Even if I'm hailed from Rizal Province, there are still destinations I haven't visited yet.
Just when I thought I have covered almost all places that could be visited or explored in my home province, there are still just a few places on my list waiting for me to be discovered. Confidently, I can say that I have set foot at all towns of my province including Talim Island in Laguna De Bay. What a better way to learn more about my culturally rich province but to participate at the annual Rizal Travel Mart held last 21-25 November, 2012 at the Event Center of SM City Taytay.
Just when I thought I have covered almost all places that could be visited or explored in my home province, there are still just a few places on my list waiting for me to be discovered. Confidently, I can say that I have set foot at all towns of my province including Talim Island in Laguna De Bay. What a better way to learn more about my culturally rich province but to participate at the annual Rizal Travel Mart held last 21-25 November, 2012 at the Event Center of SM City Taytay.
Opening day was graced by Presidential sister Ms. Viel Aquino Dee and former Governor Nini Ynares.
With Len Nazario, our ever loyal Supervisor at Loreland; Mar Bacani of Rizal Tourism Office, SM Executives; Danny Victoriano, photographer and proponent of Antipolo Travel Guide Coffee Table Book and Ryan Marinas, Manager of Loreland Farm Resort.
There were cultural performances participated in by local schools. The travel mart became a venue for students to showcase their talents in singing and dancing Filipino music. Other activities throughout the week included fashions shows, lectures and seminars on tourism and hostpitality, etc.
This is the Rizal Travel Mart where products and places of interest were featured at each booth.
The city of Antipolo with it's close proximity to Metro Manila is probably the most visited by tourists in the province. It is home to the miraculous Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage or Nuestra Senora dela Paz Y Buenviaje. All year round people from all walks of life from all over the Phillippines visit Antipolo to pray for safe travel.
Not only is Antipolo famous for being a Pilgrimage Capital of the Philippines, it is also home to a number of mountain resorts, restaurants and unique destinations ideal for family bonding, rest and recreation.
For more information on Antipolo destinatons, check out this link.
For more information on Antipolo destinatons, check out this link.
When one thinks of Antipolo, it's not surprising that they would also think about its famous delicacies -like roasted cashew nuts or kasoy. Choose adobo for that flavorful taste. There's also rice cake or suman which is best eaten with something sweet like sugar, peanut butter or coco jam.
Loreland Catering Services served catered food on opening day. Guests were treated to a sumptous buffet meal of pasta, chicken and seafood dishes. For inquiries on catering services for your upcoming special occasions you may contact +632 696 0101 to 03.
The town of Binangonan located at the southern part of Rizal province is "The Fishing Center of Rizal". It is strategically located within the vicinity of Laguna de Bay rich in fishery resources. A thriving fish port and fishing industry largely contributes to its economic development.
Binangonan is also home to both upscale and budget getaways. It is the only town in the province that has a world class casino being host to Thunderbird Resorts and Casino. This multinational recreation complex offers posh hotel rooms and suites for even the highly discriminating customers. It also has a golf course - Eastridge Glof Club surrounded by lush tropical flora and flowering landscape that makes it a perfect backdrop to any kind of golf championships in the country.
Construction of Binangonan Recreation and Conference Center is also in progress. It is designed to be a one-stop premier destination to anyone who seeks clean, fun way of entertainment and promotes overall wellness without having to go out of the province.
When in Binagonan, one should also visit the many pilgrimage destinations such as the 200 year-old St. Ursula Parish Church, Nuestra Senora Delos Angeles Church, Marian Hill, Mt. Calvary and Sto. Domingo Church.
For adventure seekers, visit Mt. Tagapo Nature Park, Puente del Diablo, Tabon Hot and Cold Spring and SEAFDEC.
