Rizal - Cradle Of Philippine Art
Rizal - Cradle Of Philippine Art
Named in honor of the Philippines’ National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, the province has gained a reputation as the “Cradle of Philippine Art.” Known for its artists’ communities and folk festivals, Rizal also offers diverse natural and man-made attractions. Breathtaking views of Laguna de Bay, the rugged Sierra Madre mountains, swimming spots, and picnic grounds stand side by side with burgeoning industrial parks, convention halls, and commercial centers.
Geography
Rizal province is Metro Manila’s closest eastern neighbor. It is bounded on the north by Bulacan, on the east by Laguna and Quezon Province, and on the south by Laguna de Bay. It has a total land area of 130,383 hectares, 27 percent of which is suitable for intensive agriculture, pastures, and forest, 62 percent, for high-density urban development, and 70 percent, for fish, farming, and wildlife conservation.
Political Subdivision
Rizal is composed of 13 municipalities and one city & district.
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Antipolo City
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Angono
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Binangonan
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Cainta
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Taytay
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Baras
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Cardona
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Morong
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Jalajala
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Pililla
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Rodriguez
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San Mateo
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Tanay
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Teresa
Language / Dialect
The predominant language is Tagalog while English is used as the medium of communication in business and education.
Climate
Rizal has two seasons: the wet and dry. It is relatively dry from December to May, and wet during the rest of the year. Northeast winds prevail in the province. It is not directly hit by typhoons, low-pressure systems, and strong winds.
History
With the organization of Tondo and La Laguna during the Spanish regime, Rizal province was composed of 26 towns. Some of the towns, including Pasig, Paranaque, Taytay, and Cainta, were already thriving because long before the Spanish conquest the Tagalog settlements had already carried on trade with Chinese merchants.
From 1582 to 1583, the town of Moron (Morong) was under the jurisdiction of La Laguna and Pasi (Pasig), Taitai (Taytay), Tagui (Taguig) belonged to Tondo. In 1591, the encomiendas of Moron and Taitai were under the jurisdiction of the Franciscan order in La Laguna, Paranaque, Longalo (Dongalo), Taguig, and Pasig.
A new political subdivision was formed in 1853, consisting of the towns of Antipolo, Boso-boso, Cainta, and Taytay from Tondo and the towns of Morong, Baras, Tanay, Pililla, Angono, Binangonan, and Jalajala from La Laguna. Then in 1860, Tondo became the province of Manila, placing its towns under the fiscal supervision and land control of the governor of the new province.
It was during the revolutionary government of General Emilio Aguinaldo when Mariquina (Marikina) became the capital of Manila. In 1898-1899, Antipolo became the capital of Morong, then in 1899-1900, Tanay became its capital.
In June 1901, the first Philippine Commission, headed by President William Taft and Commissioner Wright Ide, with Dr. Trinidad Pardo de Tavera, proposed the unification of Manila and Morong, which resulted in the creation of a new province named after Jose P. Rizal, the Philippine National Hero.
Rizal province was officially created by virtue of Act No. 310 by the Philippine Commission. It was composed of 26 municipalities, 13 from the old province of Manila comprising Las Pinas, Malabon, Makati, Paranaque, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Navotas, Muntinlupa, Taguig, Pateros, Marikina, San Mateo, and Rodriguez (formerly Montalban). The other 12 municipalities were from the district of Morong, which includes Angono, Baras, Cainta, Antipolo, Cardona Jalajala, Morong, Pililla, Tanay, Taytay, and Teresa.
On November 8, 1975, the newly formed Metro Manila area was created by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 824, which resulted in the incorporation of the 12 towns of Las Pinas, Paranaque, Muntinlupa, Taguig, Pateros, Makati, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Malabon, Navotas, Pasig, and Marikina. The remaining 14 towns were left to the province of Rizal - San Mateo, Rodriguez, Baras, Cainta, Taytay, Angono, Antipolo, Binangonan, Teresa, Morong, Cardona, Tanay, Pililla, and Jalajala.
When the Metro Manila Commission incorporated Pasig, the former capital, Rizal became the only province in the Philippines to have no capital town. But there is a proposal to make Antipolo the new capital of the province. At present, Antipolo is the only city in the province of Rizal.Tourist Attractions:
Ang Kalbaryo
It is known not only for its religious significance but also for its historical value. According to old folks, a cross-shaped rock suddenly grew out of the summit, but it was destroyed by lightning and earthquake. The people them erected in 1783 on the same spot, a wooden cross in place of the original cross. A chapel was built on top of a hill overlooking Laguna in due respect for the cross.
