BONTOC, Mountain Province, Philippines – Hundreds of mountain climbers and nature lovers will be trekking the country’s 4th highest mountain peak located in this landlocked province to usher in the world famous Lang-ay Festival and the 44th founding anniversary of the province which is scheduled on April 4-7, 2011.

The Mount Kalawitan trek starts at the foot of the Cadchug rice terraces up to its summit and descends in Alab barangay here.

Mount Kalawitan, which is located within the borders of Bontoc and Sabangan, has a forested crest, a sanctuary to diversed wildlife and the source of water which flows to the various tributaries to the Chico river, the largest river in the Cordillera that spills over the Cagayan river, the longest river in Northern Luzon.

The participants to the so-called Lang-ay trek will be treated to other forms of experiences as they pass through places of mythical, cultural and historical importance over the province.

After a 20-minute ascend from Cadchog is Palikot Aso where Lumawig, the Igorot god, reportedly rested together with his dog and a rooster and took a view of the scenic Bontoc village. On the said place, he spotted two sisters gathering native beans. Lumawig later married the younger of the two named Bogan and bore a child.

Further up the mountain is Kamaliton which was the area where Bontoc warriors killed an anaconda which devoured a pregnant woman while on her way to deliver lunch to male members of the community who were working on the fields. The woman was reportedly brought out alive when they ripped the serpent’s stomach apart.

About midway through the stretch is Bontoc’s Wawalitan which is a sacred place where elders make offerings to spirits whenever a member of the community gets sick. (Dexter A. See)