March 17, 2007 was the 50th death anniversary of President Ramon Magsaysay. President Magsaysay 
was a well-loved man. Famously called the “Champion of the Masses” as well as ang “Monching ng Bayan”, President Magsaysay was remembered for his undying love for the poor.
On March 17, 1957, together with 25 others, the People’s Champion was killed when presidential plane Mt. Pinatubo crashed in Mt. Manunggal, one of the highest peaks in Cebu.
The rescue operation of the crash was considered one of the hardest in history. The plane, which was set to land in Lahug, Cebu City, hit the slopes of Mt. Manuggal at around 1 am. However, rescuers were only able to reach the crash site around fifteen hours later.
Only the charred bodies of President Magsaysay and his men were found in the crash site. The country’s well-loved man is gone. But his memories remain until this very day.
To get to Mt. Manunggal in the town of Balamban, one has to drive through Barangay Busay via the TransCentral Highway.
Beautiful greens along the road in Barangay Busay.
Finally, after around 30 minutes, we finally reached the road which leads to Mt. Manunggal.
The unpaved road to the Manunggal campsite.
View of the mountains of Balamban.
We’re finally here! Mt. Manunggal is home to the world’s most-threatened tree – the Cebu Cinnamon.
Now, where exactly is the campsite?
Ahh. It’s there! On the other mountain!
This stretch was a bit tricky. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up hurting yourself. Take extra care when negotiating this difficult curve.
Once you reach the reception area, you will be rewarded with such an awesome view.
Motorbikes parked near the reception area.
The USJ-R chapel in Barangay Magsaysay.
Footpath to the campsite and the crash site.
A friendly reminder to all visitors.
Locals carrying a bucket and cases of beer towards the reception area.
A diskoral was held the night before for campers and locals.
It was a serious party, I bet!
Ramon Magsaysay’s memorial marker at the Mt. Manunggal campsite.
A tribute to President Ramon “Monching” Magsaysay located next to the marker.
A bust of the late president Ramon Magsaysay.
Last few remaining tents from the previous night’s big anniversary camp out.
Taking a quick trek towards the actual crash site.
Vegetables and fruits can be found along the footpath.
Light bulbs leading hikers straight to the crash site.
We’re finally here. Here is an actual front page copy of the Daily News reporting about the accident.
It was considered the ‘worst air tragedy.’
The engine of Mt. Pinatubo, the plane which carried President Magsaysay and his cabinet members.
A marker discussing the details of the accident.
Visitors, tourists, and campers paying homage to the late president.
A cross which shines at night stands at the center of the crash site.
Satchmo posing at the crash site.
More photos of the Ramon Magsaysay crash site in Balamban:
It’s sad to lose a great person as Ramon Magsaysay. On the otherhand, I love the breathtaking mountain view! Sorry about the dog. Your cow is everwhere!=)
beautiful scenery, the mountains are green rich of trees. i only know now, how does Ramon Magsaysay death happen,honestly.
thanks for the information leyland.
i love that white cockatoo, poor dogie you cross the wrong way mate. oh! your cutie cow is a star… cheers
thanks for the pictures ley! these bring back good memories of our annual trek to mt. manunggal. we always go up there from the valley below the mountain. it took 2-2’1/2 hours to climb. one time, we met a drunk man who walked with us back to the camp site. he was so funny! then suddenly he was quiet. when we turned around, the man was in a ditch! good thing it was shallow and dry. somehow, he managed to get up by himself. later, that night, during the anniversary ceremony we saw him gave a speech. he turned out to be the barangay captain! we couldn’t understand his speech. but out of courtesy, the crowd still applauded for him. hahah!
it’s been 8 years since my last mt. manunggal trek. it looks like there are more trees there now.
Thank you for the pictures. I was there a year ago for the 50th death anniversary of Pres. Magsaysay and also my father who was the president’s appointment secreatary. I was surprised with the place it was cold and you can compare it to Baguio City. I wish I can go back. It was really a great experience and I like to take this oppurtunity to the mayor of Balamban, his wife for their hospitality and also their son who guided us to the crash site. Thank you very much!!!
na-meet mo yung salarin…?ang engine.siya ang may sala.buti na lang sinemento siya.sipa-in mo siya next time pagbalik mo.
bai ley(feeling close) wala mo kakita atong rock formation nga murag brain?daku siya.mahalug ug mga unum ka tawo.
kalingaw. wa pjd ko ka ari nganhi. sa balay ruh jd ko kutub atubangan sa comp. ahahay. ako lai naai kwarta.. ipadayun ko ni imo site nia mu adto kog mga layo pa nga lugar. ehehehe.
jeana picturi na lang inyung balay.wala pa man mi kaanha.at least naa miy makit ang laing lugar
this is great. i’ve been wanting to go to the place pero wala gyd madayon for many reasons. with these pictures, it looks like i have visited the site already. thanks.
the markers need repainting though, especially the inscriptions.
oh im now homesick! i just miss my hometown, we always visit there (company visit) and it was great! thanks for sharing!
I WAS YOUNG WHEN IT HAPPEN NOW LIVING ABROAD IWISH IF IGOT TIME I VISIT THE SITE THE SCENERY AWSOME
Hi musta tanan! lingaw gyud ko sa mga pictures sa manunggal dinhi man gud ko natawo kay kanapuyo man gug mi sa manunggal. last year during my anual vacation ni visit gyud ko sa manunggal with my brod ug sa akong youngest son lingaw kaayo akong anak kay kita na siya ug bukid kaayo nga lugar. maayo unta next year kabalik napod ko sa manunggal kay ato man gud mahandon diin ta mag kigan. taga balamban gyud ko pero am working abroad for 20 years na pero di gyud ko malimot sa akong lugar nga natawhan
salamat sa mga piktures… its been sooo long since my last manunggal trek.. i was still in college back then, during that time only a few mountaineers will commemorate the death anniversary (wala pay banda and other sort of party stuffs, just the presentations every group of mountaineers and tanduay for tagay sessions) and now, more and more people come to look and have a good time. aside from mt. manunggal do see also “Osmena Peak”, its really really nice there. if you do.. get many many pics for us to see. thanks.
joam..we’re here again..hahaha..yeah,i should say joam is right. We went to manunggal in the same group(with the LATAGAW)before and few other campers without those new party stuff. We will just perform our group prepared presentation..kinda embarassing kon among hinumdumon pero it was a lotta fun. we even stopped over Rose’s place for a meal(sinabaw nga bisayang manok) and the buko thingie was sweet..Ohh..i missed those days and the rest was history…ahemmmm..
hi? sa tanan nga taga mt. manunggal mztah na… nindot kay ug view dha jd uhmm paki regords nalang ko sa akong mga ka relatives dha ……
Hello there,
i am making a powerpoint presentation about travel Philippines especially Cebu, my hometown. I will balikbayan next year but this time 4 of my in-laws are coming over. Glad i’ve found this interesting blog of you Ley, thanks. But i’m wondering, how do i get to Mt. Manunggal? Let’s say i hire a van, then how much walking?
thanks,
Nenita
its so pretty hinaot unta nga makita ni namo this time
im so proud of my dad who translated the tribute for monching…we love you ‘tay!
Wow, nice photos of Cebu. I was there about 18 years ago. Maybe it’s time to visit again!
Remembering the Cebuano people for the Philippine Air Force C-47 Skytrain Plane Clash in Mount Manunggal in Balamban, Cebu on March 17, 1957 for the death of former president Ramon Magsaysay.
heheh..katawa ko atong ni comment nga cow is everywhere..bitaw funny ayo imo cow dan…hehhee