Petroglyphs (Binangonan, Rizal)
Discovered in 1965 by national artist and acclaimed muralist Carlos “Botong” Francisco from Angono, this cultural heritage site dates back to circa 3000 B.C. and is the most ancient Filipino, or more aptly, prehistoric Filipino work of art. The site is famous for its rock engravings, 127 drawings of human and animal figures. Previous archaeological finds yielded fragments of earthenware, obsidian flakes, and shells. The Angono Petroglyphs site has been included in the World’s Inventory of the Rock Art, through the auspices of UNESCO, ICCROM, and ICOMOS. It has been declared as a national cultural treasure by virtue of Presidential Decree 260 in 1996. It received the greatest recognition as a nominee for the “100 Most Endangered Sites of the World” by the World Monument Watch List. The preservation and development of the Petroglyphs is a collective effort of the National Museum of the Philippines, World Monument Watch Fund, American Express International, the Department of Tourism, and Antipolo Properties, Inc.
Nemiranda Arthouse and Gallery (Dona Justa Subd., Angono, Rizal)
It is a collection of the artist’s paintings masterfully employing figurative realism in his artworks, portraying rural life and folklore art. Also available are lectures, guided tours, and painting workshops.
Tiamson Art Gallerie (203 Dona Nieves St., Bgy. Sto. Nino, Angono, Rizal)
The art gallery houses the various artworks of painter, musician, and transmedia artist Orville DR Tiamson. A versatile artist, Tiamson’s style ranges from the conventional to the new age and he has experimented in various artistic presentations, including drawings on paper, oil, acrylic, paintings on canvas, mixed media collages and constructions, installations, performances, music and sound works.
Ang Nuno Gallery and Balaw-Balaw Restaurant (Don Francisco St., Dona Justa Subd., Angono, Rizal)
This charming restaurant cum art gallery owned by artist Perdigon Vocalan is popular among local and foreign tourists. It offers a hearty welcome to guests and treats them with different kinds of native food and exotic cuisine that has proven to be irresistible to patrons from all walks of life.
Blanco Family Museum (312 ibanez St., Sto. Nino, Angono, Rizal)
This famous family of painters welcomes visitors to their private museum housing their vast collection of artworks. The head of the clan, renowned artist Jose D. Blanco, has obviously handed down to his children his creativity and talent.
Vicente Reyes Studio (Dona Aurora St., Bgy. Poblacion, Angono, Rizal)
One of the most prolific and talented students of the late National Artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco, Vicente Reyes has his own studio that houses his artworks and masterpieces.
Vicente Manansala Historical Shrine (73 Gloria St., San Carlos Heights Subd., Binangonan, Rizal)
Declared by the National Historical Institute as a historical landmark in June, 1978, it now houses the memorabilia of national artist Vicente Manansala. It also features some of his well-preserved original paintings and paraphernalia.
Rafael Pacheco Finger Painting Gallery (Brgy. Bombongan, Morong)
Rafael Pacheco, the artist, has a unique way of expressing his artistic talent – he uses his bare fingers, knuckles, and palms to complete his masterpiece in 20 minutes, mainly flora, fauna, and underwater life.
Uugong Arts and Cultural Parks (Bgy. Bombongan, Morong, Rizal)
Owned by Rafael Pacheco, where he conducts his art workshops, demonstrations, and lectures, it is also a perfect hideaway from the maddening crowd of the metropolis and a nature sanctuary. One can enjoy a three-in-one view of Morong with its four-centuries old bell tower.
Hamaka Parks (Along the National Road, Antipolo City)
Named after the term “hamaka” or hammock, this was the means of transporting ladies to the pilgrimage site of Nuestra Señora dela Paz y Buenviaje (Our Lady of Peace and good Voyage). The hammock was borne by two men who would hike up and down the hilly terrain of Antipolo with their precious cargo comfortably settled in the hamaka.
World Sikaran/Arnis Brotherhood of the Philippines (20 Katipunan St., Baras, Rizal)
Sikaran/Arnis (foot game/sword play) is a combination of two kinds of martial arts that are uniquely Filipino. In Sikaran, the players move around like boxers. Each one aims to knock his opponent down by kicking the latter’s legs. The kicks are delivered with considerable force and agility, and sudden upward and backward movements of the foot. The use of the feet is necessary in winning over the opponent; hence, the name “sikaran” which means “to kick.” In arnis, the players use rattan or a wooden stick and strike each other’s sticks. The player who is able to touch his opponent’s body first with the point of his wooden stick or force him to drop his weapon is declared winner.
