| Rizal Wedding
Destination
Rizal – Cradle
of Philippine Art
As the hometown of
two National Artists, Carlos ‘Botong’ Francisco
and Lucio San Pedro, the town is filled with art galleries
and the artistry of emerging artist are becoming evident
as well. Churches found in the province also reflect
the Filipino artistry, as influenced by Spanish and
other cultures.
Demographic
1. Population –
2,284,046 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 1,308.9 sq. km
3. Capital – Antipolo City
4. Language/Dialect – English, and Filipino
5. Divisions
Cities (1)
Municipalities (13)
- Angono
- Baras
- Binangonan
- Cainta
- Cardona
- Jalajala
- Morong
- Pililla
- Rodriguez
- San Mateo
- Tanay
- Taytay
- Teresa
Famous For...
Our Lady
of Antipolo Shrine
The Shrine is the home of the highly venerated Our Lady
of Peace and Good Voyage (Nuestra Señora dela
Paz y Buen Viaje). During Lenten Season and the month
of May, devotees head out to the shrine to pay homage
to the Virgin.
Hinulugang
Taktak
A subject of a song of the Mabuhay Singers, this wonder
is a favorite picnic site of locals and stopover of
pilgrims who came from the Antipolo Shrine
Art Galleries
and Ateliers
The province is an art lover’s paradise. The towns
of Angono, Binangonan, Tanay, and Morong are filled
with art galleries showcasing the works of some of the
most notable visual artists of the Philippines
Wawa Dam
This dam supplier water to Novaliches through its large
pipes. The Wawa Dam is a favorite spot for budding photographers
and those who would like to escape the city life without
traveling too far from Manila.
Angono Petroglyphs
Discovered by National Artist for Painting Carlos Botong’
Franciso in 1965, these stone carvings of human and
animal figures dating back to 3000 BC.
Delectable
Food
Rizal has its own list of mouthwatering dishes which
will make anyone come back for more.
1. Kalamay – sweet sticky rice cake tooped with
dark sweet coconut glaze
2. Binuho or suman sa buho – sweetened glutinous
rice cooked in bamboo tubes and seasoned in coconut
milk.
3. Balaw-balaw – fermented salted shrimps
4. Nilasing na Hipon - freshwater shrimp cooked in coconut
milk mélanged with cooking wine or gin
5. Cashew nuts
Places of Interest...
Cultural
Angono Petroglyphs
Location: Angono – Binangonan – Antipolo
boundary
Discovered by National Artist for Painting Carlos Botong’
Franciso in 1965, the petroglyphs is included in the
100 Most Endangered Sites of the World in 1996 due to
its fast deterioration and vandalism done by irresponsible
visitors. In the same year, President Fidel Ramos issued
Presidential Decree No. 260, declaring it as a national
cultural treasure.
Angono Art
Galleries
1. Nemiranda Arthouse and Gallery
Location: Dona Justa Subd., Angono, Rizal
2. Tiamson Art Gallerie
Location: 203 Dona Nieves St., Bgy. Sto. Nino, Angono,
Rizal
3. Ang Nuno Gallery and Balaw-Balaw Restaurant
Location: Don Francisco St., Dona Justa Subd., Angono,
Rizal
4. Blanco Family Museum
Location: 312 ibanez St., Sto. Nino, Angono, Rizal
5. Vicente Reyes Studio
Location: Dona Aurora St., Bgy. Poblacion, Angono, Rizal
Vicente Manansala
Historical Shrine
Location: 73 Gloria St., San Carlos Heights Subd., Binangonan,
Rizal
Tour Day: Tuesday to Saturday
Tour Time: 8:30 am - 12:00 nn and 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
It was declared by the National Historical Institute
as a historical landmark in June, 1978. It houses the
works of the first Filipino ‘modern’ artist.
