Angono, Philippines
Region: Rizal
Geographic Coordinates: 14.523400, 121.154000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with two seasons: wet and dry.
Population: 130494
Language: Tagalog
Angono, A small town in the province of Rizal, Philippines, Is renowned as the Art Capital of the Philippines. The town has many talented artists and craftsmen who have made a name for themselves both locally and internationally. The Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs are one of Angono’s most famous attractions. These ancient carvings on rocks date back to 3000 BC and are considered to be one of the oldest forms of art in Southeast Asia. Angono also boasts several natural wonders such as Mount Tagapo, Which offers breathtaking views of Laguna de Bay and neighboring towns.
Balaw-balaw Restaurant and Art Gallery is another popular attraction that features local cuisine such as balut (fertilized duck egg), Adobo (marinated meat), And sinigang (tamarind soup). For those seeking adventure, There are several outdoor activities available in Angono such as hiking Mount Tagapo or kayaking along Laguna de Bay. The Higantes Festival is an annual event where giant paper-mache figures parade through town streets during November. Contemporary art has also found its way into Angono with various galleries showcasing modern Filipino artworks.
Nemiranda Arthouse is one notable gallery that features vibrant murals painted by renowned artist Nemesio Miranda Jr., Aka Nemiranda. whether you’re interested in history, Nature or contemporary art – there’s something for everyone in Angono. With its rich cultural heritage, Natural wonders, And vibrant art scene – it’s no wonder that Angono has earned the title of being the Art Capital of the Philippines.’
Important Landmarks
- Angono Petroglyphs
- Blanco Family Museum
- Nemiranda Arthouse and Atelier
- Thunderbird Resorts Rizal
- Binangonan Recreation and Conference Center (BRCC)
- San Clemente Church
- Balaw-balaw Restaurant and Art Gallery
- Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs National Museum
- Angono Lakeside Park
Primary Industries
- Arts and Culture – Angono is known as the Art Capital of the Philippines due to its rich cultural heritage and thriving art scene.
- Agriculture – The town’s fertile soil makes it a prime location for farming activities such as rice cultivation, vegetable production, and livestock raising.
- Tourism – Angono is home to several tourist attractions such as the Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs, Blanco Family Museum, Nemiranda Arthouse & Gallery, and various festivals like Higantes Festival.
- Manufacturing – The town has several small-scale manufacturing businesses that produce furniture, handicrafts, garments, food products like bagoong (fish paste), among others.
- Retail trade – There are numerous retail stores in the town that cater to local residents’ daily needs such as groceries stores, hardware shops, pharmacies etc.
Overall these industries provide employment opportunities for many people in Angono while also contributing significantly to the local economy.
Noteable History
- The Angono Petroglyphs are the oldest known artworks in the Philippines, dating back to around 3000 BC. These rock carvings depict human figures, animals, and other symbols.
- Carlos Botong Francisco is one of the most celebrated Filipino artists of the 20th century. He was born in Angono and his works often depicted rural life and Philippine folklore.
- Victorio Edades was a Filipino painter who is considered one of the pioneers of modern Philippine art. He was also born in Angono.
- The Higantes Festival is an annual event held in honor of San Clemente, the patron saint of fishermen. It features giant papier-mâché effigies paraded through the streets of Angono.
- During World War II, Angono was occupied by Japanese forces from 1942 to 1945.
- Baldomero Aguinaldo was a general during the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule and a cousin of Emilio Aguinaldo, who became the first president of the Philippines after independence from Spain.
- Gregorio del Pilar was a hero during the Philippine-American War and fought alongside Emilio Aguinaldo against American forces before being killed at age 24 at Tirad Pass.
- Jose Rizal visited his friend Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo’s studio in Antipolo on June 1884 where he met Juan Luna for first time who lived nearby in Paris while studying painting under Alejo Vera y Estaca.
- Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo (1855–1913)was one prominent artist of Philippines who was born in Binondo, Manila.He became known for his painting Las Virgenes Cristianas Expuestas al Populacho (The Christian Virgins Exposed to Public) which earned him silver medal in Madrid Exposition(1884).
- National Artist Carlos Botong Francisco is one of the most celebrated Filipino artists of the 20th century. He was born in Angono and his works often depicted rural life and Philippine folklore.
