Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs, Rizal

The Angono Petroglyphs (formally called Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs) is a significant archaeological site found in Rizal. It is the oldest evidence of artwork in the Philippines.

Ancient drawings are carved on a rock wall in the Angono-Binangonan border, within a compound shared by the sprawling Eastridge Golf Course and VIP-worthy Thunderbird Resort.


After a holiday staycation in an Antipolo resort, my family felt the need for a side-trip. I immediately suggested the place, since it's just a short drive away and it's a nice historical destination (as opposed to other money-drain entertainment).

We had to turn back after a wrong turn a couple of times, but we made it there anyhow, passing through what seemed like the back entrance to Eastridge Village.

After parking our vehicle, a security guard announced that the museum is closed for the holiday. There aren't any staff to assist us, but another security personnel is there and the outdoor Petroglyphs wall is accessible. Yey! Because the gallery is closed, we need not pay for the entrance fee (P20 per person).

I've read that in the past, access to the site involves a short hike up a hill. Today, access is through a man-made tunnel which is probably 80 meters - I really don't know, but walking through it is an experience in itself.

Vandalism is everywhere, and that ruins things a bit. I hope no additional graffiti is added there. Maybe they can carve the tunnel up a few inches wider to flatten out the wall again.

Reaching the other side, we were greeted with greens and a fresh breeze. The main site is a leisurely walk up a platform away. A small structure is situated adjacent to it- the repository.

From the platform, one can easily decipher the rock carvings. There are several of them. Some figures resemble human-like forms. I can imagine Giorgio Tsoukalos of Ancient Aliens in my head saying '...and the answer is YES!'.

The works of art vary in size. I could clearly see the turtle and the lizard carvings. Sadly, this place did not escape the work of vandals, too.

It is said that no less than Angono-born National Artist Carlos 'Botong' Francisco discovered the petroglyphs one day, while he was camping out here.

After absorbing this rich historical find, we proceed to the mini museum. It was closed, but we can peek through the glass. We saw a small collection of replica artifacts about significant archaeological finds and other ancient writings (mainly Baybayin) like the Laguna Copper Plate and the Ticao Stone Tablet of Masbate.

The guard-on-duty was keen to fill us in on our questions related to the petroglyphs and the artifacts inside the repository. He said he had been working as a security keeper there for almost 10 years. If I were in a position to appoint, I would make him an official National Museum guide for this site.



Aside from the old writings, this area is also home to a special avian specie - the Philippine Eagle Owl. It is the largest owl in the country that has the head of an owl and a body like that of an eagle (hence the name). Our pseudo-guide also mentioned that this bird screeches like an eagle - very fascinating but we never got to catch as glimpse of it.

Here are more pics from our Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs visit:

Checking out the surroundings

A closer look at the rock tuff

Replica of Ticao Stone

Giant Turtle (tortoise?) bones found in the area.

Read up :)

Parting shot: My dad imitating Tsoukalos.