Angono Rizal is the Art Capital of the Philippines

Angono in Rizal is known not just for the " Higantes Festival" but also for their artist and painter. I have got the chance to see this painting exhibit in Angono Rizal. I was very surprised and amazed with their artworks of some painter & artist including portrait, abstract and charcoal. This was the collection of artist's paintings which located at the side of San Clemente Church. Angono's artist collaborate in one group exhibit to highlight the culture, tradition and fiesta of their town. Some painters develop their skills and expertise by crafting the many artist in the town of Rizal. I took more time in evaluating and finding the good creation of some artist. There are a lot of national artist in the past which is features from other books, newspaper, magazine and media as well. 

How to Get to Balaw Balaw Specialty Restaurant in Angono

Going to Balaw Balaw Restaurant in Angono Rizal. This restaurant is quite a popular place not only for unusual food lovers or traveler but also to art fanatics. For typical commuter like me, Take a jeepney or van at Edsa Central Terminal located at the back of Greenfield District, Mandaluyong City. Fare is P45.00 pesos per passenger and this vehicle pass through the towns of Cainta and Taytay. Then in the town proper you can board a tricyle for getting to Balaw Balaw Speacilty Restaurant which is located at Dona Justa Subdivision, along the highway leading to Binangonan Rizal. Tricycle fare is about P8-10 pesos. Balaw Balaw Specialty Restaurant is opens from 10:00am to 10:00pm. Monday-Sunday. Contact them at (02) 651-0110. Happy Trip! 

Art Gallery Museum at Balaw Balaw Restaurant in Angono Rizal

After a quick lunch at the ground floor, I decided to check out their art galley museum which is located at 2nd floor of the restaurant. Leading to the gallery, I saw a lot of paintings and photograph along the stairway. This old house turned into an art museum and restaurant as well which is filled of artwork, antique furniture, and other display. There are paintings of different sizes or themes, wooden sculptures of animals, people and even furniture that looked real and old. But the most fascinating of all there is to see a lot of Higantes mosaic and artwork inside the restaurant in different size, color and theme. It's truly a haven of arts and I was amazed on how much talent this town has to offer. See the photos below and enjoy. 

Balaw Balaw Specialty Restaurant in Angono Rizal

Approaching the Balaw Balaw Specialty Restaurant in Angono Rizal , it's about few meters away from Nemiranda Art House Cafe. They serve tasty exotic food in a relaxing and artistic environment but it is too much expensive as a travel blogger. This was owned by the late Perdigon Vocalan and offers a lot of exotic cuisine. His paintings and carvings are showcased in the gallery behind the restaurant. I was heard the place before from the TV program like Kay Susan Tayo, Best Men, Matanglawin and other TV network as well. It serves dishes not usually served in other regular restaurants. This restaurant is an accredited member of Philippine Convention & Visitors Corporation as well as Department of Tourism. 

Nemiranda Arthouse & Atelier Musuem Cafe in Angono Rizal

From San Clemente Church, I took a tricyle going to Nemiranda's Arthouse Cafe which is located at Doña Elena Street, Doña Justa Village 1, Brgy San Roque , Angono Rizal about 10-15 minutes away from the highway. In my first look at the place, it's truly a haven of arts design and decors. I saw a lot of paintings, higantes mosaic and  wood sculptures. It's actually a portion of their home converted into a cafe and restaurant. They also served great foods and drinks. It was the most visited gallery art by some foreigner and local tourist as well and been created by current Angono artist Nemesio Miranda Jr which is known as "Nemiranda". Like I said it is owned by a well-renowned artist.  Next stop is the Balaw Balaw Restaurant and Art Gallery is about 2 minutes away from this art house and cafe which is one of the famous in their exotic cuisine in Angono, Rizal. Happy Trip. 

Old Church of San Clemente Parish in Angono Rizal

I finally got to visit the town of Angono and I was surprised about their culture, traditions, foods and religious offering to San Clemente which is the image of patron for fishermen, celebrated during November every year and they traditionally add color and fun during the fiesta celebration of Higantes Festival.  Upon entering the church, you'll see this ark " Parokya ni San Clemente". I really like their altar inside the church with gold interior design and the place is quiet more solemn. The church bells is a little bit higher and small.  This town is known to be the "Art Capital of the Philippines and the haven of well known artist, painters and musician. A street near the old church of San Clemente, you'll see this wall paintings of Carlos " Botong " Francisco, a national artist for painting. 