For more information on Binagonan, you may contact:
Arnel "Linggit" O. Rivera
Tourism Officer
Binangonan Municipal Tourism Office
T: +632 652 5482 local 259
E: [email protected]
W: http://www.binangonan.gov.ph
Binangonan is also home to both upscale and budget getaways. It is the only town in the province that has a world class casino being host to Thunderbird Resorts and Casino. This multinational recreation complex offers posh hotel rooms and suites for even the highly discriminating customers. It also has a golf course - Eastridge Glof Club surrounded by lush tropical flora and flowering landscape that makes it a perfect backdrop to any kind of golf championships in the country.
Construction of Binangonan Recreation and Conference Center is also in progress. It is designed to be a one-stop premier destination to anyone who seeks clean, fun way of entertainment and promotes overall wellness without having to go out of the province.
When in Binagonan, one should also visit the many pilgrimage destinations such as the 200 year-old St. Ursula Parish Church, Nuestra Senora Delos Angeles Church, Marian Hill, Mt. Calvary and Sto. Domingo Church.
For adventure seekers, visit Mt. Tagapo Nature Park, Puente del Diablo, Tabon Hot and Cold Spring and SEAFDEC.
For more information on Binagonan, you may contact:
Arnel "Linggit" O. Rivera
Tourism Officer
Binangonan Municipal Tourism Office
T: +632 652 5482 local 259
E: [email protected]
W: http://www.binangonan.gov.ph
Local products such as these bamboo lamps were made in Talim Island, Binangonan.
For orders, you may contact:
Saint Joseph the Worker Bamboo Workshop
Sapang, Talim Island, Binangonan
Jerwin G. Fulay
Manager
M: +63 999 684 4063
E: [email protected]
W: http://saint-joseph-workshop.com/home.php
For orders, you may contact:
Saint Joseph the Worker Bamboo Workshop
Sapang, Talim Island, Binangonan
Jerwin G. Fulay
Manager
M: +63 999 684 4063
E: [email protected]
W: http://saint-joseph-workshop.com/home.php
The town of Pililla known as "The Agricultural Haven of Rizal" is blessed with a wide area for agricultural production. In the mountainous area of Pililla lies Sitio Bugarin of Barangay Halayhayin now famous for producing the sweetest pineapple in the country.
They have also ventured into processing pineapple wine. Showcased in various fairs, Bugarin's pineapple was declared as Pililla's One Town One Product.
For more information on Bugarin's pineapple products, you may contact:
Norie Buetizon
+63 928 662 5341
For more information on Bugarin's pineapple products, you may contact:
Norie Buetizon
+63 928 662 5341
Located at the south-eastern portion of Rizal province is the town of Baras. It is the birthplace of Sikaran - distinct Filipino martial art that involves hand and foot fighting. According to locals, It has been practised in Baras long before the Spaniards came in the Philippines in the 16th century.
Hailed as the "The Organic Town of Rizal", Baras has become the first town in the entire Philippines to actively promote, develop and advocate organic agriculture. Recently, Baras Organic Products Center was launched. The products put on sale in the Center include organic vegetables, rice and fruits.
When in Baras, one should also visit Saint Joseph Parish and Palo Alto Falls.
For more information on Baras, you may contact:
Susan R. Mendoza
Tourism Officer
Baras Tourism Office
T: + 632 653 2783
When in Baras, one should also visit Saint Joseph Parish and Palo Alto Falls.
For more information on Baras, you may contact:
Susan R. Mendoza
Tourism Officer
Baras Tourism Office
T: + 632 653 2783
Located next to Antipolo is the town of Teresa named as "The Showcase of eco-friendly environment and eco-based products". The town is now into production of concrete products like hollow blocks and bricks made out of residual waste (styrofor, sando bags, soft plastics and sachets). It is a learning laboratory to local and foreign visitors who tour the Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility.
When in Teresa, one should also visit the St. Rose of Lima Parish Church, Teresa Orchard and Nursery, St. Martha's Farm for the Panggasius or Cream Dory Fish and Coral Farm (Crocodile Farm).
