Culture and adventure, set in the backdrop of Mother Nature, came together as the town of Montalban, Rizal celebrated its event-filled 153rd municipal founding anniversary.
Themed “Makasaysayang Bayan; Makabagong Karanasan, Silayan Bagong Montalban”, the monthlong Montalban Festival is a thrilling mixture of legend, nature-oriented adventures, indigenous culture, rhythmic beats, and exciting road and food trips.
“From showcasing our rich cultural heritage to embracing the spirit of unity and camaraderie, this year’s festivities is arguably the most memorable celebration in recent years as we embarked on new activities,” says municipal mayor Ronnie Evangelista.
Daily activities included the Agri-Trade Tourism Fair that showcased local agricultural produce from the upland villages and the nightly Music & Busking in the Park with home-grown musical and entertainment talents. The action picked up with adrenaline-pumping events of the Grand Off-Road Adventure Fest held at the Pamitinan Protected Landscape which covered mountain biking, trail running, hiking, and paramotor sky flying.
Montalban, a stone’s throw from Metro Manila, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas. Adventure-seekers flock to indulge in activities like Canicross Offroad, an Open Martial Arts Tournament, and the Run Against Illegal Drugs Color-RAID.
The town’s historical sites shine with the unveiling of markers recognizing its significance: the National Museum designates the Wawa Dam Complex as an Important Cultural Property. At the same time, the Battle of Mt. Puray and the Gobierno Departamental Del Centro De Luzon receive recognition from the National Historical Commission.
Wawa Dam, an American-era reservoir, lies at the heart of the Pamitinan Protected Landscape. Here, the legend of Bernardo Carpio unfolds, and the Katipunan movement declared independence from Spain in 1895. Mt. Puray witnessed a pivotal battle in the Philippine Revolution, where Filipino forces under Emilio Aguinaldo and Licerio Geronimo triumphed over the Spanish.
The town honors its heritage with a documentary on the Battle of Mt. Puray and a culinary revival through the Heirloom “Himagas” Cooking Contest, preserving traditional delicacies. Festivities culminate in the Pasayo, a Grand Parade showcasing floats and effigies celebrating Montalban’s legends and historic events.
Mayor Evangelista encourages visitors to explore beyond the festival, inviting them to conquer mountains, swim in rivers, engage with Dumagat tribal communities, and enjoy an affordable escape just outside Metro Manila.
Established in 1871 as part of the Spanish-era Manila province, Montalban became part of Rizal province in 1901 before becoming a municipality in 1909. Renamed Rodriguez in 1982, it reverted to Montalban in 2022, preserving its historical identity.
