Rizal is one of the Philippine provinces included in the CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) Region. It was named after the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal and is located approximately 20 kilometers east of Manila. Tagalog is their main language and the majority of the population practices Roman Catholicism where one of the most remarkable churches is the Antipolo Cathedral in Antipolo City, the capital of Rizal, where devotees go.

According to urban planners, it is the country’s next business capital due to its strategic geographical location; and based on the latest national survey, few people of this province are experiencing poverty compared to other places nationwide. But wait, it does not end there. There are more than those that the place has to offer. A glimpse of a panoramic view can be seen along the Sumulong Highway leading to Antipolo. Here, you can find several restaurants, hotels and inns such as the Cloud 9 Deck View or Crescent Moon Lounge, to name a few, that accommodate tourists and local folks with their view decks.

Tourism is never frail in this beautiful Province of Rizal. There are several tourist attractions that will entice everyone to visit the place. Natural springs, waterfalls and a picturesque view of the breathtaking Laguna Lake and Sierra Madre mountain ridges will never cease to amaze travelers. The cool climate of Tanay and Antipolo is what makes this place conducive for foreign tourists to come and enjoy more than 50 tourist attractions, as well as unique, native or home made food delicacies that the place has to offer.

Just to mention a few, there is the miraculous shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage housed in Antipolo Cathedral, the Hinulugang Taktak Falls in San Jose - this mountain rest has picnic cottages; swimming pool, artificial paths and steps to view the waterfalls, the Boso-Boso Church – a remnant of centuries-old church where a small chapel was built inside to celebrate the Sunday Mass of the devotees , there is also the Pinagmisahan Hills – currently known as Via Dolorosa, which features stations of the cross with huge and monumental sizes of saints and Inday Nelly’s Mystical Cave, which what makes Antipolo famous, has 8th-floors deep cave that attracts not just adventure-seeking lovers and cave lovers, but also education institutions who wants to actually see and study the stalagmites and the stalactites. These naturally molded stones and crystals resemble some Catholics images, making it yet another pilgrim site to visit in the city. While the Cenakulo and Penetencia, are two of the most famous religious festivals of Cainta there is also the Higante Festival that amazes everyone with their gigantic and colorful parading creations.

To further lure the tourists, Rizal has various native delicacies that makes the visitors crave for more. Most common are the Suman (rice cake wrapped in banana leaf), latik (boiled down coconut milk used for glazing), coconut jam and the famous bibingka.

On the other hand, some renowned artists that came from this province are Botong Francisco and Vicente Manansala. The craftsmanship of the people of Rizal led the investors to make the place as a spot to put up several businesses like garments, textiles, footwears and houseware precision instruments businesses, among others. The garment industry is the major economic earner of the province due to its accessibility to raw materials and manufacturing. Currently, there are thousands of small and large scale firms that manufacture and export these locally made garment and textiles all over the world.

The Province of Rizal is made up of the following:
Antipolo City - Capital
Angono, Baras, Binangonan, Cainta, Jalajala, Morong, Pililla, Rodriguez, San Mateo, Tanay, Taytay, Teresa

Article prepared by: Aerin of Aerin Collections

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Enchanting place with rich traditional custom, heritage and history. Ilocos Sur, with its capital of Vigan City, oftenly called as “The Heart of The Ilocandia Region” has transformed itself to a progressive province in terms of advancement in both economy and development but still preserving its rich culture, tradition and heritage. This is an impressive effort by both its local government and citizens working hand in hand towards attaining development and progress through joint efforts for the benefit of everyone. Its vision and mission has set extra ordinary standards benefiting the province and the country as a whole.

Preservation of its historic houses and buildings is one of the awesome work of the province. 17th and 18th century old structures still stand today making it an ideal place for both tourism and remembering its place in the country’s history. The Padre Burgos House stands as the preservation place for artifacts, memorabilia and arts of its first settlers and ancestry while the Crisologo Museum handles all the typical collection of furnishings that includes the greatly preserved structure of a pre-spanish era edifice. The Magsingal Museum meanwhile is where the repository of its art craftsmanship with a new addition of The San Pablo Museum that is committed to preserve its cultural heritage.

Modernization is also the aim of its local citizen and government while preserving its rich culture, tradition and history. It is also a very exciting place to be where peace, serenity and relaxation is within its realms. Vast kilometers of shoreline from Sinait to Tagudin, everyone would really enjoy the refreshing glimpse of its pristine beaches. Outdoor recreation from snorkeling to fishing, and even dolphin watching, there is just a good number of things to see and the whole family will surely enjoy. Shopping is at its convenience with stores accessible daily with some at 24 hours for convenience. Gift items, pasalubongs, antiques, novelties, public markets, malls and many more are available. Dining is almost everywhere, from traditional to native and international cuisine. You name it they have it. But for sure when in Ilocos Sur try their native food and delicacies as Ilocanos have traditionally been enjoying delicacies, whose recipes have been developed out of anything edible and potable within the surroundings, that eventually gave birth to the famous pinakbet, sinanglao, and other delicious food in the Ilocano table. But that’s not all, exotic food also range from stir-fried abal-abal (June beetle), ararawan and many more that would fit anyone who dares to conquer an instant fear factor challenge.

