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aguna
As a destination of opportunity and enter
prise, Laguna is one of the must-go
attractions in the major island of Luzon. Its
majestic mountains, hot springs, historical
landmarks, exotic flora and fauna and theme
The Laguna you will witness
parks are just some of the reasons local and
in this coffee table book is the
foreign visitors would not forgo when
visiting the Philippines. Laguna that we have become
– a province of boundless
The birthplace of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, the rapids in possibilities. It has become a
Pagsanjan Falls, the legend of Mt. Makiling, the mystic of Lake benchmark of a vibrant and
Caliraya, the nature’s bounty of Hidden Valley, the underground
Known as the Resort Province of the Philippines, Laguna dynamic mixed economy
cemetery of Nagcarlan and a number of natural and man-made where fast-paced industrial
wonders never fail to catch the fascination of adventure and nature basks with natural endowments that can lure the soul to and commercial growth thrive
Laguna
A Celebration of Life
lovers. Its century old churches, ancestral homes, local handicrafts
side-by-side with a robust and
and native delicacies truly give tourists a glimpse of the rich culture the bounds of pleasure and wonder. Its fresh and pristine highly productive agriculture.
and history of its people.
bodies of water, luxuriant mountains and breathtaking Having been the premier industrial destination for the
As the Department of Tourism congratulates the Provincial
Government of Laguna for coming up with a coffee table book of its landscapes make the province an ideal hotspot for travel past several years, the Province of Laguna has managed
dynamic and beautiful province, we welcome all of you to a treasure to attract the biggest and best investments in industry
trove of 7,107 islands filled with wonderful discoveries that include and leisure. Laguna’s allure and potentials, however, becoming lot of things to a lot of people – the Detroit of
lush tropical landscapes, fine hotels and resorts, up-market and the Philippines, the Silicon Valley of the Philippines, and
bargain shopping centers, exciting outdoor and nightfall activities, extend beyond these marvels. just recently the new ICT center of the country.
a variety of dining places that serve exotic concoctions of culinary
delight, and above all…experience the warmest and friendliest
Laguna runs smack in the middle to strategic growth
welcome absolutely beyond the usual.
Laguna: A Celebration of Life graciously corridors of CALABARZON and MARILAQUE as well
Mabuhay! as the Urban Beltway that connects Southern Luzon,
uncovers the seemingly limitless surprises of this Southern Metro Manila and Central Luzon into a high growth
Super Region. As such, Laguna takes full advantage of
Tagalog province—from its colorful history and culture the infrastructure, facilities build-up, the concentration
to its tourism attractions and opportunities. It brings to of resources and the convergence of people and skills.
A Celebration of Life
JOSEPH “ACE” H. DURANO
Secretary the fore each of the unique features of Laguna’s 26 towns In agriculture, Laguna has built itself into a highly
Department of Tourism productive area leveraging from the newest technologies
and four cities for a heartening rediscovery of Laguna as and advance planting practices from the various
home of splendorous treasures and delights, as well as a research institutions within its bounds i.e. IRRI, Philrice,
SEARCA, UP Los Baños, etc.
Congratulations to Hon. Teresita S. Lazaro, wonderful place of escape to celebrate life.
Governor of Laguna and to the officials and Laguna also has become a top draw destination for
staff of the Provincial Government of domestic and foreign tourists with its mix of theme
Laguna for a most successful launch of its parks, world-renowned destinations like the Pagsanjan
coffee table book that celebrates the wealth
Falls, cultural and historical destinations, numerous
of its natural wonders, the outstanding
quality of its citizens and the heritage of its natural attractions and ingenious products.
people – all of which define the eminence of
Laguna as one of the most progressive But the main strength that has made Laguna into what
provinces of the country. it is now is the industrious, innovative, and persevering
people. Laguna has become a concentration of talent,
The book entitled “Celebration of Life” traces the storied past of and skills necessary to stoke the flames of growth with
the province from the pre-Hispanic settlement sites on the banks its people eagerly facing progress confidently hand-in-
of Laguna de Bay, to the treasure trove of its Spanish colonial hand.
architecture of its churches and residences; public plazas onward to
the present day progressive towns and cities; its outstanding tourist
attractions and protected areas. The book is envisioned to be an Truly, Laguna is the land of boundless possibilities.
excellent reference material for the present and future generations.
