ANTIPOLO’S MOST POPULAR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Antipolo offers endless activities that will suit your personality and travel moods. So if you are into reminiscence, ecological and religious discovery, or simply want to enjoy the view in a sweet dark evening on top of the hill...Tayo na sa Antipolo!
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| ANTIPOLO CATHEDRAL (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage/Nuestra Señora de la Paz Y Buenviaje) |
The Antipolo Cathedral is home of Antipolo's renowned miraculous icon, the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Nuestra Señora de la Paz Y Buenviaje). Located at the center of the City’s Poblacion, the church is the perfect place to pray for a safe journey.
Every month of May, the legendary town of Antipolo becomes a beehive of activity and vibrancy as thousands, from all walks of life, flock to this lovely place amongst the hills. To the lilting tune of native songs, people come to this town, primarily to pay homage to the miraculous Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage and, secondly, to take a breather from the heat and dust of the summer months amidst Antipolo's refreshing mountain air, rippling streams and springs.
Hinulugan Taktak is a waterfall found in the province of 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, the other being the Antipolo Cathedral. In 1990, the waterfall has also been proclaimed as a National Historical Shrine under Republic Act No. 6964.
The history of Hinulugan Taktak is as rich and colorful as that of Antipolo itself. Legend has it that sometime during the 16th century, the townsfolk of Antipolo were bothered by a church bell that produced harsh, unbearably loud sounds when rung during Angelus. They demanded that the local priest get rid of the bell. Bowing down to the clamor, the priest had it dropped in a nearby river. This explains the name, “Hinulugan Taktak” which means ‘where the bell was dropped’. As Antipolo became a religious site, the waterfalls also become a prominent destination for bathing and sightseeing. In the 1980s, it was declared a National Park by the government.
PHOTO GALLERY OF THE HINULUGAN TAKTAK PROTECTED LANDSCAPE
How to get to Hinulugan Taktak, Antipolo City, Rizal
Commute to Hinulugan Taktak is fastest if you can take the LRT 2 to the end station of Santolan where you can ride jeepneys going to Antipolo. Jeeps to Antipolo are also available in Cubao where you alight on Taktak road then transfer to a tricycle or walk towards the falls.
Driving directions to Hinulugan Taktak:
From Marcos Highway / Cubao
- You can take Marcos Highway leading to Masinag Market (way past the Sta. Lucia commercial complex). Once you hit Masinag, turn right to Sumulong Highway. The road winds up to Antipolo City passing Valley Golf, Good Shepherd Retreat House, Richdale, MMLDC training center, until you hit the first corner – that’s the circumferential road of Antipolo.
- Turn right. This heads for Hinulugan Taktak.
From Ortigas Center / Pasig
- If you’re coming from Ortigas Center, take Ortigas Avenue going up to Antipolo.
Taktak Road to Ortigas Avenue Extension.
- Turn left before the island. Then you hit another island across which is a gas station USA88.
- Turn left before the island. It is the first corner. Then keep driving but take the right side because the road forks once more.
Formerly known as "The White Cross," the place is now known as Via Dolorosa at Pinagmisahan St., Antipolo City. The grotto-like hill is now a very spectacular pilgrim site where regular masses and “alay-lakads” are held.
On top of Pinagmisahan Hills are the enormous White Cross and the outsized image of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. Life-sized images of the station-of-the-cross can be seen along the way to the top of the hill which sacredly reflect the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Boso-boso church is a remnant of a centuries-old church which was destroyed during the Second World War. It stands in the grandeur of old stone with wild vines and plants growing on top of the church. The church continues to posses its full magnificence which will give every visitor nostalgic flashbacks the Spanish era. A small chapel was built inside the church offering Sunday services to the parishioners.
"Unang itinatag bilang simbahang pangmisyon ng mga Paring Heswita noong Labing Pitong Dantaon at isinailalim sa patronahe ng Nuestra Senora de la Anunciata. Nalipat ang pangangasiwa sa mga paring sekular noong 1768. Napinsala ng lindol noong Hulyo 18, 1880. Nilisan noong 1930 nang ang bayan ay inilipat upang magbigay daan sa isang pinapanukalang prinsa. Nagbalik ang taong-bayan sa Boso-Boso nang hindi naisakatuparan ang gawain. Ang simbahan ay natupok ng apoy nooong 1943 at ibinalik sa dating kalagayan noong 1995 sa pamamagitan ng kabutihang loob ng mga mananampalataya."
