The Minalungao National Park located at the foothills of Sierra Madre Mountain ranged in the town of General Tinio, Nueva Ecija Philippines was featured on a famous T.V. show of the network GMA 7’s Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho. This place is only one and a half hour away from our home.
Known for it’s hidden masterpiece of nature such as beautiful rock formation, relaxing cold clean water, etc. But what was not mention in the report is the 1,000 steps to a grotto and a giant glass Cross which hikers and trekkers loves to go to. Most people called it 1,000 steps to the Cross, because the numbers of cemented stair steps is exactly 1,000 in numbers. That is why it takes will and guts if you want to try to climb it. As from my own experience, it’s not that easy to climb because the giant Cross is at the top of the mountain.
To reach the giant glass Cross first, you need to pass a bridge that is between the two 16 meters high limestone wall.
After crossing the bridge, you can start on the first step all the way to the top.
In the middle of your way you will notice that the cemented stair steps changed color from light green to sky blue meaning that you have reached the half of the 1,000 steps.
You can also find a black gravestone in the side as a memory to a Christian Missionary who evangelized to the people in this place.
When you are in the last 100 steps, you will notice a signage saying these reminders:
In the last 50 steps you can viewed the giant glass Cross meaning you are near to your destination and the top of the mountain.
When you are on the top you can see this giant glass Cross that will eased your tiredness. This is a perfect to offer a prayer to the Lord. To praise and thank Him for all He had done for us.
This cross is like a “light” that shines to the people who climbed here that are weary and stressed in their lives.
As the Lord said “ I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” ( John 8:12 NIV)
