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.

Make Way for Lucena City

Lucena City is the capital of the Province of Quezon, the gateway to the Bicol region and other islands off the province. It is a first class city which is politically independent from the province. It is one of the most progressive cities in the Southern Tagalog region.

The effective governance of the local government leaders has made Lucena City to what it is today. Despite the growing population and the demand for more services to the people, the mayor, vice mayor and the city council as well as different local government office heads have made sure that they serve the people well.

The city market was recently upgraded for comfort and ease to those who go do their daily marketing. Government offices as well are strategically located for the convenience of the public that they give service to.

The Quezon Convention Center is located in Lucena City for whatever purpose it may serve. Big gatherings are usually held there. The former Tayabas capitol is now a cultural heritage site where memorabilia of the past are kept.

It is easy to go to Lucena City coming from the different parts of the country. The city's Grand Central Bus terminal is very efficient and buses come and go the whole day. The ferry terminal is servicing the travel requirements of those who want to go to Marinduque and others islands nearby.

Hotels and lodging areas have also been built to accommodate of tourists, both local and international. They are owned by Lucena City businessmen who have the foresight to think of the further influx of visitors.

Since Lucena City is the center of everything in the province, big schools have opened campuses for the students to enroll in. They offer the best quality education this side of the region. Not only do they cater to students from Quezon, they also have students from the Bicol region, Marinduque, Batangas, Laguna and other provinces within the city's proximity.

Not to be outdone are the malls to the delight of the city's shopping set. Their presence in the city makes it easier for the people to go about their shopping needs and they do not have to go as far as Metro Manila for their purpose.

Lucena City is a place with its own characteristics and appeal. Definitely, progress has come and there is no other way but up. Ladies and gentlemen, make way for Lucena City, Quezon Province's capital and one of Southern Tagalog's most important cities.

Credit to the owners of the photos.

Florence and Firenze (Italy) are One and the Same

Florence is the capital city of the Tuscany region in Italy. During medieval times, it was the center of trade and finance in the entire Europe. It is very evident with the many business establishments that you can find in the city.

The Florence countryside is teeming with vegetation most especially grapes where you can find lots of plantations along the route to the city proper. Since grape plantations are bountiful in the area, it is logical to note that wines in the country are produced there.

This is also the city where you can find villas of the rich. Exclusive enclaves are located near the lush greenery of the area. Florence is an ideal place to build houses either for residential or vacation purposes.

Of course, the commercial and tourist district is where you can find the best of Italian architecture. Shops utilizing old buildings as well as hotels abound in the city. It is just awesome to see the old world having the new style in business.

As a devout catholic, I was amazed at seeing different churches with different architecture that can be seen in every corner of Florence. Just like any other Italian city, it is where you can find the old churches and the new ones filled with devotees inside. But it should be noted that not all the time, these churches are open to the public. There is a certain time of the day that visitors are allowed inside.

Walking through the streets of Florence, I cannot help but be mesmerized at how the people were able to preserve certain structures to the delight of its visitors. Despite being in an earthquake-prone area, buildings in Florence where able to stand strong from the devastations that ravaged the city in the past.

Whatever name you might want to call it, Florence or Firenze, it is one city worth going to when in Italy. The atmosphere is light and breezy. You just have to be ready for long walks as the way to the shopping area are narrow streets with outstanding sights along the way.

Credit to the owners of two photos. Also, special thank you to Miss Laarni Silva for bringing us there.

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte: Where the Pacific Ocean Meets the West Philippine Sea

Pagudpud is a resort-municipality in the province of Ilocos Norte and is located in the northernmost tip of Luzon Island. It is popular not only among local tourists but to foreigners as well because of its beautiful nature. It is where the Pacific Ocean meets the West Philippine Sea.

The town borders the Province of Cagayan and can be reached through the Patapat Viaduct - a scenic seaside bridge that has an awesome view of the sea. Traversing through the viaduct makes you love the natural blessings that the Philippines has.

The Blue Lagoon and the Kaibigan Falls are but some of the attractions that tourists flock to Pagudpud. These natural wonders make a visit to the town more interesting. I can say that it is where nature is at its best.

When in Pagudpud, there is sea, sea and sea. Worth visiting too are the Dos Hermanos Island and the Saud Beach. They exemplify the diversity of the place. Some will say that they are just the same beaches as in anywhere in the world but they showcase different scenery that is typically Filipino.

Accommodations can cater from the budgeted to the more plush resorts. The most popular is the Hannah's Beach Resort and Convention Center. Personally, I saw the droves of people who visit the resort. The most recent addition to the growing number of resorts in Pagudpud is the Pagudpud Sands Resort. It opened in 2019.

Pagudpud can be reached through land travel either by private vehicles or by bus that will take you around 12 hours of travel. You may also take a 1 hour plane ride from Manila to Laoag City and transfer by land for 1 1/2 hours more.

The local government unit is taking steps to preserve the cleanliness of the town especially in the resorts area. Along the highway, you can see the environmental awareness campaign to remind the town residents as well as tourists to preserve Pagudpud's God-given natural resources.

Despite the long land travel, Pagudpud is still a place worth visiting in your lifetime. Here, you will see how discipline can really make a town or a city a viable place for successful tourism without sacrificing nature.

Credit to the owners of some of the photos.