Every home in Ilocos Sur is more than just a warm to cling on including accommodations. From traditional antique setups, beach ambiance, to modern interiors, there is just a wide range of hotels and inns to choose from. Resorts are abundant from native ambiance to the most modernize set up primarily intended for everyones enjoyment and relaxation. While every province has their own festivals in the Philippines, Ilocos Sur is blooming with festivals that celebrate more than just life. Traditions, customs, delicacies, harvests from the bounty - these are just a few elements that could be found in their festivities. So come and groove with the rhythms as they dance along the streets and end up feasting all-day and all-night. Like its been said in Ilocos Sur, the experience you want, the fun you expect and the value you deserve.

Sinait Garlic Festival
Viva Vigan Festival
Longaniza Festival
Pinakbet Festival
Tabako Festival
Vegetable Bowl Festival
Binatbatan Festival

Experience the Philippines and Ilocos Sur. View The Province of Ilocos Sur.

Well this is a hit article again from our Mysterious Editor none other than Mitchteryosa from When Someone Speaks. Actually it came from Mommy Cortez from an interview by Mitch, who happens to hail from the legendary and exciting Province of Camarines Sur. We did a little revision of the article and edited some to preserve topic, in order to acquire a good read for our viewers.

According to Mommy Cortez, Camarines Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Luzon with its capital of Pili and the province borders Camarines Norte and Quezon to the north, and Albay to the south, so rich in beauty and natural resources. The largest among the six provinces in the Bicol Region both in terms of population and land area. Its territory encompasses two cities: Naga City, the lone chartered city, is the province’s and the region’s commercial, educational, financial, and cultural center, while Iriga City, a component city, is the center of the Rinconada area. Most call it The Premier Province of Bicolandia for its supreme developed lands and exciting untouched forestry, coast, nature and landmarks, truly perfect for travel and tourism, adventure, sports or just a simple holiday when one chooses the province for that perfect holiday.

White sand beaches, crystal clear waters and that climate of a perfect weather especially during those summer months are the mighty pride of Camarines Sur. A version of the Copacabana Beach in Brazil could be seen in the 12 kilometer of white sanded beach in Pasacao with the nearby Daruanak Island. Then from Naga City to Sabang, San Jose and by boat to Caramoan or directly by land through the Caramoan Peninsula Road, one will be amply rewarded with this awesome beautiful beaches with fine white sand beside majestic limestone and marble mountains as well as a taste of adventure in its exotic islets with coves nearby. Then there is the place that offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, Partido area and Mt. Iriga, built in the 1970’s by DPWH, great for family picnic in a riverside in Brgy. Consocep, Tigaon, Camarines Sur. Just these superb example of what to see would really be an exciting vacation not to miss. As for nature lovers, Mt. Isarog (Camarines Sur with the Protected Area Management Board has identified Malabay Falls (Naga City), Curry (Pili) Consocep (Tigaon), Hiwacloy (Goa ) as tourism areas within the mountain.), Mt. Asog (Iriga), Lahuy Island (Caramoan), Animosola Island (Balatan), Tayak Lagoon (Malarad Island,
Caramoan), Isla de Monteverde (Barangay Denrica and Garchitorena), Pinaglukaban Island (also of Barangay Denrica and Garchitorena), Umang Cave are great for spending those moments for scuba diving, adventure hiking, sight seeing, photography or just viewing nature at its best.

Historical places and landmarks of Camarines Sur are its pride for its heritage. The Nahulugan Kampana, the belfry of the first stone church which serves as the living memory of the past became an added tourist attraction of the municipality of Lagonoy while the Calvario Hill in Brgy. San Francisco, Iriga City, is the site of Bicol’s magnificent Emerald Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes where “Pagtanggal”, the Iriga folk version of the re-enactment of the Passion of Christ or senakulo is held annually. Kinuwartelan, a Spanish Garrison during the Spanish colonial period is also a top place to visit located in Brgy. Perpetual Help, Iriga City, where many of Filipinos were kept or incarcerated and did hard labor, is a popular local and foreign attraction.

Bicolanos are noted for their appetite in chili-hot dishes. Two of the famous dishes are “Natong” also known as “Laing” and “Langkang Palusag” which is also known as “Ginataang Langka”. Most of their dishes are flavored and boiled in fresh coconut milk spiced with “labuyo”. For meriendas/snacks, they have “Linubak” or known as “Nilupak” in Tagalog regions. It’s made of mashed unripe bananas mixed with scrapings of “sangkaka” or commonly known as “panutsa”.There’s one more thing that makes Camarines Sur well-known, the world’s smallest fish called “Sinarapan” which can be found in Lake Buhi.

The Kaogma Festival is a grand celebration festival of Camarines Sur, commemorating its foundation of the province, with events all over and a weeklong celebration of fun, happiness, cheers showcasing all its beauty. Finally Mommy Cortez mentioned that beautiful places produces beautiful people. I certainly believe that, the Philippines as a whole, produced the very best and beautiful people especially their smiles and wonderful, cheerful and energetic hospitality is the best in the world.