The church was first constructed in 1700 under the Jesuits but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1880. In 1930, it was abandoned when the town was moved to another location but the people later came back. In 1943, it was razed by fire. It was only in 1995 that it was restored back to its original design and construction.
This interesting large cave is just about 20+kms from Manila at the lower portion of Antipolo. It is being maintained by Inday Nelly who bought the large parcel of land (450+ hectares) where the cave is located back in 1970.
The cave was "developed for site seeing." Steps were constructed at the cave entrance, the cave floor was filled with earth to level it substantially and rudimentary electric lighting was introduced into the cave for the tourists. It is a very good destination for educational field trips.
The cave has a rather predominant religious influence. Numerous natural rock formations in the cave have been interpreted as religious figures and said to have healing powers. Much like how mystical Mt. Banahaw attracts pilgrims, people go to this mystical cave to heal themselves.
The 8th-floors deep cave attracts not just adventurers and cave lovers, but also those from education institutions who want to learn more about stalagmites and the like. The molds of stones and crystals inside the cave are resemblances of Catholics images, making it yet another pilgrim site to visit in the city.
How to get there:
From Katipunan Avenue or Aurora Boulevard Intersection in Quezon City, go down eastward through Marcos Highway towards Masinag. At the Masinag intersection, head on straight eastward and uphill towards Cogeo. At the Cogeo intersection, head straight eastward still for about another 3.5 kms until you see a row of identical apartment buildings (formerly a motel but now the Sta. Eugenia College). Turn right into a wide dirt road at the first corner. About 2 kms onward, after passing through a quarry area, carefully look for a signboard on the left side welcoming you to the site of the Mystical Cave.
PACEM ECO-PARK features:
- An Eco Center
- A Wildlife Sanctuary
- A Butterfly Garden
- A Butterfly Collection
- A Shell Collection
- A Mini-Forest
- An Aviary
- An Eco-Shoppe
- Snack Center
- (Café Bonne Santé)
- A Herbal Garden
- An Organic Farm
- A Green House
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The Eco-Center
PACEM Eco-Center has a conference room, a Butterfly Museum, exhibit areas, an Eco-Shoppe and a Snack Center. Located within sight of the Park's various components is a Study Center where visitors learn about environmental issues and some of the many wonders of nature. Among the many activities that can be undertaken at the Center are:
- Seminars and Workshops on ecology and creation spirituality
- Conferences on environment related issues,
- Lectures and various fora;
Audio visual presentations on the environment - Exhibits on various ecological themes such as
biodiversity, forests, climate change, coastal and marine resources, waste management, among others.
Pacem Eco-Park was established by Assumption Antipolo to raise concern for the environment among students, teachers and staff, parents and visitors to the school, by providing them with an experience of the beauty of nature and the opportunity to reflect on the importance of ecological security to the survival of our planet. Situated within the campus of Assumption Antipolo, the park is a major component of the school environmental education efforts. It features an eco-center, a mini-forest, a wildlife sanctuary, an aviary and a pond.
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Wildlife Sanctuary
PACEM Eco-Park promotes biodiversity through the operation of a wildlife sanctuary, which is accredited by Region IV (Southern Tagalog) office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The wildlife sanctuary shelters endangered species: various species of birds, monkeys, wild cats and other animals of Philippine wildlife. When you enter PACEM mini-forest you feel the solemnity and observe the majesty of Philippine Rainforest The mini-forest is home to many Philippine endemic orchids that add beauty to the place with their magnificent flowers
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The Mini-Forest
The PACEM mini-forest was the first feature of the Park to be launched. It is a demonstration area for sustainable forest management. Here visitors learn about the importance of forest and biodiversity for the survival of planet Earth. The mini-forest also maintains good air quality in the immediate area. Benches, walkways and a suspension bridge are also found there.
