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

Tags: Higante Festival, Hinulugang Taktak, ynares center

The eruption in 1991 that has totally wiped out the villages at the foot of Mount Pinatubo is commemorated yearly with a trekking event that was joined by local and foreign visitors. Every 30th of November, participants would board their vehicles and drive for an hour going to the crater of Mount Pinatubo, would donate some of their resources for the rehabilitation of local infrastructures, an attraction that has gained enormous appeal. At the top of the now dormant volcano, where you can see the spectacular view of numerous mountain springs and the gushing waterfalls around the nearby areas. This is really an experience to remember as when you look down at the uninterrupted vista of the mud covered landscapes you will wonder at the havoc that was created by the eruption.

Tarlac is rich in historical landmarks with The Capas National Shrine, the Capas Death March Marker and the Sto. Domingo Death March Marker are all testimonies of the sufferings endured by the thousand of Filipino and American soldiers who participated in the tragic Death March in World War II. The Tarlac Provincial Capitol building that was built in 1906 has captivated the attention of tourist as the old world beauty of the building was further enhanced by the Maria Cristina Park named after 1952 Miss Philippines Maria Cristina Galang, a Tarlac beauty while the San Sebastian Cathedral in Tarlac City is the location of the revolutionary congress.

Aside from Mt. Pinatubo that has been a constant wonder to local and foreign visitors, the Dolores Hot Spring in Tarlac City and the Bueno Hot Springs in Capas are both famous tourist destinations because of the water that is believed to heal a lot of ailments. The Anao Quinabutok Creek is a must to visit for a picnic site that offer travelers enjoyable fishing and swimming opportunities.

Tarlac is the home province of former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino and the former president Corazon Aquino. Considered to be the Melting Pot of Central Luzon, Tarlac is a combination of four ethnic groups – the Tagalog’s, the Ilocano’s, the Pangalatok’s and the Kapangpangan’s. Because if this, Tarlac is known to have varied cuisines carried by the settlers from their place of origin. The province is also well known for agriculture and farming in rice, sugar cane, fruits and other crops. The Luisita Golf and Country Club is touted to be one of the best in the country with its 18-hole championship course. Designed by the famous golf architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the golf course features slopes, lagoons and clear water twisting through well tended lawns.

Tags: Capas National Shrine, Death March, Tarlac