The Jamboree Lake is the smallest lake in the Philippines, and this is found in my hometown, Muntinlupa City. It is within the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) compound, that’s why it is technically “nasa loob”. The NBP Compound is not just an area for hardcore criminals, it is also a home to a park, several historical sites, schools and a housing project.
Adjacent to the lake is a park (I assume this is the Memorial Hill), where we Muntilupeños can breathe fresh air, relax, and enjoy a little bit of nature. When my dad saw these pictures, he thought that these are taken from Quezon Province!
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The signage. Mr. Fresnedi is the former Mayor.
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Aside from this lake, there are supposedly historical sites located here. (I’m posting another one shortly). Take a look at this cannon. The NBP Compound used to be a Japanese garrison during the World War II, but it is very obvious that this cannon, and the other historical sites are in a state of neglect. I suppose there was a historical marker in the concrete slab, but I wonder where is it now.
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There are three types of prisons here: the minimum, medium and the maximum. This is the road going to the maximum security compound of the New Bilibid Prisons (the one you see in the movies and tv coverages). When I first visited here sometime in 2005, there are inmates from the Minimum security either running within the compound or sweeping the street. When you turn near the construction site, there’s a pathway going to the Grotto, where the cannon is located, and where you can have a good vantage point of the Jamboree Lake.
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These girls are going to the Grotto.
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Although this area is technically a park, still, no loitering is allowed from 6PM to 5AM. Remember that this park is still within the New Bilibid Prisons compound.
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This is the Grotto. Although you cannot see any sign of religiosity here, the calmness of the area will compensate with this.
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Other views of the grotto.
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The Jamboree Lake. The water is not that clean (just like any forms of water in Metro Manila), and is obviously shallow.
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Some kiddos hanging around the Grotto. The girls in uniform are from the nearby Itaas Elementary School. And maybe during weekdays, you can see more students playing or hanging around.
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There’s no golf course here, but hey, he’s just practicing his skills in golf. I hope that they would not think about having a golf course here.
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The Jamboree Lake from the road going to the other sections of the NBP.
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How to get to Jamboree Lake:
For most people, the best way for you is from Alabang. From there, ride a jeepney going to Katarungan Village. However, for us Muntilupeños, we can ride a jeepney going to Muntinlupa, and drop off to “Bayan”. From “Bayan”, take a jeepney to Katarungan Village. Which road you’re going to take, the landmark is the same. Once you have crossed the South Luzon Expressway, and see the steel arch of the NBP and a bust of its former director, you’re a few meters away. Anyway, you can see the lake once you’ve passed those landmarks.
Thanks in advance for visiting Muntinlupa City.
