Getting to Laguna from Manila.
Via the southern route, the South Expressway is the main artery to exit through San Pedro, Biñan, Santa Rosa, Cabuyao and Calamba. Major bus companies ply the generally developed and well-maintained provincial road from Metro Manila. JAM Transit, HM Transit, Green Star Transit terminals can be found along EDSA and at Buendia, Pasay City.
Via the eastern route, pass through the towns of Antipolo or Tanay, Rizal to reach the 4th district or upland towns of the province. This route gives motorists a panoramic view of Laguna Lake and its environs along a picturesque highway. From EDSA-Mandaluyong, take a bus going to Tanay, Rizal, and then take a jeepney to Siniloan, Laguna.
The province is also accessible from the progressive provinces of Cavite, Batangas and Quezon, as well as from the resource-rich provinces of Marinduque, Mindoro, Palawan, and Romblon, through the Batangas and Quezon ports.
Enchanted Kingdom
Santa Rosa, Laguna
Santa Rosa, Laguna
Laguna is now “a land of opportunity and enterprise.” It has eighteen industrial parks, yielding various products that range from foodstuffs, handicrafts, semi-conductors, home appliances, and automobiles. Indeed, it is a place for business ventures and investment, endowed with abundant natural wealth and diverse human talent.
Although Laguna has maintained its agricultural lands that generate ample fruits, grains and vegetables, and awesome sceneries that draw local and foreign tourists, it is far fetch in contrast to the Laguna, Captain Juan de Salcedo discovered when he explored the largest freshwater lake in the Philippines and second in Asia, in August 19, 1571 Laguna de Bay.
Salcedo, grandson of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the Philippines’ first Spanish designated governor sailed on the lake through the Pasig River to discover populated communities on its shores. The lake might be nameless then. Tagalogs (literally “Taga-ilog” or from the riverside) residing on the lakeshore must have referred to the lake “Lawa,” “Looc” or “Baybay.” The Spaniards called it Laguna, Spanish for lagoon or lake. Since Salcedo chose to land in Bay, (could have been “Baybay” meaning lakeside) he named the lake “Laguna de Bay,” where the province got its name “La Provincia de la Laguna De Bay” until March 5, 1856 when Regent Queen Maria Cristina of Spain issued a royal decree that created and classified 19 civil provinces in the Philippines.
At the time of Salcedo’s sojourn in the villages by the lake, Laguna de Bay and Pasig River were the natives’ expressway to Maynilad (Manila). This body of water was also the trading route of Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese merchants bartering their potteries and other goods with local products in the 14th and 15th Century.
The natives must have spent several hours or so paddling on the lake and river water to reach Manila, and the Chinese junks to sail from Manila Bay through the Pasig to reach the villages around the lake. Today, we only need 30 minutes of comfortable travel via the South Luzon Expressway to reach the province once called “La Provincia de la Laguna de Bay.”
Let us travel back in time and discover the beginnings of the once small villages around the lake that has grown into progressive towns and cities of the province now called…
Although Laguna has maintained its agricultural lands that generate ample fruits, grains and vegetables, and awesome sceneries that draw local and foreign tourists, it is far fetch in contrast to the Laguna, Captain Juan de Salcedo discovered when he explored the largest freshwater lake in the Philippines and second in Asia, in August 19, 1571 Laguna de Bay.
Salcedo, grandson of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the Philippines’ first Spanish designated governor sailed on the lake through the Pasig River to discover populated communities on its shores. The lake might be nameless then. Tagalogs (literally “Taga-ilog” or from the riverside) residing on the lakeshore must have referred to the lake “Lawa,” “Looc” or “Baybay.” The Spaniards called it Laguna, Spanish for lagoon or lake. Since Salcedo chose to land in Bay, (could have been “Baybay” meaning lakeside) he named the lake “Laguna de Bay,” where the province got its name “La Provincia de la Laguna De Bay” until March 5, 1856 when Regent Queen Maria Cristina of Spain issued a royal decree that created and classified 19 civil provinces in the Philippines.
At the time of Salcedo’s sojourn in the villages by the lake, Laguna de Bay and Pasig River were the natives’ expressway to Maynilad (Manila). This body of water was also the trading route of Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese merchants bartering their potteries and other goods with local products in the 14th and 15th Century.
