"THE SILENT WONDERS OF NUEVA VIZCAYA"

I had no idea what to expect from Nueva Vizcaya, as it is not a popular tourist spot in the Philippines. Maybe also because it is just a quiet province nestled in the heart of Luzon. This trip, though, turned out to be such a surprise! Nueva Vizcaya, bordered by the Sierra Madre, Cordillera, and Caraballo mountain ranges, is home to an astounding 33 waterfalls, 23 mountains, 9 caves, and 4 salt springs. We only had a day to explore Nueva Vizcaya, but it was enough to say that it is a place of rich stories of resilience, culture, and history.

If you travel from Metro Manila, you will be greeted by the breathtaking Malico Viewpoint—the coldest part of Nueva Vizcaya. We arrived there around 5:30 in the morning, experiencing the mist caused by heavy fog and the chill in the air. As early as that time, there was already a restaurant that served hot breakfast and coffee, which we of course did not miss.

Just near the vicinity is proof of Novo Vizcayanos’ preservation of history and a reminder of lessons of the past: the relics of a World War II Sherman tank. This not only reminds the locals but also visitors like us of the battles that once shook these mountains. It may be a painful reminder, but you learn to appreciate its beauty because it sits under the pines like a sentinel quietly waiting for the time to pass.

There is also Sky Escape 360 Ambaguio Nature Camp, which, as the name suggests, gives you a 360-degree view of the entire province. The natural backdrops, the vintage bicycle, and other parts of the place are visually perfect for pictorials. I had the chance to lie down in the hammock and feel the cool breeze while taking in the view of the mountains and looking up at the limitless horizon. Visitors can just sit back, relax, unwind, and linger in a conversation while experiencing the breeze of the mountain.

Back in the heart of Bayombong is the Old Provincial Capitol, built between 1904 and 1906 and now converted into a museum. This renovated building now houses exhibits of artists’ work and a showcase of the province’s living roots of history and identity. This is where we can see Indigenous Peoples’ tools for hunting and gathering, items once traded in highland markets, and garments woven with traditional patterns.

Just within the museum complex is the Bantayog ng Wika, a monument that tells of how Novo Vizcayanos preserve their local language and culture. It stands as the people’s pride in their Gaddang language, which is still widely spoken in the place.

Like other popular destinations, churches are still preserved. We visited St. Dominic’s Cathedral, a structure declared an Important Cultural Property by the National Museum for its historical and architectural significance.

The other is the St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in Dupax del Sur, where the whole church complex has been declared a National Cultural Treasure. This is because the original brick walls, heavy wooden doors, iron fences, and hand-laid floor tiles have all been preserved, but you would not think that this was built before World War II. Tales about the church abound, but one that stands out is the story of how the Japanese threw bombs at the church, but there are no traces of such. Also inside the church complex stands the oldest and biggest acacia tree in North Luzon. This centuries-old tree just stands quietly without flaunting its greatness and strength.

Just a walking distance from the church is the historic Dampol Arc Bridge, built in 1818, with a beautiful design made by the Isinay natives. It was once threatened to be demolished because of a road-widening project, but the people fought for its preservation, and it still stands unharmed. Nueva Vizcaya may not have the beach resorts that are famous destinations for foreign tourists that they can take pride in, but there are more places not fully explored that speak of rarities and authenticities. The province is quiet yet charming and richly speaks of a preserved heritage of history and culture—an emerging destination for one to appreciate not just the beauty and wonders of nature but also the rich history and culture the Philippines has.