Los Banos
History
Los Baños is an oasis of many springs, as its name suggests. Mainit, the town's Tagalog name, means "hot" and alludes to the thermal springs that abound along the shores of Laguna de Bay. The medicinal properties of these springs were known to the Filipinos long before the Spaniards came to the country.
Mainit was a barrio of Bay until 1589. In 1595, a temporary building made of bamboo and cogon was built to serve as shelter for the patients who journeyed to Mainit to seek cures for their ailments. In 1671, more permanent structures like churches and hospitals were built only to be destroyed by a fire in 1727. The structures were re-erected at a slow rate. The church which now stands in Bayan, Los Baños dates back to 1851. The Spanish Governor's palace was began in 1879 but was only completed in 1892. This building provided the setting for one of the chapters of El Filibusterismo, the novel written by Jose Rizal.
In 1909, the University of the Philippines College of Ariculture(UPCA) was established. Four years of war and Japanese occupation destroyed many buildings, roads, and bridges in and around Los Baños. UPCA, in successions, became a Japanese camp for prisoners of war, an internment camp for allied nationals, a target of Kempetai punitive measures, and the headquarters of a secret organization of guerillas. On February 23, 1945, the campus was sacked by the Japanese and was razed to the ground. Only Baker Hall, the armory-gymnasium, remained.
In 1962, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) began its operation.
Aside from its historical past, Los Baños is also a town full of myths and legends. Mount Makiling is said to be the home of Maria Makiling, the legendary maiden of Los Baños.
Going There
Sixty-three kilometers south of Manila, Los Banos is the next town to Calamba from the South Expressway exit.
Staying In
Los Baños boasts of a number of resorts and hot springs which are perennially flocked to by tourists and locals alike. Among the well known resorts in Los Baños are City of Springs, Splash Mountain, Pook ni Mariang Makiling, Hillspa, Libis ng Nayon, and Windy Hill Resort. Below is a list of other resorts as well as hotels where you can stay and have a great vacation.
Los Baños is famous for its buko pie. Scores of stores selling buko pie can be found along the roads of the town going to Calamba. Aside from buko pie, the town is also known for the dairy products such as fresh milk, yogurt, chocolate, soya and ice cream produced within the UPLB campus.
Where to Eat
- Home Spun Cakes and Coffee Shop
Location: Vega Center. Near UPLB Gate
Specialty: Home cooked cakes, pastries and meal. Specialty coffee. - Café Maquiling
Location: Anest Tower, Lopez Ave., College, Laguna - Ellens Fried Chicken
Location: Crossing, Los Banos and Grove, near UPLB Gate
Specialty: Fried Chicken and student meals - Mother’s Best
Location: Grove, Near UPLB Gate
Specialty: Student Meals - Fastfood Chains
Jollibee: Crossing, Los Banos
Chowking: Crossing, Los Banos
Wendy’s Hamburger: Crossing, Los Banos
McDonalds: Crossing, Los Banos and Vega Center, near UPLB Gate
Sites
- Museum of Natural History
Events
Pictures
Links
Please mail in any comments or errors encountered.
Your feedback will greatly help on improving this site.
Copyright © 1998 Laguna Internet