Travel Focus: Rizal Province - Art, History and Natural Wonders

The Philippines is rich with natural beauty and most of it is just a few kilometers away from the Metro Manila area. Once one takes a moment to get on a bus or a car with family and friends to go on a little sidestrip adventure to one of these places, it is a sure guarantee that your bonds will be a lot stronger and your lives a whole lot richer. One of these places that I would like to feature for today on Sidestrip is the Province of Rizal.

Tres Escalon Falls

Rizal is known for its rich art, natural wonders and is a place full of Filipino History. It is bordered by the gorgeous Sierra Madre Mountain Range and Quezon Province in the the east, Laguna in the Southwest and Bulacan in the north. Manila is found in the northwest and Laguna De Bay is found in the south. This makes Rizal quite accessible and is only but a few hours journey from the Heart of Manila - that is counting traffic jams along EDSA.

The province was named after the Philippines' National Hero, Jose Rizal. The Province of Rizal consists of the following municipalities: Angono, Antipolo, Baras, Binangonan, Cainta, Cardona, Jalajala, Morong, Pililia, Rodriguez, San Mateo, Tanay, Taytay, and Teresa. Each of these municipalities have their own signature attractions - one of which includes a 5,000 year old petroglyph and of course numerous art galleries and rock climbing destination.

Tanay

This is a town that is found at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. Travelers should go and check out the Calinawan Cave in Barangay Tandang Kutyo, which once served as a stronghold for the revolutionaries during the Spanish and American days. Near the cave is the 14 meter high Daranak Falls. This is where you can take a break and dip in the catch basin while you admire the endless flow of water. Other natural wonders include the clean river of Daraitan and Mount Masungi's rock formations.

Look around also for tricycle drivers as they can take you to the Tabing Dagat, which is actually not the sea but the Laguna Lake, to see the Parola or Lighthouse. The Parola is the best place to get a view of the Laguna Lake. There is also the San Ildefonso Parish Church which was built in the 1700s and the Grotto where local devotees offer candles and prayers. The Grotto provides its visitors with a 180 degree view of the Laguna Lake and it is one of the three Grottos in the area, Regina RICA in Sampaloc though is the one that holds the 70 foot statue of the Blessed Mother Mary.

Taytay

Taytay is the neighbor of Cainta and it is where you can visit the Tres Escalon Falls inside the Melendres Village along the road going to Antipolo. Another place to go to would be the St John the Baptist Parish located at the heart of the municipality of Taytay, Rizal. Tourist should also go to Bahay Kawayan, which is an exotic restaurant in the area and to try out Club Manila East Resort to learn to surf in its wave pool.

Antipolo

Devotees, who conduct pilgrimages for the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish or Antipolo Church also would come to Antipolo for other sights and places. There are so many breath-taking views along the road going to Antipolo and Sumulong Highway is filled with restaurants and roadside bars such as the popular Padi's Point and Cloud 9 where you can dine and drink while admiring the view. You should also find time to pay a visit to Antipolo's Hinulugang Taktak National Park where you can find a 30 foot waterfall.

Angono

Angono is known as the Arts Town of the Philippines for good reason - it is here that you can find the most number of art galleries and museums and is the hometown of the Philippines' National Artists Carlos "Botong" Francisco and Lucio San Pedro. It is also the site of ancient stone carvings made 5,000 years ago at the Angono Petroglyphs. It is carbon dated to have been made around 3,000BC and is a definite must see in Angono. The Higantes Festival also happens each November. This is where tourists are treated to a sight of colorful giants parading the streets of Angono, Rizal.

Binangonan

From the town of Binangonan you can go to the Talim island located at the center of Laguna Lake. The island is rich in bamboo grass, which is made into different kinds of furnitures by the locals. A popular feature of Talim island is the Bundok ng Susong Dalaga - this is where you can see two hills resembling very plump female breasts.

Morong

Morong is where tourists can go to Uugong Park. Uugong Park is known for its amazing views and gorgeous waterfalls. Uugong means echo in the local dialect and visitors can hear this particular sound effect when you are near the waterfalls. Another place to go to in Morong would be St. Jerome's Church where on can here its dramatic bells as you admire its baroque architecture.

Rodriguez

Rodriguez was formerly known as Montalban is the place where a local Filipino Legend known as Bernardo Carpio comes to life. The Wawa Dam, which stopped operations when the Angat Dam was built is now a place for weekend tripsters, who loves biking, hiking, swimming and climbing to go. Barangay Wawa also has the most developed sports climbing area n the Philippines, with 20 crags and over 100 climbing routes for enthusiasts.

As you have already discovered, The Province of Rizal is definitely an amazing place to visit even if it is just for the weekend. With it being just a couple of hours away from the hustle and bustle of the Metro, this is where one can find time to have a bit of fun with family and friends while getting a bit of the stress out of your system.

If you want to get to know more about the Province of Rizal, Check out their official website: Rizal Province. 
In their site you'll get to see more of what Rizal Province has to offer its visitors and official updates.

Happy Travelling

Till Next Time...

-Metz-