VILLAMOR, EDWARD OSCAR D.

BS CRIMINOLOGY

OLD ZIGZAG ROAD/ BITUKANG MANOK

The Old Zigzag Road connects the northern part of Quezon with the south of the
Philippines. It is one of the country's most dangerous roads. Even the majority of
drivers are afraid to travel this route. For some, it may be an adventure, but there
are risks involved.
This road is referred to as "Bitukan Manok" by locals. The locals believe that this
road has a structure similar to that of a chicken intestine, which is why it is given
this name. If someone can speak Filipino, the path's name alone indicates how
dangerous it is.
In 1969, during the administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos, the road
was constructed. Within Quezon National Park, the most well-known path is the
zigzag road.
Before driving this road, check that your car's engine is in good working order. To
cross the street, your car must ascend the mountain. The trail will be completed in
at least 15 minutes. On your way up, you'll see a beautiful view.
You will arrive at a high altitude after traveling for a short time. Throughout your
trip, you will travel through a lush green environment. Having said that, driving
along this path is not a good idea if you want to lose yourself in the natural beauty.
The road is short. While traveling this route, one must keep an eye out for traffic
police road signals and traffic signs. Due to the congested nature of this road, you
may have to stop and allow other motorists to pass. This road's risk increases even
more when it rains because it can become slick.
Do not even consider looking outside of your car if you are afraid of heights. Be
sober while driving the vehicle to avoid falling from the mountain cliff if you
scream and lose control of the steering. On the way, you'll see a number of traffic
police officers working to reduce the number of accidents in this area.
You won't be bothered by the amount of traffic that uses this road. In this area,
there are only a few moving vehicles. However, when you are traveling here, it is
not a good idea to accelerate your vehicle at any time. You and those you care
about could die from a simple oversight. Keep a close eye on your speed and be
extra cautious when you get close to the turns.
During the rainy season, this road is one of the worst places to travel. When it
rains, I would advise you to avoid this road. Consider traveling this thrilling road
only when the sun is shining. Also, keep in mind that, in order to keep the track
safer, the government has banned vehicles with more than four wheels.
Drivers are afraid to travel this dangerous road at night because of a strange myth
that surrounds it. Anyone who travels along this road may encounter paranormal
activity in this region due to the locals' belief that it is haunted. Due to the high
number of accidents in the past, the myth may exist. I've seen some videos on this
subject on YouTube, but they don't seem to be legitimate. However, in the past,
when the roads were in poor condition, people circulated these tales. Although the
road is now in better condition, it is still not a safe route. On the off chance that
you are enamored with partaking in the landscape, you can venture to every part of
the street in a bike. When you use two-wheelers, you can do more with your time.
Choosing a motorcycle or scooter has advantages and disadvantages. You can stop
at any location to take in the stunning scenery, which is a significant advantage of
using a two-wheeler. Additionally, you stand a better chance of taking stunning
photographs than if you were driving.
Many riders will take this road in search of adventure and upload their videos to
YouTube. You can get a sense of what it's like to travel on a motorcycle by
watching those videos. However, you must slowdown in areas that are slippery.
Additionally, to reduce the likelihood of an accident, check to see that your tires
have a firm grip. There is now a New Detour Road if you want a safer route.
When passing by this old road, motorists and travelers should anticipate careful
thrills. The Department of Public Works and Highways has designated this
highway as a passable but dangerous road based on its name, "bitukang manok,"
which translates to "chicken intestine." As a component of the Pan-Philippine
Highway, also known as AH26, this zigzag road is one of the highways that
connect Quezon and Bicol. Bitukang Manok continues to be passed by travelers
because, despite its steepness, it affords a majestic view as it ascends. In addition,
the road is comparable to the well-known Kennon Road in Baguio because of its
sharp curves, which visitors find thrilling, and the myths and legends that never fail
to pique everyone's curiosity. The locals' belief that the road is haunted at night is
one of the interesting myths associated with the area. This is due to the high
number of accidents that were reported when the road was still in its infancy.
Because there are still a lot of trees along the road, the view is beautiful. Numerous
Luzon Hornbills can be seen perched on the trees. At the Zigzag Park, there is an
information center with a restaurant and a souvenir shop. Additionally, there is a
restroom, but there was no water for flushing in the toilet. Water had to be poured
from a bucket by an attendant. For three hundred pesos, you can also hire guides if
you want to go trekking. The Philippine Trogon is said to be visible from trails that
ascend the forest. Even though vest-clad individuals are supposed to be directing
motorists up the zigzag road, they will actually be asking for things like coins and
other handouts.
Each of the plants there is beautiful. There are trees that are over 130 years of age.
It was stunning to observe. If you like to hike, you will enjoy this. Our guide was
holding this enormous knife because there were large centipedes nearby. If you
open your eyes, there are snakes everywhere. Since you are in a mountain, those
are all to be expected. You'll hear and see a lot of different animals and insects. It
is simply stunning.
The zigzag road navigates the 983-hectare Quezon Public Park situated inside the
regional locales of Atimonan, Pagbilao, and Padre Burgos. Vehicles ascending the
treacherous, steep road that is punctuated by sudden sharp curves are forced to
literally crawl their way up. With a plastic whistle and a piece of green cloth tied to
a stick, volunteer flagmen frequently provide zigzag travelers with traffic
assistance. Instead of using the road, the authorities advise buses and trucks to take
the Maharlika Highway detour, which connects Manila and Bicol.