Hidden deep in the mountains of Mindanao, in the Philippines, lies a place full of ancient mystery — the Sacred Rock, also known as Bato nga Agpoon. It is more than just a large stone. It is believed to be a doorway to other worlds, guarded by spirits and beings that many have heard of but few have seen.
The Sacred Rock holds important meaning for the Indigenous Higaonon people. Their stories and traditions passed down for hundreds of generations, speak of the rock not just as a part of the earth but as a living part of their history and soul.
The Rock That Connects Heaven and Earth
According to Higaonon tradition, the Sacred Rock is where the first humans began their journey after a great flood. It stands at the meeting point of two sacred rivers — the Kabulig and the Gingoog — which are said to be the twin rivers of life.
The rock is not ordinary. It is described as huge, powerful, and “alive” with the energy of the ancestors. Elders say it holds the memories of the earth and the spirits that protect it. For the tribe, it marks a point where the physical world and the spirit world meet — a true “door” to the old world before time as we know it.
The Guardians: Protectors of the Ancient Path
Stories tell of guardians who protect the Sacred Rock. These are not just myths; they are real figures in the Higaonon belief system — spirits, beings, and even ancestors who have taken on the duty of defending the sacred portal.
The guardians are said to watch over those who approach the rock. They can sense a person’s heart — if it is pure, they may bless the visitor; if not, they may lead the visitor away, sometimes without the person even realizing it.
One tale tells of a young boy who got lost near the rock. Instead of feeling fear, he felt a calming presence guide him back to safety. Later, elders told him it was the guardians who had saved him because his spirit was clean and respectful.
The Rituals of Respect
When the Higaonon people visit the Sacred Rock, they do not go casually. They perform special rituals to ask permission and show respect to the guardians. Offerings like betel nuts, rice wine, and prayers are made.
Visitors are reminded to be humble, silent, and mindful. They are taught that speaking loudly or behaving badly can disturb the spirits. The guardians are not there to hurt humans but to make sure the balance between the worlds remains strong.
For the Higaonon, the Sacred Rock is more than a place — it is a relationship, a living part of their identity as people connected to the land, the past, and the stars.
Mysteries of the Rock: Portals to Other Worlds?
Some elders share that the Sacred Rock is a gateway to other worlds. According to the stories, it holds secret passages that only open at special times or to special people.
In fact, one ancient story tells of Apo Balaoy, a primal ancestor, who climbed the Sacred Rock and entered a hidden world beyond — a place full of light, knowledge, and beings unlike any seen on Earth. There, he met Apo Namalina, a celestial being who taught him the language of the spirit and helped awaken the first human consciousness.
Such tales suggest that the Sacred Rock is more than stone — it is a piece of a larger cosmic design, perhaps even a link between our world and the Omniverse itself.
Conclusion
In this powerful work, Datu Mandipensa shares the sacred stories, ancient knowledge, and deep truths from indigenous traditions that connect humanity to the stars, the earth, and the spirit realms. He reveals how science, myth, and personal experience weave together to form a greater understanding of our origins and our destiny.
If you find these stories fascinating — if you feel that tug of curiosity about the hidden worlds behind our own — then you will love the book Timelines of Truth: Finding the Omniverse by Datu Efren Hospital Mandipensa.
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