Antipolo, Philippines
Region: Rizal
Geographic Coordinates: 14.584200, 121.176000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Antipolo has a tropical climate with no distinct seasons and is generally hot and humid throughout the year. The wet season lasts from May to December, while the dry season runs from January to April.
Population: 887399
Language: Tagalog
Antipolo, A city located in the province of Rizal, Philippines, Is known for its numerous religious sites and pilgrimage destinations. It sits on a plateau overlooking Metro Manila and provides breathtaking views of the metropolis. One of Antipolo’s most famous landmarks is the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Shrine, Which houses a 17th-century wooden statue of the Virgin Mary. The shrine attracts thousands of devotees every year who come to pray for safe travels and good fortune.
Another popular pilgrimage site is the Antipolo Cathedral, Also known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. Apart from its religious significance, Antipolo boasts natural attractions such as Hinulugang Taktak Falls. Visitors can hike through lush forests to reach this stunning waterfall or simply enjoy its beauty from afar. For those interested in art and culture, Antipolo has several museums worth visiting such as Pinto Art Museum which showcases contemporary Filipino art in a beautiful Mediterranean-inspired setting. The Ynares Center also hosts various cultural events throughout the year including concerts, Exhibits, And festivals.
Foodies will find plenty to love about Antipolo with its array of local delicacies such as suman (rice cake) made with coconut milk wrapped in banana leaves or kakanin (sticky rice desserts) like bibingka or puto bumbong. adventure-seekers can head to Masungi Georeserve where they can trek through limestone formations while enjoying stunning views or go on an ATV ride at Cloud 9 Adventure Park where they can explore rugged terrain while experiencing an adrenaline rush.
Antipolo offers visitors not only spiritual experiences but also natural wonders, Cultural immersion opportunities and exciting adventures making it one destination that should be on every traveler’s list.
Important Landmarks
- Antipolo Cathedral
- Hinulugang Taktak Falls
- Pinto Art Museum
- Cloud 9 Sports and Leisure Club
- Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Shrine
- Casa Santa Museum
- Mystical Cave
- Bosay Resort
- Mount Purro Nature Reserve
- Jardin de Miramar
Primary Industries
- Antipolo, Philippines is a city with a diverse economy that boasts several major industries and businesses.
- These include:
- Tourism
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Retail
- Education
- Healthcare
- The food industry
- Tourism plays a significant role in Antipolo’s economy as the city is known for its scenic spots such as Hinulugang Taktak Falls, Pinto Art Museum and Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Shrine.
- Agriculture is also an important sector in Antipolo with crops like mangoes, bananas, vegetables and rice being produced.
- Several manufacturing companies operate in Antipolo producing products such as furniture, textiles garments and electronics.
- The retail market has also grown significantly with shopping centers like Robinsons Place Antipolo and SM City Masinag catering to shoppers’ needs.
- Education is another thriving industry in the city with several universities and colleges offering courses to students.
- Healthcare services are also readily available for residents with numerous hospitals and clinics located within the area.
- Finally, the food industry has flourished in Antipolo with a variety of restaurants offering local delicacies like kakanin (rice cakes) as well as international cuisines like Italian or Japanese food.
Noteable History
- The establishment of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Shrine in 1626, which has become a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics.
- The Battle of Antipolo in 1899 during the Philippine-American War, where Filipino forces led by General Emilio Aguinaldo fought against American troops.
- The construction of Hinulugang Taktak Falls in the early 1900s, which became a famous tourist destination.
- Former Philippine President Corazon Aquino’s birthplace is Paniqui Street in Antipolo City.
- University of Rizal System campus was established in Antipolo City, offering various courses to students from nearby towns and cities.
- An annual Hinulugang Taktak National Park Festival held every May to celebrate the park’s natural beauty and promote tourism in the area.
- Notable personalities from Antipolo include actress Angel Locsin, singer-actor Ogie Alcasid, and basketball player Chris Tiu among others.
Museums and Things To See
- Pinto Art Museum
- Hinulugang Taktak Falls
- Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Shrine (Antipolo Cathedral)
- Casa Santa Museum
- Mystical Cave
- Boso-Boso Church Ruins
- Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa and Garden Suites
- Jardin de Miramar Events Venue
- Cloud 9 Sports and Leisure Club
- Antipolo City Hall Observation Deck
Sports Teams
- Antipolo Pilgrims – a basketball team established in 2013, competing in various leagues including the Metro League, Liga Pilipinas, and the National Basketball League.
- Antipolo Thunderbolts – a football club founded in 2017 currently playing in the United Football League Division 2.
- Rizal Golden Coolers – a baseball team around since the 1990s winning several championships both locally and nationally.
- Antipolo City Chess Team – a chess team producing notable players such as IM Paulo Bersamina who represented the Philippines at the World Junior Chess Championship.
- Antipolo Lady Stallions – a women’s volleyball team competing in various local tournaments such as Shakey’s V-League and Philippine Super Liga.
Cultural Events
- The Hinulugang Taktak Festival is a celebration of the rehabilitation of the famous Hinulugang Taktak Falls. The festival features a parade, street dancing, and cultural performances.
- The Maytime Festival is held in May to celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. It includes a procession and religious activities.
- The Antipolo Pilgrimage is an annual pilgrimage to the Antipolo Cathedral during Holy Week.
- The Higantes Festival celebrates the town’s patron saint San Isidro Labrador with giant paper mache figures paraded around town on his feast day.
- The Rizal Day Celebration commemorates the birth anniversary of national hero Jose Rizal with a wreath-laying ceremony at his monument in Antipolo City.
- The Feast of St. Clare is celebrated every August 11th in honor of St. Clare of Assisi with a procession and novena masses at St. Clare Monastery.
- The Kasadya sa Kalayaan Festival celebrates Philippine Independence Day on June 12th with cultural shows, parades, sports events, and food fairs showcasing local delicacies from different regions across the Philippines.
- The Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB) Christmas Bazaar is an annual charity bazaar held every December that features various products from local businesses as well as games for kids and adults alike to raise funds for SLB’s social programs aimed at helping marginalized communities across Metro Manila.
Cuisine
- Suman sa Antipolo – a type of rice cake made with glutinous rice and coconut milk, often served with mangoes or latik (coconut caramel).
- Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa – a restaurant that offers Filipino dishes such as adobo, sinigang, and kare-kare while enjoying the scenic view of the mountains.
- