This is the fifth installment of the Spread The Impact series – a collection of travel narratives and guides to less-traveled places in the Philippines, with the aim to spread human impact to the environment as well as uplift the lives of communities through tourism.
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Rizal – true to the National Hero whence it got its name – prides itself as the "province that has it all"; and for good reason, what with its collection of activities for just about every kind of adventurer. Its inherent variety springs from the towns that compose it; each sporting a character so defined and sure. But of all the towns, the City of Antipolo, no doubt, stands as the province's epitome. Its microcosm, if you will.
Read: DIY Hiking Guides to the Rizal Mountains
Antipolo lies just about 25 kilometers east of Metro Manila. It was converted from a municipality into a composite city on April 4, 1998 under Republic Act No. 8508. The "City in the Sky", with its elevation, enjoys a relatively cooler climate and a scenic view of the metropolis. Despite being considered as a highly urbanized city, Antipolo gives off just the right mix of urban-and-rural vibe.
The landlocked city is bounded to the north by San Mateo and Rodriguez; to the east by Tanay; to the south by Angono, Taytay, and Teresa; and to the west by Cainta, and Marikina City. It's the most populous city in the CALABARZON region and the seventh in the country with more than 700,000 residents as of 2015.
Read: DIY Guide to Angono
Read: DIY Guide to Angono
THINGS TO DO
Marvel at the City's Rich Religious Heritage
One of Antipolo's most well-known tourist destinations is the Antipolo Cathedral where a Marian image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage is enshrined. Pilgrims flock to this site as part of the traditional "Alay Lakad" on the eves of Good Friday and May 1, with participants trekking from as far as the Quiapo Church.
Begin your Antipolo adventure by attending a mass at this esteemed church, or if you're not into that, you could always appreciate the architecture and the history behind it.
Spend Some Quality Time with Nature (and your Loved Ones)
Hinilugang Taktak makes one half of the duo that is Antipolo's most popular spots (the Cathedral is the other). It has a National Park designation under the DENR, and is also a National Historical Shrine by virtue of Republic Act No. 6964.
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| This was a stolen shot. Holler if this is you. :D |
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| There are picnic huts around the park |
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| The park is co-managed by the DENR |
The park had undergone major renovations, and while the waterfalls (and its waterways) is still a far cry from its former glory, the rehabilitation efforts had come a long way. Aside from the main waterfall attraction, there is also a pool and picnic sheds around the park. And oh, admission is free!
