Discover Laguna

Situated some 30 kilometers South of Manila, the province of Laguna curves embryo-like around the largest body of fresh water in the country – the Laguna de Bay.  It is also nestled in the shadows of 2 famous mountains – Mt. Makiling and Mt. Banahaw – a nature's haven of diverse flora and fauna.  But more than anything else, Laguna is best known as the "Resort Province of the Philippines" owing to the abundance of hot springs, lakes and waterfalls within the areas.  In fact, Laguna has made tourism its major industry.  It is the only province with ground water that produces 300 million gallons a day.  Nowhere else in the country can you find close to 600 resorts located around Mount Makiling, offering that invigorating, de-stressing hot spring experience.

For the nature lovers, there are mountains to climb, forest reserves to explore and trails to discover.  And if you love flowers, you’ll find yourself in paradise in the many cut flower farms of Calamba, Los Banos and Bay.  Exotic blooms like cattleyas, dendrobiums, vandas and anthurium as well as ornamental plants and exotic trees are a common sight here.  If you’re looking for greens – other type of greens, that is, there are three world class golf courses:  Canlubang, Sta. Elena and San Pedro.

          Laguna is also the birthplace of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal  Born on June 19, 1861 in Calamba, Laguna, he is considered the greatest Calambeno that ever lived.  In fact, he is also revered as the “pride of the Malay Race” --- being a novelist and prolific writer,      a poet, a painter, a sculptor, a linguist conversant in 22 languages, a scientist, an historian, an eye doctor whose fame spread in two continents, a nationalist and a reformer. His colorful life as our country's national hero, a martyr who died for the love of this beloved Philippines.

          Laguna is also a thriving community with most towns bustling with small and medium backyard industries.  A trip to Laguna  is not  complete without the usual stop over in any of the countless souvenir or pasalubong shops selling local handmade products and delicacies, the most famous of which are the buco pies (young coconut pie) and espasol. 

Buco Pie

What To See in Laguna                                                                                                 

Information from Lakbay.net, the first Filipino Online Travel Access 

• Rizal Shrine (Calamba) -  This is a replica of the original house of the country¢®¯s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, which serves as museum of his many memorabilia including his sculptures, written works and even pictures of women in his life.

• Mount Makiling (Los Banos) - A 1,144-meter high dormant volcano with three peaks.  Its slopes are shaped like that of a woman lying down.  Legends have it that the profile is that of Maria, a forest deity who lives in the mountain to protect it from harm.  These slopes have an abundance of natural hot  and warm springs that provide thera- peutic benefits.  It is also the source of the province¢®¯ bottled water industry.

• Pettyjohn Studio (Calamba) - Pottery making is an important source of livelihood in Laguna.  John Pettyjohn and wife Tessy belongs to an emerging generation of artist-potters who are reviving the traditional methods of pottery making, fusing them with contemporary styles of Asian and Western ceramics. Visit here is by appointment only.

• National Arts Center (Los Banos) - Ideally located on the slopes of Mt. Makiling offering a spectacular view of Laguna de Bay. The late National Artist, Leandro Locsin Jr, designed this architectural showcase.  It has an auditorium, seminar and conference facilities, a library and a ballet studio. It also houses an exclusive Center for the Arts where gifted teenage scholars are trained.  It is managed by the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

• University of the Philippines (Los Banos) - The first and premier state institution for higher learning in the country.

• Enchanted Kingdom (Sta. Rosa) - The first and only "World-Class" theme park in the Philippines.

• Pagsanjan/ Magpadio Falls (Pagsanjan) - A waterfalls famous for its rapids.

• UP Botanical Garden (Los Banos) - Houses some of the more exotic plants in the Philippines.  It has unpolluted natural vegetation and is ideal for those who want to explore the varied flora and fauna of Mt. Makiling. 

• Mount Banahaw (San Pablo) - A 2,188-meter high dormant volcano with springs and waterfalls, believed to have mystical powers. Many come here to be healed and to pray.

• Woodcarving and Paper Mache Factories (Paete) - Features the artistic skills and talents of the local residents whose main livelihood source comes from woodcarvings (especially religious statues) and paper mache' (of export quality)

• City of Seven Lakes (San Pablo) - Lakes that were created by volcanic activity and nestled in a depression.  The biggest of the seven, is Sampaloc Lake, which is dotted with fish pens and restaurants where you can go fishing and have your catch cooked. 

Laguna is also famous for its many churches, most of which are centuries old and have great architectural history.  Because of this, tourism organizations offer tour packages to the following:

• St. John the Baptist Church (Calamba) – Built in the 19^th century, it was here where our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, was baptized on June 22, 1861.

• Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery (Nagcarlan) – A circular wall structure that has tombstones embedded on the brick walls of the centuries-old cemetery

• St. Gregory Church (Majayjay) – Reputed to be one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, it has antique relief statues of saints brought by the Spaniards and a belfry which houses five bells.  The rooftop gives a breathtaking view of Mt. Banahaw and Laguna Bay.

