Laguna – the resort province of the Philippines

Welcome to Laguna, the resort province of the Philippines! If you are looking for a place to relax, explore, and enjoy, Laguna is the perfect destination for you. In this blog post, I will share with you some of the amazing things that you can see and do in Laguna, as well as some of the history, culture, and cuisine that make this province unique and special.

Laguna derives its name from “La Laguna” (the lake), referring to Laguna de Bay, the largest inland body of water in the Philippines, which forms the province’s northern boundary. Laguna was one of the first eight provinces to rise in revolt against Spain in 1678. The town of Calamba is the birthplace of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. You can visit his ancestral home and shrine in Calamba City, as well as other historical attractions such as the Paciano Rizal Shrine in Los Baños, the General Emilio Jacinto Shrine in Santa Cruz, and the Alberto House in Biñan.

Laguna is also blessed with natural attractions that will take your breath away. You can marvel at the beauty of Mount Makiling, an inactive volcano that is home to diverse flora and fauna. You can also enjoy the refreshing waters of Pagsanjan Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls in the country. You can also experience the thrill of rafting, kayaking, or boating on Laguna de Bay or Caliraya Lake. If you are looking for a more relaxing activity, you can soak in the hot springs of Los Baños or Calamba, which are known for their therapeutic effects.

Laguna is not only a place for sightseeing, but also for tasting. The province is known for its delicacies and appetising dishes that will satisfy your cravings. You can try the kesong puti (white cheese) made from carabao’s milk, the buko pie (coconut pie) that is a popular pasalubong (souvenir), the espasol (rice cake) that is coated with toasted rice flour, and the puto Biñan (steamed rice cake) that is topped with salted egg and cheese. You can also savor the local dishes such as sinigang na kanduli sa miso (sour soup with catfish and fermented soybean paste), tinutong na manok (chicken cooked with toasted rice), and kalderetang kambing (goat stew).

Laguna is also a place for celebrating. The province hosts various festivals that showcase its rich culture and heritage. You can join the Anilag Festival in Santa Cruz, which is a week-long celebration of Laguna’s products, people, and tourism. You can also witness the Ana Kalang Festival in Nagcarlan, which honors Ana Kalang, a legendary woman who saved the town from famine. You can also participate in the Turumba Festival in Pakil, which is a series of processions in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows.

Laguna is easy to reach from Manila or other nearby provinces. You can take a bus, a van, or a car and travel via South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) or Manila East Road. The travel time is usually one to two hours depending on your destination and traffic condition.

Laguna is truly a wonderful place to visit. It has something for everyone: history, nature, food, and culture. It is a place where you can have fun, learn, and relax. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Laguna now and discover its beauty and charm!