Boso-Boso Church Ruins (Bgy. San jose, Antipolo City)
The newly restored Boso-Boso church from the remnants of a centuries-old church, which was destroyed during the Second World War. It stands amidst old stones, wild vines, and plants.
Our Lady of Antipolo Shrine (Antipolo City)
It is known to be the home of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Nuestra Señora dela Paz y Buenviaje). History says that this miraculous icon sailed back and forth between Manila and Acapulco eight times, and on several occasions, was credited with saving the Spanish galleons from destruction by pirates, and Dutch and British blockades. The galleon's safe arrivals were attributed to the miraculous powers of the icon. It was on November 26, 1926 that the Blessed Virgin from Acapulco was dedicated by the Archbishop of Manila, Michael O' Doherty. The month of May is a month-long fiesta in Antipolo, when thousands of devotees come to pay homage to Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage.
Tanay Catholic Church (Tanay, Rizal)
The first Tanay Catholic Church made of nipa and bamboo was built in 1606. The current building made of locally quarried stone was completed in 1680. In 1783, it was reconstructed together with the convent. The church is an example of early Renaissance architecture. It has a four-storey octagonal tower, a façade of adobe blocks, relieved by columns and semicircular arched windows. Its podium is adorned by a niche with the statue of San Ildefonso de Toledo, the patron saint of the town. A convent and a courtyard connect the church to the Catholic school managed by the Archdiocese of Antipolo. Inside are ornate altars with statues of saints. Finely carved, 200 year-old Stations of the Cross add luster to the antiquity of the church.
Baras Church (Baras, Rizal)
Baras Church is one of the oldest in the area, having been completed in 1686. The first church in Baras was built by the Franciscans in 1595. The town of Baras was transferred to Ibayo in 1636 but the church was returned to the present site in 1682. It was the Jesuits who administered the parish from 1616 to 1679. The interior of the church was simply done. The altar and the lanterns are stone artifacts, unearthed beneath the church.
Morong Church (San Jose, Morong, Rizal)
St. Jerome Church stands high above the town of Morong. It was built in 1615 by Chinese craftsmen as evidenced by the Chinese lions at the entrance to the steep driveway. It took three years to construct the church which was entirely funded by the people of Morong. The stone and mortar church has steps leading up to the front. The cross on the tower is illuminated at night and can be seen clearly from the surrounding countryside. It has a tower in front, about 100 feet high with a statue of St. Michael the Archangel on top. The three-storey façade which was built in 1850-1853 to support a new bell tower is one of the most splendid examples of baroque architecture in the Philippines. It is in graduated levels, surmounted by a four-storey octagonal bell tower of European influence, with paired columns at the four exterior corners. The ornamentation consists of long, simple nave. The 14 Stations of the Cross are beautifully done. The restoration of the ceiling has been done and old beams are now visible.
Other Churches in Rizal:Daranak Falls (Bgy. Tandang Kutyo, Tanay, Rizal)
A favorite location shooting area of most local and international movies and advertising outfits in the country, Daranak Falls nestles quietly at the foot of the Tanay mountains, preserved with the natural vegetation, complemented with beautiful waterfalls, ponds, and rivers cascading through elaborate tropical trees and plants. This 14-meter high falls is truly a refreshing site.
Batlag Falls (Tanay, Rizal)
Further up the mountain, a smaller yet enchanting falls called Batlag Falls will transport you to another natural paradise. Swimming in the cool and flowing water of the falls around a forested vicinity will truly inspire people to preserve and protect this natural wonder.
Hinulugang Taktak (Taktak Road, Antipolo City)
The town of Antipolo has been traditionally known for Hinulugang Taktak Falls, even before World War II. The mountain resort has picnic cottages, a swimming pool, artificial paths, and steps to view the waterfalls. During the month of May, cultural concerts and plays are held in the area fronting the waterfalls.
Talim Island (Binangonan, Rizal)
It is the island where 17 coastal barangays of the municipality of Binangonan are located. They are situated along the shores of Laguna de Bay where fishing is a thriving industry.
Susong Dalaga (Bgy. Sapang, Talim Island, Binangonan, Rizal)
A 200 meter-high mountain shaped like a virgin’s breast. A trek to this mountain challenges the grit, perseverance, and physical stamina of hikers. But once they are at the top, a rewarding feeling of “being high” comes by looking at the scenic Laguna Lake and its pristine surroundings.
Wawa Dam (Bgy. Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal)
Wawa Dam is located at the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains. It supplies water to Novaliches passing through large pipes. It has a gorge, which lies between two limestone mountains and through this passes the upper Marikina River. Four caves are visible on the way to the dam. These caves are said to have been inhabited by the Japanese soldiers during the Second World War. A historical marker can be found at the entrance of one of the caves, in memory of the Japanese soldiers.