• San Pedro De Alcantara Church (Pakil) – A Franciscan church completed in 1767 after 35 years of construction.  It is constructed in Corinth-Ionic styles and houses the statue of the Virgin of Turumba, 14 icons, and an authentic painting by Paete painter, Jose Dans.

• Mabitac Church (Mabitac) – Features a Spanish-style façade and stands atop 126-stone steps.

Legends of Maria Makiling

Many  rich folklores and legends of Maria Makiling abound. People living within the towns under the shadow of the mountain describe the silhouette of the mountain peak as that of Maria lying down. Maria is a "diwata", Tagalog term for fairy or deity. She lives in the mountain and is considered a trickster forest spirit. She is both malevolent (to hunters) and helpful too. 

One of the famous stories is about an enchanted woman who lived in the quiet woods at the foot of the volcano.  People named her Maria Makiling  because  of where  she lived.    It is also possible they called her Maria Makiling because of the double meaning of the word “Makiling”.  In the vernacular, “ma” means to be, and the root word “kiling” means to recline, thus it may mean Maria

“who is reclining”. 

 She is described as a young, beautiful woman. The beauty and serenity of the enchanted place where she lives complimented her rare qualities.  She was kind and compassionate to the town people.  She shared the full and rich abundance of her enchanted place – fishes in the lake, food and crops, fruits and trees.  And all these bounty were for free.  People borrowed from here whenever they need, whatever they wanted.  Her richness was known far and wide. 

One day, a hunter came by and wandered into her kingdom.  When he saw her beauty, he instantly fell in love with her and she too, felt the same way for him.  They met and talked everyday and promised to love each other forever.  Until one day Maria waited for him but he did not return.  Maria discovered that the man she fell in love with had found another mortal woman to marry.  This made Maria very sad and frustrated.  She felt deeply hurt and soon realized that mortals could not be trusted because they were different from her.  She thought that the town people could not be trusted because they were only using her.  Forgiving was very difficult.  Her sadness and frustration turned into anger that she refused to give fruits to the trees.  Animals and birds were no more.  Fish no longer abound in the lakes.  People seldom saw her because she suddenly became reclusive.  It was only during pale moonlit nights that they sometimes see her. 

 Another story is about three suitors who intensely battled for the heart of Maria.  One was a Spanish soldier, another a Spanish-Fiipino mestizo and the third, a Filipino farmer  named Juan.  In the end, Juan won the heart of Maria, which angered the two suitors.  They plotted against Juan by setting fire to the garrison and blaming it on him.  As punishment to his deed, Juan was executed by firing squad.  Before he died, he shouted the name of Maria.  Maria went down from the mountain and cursed the two soldiers as well as the other men who could not accept failure in love.  She then went back to the mountains, never to be seen again.  The Spanish soldier died during the revolution while the mestizo died of illness.  It is believed that when somebody gets lost in the mountain, people attribute it to the cruse on Mt. Makiling.

 The stories about Maria usually revolve around hunters getting lost in the woods and falling in love with her, and alternately being helpful at first, and then wrathful when promises to her are broken.  There is always a theme of lost or forbidden love. And betrayal. 

How to Get to Rockpoint

One of the reasons why people frequent Laguna (and Rockpoint, for that matter) is its close proximity to Metro Manila. It is very accessible either by private transport  or by public commute.  It's approximately 45 minutes drive from Alabang, or 1-1/2 hours from Makati City.  In no time at all, you can enjoy the splendid beauty of Mother Nature and relax in the hot spring waters of Laguna.

Address:  119 Alamat Road, Maria Makiling Hot Springs Village, Pansol,

               Calamba, Laguna, Philippines, 4027

By Private Vehicle

• Take the South Luzon Expressway

• Exit through Canlubang/Calamba toll gate

• Turn right at the last stretch of the SLEX until you arrive in Calamba town proper

• At the crossing or rotunda, turn right (Landmark is ChowKing)

• Go straight through the main road. You will pass by 2 railroad tracks. 

• Look out for nearby landmarks like Batis ng Makiling Resort & Luisa Ridge Resort (formerly Bato-Bato Resort).  When you see these establishments, you are already in Pansol

• Watch out for Barreto Elementary School on the right side of the road

• Look for Maria Makiling Hot Springs Village. You will see Villa Laarni & Garden Drive Inn at the entrance of the subdivision. Turn right.

• Go straight until reaching the end of Maharlika St. then turn left

• A few meters after Villa Leah, you will find Rockpoint

 By Public Transport

• From Alabang, ride bus headed to Sta. Cruz, Laguna or Calauan, Laguna

• Watch out for landmarks like Batis ng Makiling, Luisa Ridge (formerly Bato-Bato)

• Ask the driver to drop you off Metro Pansol (so you can ride a tricycle going to Rockpoint) or at the corner of Garden Drive Inn & Villa Laarni (you can just walk to the resort).

 Click Here to view Location Map