Laguna | A Glimpse Of Old Biñan

 Biñan is historically known as the place where José Rizal received his first formal education. He was about eight years old when he and his brother, Paciano left Calamba and settled in Biñan. There, he used to reside in his mother's ancestral home, owned by the family of Jose Alberto Alonzo, the father of Rizal’s mother, Teodora Alonzo. 

The Alberto Mansion

The Alberto Mansion, built in the early 19th century, is a two-storey house with a floor area of about 600 square meters and is currently located at the Poblacion across from the city government building.

 José Rizal Monument Plaza

José Rizal Monument Plaza, in downtown Biñan, is the major landmark of the city, which is beside the San Isidro Labrador Parish Church which is also beside the old municipal hall, and the public market.

San Isidro Labrador Parish Church

I only can imagine how beautiful the town was during its hey days. So close to us here in the south metro yet unknown to many. In almost all areas of the town I found reminders of its inspiring past. Such lovely old houses, I don’t mind spending the whole afternoon feasting my eyes on these gems.

Zamboanga Del Norte | Around Historical Cities Of Dapitan And Dipolog + Situbo Falls

dapitan city plaza

Recently I backpacked Mindanao for 8 days covering the regions of Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, ARMM and SOCCSKSARGEN. Arriving at the Dipolog airport past noon I immediately went out of the terminal and board a bus bound to Dapitan.

saint james the greater parish church in dapitan

rizal shrine

The small town of Dapitan plays a big part in Philippine history. Dr. Jose Rizal the country’s national hero spends four long years in this town during his exile. The relic map and the Dipolog cathedral were designs of Rizal.

our lady of the most holy rosary cathedral in dipolog city

The main attraction is the Rizal shrine. It features huts used by Rizal during his stay and the water system he built for the resident of Talisay. I explore this historical site and after that I go back to the town and boarded a mini bus back to Dipolog City. I stroll around the city, Dipolog cathedral then spend the rest of afternoon at the sunset boulevard at the end side of it were stalls selling bbq. Locals call it mcdukoduko. I order 2 puso, chicken bbq, and pork bbq. I have a sumptuous early dinner and it’s enjoyable to eat with bare hands.

sunset boulevard

guesthouse in tampilisan

After my dinner I walk the long stretch of the boulevard down to the terminal and boarded a bus bound to Ipil. I get off at the sleeping town of Tampilisan. Past ten in the evening when I arrived there good thing habal-habal driver knows a budget guesthouse nearby or else I’ll spend the night at a gasoline station along the highway. He assisted me and the following day I charter him to bring me to Situbo falls. He also serves as my guide. The trail down to the falls is quit slippery and muddy. The unspoiled towering Situbo falls is worth to visit.

situbo falls

From Situbo falls I head back to the town center of Tampilisan and waited for jeepneys that ply to Ipil.

This is part of the 2nd leg of my solo backpacking in Mindanao.

Budget | Zamboanga Del Norte | Zamboanga Sibugay | Zamboanga Del Sur | Misamis Occidental | Lanao Del Sur | Cotabato City | North Cotabato | South Cotabato | Saranggani