Festivals:
Ang Hatol (The Way of the Cross) (Good Friday; Cainta, Rizal)
"A stage presentation that highlights the judgment of Pontius Pilate on Jesus Christ.
Cenakulo (Cainta, Rizal). Passion plays called “cenaculos” are held in various places all over the Philippines during the Holy Week. In Cainta, Rizal, however, people take to the streets and the community theater to act out and witness passion plays associated with the Passion of Christ."Giwang-giwang (Binangonan, Rizal)
A play reenacting the funeral of Jesus Christ through a procession on Good Friday. Due to the influx of tourists, devotees try to touch the Sepulkro or sepulcher making it sway, hence, its local translation, the term Giwang-giwang. People searching for an amulet or anting-anting join this religious activity.
The Subok (Tanay and Taytay, Rizal)
A group of men, after feasting and overnight meditation, gather around the church to wait for the Santo Entierro, a wooden statue of the dead Christ. They rush forward to insert various objects in the folds of the robe, under the feet, and in the hollows of the hands. The image is then loaded with handkerchiefs, bronze medals, and pieces of paper inscribed with Latin phrases. The float in encircled by men. After the procession, these men retrieve the objects from the image. Now it is the time for the “subok,” the testing of the talismans by using whips, revolvers, knives, and machetes (bolos) throughout the afternoon and evening till Saturday. Each one tests the effectivity of this talisman by requesting another man to shoot, whip or stab him.
Salubong Festival (Angono, Rizal)
Black Saturday is highlighted by a 3-hour presentation at the churchyard wherein high-tech stage decorations and sound system with trained production staff assist the “Vigilia ng Muling Pagkabuhay” as they are fondly called by the parish. Easter Sunday celebration is held in a place called Galilea where the reunion of the Risen Christ with the Virgin Mary is re-enacted.
Tayo na sa Antipolo Festival (Antipolo City)
A month-long celebration to honor Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. Devotees are seen taking the much-trodden path leading to Antipolo. The image, which is already three centuries old, is said to exhibit supernatural powers. In the evening of April 30, thousands of pilgrims from several places in Metro Manila and nearby towns begin an annual trek to the path, on foot.
Feast of San Clemente (Higantes Festival) (Angono, Rizal)
Angono’s joyous fiesta in honor of San Clemente whose image, resplendent in papal vestment, is borne by male devotees during a procession accompanied by “parehadoras” (devotees dressed in local costumes, wooden shoes, and carrying boat paddles) and “higantes,” (giant wooden figures made from papier mache and bamboo). The street event culminates in a fluvial procession on the shores of Laguna de Bay, amidst revelry that continues until the image is brought back to the parish church.
Special Interest:
Valley Golf and Country Club (Sumulong Highway, Antipolo City)
The land area, terrain, and topography of the valley meet the criteria for a standard championship golf course. The clubhouse is the venue for special events and fellowship of club members and guests.
East Ridge Golf Club (Binangonan, Rizal)
Art Appreciation Tours
Angono, Binangonan, Tanay, and Morong abound with art houses where traditional and contemporary paintings and masterpieces are arrayed for public viewing, allowing visitors to imbibe the culture and artistic genius of the Filipino. The galleries of Vicente Manansala in Binangonan; the galleries of Blanco and Nemiranda in Angono; the Pacheco Gallery in Morong; and the Angono Art Galleries are excellent sources of artworks by the artists of Rizal.
Nature Tripping
Nature tripping near Manila can be had to your heart’s content in any of Rizal’s natural sites. Try the Daranak Falls in Tanay, or troop to Talim Island to savor the finest catch of the lake.
Food Tripping
Rizal is well known for its bountiful harvest of fruits and the equally plentiful catch from Laguna de Bay. Many native-styled restaurants rise above fishponds and beneath shaded groves, serving freshwater fish cooked to specifications. Cainta is famous for coco jam, a sticky-sweet concoction eaten with bread. In summer, the stalls around the Cathedral of Antipolo sell hot cashew nuts, suman (sticky rice delicacies), and freshly-picked duhat (local blackberries).
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Source: https://sites.google.com/site/philippinesthebeautywithin/reg-4-calabarzon-mimaropa/rizal
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Rizal is the gateway from the East going to Metro Manila. The laid-back environment outside Antipolo provides a better healthy living while settling in Antipolo gives every new home owner a new perspective of living near the Metro.
