Parola ng Napindan is one of the historical landmark of Taguig City.
It lies at the mouth of Napindan channel crossing between Laguna de Bay (Laguna Lake) and Pasig River.
As a child and was born in this little barrio of Napindan, I remember having heard so may stories from our elders of the importance of the lighthouse in Philippine history particularly in the 1896 Philippine Revolution.
Not only does it serves as guide and safe refuge by fishermen at night but also plays an important role as meeting place of Katipunan led by Supremo Andres Bonifacio to discuss their impending revolt against the Spaniards/Guardia Civil.
Our curiosity always goes to the question of why Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan choose the Parola ng Napindan as meeting place? Or how they knew the lighthouse?
We were told that Gat Andres Bonifacio's lineage can be trace back from his relatives and father who once live in Ibayo-Tipas. A revelation that puts as all in awed as we all know that in school we were taught that Bonifacio originally hails from Tondo.
The strategic location of the lighthouse as it connects to nearby provinces of Laguna, Rizal and Manila may also attibutes to this . It will be an easy access for Katipunan members to traverse in the meeting place using the water passageway as their means of transportation.
My Chilhood Memory of the Lighthouse
I had a very vivid recollections and memories of my childhood with the lighthouse in the early 70s. When during those times that malls, themeparks and resorts were not yet too available for us, it was always the lighthouse and the "Bahay na Bato" nearby which serves as our leasure place.
My grandfather who is a fisherman and farmer will always bring us in the Parola. Using his "banca" we will ply the serene water of Napindan river in the early morning while watching the birds above the water catching fish. The scenic view of the rising sun above the deep blue Laguna de Bay and; Rizal and Laguna mountains in the background is a childhood memory forever painted not only in my mind but also in my heart. We usually had our picnic-style lunch in the area. Cooked the freshly catched "ayungin" and "inihaw na bangus". Plus melon and watermelon fruits harvested from my grandfather's farm. Afterwards we will play "taguan" around the "Bahay na Bato". Added attraction to this historic place is Snowhite and the Seven-Dwarfs and Si Makisig and Si Maganda statues. Also, if the water is not to high, we were allowed to swim in the lake.
It is also interesting to note that several Philippine cinema artist and prominent families like the Ayalas frequented the area to take a break from their busy schedules and enjoy the peacefulness of the secluded place. Which only sufficed that the place is already a tourist attraction at that time.
However, at present time the lighthouse started to show deterioration. Waters from the lake started to eat part of the land covered by the lighthouse. Vandalism in the place is also notable. I hope the City Goverment of Taguig and the local officials of Napindan will pay great attention to this historic place before the lighthouse totally loss its structural glory.
Afterall, the Parola ng Napindan not only serves as light tower for our fisherfolks but also a living legacy of a part of our Philippine History.
Something, which all Taguigenos must be proud of.
Do you also have interesting experience at the lighthouse? I am excited to hear it from you. Please comment down below.
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