Luyang Cave and Park – Tragic Memories of the Past

LUYANG CAVE AND PARK

catanduanes-luyang-cave Photo from: https://suroysuanoy.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/luyang-cave.jpg

The Luyang Cave is situated in Barangay Lictin, San Andres, Catanduanes. It houses innumerable bats and titanic rock formations. In the early years of the eighteenth century Luyang Cave was a witness to the slaughter of local people who attempted to escape the Moro pirates.

Legend has it that the locals began a blaze at the hole passage trying to push out the Moro Invaders. Unexpectedly, the winds cried and have blown towards the hollow, suffocating the individuals who are inside the cave.

Close to the mouth of the cavern is a sacrificial stone where a “Requiem Mass” is held each April 28 to alleviate the souls of the locals. Read More: http://www.traveltobicol.com/destination/catanduanes-2/cinque-terre-italy/

catanduanes-luyang-cave-park Photo from: http://lizranola.blogspot.com/2010/05/destination-1-of-10-catanduanes.html

In the 18th century, a village called Binanwahan existed in the northeastern part of the present and now Barangay Lictin.

Inhabitants and settlers of the village were Christians, who during those days were attacked and pillaged by non-Christians or “Moros”. The ever vigilant inhabitants have assigned lookouts near the shores of the now Barangay Palawig to forewarn the residents of the imminent danger of the invading enemies by tolling a big bell and building a smoke. When the Moros arrived one day, they were surprised to discover that the village was empty of inhabitants. They however hid and waited patiently for the villagers to come back. Soon a woman was seen coming to shore to catch fish. The Moros wittingly followed her coming back to the hiding place where a rock opening of cave was discovered by them.

The villagers who all hid inside the cave had filled its entrance with dried tree branches and twigs to conceal them and ground “sili” leaves and fruits to discourage the invaders from entering the cave.

When the invaders finally tried to enter the cave, the inhabitants burned the pile thinking that the smoke would prevent them from going inside. But the wind direction instead blew the smoke towards inside the cave which suffocated them to death.

The cave now historically named “LUYANG CAVE PARK” is a mute witness and testimony of the tragic fate of inhabitants trapped and died inside. A memorial service is yearly celebrated in memory of those who perished. – Read More: http://sanandres.catanduanes.gov.ph/LUYANGcave/

catanduanes-luyang-cave2 Photo from: http://www.geocities.ws/pasakat/Catanduanes.htm

Photos below from:

http://lakbaybuhay.com/twin-rock-beach-luyang-cave/

Along our way to San Andres Port, we took the chances to visit this Luyang Cave Park. The cave is located below the San Andres-Virac Highway. The historic cave served as a hiding place for locals during the Moro Raid in the early years of the 18th century as per Sir Mark Berns. We explored the first 100 meters entry point of the cave. We don’t have enough light, battery and time to explore the whole cave. As per Sir Jun at least we need to allot another two hours just to explore the long trail of the cave. Well, we had a better glimpse of the cave and there’s a reason to come back. Read More: http://lakbaybuhay.com/twin-rock-beach-luyang-cave/

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