Lying between the mountainous region of the Sierra Madre and the lake shores of Laguna de Bay, Laguna blossoms with cold and warm springs, coconuts, tropical fruits and exotic flowers. Apart from its burgeoning resort industry, Laguna also has a lively handicraft industry. It is here where you can find beaded velvet shoes, leather bags, fine embroidered fabrics, carved wooden statues and papier mache products. Laguna is also a haven for scholars. There is my alma mater, the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, for the academic performers and the National Center for the Arts for the artistically excellent.

Here are some nice places to visit while in Laguna:

Mt. Makiling. Tall tales surround the mount of Makiling. said to be protected by a lovely goddess, we popularly know as Maria, Mt. Makiling is still a challenge to amateur and professional mountain climbers with its waterfalls, mudsprings and various wildlife.

Lake Caliraya. Lake Caliraya’s calm waters is perfect for fishing, boating, windsurfing and other water sports. Numerous resorts have set up shop along its waters. Nearby is the Japanese Garden, a memorial built by the government of Japan in memory of those who perished in World War II.

Rizal Shrine. Laguna is also the birthplace of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. His ancestral home in Calamba has been restored and converted into a museum/shrine. What really grabbed my attention is the statue of the little boy Rizal with his pet pup near the small nipa hut, located in the garden of the ancestral home.

The Churches. Around 350 years old more or less, the Paete Church is a showcase of the town’s dexterity in carving. It features alter pieces and statues of intricate carvings. Another religious site worth visiting is the Liliw Church with its moss-covered bell tower and the Majayjay Church with its massive blocks of centuries-old adobe.

Botanic Gardens. With its rustic environment, Laguna is a great place for the cultivation of various plants and flowers. And if you are fond of the flora and fauna of Laguna, or would simply want to take a dip in one of the natural springs of the mountain, visit the Botanic Gardens in Mt. Makiling and U.P. Los Baños.

Nagcarlan Underground Cementery. Built by Franciscan missionaries some 150 years ago, the Nagcarlan chapel and cemetery is surrounded by elaborately carved peripheral walls.

Enchanted Kingdom.The country’s largest amusement park, the Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa, Laguna is fun destination for the whole family. Experience a thousand thrills with its theme rides and adventures.

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Let’s take a glimpse of these provinces one by one, shall we? First on the travel list: Cavite

Situated south of Manila, Cavite is a 142, 796-hectare of coastal province with a population of over a million. Cavite is home to the island fortress of Corregidor and the Taal Volcano can be viewed beautifully in Tagaytay City.

Cradle of the Philippine Republic, our country saw the dawn of a new era of independence through the efforts of General Emilio Aguinaldo, a Caviteno himself, and the compatriots of the Philippine Revolution. Indeed the Cavitenos are known throughout the country for their bravery.

The Aguinaldo Shrine. Formerly the residence of General Aguinaldo, the house has been converted to a museum replete with memorabilia of the Philippine Revolution. Other historical monuments worth seeing are Fort San Felipe, an olf fort from 1609; the Imus Historical Marker, with its vintage artillery pieces; and the General Trias Marker.

Maragondon Church. Built in the 17th century, Maragondon features intricate antique carvings of galleons, turrets and various flora. Another religious relic worth visiting is the Imus Church with Latin inscriptioins accentuating its arches. The San Roque Church beside the ruins of Porta Vaga is also in Cavite. It is where the image of Our Lady of Solitude stands, trimmed with precious gems.

Cabag Caves. Go swimming and spelunking at Cabag, just a few minutes from the town of Silang. Other fresh water beauties to take a plunge into are the Malibiclibic Falls (situated at the border of the Barangay Lumipa, Gen. Aguinaldo and Magallanes), the Balite Falls (in Amadeo), and the Ulong Tubig (in Carmona).

Ternate. Home to the best beaches nearest Manila, Ternate promises the right mix of fun, sun and sea with its bountiful stretch of beaches, forest trails ad resort houses. From ternate, you could take a cruise down the island fortress of Corregidor.

Corregidor. Known as the Rock, Corregidor was the site of the bloodiest battles of World War II.

Island Cove. This a 12-hectare Mediterranean inspired island sanctuary in Kawit, Cavite. It is only 45 minutes travel from Roxas Boulevard and Coastal Road, Paranaque City. This resort can cater those who seeks business and/or pleasure.

Tagaytay City. One of the most popular tourist (especially summer) destination of our country is Tagaytay which is 55 kilometers away from Manila via the Aguinaldo Highway. It offers a great view of the Taal Volcano and an escape from the summer heat because of its cool climate due to its high altitude.