Mural Street
Location: Dona Aurora St., of Barangay Poblacion Itaas,
Angono, Rizal
The street is filled with murals and sculptures depicting
the famous painting of National Artists Carlos ‘Botong’
Francisco about rural life. These murals were made by
Charlie Anorico, Gerry Bantang and Ebong Pinpino. At
the end of the street are the busts of Francisco and
National Artist for Music Lucio San Pedro.
Man-made
Wawa Dam
Location: Brgy. Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal
Located at the foothill of Sierra Madre Mountains, it
is surrounded by lush greenery and limestone formations.
Visitors can enjoy having picnic at makeshift kubos
located at the side of the dam.
Hamaka Park
Location: P. Oliveros St., Antipolo City, Rizal
Hamaka or hammock is the mode of transportation in Rizal
back then. Bronze figure can be found in the park replicating
the hamaka tradition, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage
and town sellers of the City's major products (suman,
mangoes and cashew).
Ynares Center
Location: Corner P. Oliveros St. and Circumferential
Road, Antipolo City, Rizal
This state-of-the-art sports coliseum is the favorite
venue of several sporting events and concerts held in
the province. The Center served as the venue for the
centennial celebration of Rizal Province.
Natural
Hinulugang
Taktak
Location: Taktak Road, Barangay Dela Paz, Antipolo City
The waterfalls has been declared a National Park and
now contains picnic cottages, a swimming pool, pathways
and walks that afford a nice view of the dramatic falls.
Susong Dalaga
Location: Bgy. Sapang, Talim Island, Binangonan, Rizal
Shaped like a virgin’s breast, this 200-meter
high mountain gives veteran and amateur hikers a challenging
climb but offers rewarding scenery for the tenacious
ones.
Eagle’s
Nest (Overlooking View)
Location: Sumulong Highway, Antipolo City, Rizal
The view point has nipa huts where locals and visitors
enjoy the Manila skyline and have a drink.
Daranak Falls
Location: Bgy. Tandang Kutyo, Tanay, Rizal
The 14-meter high falls lies at the foot of the mountain,
surrounded by lush vegetation, and natural ponds and
river. It is a favorite site for local and international
movies and advertisements.
Batlag Falls
Location: Brgy. Plaza Aldea, Tanay, Rizal
Entrance Fee: P20.00
The 10-meter high waterfall is set on a unique rock
formation. Below are two unlikely shaped pools with
sharp rock protruding out from the base and nearby rocks.
Religious
Our Lady
of Antipolo Shrine
Location: Antipolo City, Rizal
The Shrine is the home of the highly venerated Our Lady
of Peace and Good Voyage (Nuestra Señora dela
Paz y Buen Viaje). History says that this miraculous
icon sailed back and forth between Manila and Acapulco
eight times, and on several occasions, was credited
with saving the Spanish galleons from destruction by
pirates, and Dutch and British blockades. The Nuestra
Señora was dedicated by the Archbishop of Manila
on November 26, 1926.
Pinagmishan
Hills / Via Dolorosa
Location: Kaytikling Road, Antipolo City, Rizal
Another known destination during Lent, the Via Dolorosa
requires pilgrims to walk uphill on the mountain, stopping
at the life-sized replicas of the Stations of the Cross.
Atop are the huge White Cross and the outsized image
of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage.
Boso Boso
Church Ruins
Location: Sitio Boso-Boso, Brgy. San Jose, Antipolo
City, Rizal
It was built in the 17th century in the patronage of
Our Lady of Annunciation (Nuetra Señora de la
Anunciata). Transferred its management to Secular Priest
in 1768. It was destroyed by an earthquake on June 18,
1880. It was fully destroyed during the World II.
San Ildefonso
Church
Location: Tanay, Rizal
The church is famous for its beautiful ‘retablos’
(altars) and 14 ‘Via Crucis’ or Station
of the Cross curved in bass relief of wood, and other
antiques. It is also famed as one of the very few churches
in the country featuring Rococo Artwork, a style popular
during the 18th century characterized by curves and
goldleaf.