Higantes Festival 2012 Photos

One of the colorful highlight of the year is " Higantes Festival 2012". I'm so excited for this annual event in Rizal Province so I decided to get my offset leave and pack my things one day before the festival. The highlight of the event is started from November 17 to November 23. This photos was taken before the start of the Higantes Festival 2012 last November 23 (Friday). Taken at the compound of St. Clement Church Angono, Rizal, the patron saint of fishermen. During the event, there are a lot of activities in the plaza like plaground demostration parade, concerts and many more. Some of the higantes still used the traditional Bamboo strips or yantok, while the modern higantes used aluminum as the skeleton frame for the body. As of now, this colorful festivity of Angono attracts local and even foreign tourist! Rizal these are paper mâché giants measuring 10-12 feet in height and 4-5 feet in diameter. I love their props and their energetic way of dancing. The higantes has many design, sizes and decoration. This giant comes out dances on the streets party during night time.

 

 

 

Capturing the Hinulugang Taktak Falls in Antipolo City, Rizal

The waterfall area has been designated as a National Park by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and is one of the two most popular tourist spots in Antipolo City, Rizal’s capital.

Well, I guess people go there not for the falls anymore, but more for the pool resort, big trees, the park and nice view scenery because it's probably the nearest falls from Metro Manila.

Date Visited: February 26, 2012

Hinulugang Taktak National Park - How To Get There

We were happily singing this folk song as pass through the vendors of the delicacies that Antipolo is known for, primarily kasoy and suman, right at the end of Marcos Highway. From the Edsa Central Jeepney Terminal, we took a jeepney which is cost about 25 pesos per person. That’s the start of the ascent through Sumulong Highway. At the end, the point where the wide road narrows, almost like a deadend, we took the right turn, driving 400 meters to the entrance of Hinulugang Taktak.

From the Sumulong Highway, take the left of the fork at the Ynares Coliseum in Antipolo. Around 500 meters is a gas station USA88, take a left turn. Go straight, taking right of the next fork, then left at the deadend. Around 300 meters is the Hinulugang Taktak.

Swimming Pool at Hinulugang Taktak in Antipolo City

Last February 26, 2012, my llc family has a quick trip to Antipolo City, Rizal to see the Hinulugang Taktak National Park, Taktak Road Antipolo City at the same time we are celebrating Ate Myla's Birthday that day. We had bring some foods, drinks and fruits. In fact, we wouldn’t mind going again and again just to support its rehabilitation. We wouldn’t mind using this blog to encourage others to patronize the Hinulugang Taktak.

Entrance fee: P8 for adults, P5 for students
Swimmingfee: P15
Picnic shed: P50
Umbrella shed: P50
Picnic table: P15

Hanging Bridge to Wawa Dam Montalban Rizal 2012

White Rocks at Wawa Dam Montalban Rizal 2012

Wawa River located in Rodriguez, Rizal, Philippines is the name of the headwaters of Marikina River, a few kilometers north of the capital city Manila. The Wawa Dam was created during the American era to serve the water needs of Metro Manila. It used to be the only source of water for Manila until Angat Dam was built and Wawa was abandoned. Due to insufficiency of the water supply for Metro Manila, there is a strong clamor to reuse the dam.^[1]

The Wawa River (Rio Wawa) (or Rio Hauhau) (affluent of the Caribbean Sea) flows southeast through northeast Nicaragua to the Mosquito Coast (or Miskito Coast) region.

Source: Wikipedia

Majectic Wawa Dam in Montalban Rizal 2012

You can get there by taking a jeepney from Cubao going to Montalban. There are also FX-taxis that can take you there (gives more comfort if you wish). This will take you to Barangay San Rafael in Montalban and from there you can take jeepneys that can take you to Barangay Wawa.

If you travel by car you will have to pay a toll fee of twenty pesos for your car. After that you may go wherever you wish in the Wawa Dam site. This is the perfect place for hikers, photographers, trekkers, mountaineers, cave explorers, and every outdoorsman. There are little huts at the dam where you can hang out or have your lunch after a short swim.

The Wawa Dam flanked by limestone walls is a majestic site. The quiet river, the huge limestone rocks, the caves, and the tranquil scenery depict a mystical scene. It is like traveling back in time. The view of the magnificent gorge is awe-inspiring; no wonder a lot of people would love to have a try at rock climbing here.