Two alumni brods, renowned national artists from the UP College of Fine Arts, Pablo "Adi" Santos'62 and Jess Abrera'64, have joined in the effort to save Mt. Makiling by participating in the "A Different Kind of Love" Arts Festival on Feb. 12, 2009 (see Philippine Journal article below sent by another UP CFA alum, RP Usec Brod Rolly Reyes'66).   We will ask Brods Adi and Jess if they could share with us their entries and experience in this praiseworthy environmental advocacy.

 Below you will also find:
   a) the direct links to Brod Adi's Paintings and Brod Jess' Cartoons found in our website's Artworks section; and

   b) interesting links to Mt. Makiling UPLB Hiking Trail and the Makiling Botanic Gardens.

   Click below:

     Paintings - by Brod Adi Santos, UPD'62

     Cartoons - by Brod Jess Abrera, UPD'64

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**About Mount Makiling, from http://laguna.islandsphilippines.com/mtmakiling.html:

Laguna Mount Makiling
Laguna Islands Philippines

Mount Makiling, also known as Mount Maquiling, is located in the province of Laguna on the island of Luzon, Philippines. It is an inactive volcano, which rises to 1,090 m above sea level. Legends surround the mountain, many of which relate to Maria Makiling, said to be the 'guardian fairy' of the mountain. The contour of the mountain is said to be that of her in a reclining position.

Mt. Makiling is a popular hiking destination. The two major trails begin at the UPLB College of Forestry and Brgy. San Miguel, Sto. Tomas, Batangas. The UPLB trail is more commonly used, taking 4-5 hours to reach the summit (Peak 2). The other trail from Sto. Tomas passes by other peaks, is more difficult, and requires 6-7 hours to reach the summit. Both trails are generally established and safe.

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**About Mariang Makiling, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Makiling:

Maria Makiling, sometimes spelled Mariang Makiling, in Philippine Mythology, is a diwata or lambana (fairy or forest nymph) associated with Mount Makiling in Laguna,Philippines. She is the most widely known diwata in Philippine Mythology.

Similar to Maria Sinukuan of Pampanga's Mount Arayat and Maria Cacao of Cebu's Mount Lantoy, Maria Makiling is a guardian of the mountain, responsible for protecting its bounty and thus, is also a benefactor for the townspeople who depend on the mountain's resources. In addition to being a guardian of the mountain, some legends also identify Laguna de Bay - and the fish caught from it - as part of her domain.

It is often said that Mount Makiling resembles the profile of a woman, said to be Maria herself. This phenomenon is described as true from several different perspectives, so there is no single location associated with this claim. The mountain's various peaks are said to be Maria's face and two breasts, respectively, and her hair cascades downwards a gentle slope away from her body.

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Below are two interesting links, please read on:

    Mt. Makiling UPLB Hiking Trail  

    Makiling Botanic Gardens              

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