Laguna Neighborhood Guide: In The Know

When Laguna comes to mind, people often associate it with fresh air, stunning scenery, and luxurious resorts. The province undoubtedly lives up to these expectations, as it remains a favored spot for both foreign and local vacationers. Moreover, Laguna is currently experiencing a gradual increase in its population, as more individuals opt to relocate to the province to escape the hectic pace of the nearby capital of Laguna.

Looking for a luxury house and lot in Laguna? Here’s what you need to know more about the province of Laguna.

Where is Laguna Province?

Located southeast of Metro Manila, Laguna is surrounded by Rizal, Quezon, Batangas, and Cavite. The province derives its name from Laguna de Bay, with its coastal towns situated along its shores.

Renowned for its historical significance during foreign occupations, Laguna is the birthplace of the Philippines’ national hero and has witnessed revolts against Spanish and American oppressors, with museums and shrines commemorating these events scattered throughout the province.

Laguna’s economy has grown more robust and diverse, ranking fourth in the competitiveness rankings of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). While the province used to rely solely on agriculture and aquaculture, it has since become an industrial powerhouse, with developers such as Brittany Corporation investing heavily in the booming residential real estate industry. The high demand for housing is fueled by workers from all over Luzon flocking to industrial towns like Santa Rosa and Calamba for work.

What is the Capital of Laguna?

The capital of Laguna is the Municipality of Santa Cruz, which is recognized for its vibrant commerce. While trade and commerce have traditionally been the primary economic activities, the municipality also functions as the central service hub for the northeastern municipalities in the region.

What is Laguna Known For?

Although Laguna is renowned for being home to the famous Laguna de Bay, the province is also referred to as the “Philippines’ Silicon Valley” because of the abundance of electronic and semiconductor industries situated within its borders. But here are other things Laguna is known for:

Resort Capital of the Philippines

Laguna has also established itself as the resort capital of the Philippines, boasting over 700 hot spring resorts across the province. These hot springs have become a popular destination for Filipinos seeking relaxation and recreation.

Most of these springs are situated in rural towns like Los Baños and Calamba. These are sourced from Mt. Makiling, one of Laguna’s dormant volcanoes, which heats the rocks beneath the springs, providing warm and relaxing bathing experiences.

The Los Baños hot springs were first discovered by the Spanish Franciscan Friars in the late 1500s and transformed into public bathhouses for visitors and sick patients. Notable historical figures such as Jose Rizal and Apolinario Mabini frequented these hot springs. Nowadays, the hot springs are popular vacation spots for both domestic and international tourists.

Hometown of Artists and Heroes

Laguna province is home to prominent revolutionaries and artists in the Philippines. The City of Calamba, in particular, is the birthplace of the national hero, Jose Rizal. Rizal played a significant role as one of the leaders during the Spanish Colonial Period in the Philippines, which ultimately sparked the Philippine Revolution. The people of Laguna, particularly those in Los Baños, Santa Cruz, and Magdalena, also participated in the revolt against Spanish misrule.

In addition, Laguna has made significant contributions to the country’s arts and culture scene. Paete, a town in the province, is well-known for its wood carving industry. Skilled artisans in the area create a variety of wooden sculptures, from intricate and detailed miniatures to large and grandiose statues that depict life in the province or religious figures.

Diverse Economy

Although Laguna’s economy is primarily agricultural, the province has diversified into various industries such as manufacturing, food processing, retail, and tourism in recent decades. This economic shift can be attributed to the launch of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) in the 1980s.

The SLEX provides direct and efficient access to different towns in Laguna, as well as to Quezon Province, Batangas, Cavite, and Metro Manila. As a result, it has become easier to transport equipment and materials to and from the province, thereby boosting the local economy. Additionally, commuting to the rest of Laguna from various parts of Luzon has become more convenient due to the SLEX.

Capital of Laguna and itsPopular Neighborhoods

If you are considering having your own luxury real estate in Laguna or any of the provincial places of Laguna, here are some of the most popular neighborhoods you need to know:

Los Baños

Nestled at the base of Mt. Makiling lies the town of Los Baños, whose name pays homage to the thermal springs that bubble beneath its surface. These mineral-rich waters are harnessed and distributed to various resorts and hotels in the area, where visitors can indulge in a relaxing soak.

But this town is more than just a destination for leisurely pursuits. The town has also emerged as a hub for agricultural research and innovation, earning the distinction of being named the Special Science and Nature Center of the Philippines in the mid-2000s. A number of esteemed research centers are located within its borders, including the following:

• UPLB Philippine Carabao Center
• UPLB Dairy Training and Research Institute (DTRI)
• International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
• ASEAN Center for Biodiversity
• Philippine Rice Research Institute.

If you’re looking to retreat from city life and reside closer to nature, this town is ideal for you. The residences are situated away from the primary thoroughfare, frequently within gated communities such as Makiling Subdivision and Marymount subdivisions.

In contrast to other urban areas, there are fewer towering edifices in the region, allowing inhabitants to appreciate unobstructed vistas of the stunning mountains and plains of Los Baños.

Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa is a top choice in Laguna when it comes to seeking an urban lifestyle. his highly developed city boasts a thriving industrial economy, making it a first-class component city. Numerous special economic zones in the city simplify the process of opening and operating businesses, providing ample job opportunities for its rapidly growing population.

Santa Rosa is also home to luxurious malls and business centers. One must-visit spot in the region is Nuvali, a 2,400-hectare mixed-use development by Ayala Land. Here, you’ll find shopping centers such as Ayala Solenad, renowned schools like Xavier School Nuvali, and outdoor recreational spaces like mountain bike trails and wildlife sanctuaries.

You can also find house and lot near Nuvali, such as those owned by Brittany Corporation. One of them is the Belle Reve, which is one of the unique luxury house and lot communities in Brittany Santa Rosa. It has a French-Mediterranean ambiance where you can wake up to moments spent wandering through surroundings filled with many gardens and courtyards created by world-class landscape artists and architects. And the others are Georgia Club and Augusta Sta. Rosa, where they both provide Southern-American-style homes that are bound to become classics.

Calamba

Calamba is the wealthiest city in Laguna, ranked fifth in the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index of the Department of Trade and Industry, owing to its vibrant economy, modern infrastructure, and efficient governance.

Calamba houses several industrial parks, accommodating manufacturing and food processing plants such as Zenith Foods Corp., Zest-O Corporation, Samsung Electronics Philippines, Fuji Electric Philippines, and Toshiba Storage Device Philippines, Inc.

Furthermore, the city is regarded as a “Next Wave City” for business process outsourcing (BPO) due to its advanced internet infrastructure and highly skilled workforce, with branches of major BPO firms like Accenture and SPi Technologies located in Calamba.

Calamba has a rich cultural heritage, highlighted by the Rizal Shrine, the birthplace of the Philippines’ national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. The city is also home to the St. John the Baptist Parish, a church constructed in the late 1700s, and the Matang Tubig cold spring, which was developed in the mid-1900s.

Other Neighborhoods of the Capital of Laguna

Other places to live in Laguna are San Pablo City, which is a province well-known seven lakes, Santa Cruz Municipality, which is the capital of the provincial government, and Biñan City.

Find Your Next Home with Brittany

The province of Laguna is currently experiencing a rapid expansion that is unmatched by any other city in the country. The business climate is welcoming to investors and real estate developers, including Brittany Homes, which is why the region boasts one of the most thriving real estate markets in the country, featuring luxurious properties.

With Brittany’s list of luxury real estate, you can ensure that each home is curated based on your wants and needs, making every penny spent worth it.

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