Mount Batulao

The name “Batulao” has three possible derivations. First, it could mean “stone in the light” in English, which is the translation of the Tagalog phrase “bato sa ilaw.”

Another source could be a combination of the Tagalog words “bato” (rock) and “dilaw” (yellow). The latter refers to the mountain’s color during sunrise.

Among the three origins of the word, I prefer “light on two stones,” a result of the shortening of the Tagalog phrase “ilaw sa dalawang bato.” This third version of the name calls my attention to an interesting story. The “two stones” refer to “illuminated rocks” in relation to the wonder of nature that takes place at the mountain in the month of December. During this period, the rays of the sun arise out of the valley between the mountain’s two prominent peaks and light them up.

I went there last 25th March of this year. Together with the youth of our church, we climbed the mountain. The trail is very narrow and rough. Due to the slippery and dangerous character of the mountain, climbing it was not easy.

Finally, we arrived at the peak. The temperature was cool and the weather was windy. It took us two hours to reach the summit. Before sunrise, we already reached the peak. We were so glad and satisfied we are glad because we can watch the sunrise.

Unfortunately, because of the clouds from the sea, the sun started to hide. The sunrise has passed, and the sun is just glancing at us from time to time. Though we felt a little dissatisfied, still we are happy and grateful for witnessing the beauty of nature that has been displayed before our sight.