LOUELLA C. JURILLA
Director – Region IV
Department of Tourism Philippine Copyright © 2010
by In-Frame Media Works FIRST EDITION
Editor
Ronald A. Yu
Consulting Editor
Valentin P. Guidote, Jr.
Photography
Ronald A. Yu
Edralin Lat
Arthur M. Realubit
Writer
Romel U. Estrella
Alaminos 31
Bay 39
Biñan 47
Cabuyao 55
Calamba 63
Calauan 71
Cavinti 79
Famy 87
Kalayaan 95
Liliw 103
Los Baños 111
Luisiana 119
Lumban 127
Mabitac 135
Magdalena 143
Majayjay 151
Nagcarlan 159
Paete 167
Pagsanjan 175
Pakil 183
Pangil 191
Pila 199
Rizal 207
San Pablo 215
San Pedro 223
Santa Cruz 231
Santa Maria 239
Santa Rosa 247
Siniloan 255
Victoria 263
Town of
Banahaw would give a traveler a unique
experience of the two mystic mountains’ feral
charm. And yet, where the paved highway
Coramblan
uncovers an inhabited hinterland lies the
town of Alaminos—an upland municipality
that gives a bonus of the merging mountains’
exceptional surprises.
Festival The moment Alaminos’ gentle winds blow,
an interesting leisure up ahead is certain. A
stroll about town is a satisfying bit of one’s
visit as it imparts the town’s quiescence and
inbuilt wonders. A typical agricultural town of
cordial people through the ages, Alaminos has gradually renovated itself by picking up
with the changes brought about by the modern times. A number of ancestral houses
that humbly mingle with modest homes, some commercial stores and other business
establishments in the midst of lush vegetation shape the present environs of this
burgeoning community.
Formerly a barrio of San Pablo called Trinchera (Spanish for ditch) because of the
presence of deep ditches around, Alaminos was then the place where fugitives hid
from the Spanish authority. Through the efforts of Capitan General Juan de Alaminos
Rivera, it separated from San Pablo in 1873 and became a town of Batangas. It was
renamed Alaminos as a tribute to the Capitan General. In 1903, the jurisdiction of the
town was transferred to the province of Laguna.
The hilly terrains of Alaminos teem with almost unspoiled vegetation. Rare century-old
hardwood trees can still be found around and tropical fruit trees abound in relative
abundance. Here, catching sight of freshly picked fruits and other crops displayed in
stalls along Maharlika Highway is a common scenario luring many a traveler to stop by.
No wonder why Alaminos is the home of the famous Kayumanggi bottled preserves—a
trademark that has made the famous halo-halo one easy-to-prepare Filipino dessert.
But, aside from bottled preserves for which the town has long been noted for,
Alaminos is also fast becoming a proverbial name in the world of agri-business with
the emergence of the 16-hectare Alaminos Goat Farm along the Maharlika Highway.
Since 2004, the farm produces the choicest breeds of goats and fresh goat’s meat,
bottled milk and white cheese.
When harvesting season in October is at its peak, Alaminos comes in full swing. It is
the time of year when folks from all 15 barangays gather round for the Coramblan LAGUNA: A Celebration of Life | Alaminos
(contraction of Coconut, Rambutan and Lanzones) Festival—a tribute to three fruit
trees that primarily occupy most of the town’s agricultural expanse. The nine-day
festivity is also a sort of thanksgiving to its patron saint, Nuestra Señora del Pilar, for
the bountiful annual harvest.
As the streets of Alaminos display the colors of Coramblan, in the midst of the reveling
townspeople, another spell is cast.
31
Constructed in 1575, the OUR LADY OF THE PILLAR CHURCH is one of the oldest churches in
Laguna but has since been renovated with contemporary interiors.
33 | 33
Surrounded by lush environs, this private resort offers a relaxing stay in Alaminos.
Fresh milk and other dairy goodies produced by
ALAMINOS GOAT FARM.
