Last 25 September 2019, one of the GMA 7 News TV’s weekly travel program, “Biyahe ni Drew” visited and explored the Flatrocks, Mudspring and the Makiling Botanic Gardens (MBG) of the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve ASEAN Heritage Park (MMFR AHP). Hosted by frequent traveler, Mr. Drew Arellano, the program aims to be a definitive guide for Filipino travelers who want to explore local and international destinations.
As the program currently producing their November episode which will take the viewers on a tour to CALABARZON, they have chosen to include the Mount Makiling as one of the featured locations. They tackled about the story of a fairy or “lambana” named Maria Makiling who keeps the forest green and free from people who wants to destroy it.
Mr. Arellano and his production crew were welcomed by the MMFR AHP Manager and Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME) Director, Dr. Roberto G. Visco and was oriented and assisted by Forester Valeriana D. Barredo-Parducho, University Researcher of MCME. Forester Alexis John T. Fajardo guided the group to Flatrocks and Mudspring. He served as the Resource Person who guided and responded to Drew’s queries about the legendary Mount Makiling. Among the topics that they discussed were stories about some people who have bad motives being not welcome in the mountain; and some people say that there were sightings of a beautiful lady that lures people to follow her. Other experiences shared by visitors after their hike were also discussed. The group also video-documented the top-view of Laguna Lake as seen at the National Arts Center.
After all the documentations on different locations inside MMFR AHP, the group proceeded to the MBG, where Drew interviewed Dr. Portia G. Lapitan, the UPLB Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, who extensively shared her knowledge about Maria Makiling, as she was also one of the former directors of the MCME. This documentary program airs every Friday, 8:00 P.M. on GMA News TV.
This event was coordinated by the Office of the Public Relations (OPR) Staff, Mr. Juan Paolo Aquino while the request for permit was processed by Miss Cherry Mae Sibayan, the Program Researcher of the Byahe Ni Drew, GMA News TV.
By: Valeriana D. Barredo-Parducho
Photos credit to: Valeriana D. Barredo-Parducho
