Sagrada Familia Caves

Climbing a long set of stairs that ascends up a mountain in the outskirts of Sta. Cruz, Zambales takes one to a series of caves collectively known as the Sagrada Familia Caves. It is a tourist spot for avid spelunkers and a popular local attraction especially on Mahal na Araw when many nearby residents climb up the mountain to reach the holy caves as a form of penitence (Penitensiya). I, on the other hand, just felt like climbing it and getting my own firsthand account of the caves.

It was a long climb up the roughly textured stairs. I imagined that it had taken a lot of hard labor to complete the far-reaching ladder to the caves. I wondered what material was used to construct the lengthy staircase, and I thought that it seemed like coral based on its characteristics. I later learned that it really was coral. Apparently, scientists found evidences of coral fragments along the cliff side that point to the fact that the area was millions of years ago part of an ocean bed.

Not long after passing a small resting point where tourists have the chance to enjoy a mountain-view of the region, were the actual caverns themselves. Sagrada Famila actually means “The Holy Family,” and a mysterious image of the Holy Family is supposedly found within one of the caves. The image was caused by a continuous dripping from the apex of the cavern. The place itself was enough to leave one in awe, especially for an unexperienced spelunker like me.

It was so quiet walking through the caverns that my footsteps sometimes even echoed. A few holes allowed streaks of sunlight to penetrate through some of the caves revealing some of the caves beautiful natural rock and mineral formations. But a majority of the caverns could not be seen as they were shrouded by darkness. I creeped slowly into the pitch black depths. It was like walking with my eyes shut. Everything was silent except for my breathing and my light footsteps. I tried to capture a few photographs using flash. Every time I took a shot, my breath was held for a second as I waited for what would suddenly appear from the dark. I did not go too far inside so as not to get lost and become trapped inside the pitch black darkness. Moreover, I heard that several deep pits were scattered within the dark cavities.

I was not able to find the image of the Holy Family that day, but perhaps it was due to the lack of water since it is not yet the rainy season. However, regardless, the dark depths of the silent Sagrada Familia Caves echo a calling for a revisit another day, whispering a request to shed more light into the unknown.

Sagrada Familia Caves, Barangay Tubo Tubo North, Sta. Cruz, Zambales Pictures / Photos: