Interesting churches

If you love to visit old churches, the town of Antipolo has many impressive examples. St. Jerome Church, built in 1615 was built by Chinese craftsmen who left there mark with two Chinese lion sculptures at the entrance. It is a picturesque stone and mortar church with an octagonal bell tower. The Baras Church of 1686 has made use of the stone artifacts found under it in its altar and lecterns.

Local Arts

The town of Angono houses an Artist Villiage filled with artists and musicians. Jose Blanco and his family of painters live in the town and maintain a gallery of original paintings. This town is also know for the Carabao Festival held May 15th in honor of San Isidro Labrador, The patron saint of farmers. You will see a processions of carabao-pulled carts decorated in flowers, as well as a carabao race across rice fields. A priest also blesses the kneeling beasts. Another artist, Vicente Manansala has a shrine that preserves his original paintings in his hometown of Binangonan.

Natural beauty

Many natural attractions dot the area, such as the Ugong Falls in Morong and the Darranak Falls and Calinawan Cave in Tanay. Limestone hills grace some of the areas as well. Also nearby is Laguna de Bay.

A traditional festival

You might want to plan your trip to include the San Clemente Festival, held on November 23rd. To honor the patron saint of fishermen, an annual procession of boats is held on Laguna Lake. The tradition is an elaborate and colorful occasion.