The natives must have spent several hours or so paddling on the lake and river water to reach Manila, and the Chinese junks to sail from Manila Bay through the Pasig to reach the villages around the lake. Today, we only need 30 minutes of comfortable travel via the South Luzon Expressway to reach the province once called “La Provincia de la Laguna de Bay.”
Let us travel back in time and discover the beginnings of the once small villages around the lake that has grown into progressive towns and cities of the province now called…
LAGUNA ATTRACTIONS
HISTORICAL & CULTURAL
1. Rizal Shrine, Calamba City
This two-storey, red-tiled roof, Spanish vintage house is being maintained as a national shrine by the National Government. It houses the Rizalian memorabilia ranging from pictures of the late hero and the women in his life, sculptures by Rizal, to laminated excerpts of some of his written works. The house is by no means an all-original. Except for the old well, everything is a reconstruction of the original house of Dr. Jose Rizal. However, the house has maintained much of its colonial appeal.
This two-storey, red-tiled roof, Spanish vintage house is being maintained as a national shrine by the National Government. It houses the Rizalian memorabilia ranging from pictures of the late hero and the women in his life, sculptures by Rizal, to laminated excerpts of some of his written works. The house is by no means an all-original. Except for the old well, everything is a reconstruction of the original house of Dr. Jose Rizal. However, the house has maintained much of its colonial appeal.
The museum offers guided tours for groups. It has a gift shop at the ground floor. There is no entrance fee, but donations are welcome. Museum hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 nn and 1:00 to 5:00p.m., everyday except Monday.
2. Homma – Yamashita Shrine, Los Baños
Four years of war occupation destroyed many buildings, roads, and bridges in and around Los Baños. In quick succession, the College of Agriculture becomes a Japanese camp for prisoners of war, an interment camp for allied nationals, a target of Kempetai punitive measures, and the headquarters of a secret organization of guerillas. After the dramatic rescue of the Americans internees by Filipino guerillas and U.S. paratroopers on February 23, 1945, the entire campus was sacked by the Japanese and razed to the ground. Only Baker Hall, the armory – gymnasium, remained standing amidst the rubble. Shortly after the war, Generals Masaharu Homma and Tomoyuki Yamashita, the commanders at the time of the Bataan Death March, were executed in April 1946. They were both tried for their war crimes and executed near the Economic Garden. The shrine markings are less than a kilometer from the main highway, but you will need to ask someone to show you the way.
Four years of war occupation destroyed many buildings, roads, and bridges in and around Los Baños. In quick succession, the College of Agriculture becomes a Japanese camp for prisoners of war, an interment camp for allied nationals, a target of Kempetai punitive measures, and the headquarters of a secret organization of guerillas. After the dramatic rescue of the Americans internees by Filipino guerillas and U.S. paratroopers on February 23, 1945, the entire campus was sacked by the Japanese and razed to the ground. Only Baker Hall, the armory – gymnasium, remained standing amidst the rubble. Shortly after the war, Generals Masaharu Homma and Tomoyuki Yamashita, the commanders at the time of the Bataan Death March, were executed in April 1946. They were both tried for their war crimes and executed near the Economic Garden. The shrine markings are less than a kilometer from the main highway, but you will need to ask someone to show you the way.
3. Japanese Garden, Caliraya, Cavinti
The Japanese Garden is a shrine created by the Japanese Government in memory of the many Japanese soldiers who died during the bloody encounter between the Japanese troops and the Filipino-American troops at the close of World War II. According to the local folks, the remains of Yamashita are enshrined in the marble “altar” located in the elevated area of the garden. In this altar, Japanese visitors usually offer prayers and material things to the spirits of the Japanese soldiers who died during the war. The Japanese Garden sprawls on 11 hectares of slightly rugged and rolling land. The topography of the garden and the cool gentle breeze provide an excellent opportunity for a leisurely walk around the area. Tourists can avail of picnic huts on the lower level of the garden.
The Japanese Garden is a shrine created by the Japanese Government in memory of the many Japanese soldiers who died during the bloody encounter between the Japanese troops and the Filipino-American troops at the close of World War II. According to the local folks, the remains of Yamashita are enshrined in the marble “altar” located in the elevated area of the garden. In this altar, Japanese visitors usually offer prayers and material things to the spirits of the Japanese soldiers who died during the war. The Japanese Garden sprawls on 11 hectares of slightly rugged and rolling land. The topography of the garden and the cool gentle breeze provide an excellent opportunity for a leisurely walk around the area. Tourists can avail of picnic huts on the lower level of the garden.
4. Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery Historical Landmark
Built in 18th century by the Franciscan Missionaries, the underground cemetery is a circular wall structure. The intricately designed wrought iron-gate on the red-tiled walk crosses the grounds leading straight to the opposite side, where an altar-like structure is located. The tombstones are embedded on the brick walls of the cemetery. At the crypt of the cemetery, according to history, is where the Katipuneros plotted against Spanish rule.
Built in 18th century by the Franciscan Missionaries, the underground cemetery is a circular wall structure. The intricately designed wrought iron-gate on the red-tiled walk crosses the grounds leading straight to the opposite side, where an altar-like structure is located. The tombstones are embedded on the brick walls of the cemetery. At the crypt of the cemetery, according to history, is where the Katipuneros plotted against Spanish rule.
5. The Battle Of Mabitac Mural, Mabitac
The Battle of Mabitac is considered to be one of the first successful battles fought against the American Regime during the Filipino-American War that happened on September 17, 1900. In the said encounter, the Filipino Forces headed by General Juan Cailles killed the US Commanding General Cheatam.
6. Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
Founded in 1687. Father Agustin dela Magdalena was the first cura assigned at the Parish. It is originallly chapel of bamboo and nipa. Reconstructed in 1960 with deep affection by the town postas (able-bodied men rendering the annual polo of forced labor) under the direction of Miguel Guanco and Alcuacil Mayor Alfonso Garcia. Improved in 1853 by Fr. Joaquin de Coria, a talented priest-engineer designed and built the high belfry and the gorgeous cupola, with the Pagsanjeños supplying the labor, materials and funds. The transept of the church was constructed in 1892. It was began by Fr. Serafin Linares and completed by Fr. Cipriano Bac. The Church was damaged during the World War II.
The Battle of Mabitac is considered to be one of the first successful battles fought against the American Regime during the Filipino-American War that happened on September 17, 1900. In the said encounter, the Filipino Forces headed by General Juan Cailles killed the US Commanding General Cheatam.
6. Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
Founded in 1687. Father Agustin dela Magdalena was the first cura assigned at the Parish. It is originallly chapel of bamboo and nipa. Reconstructed in 1960 with deep affection by the town postas (able-bodied men rendering the annual polo of forced labor) under the direction of Miguel Guanco and Alcuacil Mayor Alfonso Garcia. Improved in 1853 by Fr. Joaquin de Coria, a talented priest-engineer designed and built the high belfry and the gorgeous cupola, with the Pagsanjeños supplying the labor, materials and funds. The transept of the church was constructed in 1892. It was began by Fr. Serafin Linares and completed by Fr. Cipriano Bac. The Church was damaged during the World War II.
NATURAL
1. Mount Makiling, Los Baños
The mystical Mt. Makiling is an inactive volcano, rising to about 1,109 meter above sea level. The vegetation consists of approximately 2,048 different species of plants. The lower slope is a tall dipterocarp forest while the summit is a dwarf mossy forest. According to legends, the slopes of Mt. Makiling are shaped like that of a woman reclining down. Some say that it is the profile of the sleeping Mariang Makiling, a legendary goddess. Still others say that Mariang Makiling dwells in this mountain and protects it from harm.
The mystical Mt. Makiling is an inactive volcano, rising to about 1,109 meter above sea level. The vegetation consists of approximately 2,048 different species of plants. The lower slope is a tall dipterocarp forest while the summit is a dwarf mossy forest. According to legends, the slopes of Mt. Makiling are shaped like that of a woman reclining down. Some say that it is the profile of the sleeping Mariang Makiling, a legendary goddess. Still others say that Mariang Makiling dwells in this mountain and protects it from harm.
Mt. Makiling is ideal for all types of nature tripping –from trekking to bird and butterfly watching, and even camping. The Pook ni Mariang Makiling Resort offers an olympic-sized pool, cottages, tree houses, huts and a panoramic view of the Laguna de Bay.
2. Crocodile Lake, Los Baños
The Crocodile Lake is a small crater lake situated on the edge of Laguna de Bay, shaped like a crocodile. It is of special interest because it is a lake within a lake.
The Crocodile Lake is a small crater lake situated on the edge of Laguna de Bay, shaped like a crocodile. It is of special interest because it is a lake within a lake.