For more information on Teresa, you may contact:
Tourism Office
T: 234 0865, 650 5379
M: +63 916 485 5527 (look for Metong)
Environment and Natural Resources Office
T: +632 234 0865 local 201
M: +63 916 310 6979, +63 908 402 1445
W: http://teresarizal.gov.ph
When in Teresa, one should also visit the St. Rose of Lima Parish Church, Teresa Orchard and Nursery, St. Martha's Farm for the Panggasius or Cream Dory Fish and Coral Farm (Crocodile Farm).
For more information on Teresa, you may contact:
Tourism Office
T: 234 0865, 650 5379
M: +63 916 485 5527 (look for Metong)
Environment and Natural Resources Office
T: +632 234 0865 local 201
M: +63 916 310 6979, +63 908 402 1445
W: http://teresarizal.gov.ph
Being the "Food Basket of Rizal," the town of Tanay boasts of its vast sprawling and scenic mountain ranges, rich valleys and hilly terrain that is coupled with its cool breezy climate perfect for coffee production. Here you can find its famous Tanay Hills Coffee.
For inquiries on Tanay Hills Coffee Beanery, you may contact:
Carmelita V. Desuasido
Operations Manager
Tanay Hills Coffee Beanery
Sampaloc Road cor. Marcos Highway
Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal
T: +632 631 0493
M: +632 635 3544
E: [email protected]
For more information on Tanay, you may contact:
Jeff Pino
Tanay Tourism, Culture and Arts Office
T: +632 404 2296, +632 654 1002
M: +63 921 591 1187
E: [email protected]
Tanay is part of my tours in Rizal. For more information on destinations in Tanay, click this link.
There are still destinations in Tanay that I haven't explored yet but have heard good stories about including Paseo Rizal which is an events and dining venue. For adventure seekers, there are Kalinawan Cave, Masungi Rock, Daraitan River, Tinipak and Kinabuan Falls. Hopefully I would have the chance to explore these areas.
For inquiries on Tanay Hills Coffee Beanery, you may contact:
Carmelita V. Desuasido
Operations Manager
Tanay Hills Coffee Beanery
Sampaloc Road cor. Marcos Highway
Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal
T: +632 631 0493
M: +632 635 3544
E: [email protected]
For more information on Tanay, you may contact:
Jeff Pino
Tanay Tourism, Culture and Arts Office
T: +632 404 2296, +632 654 1002
M: +63 921 591 1187
E: [email protected]
Tanay is part of my tours in Rizal. For more information on destinations in Tanay, click this link.
There are still destinations in Tanay that I haven't explored yet but have heard good stories about including Paseo Rizal which is an events and dining venue. For adventure seekers, there are Kalinawan Cave, Masungi Rock, Daraitan River, Tinipak and Kinabuan Falls. Hopefully I would have the chance to explore these areas.
Very close to Metro Manila is the town of Cainta which is named "ICT Hub of the Province". Cainta is the gateway to the Province of Rizal. It is home to multinational companies like Monde MY San Corp., BF Metals among others and large supermarkets.
Despite increasing urbanization, cottage industries emerge such as the development of water lily products into bags, wallets, bags and other accessories. These indigenous materials are in abundace in Cainta and Taytay.
For more information on waterlily prodcuts, you may contact:
Maricel Alejo
M: +63 915 957 2324
Waterlily Livelihood Program
Amely Mamaril
M: +63 908 621 0707
Looc Livelihood Association, Cardona, Rizal
Ptr. Flor Tingle
M: +63 915 430 9102
CFCA Antipolo Project
Arlyn Montojo
T: +632 651 3816
M: +63 920 564 7752
Despite increasing urbanization, cottage industries emerge such as the development of water lily products into bags, wallets, bags and other accessories. These indigenous materials are in abundace in Cainta and Taytay.
