Only a few hours from Metro Manila is the CALABARZON area. Consisting of five distinct and exciting provinces, CALABARZON gives the tourist an opportunity to feel the rhythms of the country without venturing too far from Manila. The CALABARZON area is also the favorite destination of urban dwellers for a weekend of rest and relaxation. CALABARZON consists of the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.

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.