3. Seven Lakes, San Pablo City
Each of the seven lakes is nestled in a depression created long ago by volcanic activity. The seven lakes are: Sampaloc, Mojicap, Palakpakin, Calibato, Pandin, Yambo and the Bunot Lakes. Sampaloc Lake, the biggest of the seven lakes, is dotted fishpens where tilapia, a local freshwater carp species is breed.
Each of the seven lakes is nestled in a depression created long ago by volcanic activity. The seven lakes are: Sampaloc, Mojicap, Palakpakin, Calibato, Pandin, Yambo and the Bunot Lakes. Sampaloc Lake, the biggest of the seven lakes, is dotted fishpens where tilapia, a local freshwater carp species is breed.
4. Dalatiwan River, Botocan, Majayjay
The terrain is rugged as mountain lands go, and the cool waters of the river gush through the rocks and boulders along the watercourse in sweeping currents. Better brace yourself for the trip to the Dalitiwan River. Make sure that the vehicles that will be used are in excellent condition and durable as the roads that will be traversed are rough, rugged and winding.
The terrain is rugged as mountain lands go, and the cool waters of the river gush through the rocks and boulders along the watercourse in sweeping currents. Better brace yourself for the trip to the Dalitiwan River. Make sure that the vehicles that will be used are in excellent condition and durable as the roads that will be traversed are rough, rugged and winding.
Pagsanjan Falls
Pagsanjan, Laguna
Pagsanjan, Laguna
5. Pagsanjan Falls
Actually, the name of the falls is Magdapio Falls, located the next town, Cavinti. However, the falls has been popularly known as Pagsanjan Falls because the trip to the falls, referred to as “shooting the rapids”, starts from Pagsanjan.
Actually, the name of the falls is Magdapio Falls, located the next town, Cavinti. However, the falls has been popularly known as Pagsanjan Falls because the trip to the falls, referred to as “shooting the rapids”, starts from Pagsanjan.
The trip to Pagsanjan Falls is an experience of a lifetime --- another of nature’s treats. This is an exhilarating three-hour boatride from Pagsanjan River to the fall and back. Two seasoned boatmen expertly maneuver the multi-colored native canoe against strong currents through 16 rapids. Moreover, one can imagine being lost in the wilderness when the boatmen paddle and lift their canoe at least five times going up through the gorges and in between the long 400-foot high cliffs of the clear river. However, there is less during the rainy season as the water level is high. During this time when the current is very swift and the falls gushes heavily through the river, the boat rides are cut short to avoid of the danger posed by the high water.
6. Buruwisan Falls, Siniloan
The Buruwisan Falls is one of the five falls found in the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges, the others being Guiling-Guiling Falls, Lanzones Falls, Binaytuan Falls, and Sebakon Falls. Most of these falls are still unexplored. Buruwisan Falls is the most popular because it is the most accessible.
The Buruwisan Falls is one of the five falls found in the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges, the others being Guiling-Guiling Falls, Lanzones Falls, Binaytuan Falls, and Sebakon Falls. Most of these falls are still unexplored. Buruwisan Falls is the most popular because it is the most accessible.
Buruwisan Falls has a more or less 50-meter drop. Its water is clear and cool. The area around it, being virtually unspoiled is ideal for camping. Mountaineering groups from different schools have pinpointed this place as an excellent training ground for neophyte mountain climbers and thus, conduct “fun climbs”. Across the Buruwisan Falls (at an approximately 35-degree angle) is the Lanzones Falls. The rivers of the Buruwisan and Lanzones Falls meet at a certain point and form a bigger falls, which is the Binaytuan Falls. The Binaytuan Falls has a more or less 200-meter drop. However, some local residents’ claim that there are still a number of "undiscovered” falls in the area aside from the five mentioned.
EDUCATIONAL
National Arts Center, UP Los Baños
The National Arts Center is the show window of Laguna. It is an ideal vantage point for a panoramic view of the Laguna de Bay, Talim Island, Crocodile Lake and the International Rice Research Institute. Also found within its premises is a Ballet Studio and the Rilda O’Brien Cliburn Library or the Humanities, which was established in 1981 as part of the overall logistical support to the operations of the Philippine High School for the Arts. Managed by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the National Arts Center has 62 cottages, an auditorium, and seminar and convention facilities. Reservation could be coursed through the CCP Main Office at Roxas Boulevard, Manila.
Products in Liliw, Laguna
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