Rainforest and Butterflies
Assumption Antipolo is home to a large number of indigenous butterfly species. The Butterfly Garden has been envisioned as a laboratory where students can observe the unique lifecycle of butterflies, thus reinforcing the knowledge they acquire from books and in classrooms
St. Michael Retreat House was first called The Pentecost House. It was established by the Archdiocese of Manila for Cursillo classes with the view of forming Christian leaders.
In 1972, when less and less Cursillo classes were being held, retreats and recollections organized by various parish-mandated organizations were accepted. In 1984, the management decided to change the name of the House and named it after St. Michael, the Archangel (The Archangel who led the angel host into battle, free from danger and affliction, from every hidden fault, and from every illness). Aptly called, St. Michael Retreat House is a shelter for people who genuinely seek God in silence.The House became known and continues to expand as lay people grow in their retreats and recollection, formation sessions and conferences, for vocation discernment, for values and cultural development, marriage encounter, youth encounter, and evangelization programs. The long list of activities is meant to renew them spiritually as well as to ensure their holistic and integral human education
FACILITIES
a. The Pope Benedict Session Hall-The conference hall can accommodate up to 400 persons. It is fully air-conditioned and equipped with sound system. |
b. The Dining Halls-The retreat House has two main dining halls that can accommodate up to 100 persons each. |
c. Open dining-For those who love to dine in the open, the retreat house has tables set overlooking the courtyard of the house. |
d. The Chapel-Liturgical celebrations can be held in the two chapels of the retreat house. The main chapel can hold 150 participants while 50 persons can fit in the smaller chapel. |
e. The San Gabriel Session Halll-Session halls are found in each building. The size varies from one building to another. San Gabriel Session Hall can accommodate 200 persons. |
f. The Rollo Session Halll-The Rollo Session Hall can accommodate 150 participants. Another hall which we call as class room has the same capacity. |
g. The Garden-There is ample of place for retreatants to pray and reflect in the garden. Capis lamps illuminate the garden at night to allow retreatants to use the ground for activities. |
h. Dormitories-There are four big dormitories at St. Michael Retreat House that can accommodate an average of 25 persons. |
i. Room Accommodations-There are 40 Rooms that can accommodate 2 to 3 persons. Another room size can provide resting place for 4 to 6 persons. |
LOCATION
(Via Sumulong Highway or through Ortigas Avenue).Taking a private vehicle or taxi from Sumulong Highway, one will have to take a left turn in Antipolo Circumferential Road, then a another left turn in San Jose St. (Via Ortigas Avenue). One will have to take a left turn in J.P Rizal, then a right turn in Antipolo Circumferential Road, and finally another left turn in San Jose St.
FOREST CAMP
Camp Explore's Forest Camp can be found in the Mount Purro Nature Reserve, which is nestled at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountain ranges and part of the Marikina Watershed. One of the main goals and advocacies of the camps is for the campers to appreciate the beauty and benefits of nature through first-hand experiences. Camp Explore believes that if campers learn to appreciate nature, they would be interested to learn more about it and do something to show their care and concern for the environment.
Activities:
- Teambuilding games
Relay games
Obstacle courses
Adventure race
Arts and crafts
Cooking
Hiking
"Earthcare"
Campfire - Basic mountaineering course
Orienteering
Ropes courses
Breakfast hunt
Structured learning exercises
Peace activities
Leadership training activities
Cabin time... and more!
Throughout the year, CAMP EXPLORE is open to help with special events such as:
- Teambuilding and Rest Recreation Events
- Christmas Parties and Celebrations
- Family Reunions
- Leadership Training
- Environmental Education
- Family Bonding Activities
- Birthdays
- Barkadahan
- Personality Development
- Photo shoot, Engagement, Wedding Reception, Despedida de Soltera
- Product Launch/ Campaigns
DIRECTIONS TO MOUNT PURRO NATURE RESERVE/CAMP EXPLORE / MALVAR’S PLACE
1. Take Aurora Blvd. / Marcos Highway.
2. Go pass Marikina River, Santolan Intersection, Robinson’s Mall, and Sta. Lucia East Mall.
3. Upon reaching Masinag Market at Marcos-Sumulong Highway Intersection just go STRAIGHT. DO NOT turn right (to Assumption Antipolo school/ or Antipolo church) or left (to Marikina).
