More than just a weekend getaway, the province of Rizal has a lot to offer from breathtaking landscapes, historical and culture-rich municipalities, artistic museums, scrumptious gastronomy to hospitable people.
During the ‘Pasyal sa Rizal’ tour program launched by the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region IV-A, various municipalities gave provincial and local tourism officers, tour operators, media and content creators a glimpse of what they could offer.
On the first day of the tour, participants visited the municipality of Montalban, where they discovered some of the unique natural and cultural treasures of the place, including the contributions of the Dumagat Remontado tribe, who showcased their traditional dances, music, and products.
Meanwhile, the municipality of San Mateo welcomed guests in the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Aranzazu, where the history of the church was shared, and participants were given the opportunity to pray to the miraculous Virgin Mary.
Every September, the town also celebrates the Kakanin Festival, so they treated the visitors to a variety of famous rice delicacies such as kutsinta, sapin-sapin, biko, and more.
As the Garments Capital of the Philippines, Taytay highlighted its iconic Tiangge, which now also features a night market to accommodate the high demand from tourists and shoppers.
On the other hand, in Antipolo City, participants of the tour were immersed in one of the city’s well-known attractions, the Hinulugang Taktak, a protected landscape managed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Provincial Government.
Additionally, participants toured the renowned Antipolo Cathedral, an International Shrine, which reflects Antipolo City’s pride in being the Pilgrimage Capital of the Philippines.
The next day, the municipality of Angono showcased the beauty and vibrancy of its art and culture through the display of Higantes, a significant part of their identity. Participants also visited the house of Carlos ‘Botong’ Francisco, National Artist for Visual Arts, and his grandson, Carlos ‘Totong’ Francisco, as well as the Nemiranda Arthouse, owned by the renowned painter Nemesio ‘Nemi’ Miranda Jr., and the Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs.
In addition, the municipality of Baras shared a glimpse of its culture and traditions through the demonstration of Sikaran, a martial arts game that originated in the town, as well as the karakol and turumba dances, which are believed to grant wishes. They also featured one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint Joseph, which was established 338 years ago.
The DOT Region IV-A, along with provincial and local tourism officers, tour operators, media and content creators, capped off the Pasyal sa Rizal experience with the breathtaking views and landscapes of Tanay, Rizal. From there, the municipalities of Cardona, Pililla, Morong, and Jalajala showcased their local products, highlighting the importance of Rizal province’s history, culture, and nature.
Overall, the Pasyal sa Rizal was a success, with the of strengthening the tourism sector by introducing the unique destinations, products, and traditions of each town. (CO/PIA4A)
