Your Laguna Neighborhood Guide

Rich culture and Tourism are just two things the province of Laguna is known for. It has a diverse and interesting background because of the unique municipalities’ competitiveness index. It combines Laguna’s historical significance, popular attractions, and numerous educational institutions.

Laguna is near the provinces of Cavite, Rizal, and Quezon, also known as Region 4A- CALABARZON. It is situated in the southern part of Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines. Its shoreline is along Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines. The capital of Laguna is Santa Cruz. This is where the provincial government is located. If you wish to visit one of the municipalities, this local neighborhood guide will help you to discover and learn their backgrounds and what they are known for.

History of Laguna

Laguna’s name came from the Spanish word “lago“, meaning lake, since it has Laguna de Bay. When one hears the word Laguna, one of the first things that comes into mind is the birthplace of Dr. Jose Rizal, which is in Calamba, City. The province is also one of the first places that declared independence from Spanish and American oppressors. These people are Generals Paciano Rizal Severino, Miguel Malvar, and Agueda Kahabagan of Calamba, Pagsanjan, Batangas, and Calauan, respectively. Its first capital was Bay, then replaced by Pagsanjan in the year 1688. From 1852 until the present, Sta. Cruz has been Laguna’s capital.

How to get to Laguna?

The reason why many people opt to visit Laguna is because of its accessibility. When commuting, there are buses that lead to different points of Laguna, including Santa. Rosa, Calamba, Los Baños, and Santa Cruz, and San Pablo.

Places located southeast of Manila, including Pasay or Muntinlupa, can take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). While areas from northern parts like Marikina can take an alternate route across Rizal province to the eastern part of Laguna. Unlike SLEX, the only con in this route will be the steep roads.

Laguna, A Popular Destination for Domestic and International Tourists

When it comes to listing down the potential home locations in some of the best provinces in Luzon, a home buyer will never run short of options when it comes to finding a house and lot for sale in Laguna. May this guide to neighborhoods in Laguna help you become more convinced.

Home of National Heroes

Rizal is the Philippines’ national hero. While Calamba is known because of the Jose Rizal Shrine. He rose to prominence as a leader of the nation’s anti-colonial movement, which in turn sparked the Philippine Revolution. Residents of Laguna joined the uprising against Spanish tyranny, particularly those in Los Baños, Santa Cruz, and Magdalena.

Industrial Towns, Profitable Province

The province is known for its automotive and electronics manufacturing, and it plays a significant role in the country’s export industry. Another name that Laguna is known for is the Philippines’ Silicone Valley. It is because of the main manufacturing plants and industrial parks/industrial powerhouse of electronics and semiconductors. Some of these are Toshiba Storage Device Philippines and Fuji Electric Philippines in Carmelray Industrial Park Calamba. Manufacturing plants are dispersed widely in popular neighborhoods, including Los Baños, Biñan, and Santa Rosa.

The province’s special economic zones facilitate business operations for manufacturers by offering a range of tax and importation incentives. Residents of Laguna are then given numerous employment opportunities by these businesses. Special economic zones like Toyota and Greenfield City Autopark are given enjoyable incentives. Since 1989, the government has invested in provinces, including Laguna, to have a special economic zone called the Laguna Technopark. Its land area was 2.24 sq kilometers initially but later became 4.6 kilometers. Presently, it has 239 light to medium enterprises with different specializations, namely pharmaceuticals, automotive, electronics, food processing, and consumer goods.

Religious and Traditional Cities

Laguna has a rich cultural heritage. The province celebrates several festivals and traditions throughout the year with the representation of different religions and traditions. The churches were built mostly a thousand years ago. It also stands as a historical establishment because most of them became secret hideouts during the colonial war; these churches can be found in towns like Magdalena, Luisiana, and Paete. The last town mentioned has a highly skilled workforce in the wood carving industry.

Paete is often called the “Woodcarving Capital of the Philippines.” The town has a long-standing tradition of woodcarving, and many of its residents are skilled artisans known for creating intricate religious figures, furniture, and decorative items. The woodcarving tradition is closely tied to the town’s religious culture. Paete is home to several old churches, and its artisans have crafted numerous religious icons and images that are used in religious processions and celebrations throughout the Philippines.

The popular churches from different towns that most tourists visit are these:

St. John the Baptist Parish in Liliw

This church in Liliw is also called the Red Church because of its unique architectural details, made of red bricks, and has a Baroque style.

San Isidro Labrador Church in Calauan

The church in Calauan is dedicated to San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. It features baroque-style architecture and is known for its beautiful altar and religious art.

St. James the Apostle Parish Church in Paete

The St. James the Apostle Parish Church in Paete is a well-preserved Spanish-era church known for its baroque architectural style. The church is made of adobe stones and is known for its stunning facade and intricate woodcarvings inside.

St. Gregory the Great Parish Church in Majayjay

The church in Majayjay is celebrated for its picturesque location at the foot of Mount Banahaw. It features baroque-style architecture and has a serene, spiritual atmosphere.

Leisure and Entertainment

Looking for a place to unwind near Metro Manila? Laguna is the place to be. Swimming, theme parks, wildlife sanctuaries, or museums, every place has great outdoors for your leisure and entertainment.

Los Baños and Calamba are one of the popular destinations for family gatherings because it has various resorts. And not just resorts but hot springs because they are situated at the feet of Mt. Makiling, one of Laguna’s dormant volcanoes. Calamba was even declared as the Resort Capital of the Philippines.

Laguna also has produced many talented artists and individuals who have significantly contributed to various fields, including the arts. The University of the Philippines in Los Baños does not only provide quality education but also produces talented local artists. Its Museum of Natural History is one of the art galleries representing the country’s arts, exploring nature, environment, and culture.

For the kids and kids at heart, the Enchanted Kingdom in Santa Rosa is a popular amusement park. It is the country’s first and largest theme park, offering various attractions and entertainment options for visitors of all ages.

Tourism Industry

Laguna is known for its beautiful natural landscapes. The province is home to Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines, which offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and lakeside picnics. There are also hot springs or thermal springs, waterfalls, and lush forests that attract nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. San Pablo is known for its lakes, not one, not two, but seven lakes. Places like Liliw, Luisiana, Pangil, and Majayjay are known to have crystal-clear water from their falls. Make sure to bring warm clothes for changing because the water is surely freezing cold because it comes directly from the streams in the mountains.

Agricultural Industry

Laguna’s economy is boosted and high-spirited because of its agriculture. The province has a diverse agricultural sector encompasses a wide range of crops and livestock production. Crops and others like rice, corn, vegetables, and even livestock contribute to the local economy, providing employment and food security. The province’s favorable climate, fertile soil, and proximity to Metro Manila contribute to its role as a significant agricultural region in the Philippines. The International Rice Research Institute is also located in Los Baños. The institute aims to reduce poverty and hunger through rice science, improve the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers, and protect the rice-growing environment for future generations.

Find your Home: Pontevedra Estate in Santa Rosa, Laguna

From this neighborhood guide in Laguna, you have learned that the province is easily accessible from Metro Manila, thanks to well-developed road networks and public transportation options. It is near business centers, shopping centers, and other commercial centers. The proximity to the capital city makes it an ideal weekend getaway destination, as well as your permanent home.

The ideal house and lot for sale in Laguna can be found just a few hours away from Manila. One of the central industries but also a mix of city and province life- Santa Rosa. Brittany Corporation has its own Pontevedra Estate, where you will feel like you are in one of the prestigious art galleries. It is fused with history, culture, and style, as well as with winding lanes, mountain bike trails, plazas, and quaint squares brimming with cafes and one-of-a-kind dining options.

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