St. Joseph
Church
Location: Baras, Rizal
It is one of the oldest in the area, having been completed
in 1686. The first church in Baras was built by the
Franciscans in 1595.
St. Jerome
Church
Location: Morong, Rizal
Built in 1615 by Chinese craftsmen as evidenced by the
Chinese lions at the entrance to the steep driveway.
It has a tower in front, about 100 feet high with a
statue of St. Michael the Archangel on top.
Ang Kalbaryo
Location: Bgy. Libid, Binangonan, Rizal
Local stories states that a cross-shaped rock suddenly
grew at the summit of the hill. Unfortunately, the rock
cross was destroyed by lightning and thunder. The locals
erected a wooden cross as replacement in 1783. Later
on, a chapel was also built at the site.
Dinamulag
– Mango Festival
Place: Iba, Zambales
Date: April 13 – 15
Dinamulag was derived from a Zambal word meaning “Kinalabaw”,
the mango variety dominantly grown in the province.
This yearly celebration was created to accommodate and
promote the mango industry in Zambales and to show the
Provincial Government’s support to mango farmers.
Fiesta Of
Ina Poonbato
Place: Botolan, Zambales
Date: January 24
Devotees from all over the country flocked to the church
before or on the feast day to worship Ina Poonbato.
Religious activities and procession are held during
the feast.
Singkamas
Festival
Place: San Marcelino, Zambales
Date: February 17-26
Singkamas (raddish) is a major root crop grown abundantly
in San Marcelino. Its peak season of harvest is in the
month of February. Street dancers flock the town plaza
wearing colorful costumes and celebrate the abundant
harvest for the year.
Festivals...
Tayo na sa
Antipolo Festival
Place: Antipolo City
Date: May 1 – 30
This month-long celebration is in honor Our Lady of
Peace and Good Voyage. During this time, pilgrims from
everywhere travel towards the shrine on foot to pay
homage to the Blessed Virgin.
Higantes
Festival
Place: Angono, Rizal
Date: November 22-23
Giant papier mache effigies,natives in wooden shoes
and costumes join the procession of San Clemente, Angono’s
patron saint.
Giwang-giwang
Place: Binangonan, Rizal
Date: Good Friday
This is a reenactment of the funeral of Jesus Christ.
Due to the number of devotees joining the parade trying
to touch the Sepulkro or sepulcher, the image ends up
swaying, hence, its local translation, the term Giwang-giwang.
Sumakah Festival
Place: Antipolo City, Rizal
Date: May 1 - 30
The festival name is an acronym for suman, mangga (mango)
kasoy (cashew nuts) and hamaka (hammock made of rattan).
The festival is celebrated together with Tayo Na sa
Antipolo Fesitval. |
There is something about garden weddings that soon-to-wed couples like experience. Some couples like the feeling of being surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery, the scent of flowering plants that masks the entire venue, the experience on walking on grass that is somewhat wet because of the dew that formed earlier, or the feel of exchanging vows with nature as one of the witnesses.
While many Filipinos still tend to choose to hold their wedding receptions at home – maybe inside the house or on an open lot – many already opt to find specific venues that will cater to their needs. Gone are the days when the common misconception was renting venues was only for those who could afford it, meaning those who were well-to-do in life.
Wedding is considered as one of the most important, extravagant, and intimate moments in a Filipino’s life. This is why Filipinos are very particular when it comes to this ideally once in a lifetime event. Filipino couples always make it sure that their nuptial will be as intimate and solemn as possible and that it will be witnessed only by their own families and the other important people in their lives.
In Filipino wedding traditions, whether they are simple get-together´s or grand events, such as weddings, food is a must. Before, when important events like a wedding would be held, the family of the bride or the groom took time to prepare for the reception. They were the ones who dressed up the venue and made it beautiful and presentable.