Motorcycle Diaries: Angono Petroglyphs

The town of Angono in the province of Rizal is known as an artist’s haven. Aside from being the home of two National Artists (Carlos V. Francisco for painting and Lucio D. San Pedro for music), it is also boasts of having the country’s oldest prehistoric work of art, making it an interesting destination for a quick ride.

One point of interest is the Angono Petroglyphs, which sits along the boundaries of Angono, Binangonan, and Antipolo. The petroglyphs are included in the list of the National Cultural Treasures of the country and World Inventory of Rock Art, and are thus considered a highly significant cultural landmark.

Getting there requires a drive up a steep uphill road with some great vantage points of the scenery of Rizal below and a short hike through an artificial tunnel leading to the site. Scribbled on the volcanic turf of the cave walls are engravings of stick figures resembling animals and humans dating back to circa 3,000 B.C. However, it was only in 1965 that the site was discovered by the late renowned muralist and National Artist, Carlos “Botong” Fransisco during a field trip with a troop of boy scouts.




The petroglyphs contain “127 drawings of animate figures, generally with a circular or domelike head on top of a v-shaped torso.” Of the one hundred twenty seven figures, fifty one are said to be distinct types, suggesting that the engravings were done by many individuals. Right next to the petroglyphs is a small national museum which houses artifacts and a brief history of the petroglyphs.

A visit to the Petroglyphs by motorcycle is very doable for a half-morning budget trip. Travel time from Marikina to Rizal can take about 1 hour depending on the traffic and visiting the Petroglyphs and museum itself is good for about 30 minutes. Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs National Museum is located in Brgy. Bilihiran, Binangonan, Rizal. (02) 527-4192. The museum is open from Monday-Sundays 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Holidays by appointment). Entrance fees cost P20 for adults and P10 for students.

Text: K. Santos