cutting sideways through the scenery, made visible by the high humidity of the air.
The stones, almost black from moisture were covered by fluorescent green moss, creating a beautiful contrast as feather like ferns reached into the path from every angle.

We arrived at a little clearing with a large triangle made of stones in the middle and several signs carved on the surrounding rocks.

I haven't seen it yet but that's how I envisioned the set design for
"Lord of the Rings"
A little further we reached a hole in the ground with a steel ladder disappearing in its depths.

The Eye In The Pyramid

This was the twin caves of San Pedro and another guy which I forgot, I think Saint Paul.
We waited for a boy who went down to clean it and followed him after he shouted his go ahead. It wasn't very deep but it was very dark and slippery.

Eric handed me a small candle he bought before but it wasn't of much use.
The black stone absorbed every available light.
About 15 feet down we came to some kind of altar with a figurine of a saint and many burning candles in front of it.

The Entrance To The Twin Caves

Eric stuck his candle between the others and directed me to do the same.

After a short prayer he told me that I have to look for a small stone and scratch my name onto the rock.
Then I should whisper my wishes and desires.
Especially since I wanted to go up the mountain I should ask permission and ask for safe guidance which I did.

Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5