Acknowledged as the Cradle of Philippine Art because of its artist communities and folk festivals, the province of Rizal has what it truly takes to be called one of the country’s first-class provinces. Before taking you to the adventurous part of this read, you might as well be provided with short must-known historical facts about Rizal province. The Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal, is where the province name came from. The province was officially created by the First Philippine Commission. Here is an interesting fact: Morong was considered the province before it was called Rizal- it was originally Distrito Politico de Morong, which was eventually shortened to Morong. The town of Morong and other towns of Rizal Holds historical tourist sites that people love to go and explore.
If your type of adventure requires more than just the scenery and if you are into trivia, then this article is meant for you. Listed below are the tourist sites in Morong and other nearby towns of Rizal.
1.) La Commandancia
La Commandancia de Morong is considered to be the heritage of the Rizal Province which also serves as a reminder to the people of such endowment through ages. This is a historical tourist site in Morong, Rizal. It was the seat of the central government of the Distrito Politico Militar de Morong run by a Military Governor during the Spanish era. La Commandancia was built in 1880 and finished in 1881; unfortunately, after World War II, the building got almost destroyed but much effort was put to have it restored to its original form. To date, it is the center of the government of Morong, Rizal.
Located in Brgy. San Pedro, Morong, Rizal
2.) Morong Museum
To promote the study and understanding of the local history and its culture was the aim of establishing the museum. Of course, a museum is also a go-to historical tourist site in Morong, Rizal. Moronguenos are encouraged by the local government to participate by lending or donating things connected to “way-back-when” such as books, artifacts, pictures, and other things possible that will support the Morong Museum and to keep its purpose for Morong and its people.
Located at Gov. Tupas Sr, Morong, Rizal, Pincode of Morong Museum
3.) Saint Jerome’s Parish Church
Also known as Morong Church, one of the oldest churches in Rizal, and fittingly described as Baroque Revival architecture which distinguishes it among others, the Saint Jerome’s Parish Church must be part of your historical tourist site list when visiting Morong, Rizal. It was built under Forced Labor during the Spanish Colonization in the country; men, women, and even children had to do work, digging stones from a hill called Kay Ngaya.
Located in Turentigue St, Morong, Rizal
4.) Daranak Falls
14-meter high waterfalls alongside cascades freely pour into a dip, making it its 30-feet deep natural pool, surrounded by forests. Daranak Falls is situated at the foot of the Tanay mountains and is known to be of the primary destinations recommended to tourists from in and out of the country. To preserve Daranak Falls’ natural beauty despite the number of tourists who visit, the local government of Rizal implemented a few rules; alcoholic beverages are not allowed, loud noises, particularly, music to maintain the peaceful atmosphere and of course, no trash must be left as you go. Just like other waterfalls places, overnight camping is not allowed for tourists’ safety. For its 14-meter high waterfalls aside from the other smaller waterfalls, Daranak Falls Top of Form
Located in Tanay, Rizal
5.) Cardona Rock Garden
Although not in Morong, found in the town of Cardona is the only geological site in the Philippines as pronounced by the University of the Philippines, Asian Institute of Tourism. Cardona Rock Garden features unique and big boulders of rocks formed by nature, making it considered among the most interesting stone and rock formations. It is known to be an ecosystem site, it may also be called such a geological wonder for its interesting distinct features as a place worth visiting.
Located in Cardona, Rizal
6.) Blanco Family Museum
As to what this another must-see historical tourist site in Rizal is called, we have a hunch that this museum is a family-produced artwork. Blanco Family Museum houses the collection of art by renowned muralist, Jose “Pitok” Blanco, his wife, Loring, and their seven (7) children: Glenn, Noel, Michael, Joy, Jan, Gay, and Peter Paul. The paintings are displayed and arranged according to the children’s birth order up to their parents; it is also noticeable how each family grew and progressed through their artwork. Anggono, Rizal is known to be the Philippines’ Art Capital and the Blanco Family has proven it right. Arts in the form of Realism, portrayals of the unposed situational Filipino family, and the general traditions and culture are what will be seen when visiting the Blanco Family Museum.
Located at 312 Ibanez Street, Anggono Rizal
7.) Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs
This destination is believed to be the oldest known work of arts in the Philippines, engraved a collection of a total of 127 anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figural carvings on the wall of a shallow rock shelter that might have been used during the Neolithic period. Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs was declared as a National Cultural Treasure in 1973 by the National Museum of the Philippines and was included in the list of the World Inventory of Rock Art in 1985.
Located in Binangonan, Rizal
8.) Mystical Cave
This tourist site in Rizal is categorized as a pilgrimage site; it would not be named as Mystical Cave if not for its mysterious and intriguing stories, but at the same time, interesting. Inday Nelly Deles was the one who discovered the cave in 1970; she used to have visions of the cave in her dreams at 7 years old which made her leave Iloilo and found herself in Antipolo where the discovery and becoming of Mystical Cave as a tourist destination began. The holy images produced by the stalagmites and the stalactites formed different images of Jesus, Adam and Eve, Nazarene, and many more. Filipinos are strong believers in miracles which quite explains why Mystical Cave is one of the most visited destinations in Rizal. Along with it, the water and stone in the cave are said to be precious for they can heal sick people.
Located at Brgy. San Jose 1870 Antipolo, Rizal
Every tourist site in Rizal listed above is worthy of visiting because each has a different story, history, and purpose. May it be a gallery, geological site, or pilgrimage site, there always be something you will get out of experiencing these places and learning about them. If ever you are going to be in Rizal, surely, there are still these irresistible places that you will want to stop by along the way on your road trip. But, if you opt to come more prepared, head onto BRIA Home Website for another list of how to enjoy Rizal.
Read: 10 Ways to Enjoy Rizal
BRIA Homes in Rizal are quite progressive as well as how a pleasant community is built alongside these property developments. One of its core values, Malapit sa Lahat, together with Mura, Maganda, Mabilis and, Mahusay, BRIA Homes made sure of that in Rizal and probably soon around the country. BRIA Homes Baras, Baras Executive, Binangonan, Montalban, La Hacienda, Empresa Homes Pililla, and Golden Haven are the BRIA Homes Property Developments people should look forward to in Rizal.
Rizal province is undoubtedly rich when it comes to tourism and what’s more, there are the newest government projects that prioritize growth outside Metro Manila and Rizal province has fortunately benefited the most. These projects will make life easier for everyone on both ends, providing a more accessible and convenient mode of transportation.
Read: Government Projects in Rizal
Written by Roselyn Galvan