35 | 35
Young minds at work in PALM
VALLEY INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL: Alaminos puts
education among its topnotch
priorities.
37 | 37
Bay
F
lowers and ornamental plants of vibrant colors
and hues—bougainvilleas and euphorbias
As in the olden times, trading is still a pulsating scenario in the market area and along
the town’s main thoroughfare. It is where you will find the celebrated Monay Bae,
a satisfying treat to bread lovers. Outside the poblacion, exotic catches such as live
pythons, monitor lizards and escargots are part of commodities for sale. The vast rice
fields in the surrounding area, on the other hand, reveal that the people of Bay still
enjoy the gifts of the land through farming.
Bay is also a host municipality to the country’s largest geothermal plant, the
370-megawatt Mak-Ban Geothermal Plant being run by the Aboitiz Power Renewable
LAGUNA: A Celebration of Life | Bay
Incorporated and Chevron Geothermal Philippines Holdings. Before it, a sizeable nature
park resort bursting with living colors attracts nature lovers and tourists—the Grand
Villa Resort and Butterfly Center—a hamlet to a breathtakingly well-kept botanical
garden, mini zoo and an amazing butterfly farm. Down south of the town proper,
amongst the long line of commercial gardens, a noted Filipino restaurant with a very
native and relaxing ambience, serves authentic Southern Tagalog dishes, for a complete
Bay experience.
39
Its original location was in Barangay San
Antonio but due to the area’s frequent flooding,
the SAINT AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO CHURCH
was moved to its present site during the 1800s.
Bay is known for its wonderful blooms and numerous FANCIFUL GARDENS that does not only enchant
the town’s surroundings but also boost its economic muscle. 41 | 41
The GRAND VILLA GARDEN RESORT AND BUTTERFLY FARM takes visitors to a grand vacation with modern resort luxury.
Royal Palm Garden Resort
43 | 43
Nestled between mounts Banahaw and Makiling—both potentially active
volcanoes—MAKBAN GEOTHERMAL PLANT harnesses heat to provide a
sustainable source of energy and add power to the town’s economy.
The ostentation of the town catches everyone’s fancy at the ANILAG Festival.
45 | 45
Cavinti
W
hen one hears of Cavinti, a rectangular thin
slice of sweet delicacy neatly wrapped in
Capital
divine foodstuff is not the only ‘amazing thing’ that
the Cavintinians can be proud of, nor is it the only
reason why anyone would gladly pay this town
another visit.
The idyllic town of Cavinti is favorably situated on the foothills of the Sierra Madre
that were once inhabited by Aetas. According to historical records, these Aeta tribes
used to perform a wedding ritual wherein the bride would have to run through dense
forest to be followed by the groom. The groom should catch his bride and grab her leg
before the actual ceremony would begin. The crowd would then follow the chasing
couple. When the groom finally catches the bride and touches her leg, the crowd
would cheer, “Kabit sa binti! Kabit sa binti!” (The leg is touched! The leg is touched!).
From the phrase, the village was named Kabinti, and later, with the coming of the
Spanish missionaries, it became Cavinti.
Cavinti’s relatively cool atmosphere adds to the pastoral ambiance of the town.
Surrounded by luxuriant vegetation of coconuts, fruit trees and hardwoods, and
blessed with rich flowing rivers and mountain lakes, Cavinti is an ideal destination
for those who want a day of serenity, a weekend of leisure or a very satisfying week-
long vacation. Along the southern perimeters of Lakes Lumot and Caliraya, a number
of resorts offer lodging and recreational and aqua-sports amenities such as surfing,
fishing, boating and water skiing.
On the other forested corner of the town, a taste of wonderment awaits every nature
LAGUNA: A Celebration of Life | Cavinti
79
The fine art of weaving pandan leaves into bags, hats and other crafts has been passed-on through generations and
the industry continues to thrive under the skilful hands of Cavintinians.
LAGUNA: A Celebration of Life | Cavinti
81 | 81
Holed near Cavinti Falls is the majestic Nakulo Falls.
The lush forest environs of PUEBLO EL SAN SALVADOR NATURE’S PARK AND PICNIC
GROVE offers a breathtaking and adventure-filled alternative route to the world-famous Cavinti Falls
(formerly called Pagsanjan Falls).
