Rizal

Welcome to Rizal, Kalinga, a land of towering peaks, ancient tribes, and soulful traditions tucked in the heart of the Cordillera region. If you’re craving raw nature, cultural immersion, and a storybook-worthy adventure, this remote highland town is the ultimate escape.

Rizal is a quiet municipality in the province of Kalinga, northern Luzon, surrounded by dramatic mountain ranges and lush terrains. With its cool climate and scenic views, it’s the perfect retreat for nature lovers, backpackers, and cultural explorers. Formerly called “Liwan,” Rizal is rich in pre-colonial history and tribal lore.

• Bongabong Cave – A mysterious natural cave filled with ancient limestone formations, rumored to have hidden treasures from World War II.
• Tugot ni Angalo – Mythical giant footprints believed to belong to Angalo, a legendary giant in Cordilleran folklore.
• Lubuagan Viewpoint – While technically near Rizal, this offers breathtaking panoramic views of terraced rice fields and the Chico River.
• Bulo Lake – A serene and lesser-known lake with glass-like waters reflecting pine-covered hills.

Rizal is home to the Indigenous Kalinga tribe, known for their fierce warrior history and intricate body tattoos. Community life revolves around unity, honor, and a deep respect for nature. Visitors are welcomed with warm smiles, tapuy (rice wine), and genuine hospitality.

Locals speak Ilocano, Tagalog, and Kalinga dialects like Limos and Tanudan. English is also widely understood in the town center.

Taste the simplicity and heartiness of highland cuisine:

• Inlagim (smoked chicken)
• Etag (salted pork, traditionally preserved)
• Pinikpikan (a ritual chicken soup)
• Kinuday (smoked meat)
• Fresh mountain rice and organic vegetables complete every meal.

• Ullalim Festival – A celebration of Kalinga’s oral traditions, rituals, and epic poetry. Colorful dances, tribal chants, and musical bamboo instruments make this festival an unforgettable cultural experience.
• Founding Anniversary (Every February) – Showcases ethnic parades, agro-trade fairs, and traditional sports like “Sanggol” (tribal wrestling).

The rhythmic beating of gangsa (Cordilleran gongs) echoes through the mountains during ceremonies and feasts. Ullalim songs, romantic and heroic chants, narrate the soul of Kalinga’s people.

Rizal, Kalinga is known for:

• Its archaeological significance (with ancient fossils and stone tools discovered here)
• Deep tribal heritage and traditions
• Mountain adventures and eco-tourism
• Being a gateway to indigenous experiences in Kalinga