Mount Kiligantian

Mount Kinigantian or Kiligantian, (Bundok Kinigantian or Kiligantian) is a mountain in the island of Luzon, in the Philippines. Standing at 5,490 ft. ( 2,673meters ), it is the tallest mountain in the province of Nueva Ecija, near Central Luzon. Mount Kiligantian is part of the Sierra Madre Mountain range which passes though the eastern part of the province. The mountain has three peaks, referred locally as Koronang Hari. The tallest peak, Peak 3 dominates the surrounding hillside and is visible for miles around. The mountain is home to several rare species of rodents endemic to the archipelago.

The mountain is noted for being the base of one of Central Luzon's most famous rebellion. In 1697, the forces of Lakan Gakan of Gapan (near modern-day Cabanatuan) took refuge in its forest covered slopes. Records state that at least 20,000 troops under the command of Lakan Gakan may have been in the mountain during the early days of Lakan Gakan's revolt. According to one Captain Hernando Asturias:

Several legends and mythologies revolve around the mountain, as in the case of other famous local peaks like Mount Arayat and Mount Makiling.

It is said that the mountain was formed when three giants fought over who shall lord over the plains. In their fight they created the Sierra Madre, along with the rivers that flow through the province of Nueva Ecija. However the Sky God was furious and with the help of the Sun God he smote the Giants with fire. They turned into stone, thus giving birth to Kinigantian.

Another legend involves the warriors of Lakan Gakan who refused to surrender in the face of defeat. They gave their lives to the Sun God who in return blessed them with the power of immortal flames. They defeated the Spanish assault. The Spanish never stepped foot in the mountain in fear of the warriors and the prietesses who could summon fire as well.

It is said that the fire warriors and the spirit of the priestesses remain in the mountain. Whenever smoke rises from the vicinity of the mountain, it is attributed to those "ancient fire beings"

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Wikipedia