By Julia Ardajar
You are finally an adult and about to make the biggest investment decision in your life: where to settle in? Those lingering thoughts boggle your mind, wishing you lived somewhere more exciting and beautiful with endless opportunities ahead. Look no further because the search for the perfect place ends here!
Across the southern shores of the Philippines’ largest lake, lies the rich province of Laguna, the ultimate destination for great quality living paired with less hassle of city dwelling. It is one of the most progressive, exquisite and secured provinces here in the country. From the hot springs and waterfalls, to the birthplace of the country’s national hero, Laguna has more perks to offer. If you’re looking for a new place to stay, here are the 10 indisputable reasons why you should live in Laguna:
1. Rich Culture and History
Laguna is known for many colorful and vibrant traditions brought about by its rich history. The province was heavily influenced by the Spanish era and the locals did a splendid job in preserving the sight of ancient architecture. It is home to a number of centuries-old churches dating back to the 1500s such as the San Policarpio Church, the San Antonio de Padua Church, and the Church of Saint John the Baptist. Catholics from Laguna and its neighboring areas come to visit these churches as part of the Visita Iglesia, a tradition unique to the province and in the Philippines.
Moreover, each city in Laguna celebrates their distinctive town fiesta. These festivals are held to honor their patron saint and emphasize each of the city’s local produce. The most awaited festival is the “Anilag.” It is coined from the phrase “Ani ng Laguna” which literally means Laguna’s Harvest. The Anilag Festival commemorates the day of Laguna’s creation. It is a weeklong celebration that highlights the province’s wonderful sceneries, sumptuous delicacies, and of course, the entertaining performances from its locals. Hundreds of people gather to join this event.
2. Incomparable Beauty
Discover the treasure trove of the south as Laguna remains to be the one of the top tourist attractions in the country. Locals get to enjoy an everyday glimpse of the famous seven Lakes, a fresh body of water nestled between the foot of Mt. Makiling and Banahaw. Not far by, you will also find the Hidden Valley Springs, a tropical paradise located in the small town of Calauan. If you’re in for an adventure, experience hiking in the mystical forest of Mt. Makiling, the legendary mountain famous for its shape of a woman lying down. The province is definitely a haven for natural wonders, as it is home to 24 mountains and innumerable fresh bodies of water. Why limit yourself to a weekend getaway when you can finally escape from the hustle and bustle of the city when you stay at the beautiful province of Laguna?
3. Climate
Nothing beats the cool and fresh air in the province of Laguna. Due to the well balanced ecosystem the Air Quality Report from Switzerland-based IQ AirVisual and Greenpeace ranked Calamba, Laguna as the top city in Southeast Asia with less air pollution. Unlike the heat in the highly urbanized metro, Laguna is free from the nasty heat due to its elevation and numerous presence of pristine bodies of freshwater. Moreover, living in Laguna marks you safe from tsunamis, hurricanes, flash floods, and the likes.
4. Sweet Pasalubong and Delicacies
The delicacies in Laguna is the 9th wonder of the world. Lagueños take pride in these sweet treats, unique only to the province of Laguna. During festivals or social gatherings, locals serve a special kind of appetizer distinctive to their own town. Travelling to the northernmost areas of Laguna, you’ll find a cylinder shaped rice cake cooked in coconut milk called Espasol. Not far by is the Kesong puti which originated from the capital of Laguna. It is cheese made from carabao or goat milk and salt curdled with citrus. While due south, is the famous Buko Pie from the city of Los Baños. It is a popular pasalubong among FIlipinos. You will never get enough of Lagueños ingenuity,
5. Lower Cost of Living
Almost everybody dreams of working and living in the NCR. The infamous city radiates with endless opportunities. However, life in the Metro can be too exhausting. Aside from the busy streets and its fast paced environment, the cost of living can really affect the quality of life.
The costs we consider include food, housing, clothes, personal care, and entertainment. According to expatistan.com, the cost of living in metro manila is generally 37% more expensive than living in the province. Their data indicates that living in the province means 32% cheaper in terms of food, 52% cheaper on housing, 18 % cheaper on clothes, 35% cheaper on transportation, 15% on personal care and 27% cheaper on entertainment. Choose Laguna and enjoy more in life with your hard-earned money.
6. Infrastructure Development
Laguna also gets its fair share of the Governments’ Build Build Build Project. A budget of P124.1 billion and P166.27 billion were allocated for the construction of PNR South Haul and the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (LLRN). Both projects are meant to provide convenience and shorter travel time from Laguna to Manila. Other proposed projects in Laguna include Laguna Lake Nautical Highway, University Belt of the South, Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAx), Manila Cavite expressway, Laguna Medical Center, etc. Such developments will surely expand the economic opportunities within the province
7. Economic Zones
Continuous development and industrialization has boosted the economy of Laguna, attracting local and international stakeholders. Through time, the population in Laguna continues to grow due to the income opportunities brought about by industrial estates accredited under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). Manufacturing activity is observed to be heavily concentrated in the areas of Sta. Rosa, Cabuyao and Calamba. Through the years, Laguna continues to integrate as the center for work and commerce.
8. Friendly Neighborhood
Unlike the high risk of danger the modern city poses, Laguna is among the safest places in the country with its relatively low crime rate. Aside from the locals’ religious virtues, Laguenos also tend to have close family ties, living in a large extended family. The simple and modest probinsyano life in Laguna will make you feel warm, safe, and welcome. Don’t forget to greet your kumare and kumpare.
9. Well-Established Social Community
A proof of a well-established social community is measured by the accessibility to quality education and health care systems. Several schools, colleges, and state universities are present within Laguna. In fact, the premiere State University of the Philippines can be found here in Los Baños Laguna. In terms of healthcare, several hospitals are accessible within each town and municipality of the province. These include Calamba Doctor’s Hospital, Pamana Premeir Medical Center, HealthServ Medical Center, etc.
10. Accessibility to the Metro
Travelling from Manila to Laguna (or vice versa) is a breeze. The province is linked to the Metro via South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) or the Manila East Road. People take the SLEX route when travelling west of Laguna (Sta. Rosa, Biñan, Calamba), while the Manila East Road route is close to the northern parts of Laguna (Pangil, Mabitac, Siniloan). In terms of public transportation, several transportation services are available and accessible with ease. You can find point to point buses in Calamba, San Pablo, Alaminos, and Sta. Cruz as the main transportation hub.
From the 10 reasons mentioned, which one made you fall in love with Laguna? From an economic and personal point of view, Laguna proves worthy to be your home of choice! If you are like the many others who are taking action on the dream of starting a new life in Laguna, then find yourself a Bria House and Lot! Not only will you get to enjoy the perks of being a Lagueño but also be a part of the most exclusive housing project in the country.
BRIA Homes is a subsidiary of GOLDEN MV Holdings, Inc., .one of the largest real estate companies in the country. BRIA Homes is primed to bring quality and affordable house and lot packages and condominium units closer to ordinary Filipino families. This is the goal that drives every single employee in the company, for which the ultimate fulfillment is seeing a client happily moving into BRIA’s homes.
To know more, visit their website at www.bria.com.ph, like and follow “Bria Homes, Inc.” on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Spotify, Viber Community, Telegram Channel, Kakao Talk, LINE and WhatsApp, or call 0939-887-9637.
