The Biak na Bato National Park, in San Miguel, Bulacan, is one of top travel destinations in the province because of its historical contribution in the Philippine republic. "Biak na Bato" or split of boulder is where Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo signed the Malolos Republic (first Constitution of the Philippines). Aside from its historical background, tourist and students visit this park to relax, breath some fresh air, and witness the beauty inside the caves, especially the stunning Bahay Paniki Cave, the highlight of the area. By the way, it was declared as national park in 1937 by the former president Manuel L. Quezon.
There are concrete pathways and bridges that serve as the connection to certain parts of Biak na Bato National Park, crossing Balaong and Madlum rivers. The local government built a river wall to protect the area from soil erosion. The trail going to each highlights are simple and the terrain is surrounded by greens. In this park, three caves can be found. These caves were used by the Katipuneros during the Spanish Colonial lead by Emilio Aguinaldo.
Bahay Paniki Cave (House of Bats) is located 300 meters south of the Aguinaldo Cave. Its location is not easy to penetrate due to some sharp and slippery stones. Since the area is composed of plants, it serves as the home of some poisonous snakes, scorpions and insects. It is said to be the home of at least six species of winged mammals like: kabag-kabag, ngusong kabayo, bungisngis, sibsib, bayakan and pakibu. Inside Bahay Paniki Cave is an open space that stretches 30 meters up forming a colorful, gorgeous and spacious dome.The boulders are really huge, I think it's like a 2-storey building tall. Then beside the cave is the flowing water coming from the spring, inside the cave.
The Aguinaldo Cave is the most notable among other caves of Biak na Bato National Shrine. It is the cave where Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo once took refuge while leading the resistance movement against the Spanish and American colonizers. It is believed that this cave was the La Mesa de Aguinaldo, the table which Aguinaldo signed the historic Peace Treaty.
OTHER CAVES IN BIAK NA BATO NATIONAL PARK:
Ambush cave or the Yungib 1 has a narrow and long cavern inside. There were several battles happened in this cave; this was the place where the Katipuneros brought the Spaniards and killed them. But instead of killing the Spanish soldier, the Katipuneros killed the other Katipuneros and the Spaniards killed the Spaniards, because the place was really dark and they didn't recognize that they were killing their own group members.
Hospital cave or Yungib II served as the hospital for the Katipuneros. This was the dwelling of those people who got shoot or got ill during the battle against the Spaniards. Together with the my two guides, we had a short prayer (in Portuguese or latin) in a form of a Pasyon (a native song) for those people who sacrificed their lives just for our Freedom against the Spaniards.
Imbakan Cave or the Yungib III played a big role during the fight against the Spaniards. This was the place where the Katipuneros (Filipino Revolutionaries) stored their foods, medicines, bullets, ammunition and other things that they were using during the fight.
Tanggapan Cave served as the office and the recruitment area of the Katipuneros including Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, for their new members . This is also the place where the new recruits were being oriented about the plans in fighting against the Spaniards.
HOW TO GET TO BIAK NA BATO NATIONAL PARK: At Baliwag Transit Terminal, in Cubao, ride in a bus bound for San Miguel. Then tell the driver or bus conductor to drop you off at the tricycle terminal to Biak na Bato, by the highway.