Let's Go to Antipolo City

Antipolo City is now the capital of the Province of Rizal (before, it was Pasig City). It's proximity to Metro Manila makes it easy for the people of the big metropolis to go to the city for many purposes - social, religious and other activities which can be enjoyed in Antipolo.

It is in the Antipolo Church, under the Diocese of Antipolo, where the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage is enshrined. Every Good Friday and May 1 of each year, people from different provinces flock to the church for their annual pilgrimage in honor of the Virgin Mary. The church is also one of the favorites for new car owners to have their vehicles blessed.

With its accessibility and good mountain roads, Antipolo is really easy to go to. From Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon, you may reach the city through Sumulong Highway or from Ortigas Avenue. Newly-repaired roads and highways make it a breeze traveling to Antipolo.

In the years past, when you visit Antipolo, it means that you will also go to its famous tourist attraction - the Hinulugang Taktak falls. Pilgrims go to the famous falls after their church duties. Nowadays, there are other Antipolo attractions that should be visited like the Pinto Art Museum.

Many resorts and restaurants have also made Antipolo their place of business. Whether it be in the highway or in remote areas in the city, Antipolo offers a lot to its guests. Modern amenities as well as sumptuous food are but ordinary in the city now.

The building of malls are apparent in a developing city. Robinsons and SM have built their respective shopping centers to the pleasure of the public. Not to be outdone, its public market was upscaled to make the shopper's marketing experience a notch higher.

Educational centers have also opened to accommodate the learning needs of the youth of Antipolo. Even students from Metro Manila and neighboring provinces have made the city their center for schooling. With the ambience conducive to pure concentration, it is of no wonder that their schools, colleges and universities have high enrollment.

For those who also go for leisure, Antipolo is it. It is a much sought-after golfing venue - having many golf clubs. Its hills are also conducive for a coffee chit-chat with friends who would want to appreciate the skyline of Metro Manila especially on a clear night.

With the many things that you can do in Antipolo City, it's worth the trek. After this pandemic, a visit to the city will take your wearies away. There are lots of things to see, do, visit and eat in Antipolo.

Let's go to Antipolo City! In Filipino parlance...TAYO NA SA ANTIPOLO!

Credit goes to the owners of the photos.

Inabel 2018 Fashion Show

Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo City

Sunday is usually church day and time to laze around either in your own room or anywhere else where you can just roam around without thinking of work or other matters. But March 5, 2017 was a Sunday that was both educational, art appreciation day and an awakening one for me. I was treated to my eyes' delight. Thank you to Edgar Madamba for bringing me to Pinto Art Museum located in Antipolo City. The owner, Dr. Joven Cuanang, is a neurologist and an art afficionado/collector who thought of making a museum out of his collections.

The two-hectare property consists of several Mediterranean-type buildings which house galleries of paintings and artworks of different media. Pinto Art Museum is not only a haven for artists, it is also a tourist attraction of sorts. With the many people who visited the place both local and international tourists, this art sanctuary is definitely a must-see and should be part of a tourism package.

Artworks of different forms can be seen in the whole complex. From the classic paintings to the digital art forms to installations and even artistic graffitis are displayed for everyone's appreciation. It cannot be considered an overload of artistic works because everything in the museum is worth seeing. It is a soothing venue of artists' expressions. It is simply a heaven of artistic proportions.

Walking from one gallery to another has a feeling of going through a labyrinth which keeps one surprised as what the next area offers. Despite the expansive galleries and the stairs that you would walk through, there was not a feeling of tiredness as the artworks were so interesting and invigorating.

Since the area is so big, the owner decided to bring in Cafe Rizal for the needs of visitors who get hungry while going around. It has three restaurant in all the levels of Pinto Art Museum.

The edifices inside the complex are also worth appreciating. Buildings which are inspired from architectural structures the can be seen in the Mediterranean, the Carribean as well as local ones were built to serve as galleries of the artworks. They, themselves, are visual delights.

Pinto Art Museum is where the respected masters and the new millennium geniuses converge and unite. They share one common cause - to bring art to the people.

It is surprising to note that people from all ages were in the art venue on a Sunday. It is one place that has crossed the boundaries of ages. Young and old were there so admire art at its best. Locals as well as foreign visitors mingled and appreciated what Pinto Art Museum has to offer. The P200 entrance fee is all worth it.