Museums and Things To See
- Angono Petroglyphs is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases ancient rock carvings.
- The Blanco Family Museum features the works of renowned Filipino artists, Jose Blanco and his sons.
- Nemiranda Arthouse and Atelier is a gallery and studio that displays the works of artist Nemi Miranda.
- The Carlos Botong Francisco Ancestral House, formerly the home of National Artist for Visual Arts Carlos Botong Francisco, has been converted into a museum.
- The Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs Museum and Research Center is dedicated to studying and preserving prehistoric art in the region.
- Balaw Balaw Specialty Restaurant and Art Gallery is an art gallery that showcases local artworks alongside traditional Filipino cuisine.
- Yab Design Showroom & Gallery displays contemporary furniture designs by local artisans.
- Angono Lakeside Park & Bird Sanctuary is home to various bird species such as egrets, herons, kingfishers among others.
- Angono Forest Park is a nature reserve that offers trekking trails with scenic views.
- Tiamson Art Gallery is a private collection open to visitors displaying various Philippine artworks from different periods.
Cultural Events
- Higantes Festival is a popular celebration in Angono that honors the town’s patron saint, San Clemente. The festival features giant paper-mache figures, known as higantes, parading through the streets.
- Feast of St. Peter and Paul is an annual religious event held on June 29th to pay tribute to the apostles St. Peter and St. Paul.
- Angono Arts Festival highlights the town’s cultural heritage with various art exhibits, performances, and workshops.
- Binaylan Festival is a cultural event that celebrates Angono’s indigenous Tagalog culture with traditional dances and music.
- Pista ng Musika at Sining sa Rizal showcases local artists performing various musical genres such as pop, rock, jazz, classical music along with artworks from different artists all over Rizal province.
- Simbang Gabi is a nine-day novena mass celebrated every December 16 to 24th in Catholic churches across Philippines including Angono church in anticipation of Christmas.
- Angono Foundation Day commemorates the town’s founding anniversary every November 25th where residents participate in parades and street parties showcasing traditional Filipino games like palo sebo (greasy pole climbing)and tug-of-war among others.
Cuisine
- Balaw-Balaw Restaurant and Art Gallery – known for their exotic dishes such as balut (fertilized duck egg), crispy frog legs, and adobong uok (beetle larvae).
- Ristorante delle Mitre – a fine dining restaurant that serves Italian-inspired dishes with a Filipino twist.
- Kusina ni Nanay – a homey restaurant that offers traditional Filipino comfort food like sinigang na baboy (pork sour soup) and kare-kare (oxtail stew in peanut sauce).
- Mang Vic’s Pinoy BBQ – a street food stall that sells grilled meat skewers like chicken intestines, pork belly, and chicken feet.
- Cafe Mirenzo – a cozy cafe that serves Filipino breakfast favorites like tapsilog (cured beef with rice and egg) and longsilog (Filipino sausage with rice and egg).
- Lava Mocha Cafe – an Instagram-worthy cafe that offers coffee drinks, milkshakes, pastries, and light meals.
- Sisig ni Aling Lucing Express – a branch of the famous Angeles City sisig restaurant that serves sizzling pork sisig with rice or beer.
- Bahay Kubo Garden Restaurant & Grill House – an outdoor garden restaurant that specializes in grilled seafood like squid, tilapia, shrimp, crabs etc., as well as other Filipino dishes like lechon kawali (crispy fried pork belly).
- Angono Lakeside Park is a beautiful park located along the shores of Laguna de Bay. It offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and bike rentals.
- Thunderbird Resorts & Casinos Rizal is a luxurious resort that boasts an outdoor pool, spa services, and a casino.
- Hinulugang Taktak National Park is a protected area that features waterfalls, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
- Angono Petroglyphs is an archaeological site that showcases ancient rock carvings dating back to 3000 BC.
- Ynares Center Antipolo is a sports complex that hosts basketball games and other sporting events.
- Pinto Art Museum is an impressive contemporary art museum featuring works by Filipino artists in various mediums such as paintings, sculptures, and installations.
- The Masungi Georeserve offers eco-tourism opportunities with hiking trails leading to stunning rock formations and scenic views of the Sierra Madre Mountains.
- Angono Forest Park provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from its hilltop location overlooking Laguna de Bay with lush greenery all around it.