Mantalongon is one of the mountain barangays of the southern town of Dalaguete. It is known as the “Vegetable Basket of Cebu” since it is one of the main sources of vegetables of the island. The year-round cold climate of the place also earned it the title as the “Summer Capital of Cebu.” In addition, it is also where the highest peak in Cebu is located.
“Tres Marias” refers to a legend about the guardians of the forest in Mantalongon. According to the story, three sisters once lived in the area. The beautiful sisters were betrothed to a giant who owned the peaks overlooking the oceans. The sisters did not want to marry the giant since they were afraid of becoming the slaves of the giant.
The Tres Marias is supposedly found close to the Mag-Alambak Garden. It marks a new trail in Mantalongon where hikers and trekkers can take when they want to explore this cool mountain barangay of Dalaguete. The trail is known as the Bandera Trail. It leads to a peak that was once used by the Americans in World War 2. The Bandera Peak offers a panoramic view of the Cebu. You can see the Bohol Strait and the islands of Bohol and Siquijor.