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Rizal is famous for...
Cradle of Philippine Art
Rizal has gained a reputation as the “Cradle of Philippine Art,” owing to its artists’ communities and folk festivals, starting with Philippine National Hero Jose Rizal, himself an artist, after whom the province was named. Its other creative sons include national artist Vicente Manansala along with Blanco, Nemiranda, and Pacheco, among others.
Art Galleries
Angono, Binangonan, Tanay, and Morong abound with art houses where traditional and contemporary paintings and masterpieces are arrayed for public viewing, allowing visitors to imbibe the culture and artistic genius of the Filipino. The galleries of Vicente Manansala in Binangonan; the galleries of Blanco and Nemiranda in Angono; the Pacheco Gallery in Morong; and the Angono Art Galleries are excellent sources of artworks by the artists of Rizal.
Hinulugang Taktak
The town of Antipolo has been traditionally known for Hinulugang Taktak Falls, even before World War II. The mountain resort has picnic cottages, a swimming pool, artificial paths, and steps to view the waterfalls. During the month of May, cultural concerts and plays are held in the area fronting the waterfalls. The falls is located along Taktak Road.
Daranak Falls
A favorite location shooting area of most local and international movies and advertising outfits in the country, Daranak Falls nestles quietly at the foot of the Tanay mountains, preserved with the natural vegetation, complemented with beautiful waterfalls, ponds, and rivers cascading through elaborate tropical trees and plants. This 14-meter high falls is truly a refreshing site. It is located at Bgy. Tandang Kutyo in the town of Tanay.
Wawa Dam
The dam is located at Barangay Wawa in the town of Rodriguez, at the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains. It supplies water to Novaliches passing through large pipes. It has a gorge, which lies between two limestone mountains, and through this passes the upper Marikina River. Four caves are visible on the way to the dam. These caves are said to have been inhabited by the Japanese soldiers during the Second World War. A historical marker can be found at the entrance of one of the caves, in memory of the Japanese soldiers.
Susong Dalaga
The 200-meter-high mountain is shaped like a virgin’s breast, which translates to “susong dalaga” in the Tagalog language. A trek to this mountain challenges the grit, perseverance, and physical stamina of hikers. But once they are at the top, a rewarding feeling of “being high” comes by looking at the scenic Laguna Lake and its pristine surroundings. The mountain can be found in Barangay Sapang, Talim Island, Binangonan.
Petroglyphs
Discovered in 1965 by national artist and acclaimed muralist Carlos “Botong” Francisco from Angono, this cultural heritage site dates back to circa 3000 B.C. and is the most ancient Filipino, or more aptly, prehistoric Filipino work of art. The site located in Binangonan is famous for its rock engravings, 127 drawings of human and animal figures. Previous archaeological finds yielded fragments of earthenware, obsidian flakes, and shells.
The Angono Petroglyphs site has been included in the World’s Inventory of the Rock Art, through the auspices of UNESCO, ICCROM, and ICOMOS. It has been declared as a national cultural treasure by virtue of Presidential Decree 260 in 1996. It received the greatest recognition as a nominee for the “100 Most Endangered Sites of the World” by the World Monument Watch List. The preservation and development of the Petroglyphs is a collective effort of the National Museum of the Philippines, World Monument Watch Fund, American Express International, the Department of Tourism, and Antipolo Properties, Inc.
Our Lady of Antipolo Shrine
It is known to be the home of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Nuestra Señora dela Paz y Buenviaje). 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 galleon's safe arrivals were attributed to the miraculous powers of the icon. It was on November 26, 1926 that the Blessed Virgin from Acapulco was dedicated by the Archbishop of Manila, Michael O' Doherty. The month of May is a month-long fiesta in Antipolo, when thousands of devotees come to pay homage to Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage.
Tayo na sa Antipolo Festival
The month-long celebration is Antipolo City is to honor Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. Devotees are seen taking the much-trodden path leading to Antipolo. The image, which is already three centuries old, is said to exhibit supernatural powers. In the evening of April 30, thousands of pilgrims from several places in Metro Manila and nearby towns begin an annual trek to the path, on foot.
Feast of San Clemente (Higantes Festival)
Angono’s joyous fiesta is in honor of San Clemente whose image, resplendent in papal vestment, is borne by male devotees during a procession accompanied by parehadoras, or devotees dressed in local costumes, wooden shoes, and carrying boat paddles, and higantes, or giant wooden figures made from papier-mache and bamboo. The street event culminates in a fluvial procession on the shores of Laguna de Bay, amidst revelry that continues until the image is brought back to the parish church.
Overlooking View
Located in Antipolo City, Overlooking View is an area on top of a mountain along Sumulong Highway where one can have a splendid view of the metropolis. There are several nipa huts that serve as a drinking area for the people who would like to enjoy the view.
Wawa Gorge, Montalban
This 400m-deep limestone gorge has a surprisingly wild feel for a place only two hours from Manila. There are numerous routes of varying lengths rated from 5.8 to 5.11. The most difficult climbs are bolted, but if traditional protection is pissible, local climbers expect that it will be used. There are occasional rockfalls, so wear a helmet. The best place to get information on Wawa Gorge is Power Up Gym in Quezon City.
Puting Bato (White Rock), Cogeo
The closest climbing site to Manila, Puting Bato is a limestone cliff with two 60m walls and a number of smaller crags. There are established routes here, rated from 5.6 to 5.12. Like Wawa Gorge in Montalban, the more difficult climbs are bolted. The area has great untapped potential, and more routes are being explored. Hand and footholds are solid, more so than in Wawa, and the rock is completely clear of vegetation. Beginning, intermediate, and advanced instruction is available at reasonable prices through Power Up Gym in Quezon City.
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