A short bamboo raft ride to the base
of Cavinti Falls also offers a
relaxing “massage” under the cool,
gushing waterfalls.
Every year, Cavintinians get together to bring their animated floats, bedecked
booths and vivacious street dancers to the ANILAG Festival.
85 | 85
Paete
A
n enormous chisel, a hundred times larger than
the real thing, comes as a monumental marker
Capital of the the poblacion more than just heralds the town’s
prime carved creations but also bids all of the other
interesting surprises that turn up within its territorial
P hilippines
milieu, the lanzones fruit when in season, included.
Paete’s carvings are celebrated in many places around the world. Statues of saints, bas
reliefs and murals fashioned in this town adorn such famous churches including the
St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and other cathedrals in California, New York and Mexico,
to name a few. Many skillful hands of Paeteños, on the other hand, found their way
to five-star hotels, restaurants and cruise ships the world over for their superb ice
sculptures and fruit and vegetable carvings.
But the town’s most prized work of art is the St. James Church. Erected in 1717, the
stone edifice of Baroque architecture keeps to this date historic treasures that signify
the artistic lineage of Paeteños. The old pieces of retablo, intricately carved by the
natives, are considered timeless opuses, as well as the large paintings and murals on
the walls. During Holy Week, the splendid church is accentuated by the display of
LAGUNA: A Celebration of Life | Paete
some 53 moving wooden images depicting Christ’s passion and ministry in the Holy
Wednesday’s procession.
Whether in Holy Week or the peak season of lanzones, coming to Paete nonetheless
is worthwhile as all year round the colonnade of woodcarving art and tradition bids a
day of fabulous attraction.
167
WOOD SCULPTURE is a timeless vocation
of Paete where its pride and glory lies in the
skillful hands of artisans who carve amazing
images out of wood.
Aside from
wood, Paeteños
show their
skillful works
in PAPIER-
MÂCHÉ.
169 | 169
Seen inside the church are the remarkable creations of JOSE LUCIANO DANS, a noted artist and son The Juicio Final (Final
of Paete. These large paintings are labeled SAINT CHRISTOPHER (done in 1850s); LANGIT, LUPA Judgment which depicts St
AT IMPYERNO (Heaven, Earth and Hell also done in 1850). Francis and the salvation of the
souls) was painted in 1720 three
years after the stone church was
built.
Also known as the Paete Church, the St. James the Apostle
Church was built during the Spanish era and the town’s ancient
woodcarving industry can be seen on the church’s walls and murals.
Halfway up the trail leading
to the Tatlong Krus, is the
Matabungca Twin Falls.
171 | 171
As the first art gallery in
Paete, Kape Kesada also
serves as a coffeehouse.
The SALIBANDA (Saliw sa Banda) FESTIVAL commemorates the Feast of the Santo Niño. The centerpiece of the festival
is the SANTO NIÑONG PALABOY.
173 | 173
Major Festivals
Ahunan sa Ping-As Last Sunday of May, Pakil
Ana Kalang Festival Third week of April, Nagcarlan
ANILAG (Ani ng Laguna) Festival March, Provincial Capitol,
Santa Cruz
Araw ng Pila July 26 to 29, Pila
Bañamos Festival September 14 to 18, Los Baños
Bandana Festival December 18, Pangil
Bangkero Festival April 6 to 10, Pagsanjan
Batingaw Festival January 16, Cabuyao
Burdang Lumban Third week of September, Lumban
Coconut Festival January 10 to 15, San Pablo City
CORAMBLAN Festival October 4 to 12, Alaminos
Feast of the Three Kings First Sunday of January, Mabitac
Fiesta Sampaguita February 22, San Pedro
Gat Tayaw “Tsinelas” Festival April 27 to May 1, Liliw
Guiling-Guiling Festival August 26, Siniloan
Itik Festival November 13 to 15, Victoria
Kabukiran Festival September 29 to October 2, Majayjay
Kalakal Festival September 26 to 30, Santa Maria
Kalatong Festival April, Rizal
271 | 271