“We live in a wonderful
world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the
adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharial
Nehru
I see to it that once a year I travel. Traveling serves
as a reward for all the hard works I did throughout the year. Meanwhile, when I
entered the world of blogging, places seems to be within reach. Like visiting
friend’s place or covering an out-of-town events, eating here and there, and
most of the time going out with them. It’s such a pleasurable hobby that I
can’t resist and I am happy with it. Discovering things and learn something
from one’s culture.
And where I am last Sunday, on the 20th of May? Kuya Ruel with wifey Ate Jinkee toured us (Ailes and I, because some of the TRT are
not available) at their hometown - Laguna. It was like an educational field
trip and it was an awesome experience to revisit once again, after more than a
decade, the places I have been to during our school educational field trip when
I was in grade school. And of course, change really does exist because Laguna looked
new to me. We’ve been to Jose Rizal House, Jose Rizal biggest Monument, the
historical Banga, St. John the Baptist Church and Laguna Bay at Calamba; Laguna
Hot Spring at Pansol; Isdaan at Calauan; UP Los Baños Football Field at Los
Baños. It was a day full of fun and new learning.
Ailes and I agreed to meet up as early as 5:30am. From
Buendia LRT, we went to DLTB bus terminal and ride the bus going to Sta.Cruz,
Laguna. The fare is about P70 going to SM Calamba. But if you tell to the
conductor that you are a “CALAMBA REGULAR” then a discount could be yours. We
did, that’s why we only pay P63 for our fare going to SM Calamba. SM Calamba is
one of the milestones Laguna had and we agreed that Kuya Ruel and Ate Jinkee
will fetch us there. From there, our journey to Laguna begins.
Jose
Rizal House (Calamba). A visit to JOSE “Pepe” RIZAL house is
full of history and educational, too. Just to give a little background for the
sake of my international readers, our National Hero (Philippines) and pride of
the Malayan race, was born on June 19, 1861, in the town of Calamba, Laguna. He
was the seventh child in a family of 11 children (2 boys and 9 girls). Both his
parents were educated and belonged to well-known families.
You may see in the photo above that the Rizal’s
Residence looks like a new house (I guess renovation throughout the decades is
needed in order to preserve the house so that the next generations are still
able to see and visit and look what Jose Rizal’s home look like), it is not the
usual antique or an old house painted in a pale-white or dirty-white, however
the history on each corner of the house still remains.
And this “Bahay Kubo” is where little Pepe used to play
together with his siblings.
And here are the things you’ll see inside the house.
Moreover, for accessories-lover like me you may also find
and buy something stylish as a souvenir item like these.
Banga
(Calamba). One of the tourists spot in Calamba is the “Banga” (clay
water jar) located in the middle of the city plaza. You’ll notice the words
written on the surface, these are the names of the barangays of Calamba
engraved on the pot that serves as the town’s symbol. Early settler said that
the name “Calamba” is came from this jar known as “Banga” that’s why it is placed
in the middle of the city plaza and can be viewed from Rizal’s house window.
St.
John the Baptist Church (Calamba). This is the church where
Jose Rizal got christened. He was baptized on July 22, 1861 by Father Rufino
Collantes and Father Pedro Casañas as his godfather.
Laguna
Bay (Calamba). Well, if you are going to Rizal, Laguna Bay
is the fastest way to get there. The government developed the place so it will
become pleasing to the eyes of the visitors. However, when the typhoon “Ondoy”
hits the town, some of the fence got damaged.
Laguna Hot Spring (Pansol). Oh.. la.. la.. Most of our team buildings
and friends’ getaway or when the boys have some “projects” to do, Pansol is one
of the place we considered. We were just renting a private pool for us to stay
and enjoy the hot spring of Laguna. However, this was the first time I has been
to Laguna Hot Spring. I just thought that this place is just for the oldies
that wanted to have a massage over the hot spring water because P’s Mom, Dad,
Aunts, Uncles and his Grandmother always going to Laguna Hot Spring whenever
they are here in the Philippines because they enjoy the massage and the hot
spring water. Well, I was in awe when I saw the chocolate-y water (because the water
is color brown). And of course, I also tried there super relaxing and
affordable massage for only P150 per 30 minutes and Entrance Fee is for only P50. Moreover, a free fish spa is
also available. Yay!
Isdaan
(Calauan). This huge floating restaurant owned by Ongpauco Family,
who also owns Barrio Fiesta Restaurant is not just good for great dining
experience but also good for recreations and family bonding especially those
has kids - from eating to photo-ops to riding a boat (if you ride a boat you
have to give a compulsory P20 tip to the bangkero). We haven’t had the chance
to eat here because of the long queue for the table though. Looking forward to
visit here again and taste the food.
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What I'm wearing: polo dress from greenhills | green wallet from landmark
sunglasses from a'postrophe | pink flip-flops from havaianas |
UP
Los Baños Football Field (Los Baños). An afternoon walk or jogging
is good to be spent here, a big football field that really fits on an outdoor
activity. Well I guess, this could be a nice place for lovebirds since I
spotted couples here.
Jose
Rizal biggest Monument (Calamba). And last but not the least;
we passed by at Jose Rizal biggest monument at Calamba before Kuya Ruel and Ate
Jinkee sending us to bus terminal. As far as I know, most of celebrations in
lieu of Rizal are celebrated here.
Wow! What a day, loaded of history, beautiful creations
of mother earth and creative output beyond imagination of man’s thinking! This
is just simply amazing! An adventure worth to remember!
Have a Blessed Sunday!
See Yah!