For more information on waterlily prodcuts, you may contact:
Maricel Alejo
M: +63 915 957 2324
Waterlily Livelihood Program
Amely Mamaril
M: +63 908 621 0707
Looc Livelihood Association, Cardona, Rizal
Ptr. Flor Tingle
M: +63 915 430 9102
CFCA Antipolo Project
Arlyn Montojo
T: +632 651 3816
M: +63 920 564 7752
Taytay is originally the Garments Capital of the Philippines and home of quality crafted builder's woodworks, now it is fast emerging as the Commercial Hub of the Province of Rizal with the setting up of big retail establishments like SM City and Puregold.
On display are furnite made in Taytay.
Dried flowers on wooden frames.
Jewelry boxes, tissue holders and other home accessories made in Rizal province.
Christmas decors made of resin.
For inquiries on Christmas decors, you may contact:
Jaime Galias
Medoth Phils. Craft
T: +632 697 4309
M: +63 916 367 4835, +63 927 926 4164
E: [email protected]
For inquiries on Christmas decors, you may contact:
Jaime Galias
Medoth Phils. Craft
T: +632 697 4309
M: +63 916 367 4835, +63 927 926 4164
E: [email protected]
Overall the travel mart was a success as it was participated in by various stakeholders in the tourism, education and trade industries. Once again, Rizalenos proved that they can pull all resources together to come up with an exhibit showcasing the best of the province.
Although this is just one of the many steps to promote trade and tourism in the province, alot of work is still needed to be done to fully maximize the province's potential. During one of the panel discussions, it was said that the province of Rizal used to be one of the richest provinces in the country. As you may know, many cities in Metro Manila used to be part of Rizal province - Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, San Juan and many others. As years went on, these municipalities detached from the province and became independent cities.
As far as tourism industry is concerned, we wonder why among all regions in CALABARZON, Rizal seems to be behind. Is there a lack of collective effort among stakeholders? Is there a shortage of destinations to be visited or explored? Is there a lack of infrastructure development that would entice tourists to visit the province? Is there a priority on provincial tourism at all?
May I take this opportunity to comment on the road networks in Rizal. For one, I am quite impressed with the long, smooth stretch of road in Antipolo going to Tanay. Many roads in the province have also been greatly improved. However, Ortigas Extension in Pasig going to entry point in Cainta remain a bottleneck. Commuters have been painstakingly negotiating this road for years. I hope something can be done. Another thing is the lack of street lights in major thoroughfares. Until now, the road going up to Antipolo from Taytay is very dark. I hope there won't be any untoward traffic or road incident before something can be done in this road going to Antipolo. These are just some areas that I frequent, I am not quite sure with other areas just yet.
Whatever it lacks, I am confident that it can be addressed by all stakeholders - government officials, private sector and public. As they say it is still a work in progess and anyone involved is vital in this development.
Although this is just one of the many steps to promote trade and tourism in the province, alot of work is still needed to be done to fully maximize the province's potential. During one of the panel discussions, it was said that the province of Rizal used to be one of the richest provinces in the country. As you may know, many cities in Metro Manila used to be part of Rizal province - Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, San Juan and many others. As years went on, these municipalities detached from the province and became independent cities.
As far as tourism industry is concerned, we wonder why among all regions in CALABARZON, Rizal seems to be behind. Is there a lack of collective effort among stakeholders? Is there a shortage of destinations to be visited or explored? Is there a lack of infrastructure development that would entice tourists to visit the province? Is there a priority on provincial tourism at all?
May I take this opportunity to comment on the road networks in Rizal. For one, I am quite impressed with the long, smooth stretch of road in Antipolo going to Tanay. Many roads in the province have also been greatly improved. However, Ortigas Extension in Pasig going to entry point in Cainta remain a bottleneck. Commuters have been painstakingly negotiating this road for years. I hope something can be done. Another thing is the lack of street lights in major thoroughfares. Until now, the road going up to Antipolo from Taytay is very dark. I hope there won't be any untoward traffic or road incident before something can be done in this road going to Antipolo. These are just some areas that I frequent, I am not quite sure with other areas just yet.
Whatever it lacks, I am confident that it can be addressed by all stakeholders - government officials, private sector and public. As they say it is still a work in progess and anyone involved is vital in this development.
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