One quick Google search will tell you that the province of Laguna is best known as the birthplace of the country’s national hero, Gat Jose Rizal.
While that is a distinction that Lagunenses are more than proud to assert, there’s definitely more—Laguna is also known as the “Detroit of the Philippines” for the notable vehicle manufacturers found in Santa Rosa City, and as the “Resort Capital of the Philippines,” as it proudly houses about 700 hot spring resorts, mainly in Los Baños and Calamba City.
If that still doesn’t impress you, Laguna is likewise considered as the country’s Sillicon Valley because of the technoparks and IT-BPO companies doing business here and contributing to the province’s economic growth.
But even then, there’s a myriad more to know about the province if you’re keen to familiarize yourself with its culture, traditions, heritage, people, and so on! In this article, let’s explore Laguna province and find out why it’s one of the most sought-after provinces to move into outside the National Capital Region.
Quick Facts About Laguna Province
First known as La Laguna and La Provincia de la Laguna de Bay after the Laguna Lake, the largest of its kind in the Philippines, Laguna is a province located within the CALABARZON region of Luzon island and situated southeast of Metro Manila. Laguna’s total population is 3,382,193 as of 2020.
Its provincial capital is Santa Cruz municipality. It’s composed of 24 towns and six component cities, including Biñan, Cabuyao, Calamba, San Pablo, San Pedro, and Santa Rosa, with the latter considered as the richest city in Laguna in terms of annual revenue. On the other hand, Calamba is recorded as the most populous city with 539,671 residents according to the 2020 census.
What is a Fun Fact About Laguna?
There are fun facts about Laguna province that you may not know yet. If you’re keen to know more, feel free to read on!
Jake Zyrus is a native of Laguna
Aside from being the hometown of the Philippines’ national hero, famous Filipino celebrities who are natives of Laguna province include international sensation Jake Zyrus, former beauty queen Precious Lara Quigaman, GMA actress Barbie Forteza, Idol Philippines 2019 champion Zephanie Dimaranan, “Darna” star Jane De Leon, and actor Alden Richards, among many others.
Tsinelas Capital of the Philippines
Aside from its well-known people, a town in Laguna, Liliw, is monikered Tsinelas (slippers) Capital of the Philippines. Paete, another town in Laguna province, is recognized as the Woodcarving Capital of the Philippines.
Underground Cemetery in Nagcarlan
In the municipality of Nagcarlan, meanwhile, lies a Baroque-style underground cemetery with chapels where masses were held. It also used to be the hideout of Filipino revolutionaries during World War II. Since it was declared as a national historical landmark in 1973, however, no more burials were permitted. It was built in 1845 and the oldest tomb is dated 1886.
What Makes Laguna Special?
There is no doubt that its people are what makes Laguna province so special. It’s not just because the country’s de facto national hero lived here, but because Lagunenses are simply hospitable, strong-willed, courageous, family-oriented, God-fearing, and patriotic. Lagunenses perfectly embody what it’s like to be a true-blooded Filipino!
Is Laguna a wealthy province?
While Laguna is not in the top 20 list of richest provinces as of the latest COA report in 2022, it can still be considered as a province with a promising local economy. It has various industries from which it generates billions’ worth of annual revenue, from giant automobile manufacturers and BPO companies in Santa Rosa, the Technopark in Biñan, the luxurious resorts in Calamba, to the entire province’s vibrant tourism industry.
Moreover, what lures investors and large corporations to conduct business operations in the province is Laguna’s strategic location. After all, it’s practically reachable to and from Metro Manila. Residents also don’t have to travel far to seek immediate medical attention, as the province has some of the best hospitals in South Luzon, including The Medical City South Luzon in Santa Rosa, Unihealth Southwoods Hospital and Medical Center in Biñan, or the government-funded Laguna Provincial Hospital in Santa Cruz.
There are also schools from kindergarten to tertiary education available. This includes the University of the Philippines Los Baños, one of the oldest tertiary institutions in the country established in 1909; Laguna State Polytechnic University; Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Santa Rosa Campus; Pamantasan ng Cabuyao; and Brent International School, among many others.
Top Tourist Destinations in Laguna Province
Because of its majestic natural attractions and historical sites, from mountains to lakes and Spanish-colonial churches to a revered hero’s former residency, Laguna does not fall short in top tourist destinations that draw crowds of local and international visitors. Below are just some of them.
Enchanted Kingdom
Located in Barangay Balibago in Santa Rosa City, Enchanted Kingdom is a world-class and fun-filled adventure for the whole family. This 25-hectare theme park is a crowd-drawing attraction with exhilarating rides, interactive theaters, and enchanting surroundings! If you intend to celebrate your birthday here, you even get free access to unlimited rides!
St. John the Baptist Church
You don’t have to be so religious and a devout Catholic to pay a visit at the 400-year-old St. John the Baptist Church in the town of Liliw, the Tsinelas Capital of the Philippines. This resilient and godly piece of architecture underwent major repairs after an earthquake in 1880 and a fire in the late 1890s. Its red bricks are definitely a sight to behold. While you’re here, don’t forget to shop for slippers as a souvenir and eat native delicacies like uraro and espasol.
Seven Lakes of San Pablo
Beautifully scattered around San Pablo City and in between Mount Makiling and Mount Banahaw are the famous Seven Lakes, namely Sampaloc, the largest among them, Bunot, Mohikap, Palakpakin, Calibato, and the twin lakes of Pandin and Yambo. Aside from sightseeing magnificent views, you can also go cycling, jogging, hiking, and rafting. Since San Pablo City is right next Batangas, you might want to warm up your insides with a steaming bowl of goto being sold around!
