Let's Go to Antipolo

Antipolo is a province in a large metropolis. It is a devotee's destination during its feast, which is why the line, “Tayo na sa Antipolo,” or, “Let’s go to Antipolo,” is very popular among Filipinos. Its feast includes a parade and a pilgrimage to the famous Antipolo Church. But even when it is not the festival season in Antipolo, it is the preferred destination of people from Manila because it is just a few minutes away, but when you get there, you seem to feel that you are far away from the demands of the urban life.

Antipolo is an elevated area, and thus it overlooks over the entire Manila metropolis. At night, the glittering lights of the skyscrapers look like a picturesque scenario. Many bars and restaurants are found along the winding road going to the heart of the city of Antipolo.

Apart from its mix of rural and urban beauty, Antipolo is also known to be home to many artists. With an inspiring environment like the hilly Antipolo, lovers of the art find it conducive to practice express their talents and passion here.

When in Antipolo, make it a point to buy suman at mangga or sticky rice wrapped in coconut leaves paired with sweet mangoes. There are several varieties of this native dessert. Some put sugar with the sticky rice, or milk or chocolate.

Quick Tips:

When you plan to visit this place during the festival season, be sure to come here earlier to avoid the heavy traffic and get a better spot in the church and places of attraction. It would be better to visit Antipolo both during the day and at night to see the splendor of Metro Manila any time of the day. Since this is a mountainous area, wear comfortable shoes and clothes. You never know if you might do some instant trekking when you get to Antipolo.

Best Way To Get Around:

There are several buses, jeepneys, and FX taxis going to Antipolo from early morning till late at night. Since this is near Manila, you might have a friend who can lend you a car to drive to Antipolo. Once in Antipolo, tricycles abound that can bring you to your place of destination. The only problem is getting tricycles from there back to the capital. It's better rent or borrow a private vehicle that you can use when touring Antipolo.

St. Michael's is where most religious organizations hold their retreats and recollections, not only because it is a quiet place but it is also closer to nature. The place is a bit secluded and private. Indeed, it is conducive for reflection and soul-searching.

There are different dormitories in St. Michael's that sometimes there are various retreats held here simultaneously. The building at the back where the administration office is located has a small patio with fountain at the middle. The garden has beautiful red roses that bring a feeling of intimacy.

At night, the breeze is cool that many visitors who come here to stay would stay under the beautiful sky watching the stars. Some would hold a little program here with candles lit around the garden.

There are large and small rooms in St. Michael's that could cater to varying number of groups. The rooms have private baths and air-conditioning units. However, water is a bit difficult in the morning especially in the upper floors. But people keep on coming back here on weekends for a restful retreat from the chaotic world outside.

This is a Swiss restaurant located in the remote area of Hinulugang Taktak, a resort district in Antipolo. Vieux Chalet is a cozy dining place for people who love and value their privacy.

The architectural design of the restaurant is Filipino- and Swiss-inspired. It is small and rustic, ideal for private dining. The diner is also the home of the couple-owner (the husband is Swiss while the wife is Filipina.) But since the husband died, the woman was left to running the place by herself.

The specialty of Vieux Chalet is lamb chops. Mouthwatering and delicious, the lamb chops is the favorite among loyal patrons. They also serve fresh garden salad with a specially made dressing. But apart from their European offerings, local delicacies like suman on chocolate are also available.

The blowing of the wind and the dancing of the trees create a homey atmosphere. But at night, the place turns into a venue of a romantic interlude.

A pottery factory, fish sanctuary, and restaurant rolled into one is what Moon Cafe is made of. One of its owners belongs to a family of artists and academicians, which is why it comes as no surprise that the place is conducive for studying, relaxation, and art expression.

I tasted the best Filipino delicacies in Moon Cafe. The fish was cooked with fresh vegetables and rich butter sauce. Every bite of the food they prepared for us was done with expertise and eagerness to please us. The desserts, including the suman, were deliciously done.

Moon Cafe looks like a fisherman's place with the flowing cloths on the ceiling. It was also filled with sea shells decorated in every wall of the restaurant. The windows were wide, letting the natural light come into the place.

Outside is a large man-made pond with large, colorful fish. It was wonderful to feed the fish as they all try to grapple on the food. At one end of the pond is a small falls that creates ripples to the pond. Surrounding it are trees and plants that makes the place cooler and more relaxing. The fish seemed to enjoy this place they call home and the owner obviously loves these marine animals. Visitors couldn't help but enjoy watching the fish.

The Hinulugang Taktak Falls is where pilgrims flock for the feast of the Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. From the Antipolo Church, they come here to cool off in the cool waters. It was transformed into a resort, but now the place is polluted and the waters murky, even after it was declared as a protected area. Still, many people come to Hinulugang Taktak and nearby places in Antipolo to do some trekking. Mountain and nature lovers who cannot sneak out of Metro Manila find a sanctuary in Antipolo. They find a venue to be near with nature at Hinulugang Taktak.