LANDMARKS: a. Cherry Foodarama (at your LEFT)
b. Heaven’s Gate Memorial Park (at your RIGHT)
4. You will see a green concrete pedestrian overpass. This is Cogeo Junction, GO STRAIGHT.
LANDMARKS after Cogeo Junction:
- Iglesia ni Cristo (left)
- Wrigley Philippines (left)
- Touch of Glory (right)
5. After km 35, TURN LEFT to boso boso
LANDMARKS: a. ARKO OF BOSO BOSO
b. picture of Mary - CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION
6. After 1.3km, TURN RIGHT
LANDMARKS: a. IGLESIA NI CRISTO chapel on your right
b. a sign "kaysakat cockpit arena".
Just follow this road (about 1.4km, cross a bridge) until you hit a dirt road. TURN LEFT.
7. Go straight until you reach MARCOS S. GARCIA ROAD. TURN LEFT. There is a small Hardware Shop in this corner. This leads to Kanto Calawis.
8. Go straight for about 4 kms. until you hit the river. Cross the bridge and then GO STRAIGHT.
- LANDMARKS you will pass:
- a. Basketball court to your left
- b. elementary school on the right.
9. Follow the concrete road past another narrow bridge. After 300meters, on the right you will see a wooden steel gate. WELCOME!
Phillip's Sanctuary is tucked in the mountains of Antipolo. It's a 12 hectare property owned by the Pestaño family. It’s a perfect venue for team building activities, picnics, retreats, company outings, school field trips & parties! It's a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers such as bikers, hikers, campers & mountaineers and more.
The” Ens Phillip Pestano Ecological Sanctuary” or “Phillip’s Sanctuary”, is a landmark destination in Antipolo City. What used to be a pineapple plantation in the past decades is now a vibrant and enigmatic amalgamation of nature’s wonders – faun, flora and fauna. Marked by thousands of Philippine-hardwood trees and exotic fruit bearing plants, the Sanctuary is now a testament to God’s partnership with Man. Phillip’s Sanctuary can serve as a venue for refuge of weary souls or those seeking for oneness with nature. They welcome all groups regardless of sect, religion or denomination. Groups can opt to stay for the day, overnight, or a series of nights. We provide accommodations set in a rustic ambience; offering simple but clean beddings and basic sanitary living conditions.
Team Building Facilities
a.Obstacle Challenge b. Rope
b. Airsoft-Philips Sanctuary prides itself on providing an event packed Airsoft day, with a military ethos in mind. Our staff are mainly ex-army personnel, with a vast amount of time and experience behind them. They will bring you the very best in military simulated games and team building. With state of the art airsoft weapons for rent…and a battle site to die for!
Their team building course is built around methods employed by the military, perfect for corporate team building activities and structured along the same lines of our armed forces.
d. Bike Park
ANTIPOLO, Rizal, Philippines – The hills of Maarat have been described as a mountain bike rider’s dream, and Phillip’s Sanctuary Bike Park provides 15 kilometers of networked trails and back-country roads, allowing riders of all ages and abilities the opportunity to experience a variety of terrain and riding options.
From classic cross-country trails to challenging downhill and freeride trails, Phillip’s Sanctuary Bike Park — offering 15 kms of exhilarating and challenging single-track, double-track and dirt roads spread across 13 hectares — is now regarded as the crown jewel of mountain biking terrain in Metro Manila.
Patterned after North American bike and ski resorts, Phillip’s Sanctuary Bike Park’s trail system and services bring together all the components necessary in one convenient venue. The property is designed like a ski resort where there is a summit and a base and most trails start at the summit and end at the base.
Phillip’s Sanctuary Bike Park also boasts of having the only bike skills park in the region. It has a dirt jump area, a pump-track and a freestyle area. It also boasts the only bike park to feature North Shore trails patterned after the North Shores of Whistler, BC in Canada.
Aside from that, most of its trails feature berms, rock drops, jumps, wooden bridges and whoop de dos and many other features that riders will encounter throughout the park’s trail system.
e. Camping d. Retreats
Contact Us:
Sitio Panlilingan, Brgy. Calawis, Antipolo
Phone +632. 707-8877 | +0920.938 5068 | info@phillips-sanctuary.com
source:CPDO