Pagsanjan Falls
Also known as Cavinti Falls and locally known as Magdapio Falls, Pagsanjan Falls is one of the most famous attractions in the entire region for its awe-inspiring majesty. Reachable via a dugout canoe or “Shooting the Rapids,” the trip to the cascading waterfalls is perhaps more enjoyable and adventurous, proving the proverbial saying that it’s not so much as the destination but the journey that matters the most.
Bahay ni Rizal
It wouldn’t be a Laguna trip without paying a visit to our national hero’s ancestral home in Calamba City. This two-storey replica of Rizal’s birthplace is among the most important historical sites in the Philippines. In addition, it’s a tremendous source of pride among Calambanons whose cultural values are rooted from Rizal’s heroism and patriotism.
Mount Makiling
Nestled between Laguna and its neighboring province of Batangas, Mount Makiling stands as a dormant volcano located south of Laguna de Bay. This majestic peak is a premier destination for hiking enthusiasts from across the country. It is also the natural source of hot springs that serve as major tourist attractions in the entire Laguna province.
Hot Spring Resorts
As the country’s official Hot Springs Capital, you can never go wrong with embarking on a weekend getaway in any of Laguna’s top-rated resorts. Depending on your budget and preference, you can choose between these private and public resorts, most of which are located in the City of Calamba.
Top Private Hot Spring Resorts in Laguna:
- The Cliffhouse Laguna (Los Baños)
- Al Fresco Springs (Los Baños)
- Casa Tropica Calamba)
- Villa Rina Hot Springs (Calamba)
- Pansol Terraces (Calamba)
Top Budget-friendly Hot Spring Resorts in Laguna:
- Bato Springs Resort (San Pablo City)
- Hidden Valley Springs Resort (Calauan)
- La Vista Pansol Resort (Calamba)
- 88 Hot Spring Resort (Calamba)
- Doña Jovita Garden Resort (Calamba)
- California Beach Pansol (Calamba)
- Sol Y Viento Mountain Hot Spring Resort (Calamba)
Top Cities in Laguna for Convenient and Urban Living
Laguna province is inarguably the perfect balance between rural and urban living. Its component cities are not overcrowded, over-polluted, or overwhelmingly noisy. Instead, you get to enjoy the perks of living in the city while still having to breathe in fresh provincial air. Here, we feature three of the most livable places in Laguna for comfort, convenience, and accessibility.
Biñan City
Before attaining its cityhood status in 2010, Biñan was the richest municipality in the Philippines, owing mostly for being a hotspot for industrial developments. It is also known to have the largest public wet market not only in Laguna but in CALABARZON. With its number of banking institutions, retail establishments, and shopping centers, Biñan serves as a center of economic activity in the region.
San Pedro City
Known to be the “Gateway to Metro Manila” for its close proximity to the country’s proverbial land of dreams, San Pedro City is a perfect embodiment of “convenience” in that very context. It was also dubbed as a “dormitory town” of Metro Manila because its accessible public transportation makes commuting less hassle for both white- and blue-collar employees. It’s also famous for the annual Sampaguita Festival, which boosts its local tourism.
Santa Rosa City
Officially known as the City of Santa Rosa, it is a first-class component city in Laguna and is home to some of the most notable manufacturing plants in the country like Coca-Cola and Toyota. It is also the destination to go to if you want to experience the charm of the Enchanted Kingdom, arguably the Philippines’ version of the Disneyland. Santa Rosa is also a hub of economic opportunities because of the lucrative industries operating in the city, from banking institutions, automotive manufacturers, IT-BPO, shopping malls, and real estate.
Calamba City
Most recognized for being the native town of Jose Rizal, Calamba City is also the regional center and one of the richest cities not only in Laguna but in the entirety of the CALABARZON region. It is attributed to its various lucrative industries, including manufacturing, services, economic zones, tourism, and agriculture. It is easily accessible as the southern terminus of the South Luzon Expressway is also located here.
Practical Condo Living in Calamba, Laguna
If you’re actively searching for a community to live in Calamba City, Asterra is the latest value-priced condominium brand to enter the condo investment market in the Philippines.
At Asterra, we believe that condo unit living doesn’t have to incur expensive costs to enjoy its amenities. Our condo for sale in Philippines are ideal for both young professionals and small families who fancy living in a generally peaceful and conveniently located neighborhood.
Our amenities include a swimming pool for relaxation, a gym to lead a healthier lifestyle, a spacious play area for youngsters, a landscaped garden to give condo owners that nature vibes, a community lounge for all, and round-the-clock security measures for everybody’s peace of mind.
What’s more, you won’t have to travel too far away as Asterra’s condo community is nearby establishments and institutions that are considered essential to daily life. This includes schools from kindergarten to college, such as the City College of Calamba and Calamba Institute; hospitals and dental clinics, such as Calamba Medical Center and Dr. Jose P. Rizal Memorial District Hospital.
Aside from that, Asterra’s condo community is also nearby malls and supermarkets, such as SM Calamba, Waltermart, and Puregold; local government offices, such as Calamba City District Office, SSS, and Pag-IBIG; tourist leisure spots as mentioned generously above, and more, providing best value for money.
For a quick virtual tour of our condo for sale in Laguna, feel free to visit our website for available properties. If you have any questions for your future condo in Philippines, just reach out to us and one of our representatives would be happy to assist. Invest in quality and convenience through Asterra, the perfect condominium brand for every career-driven Filipino.
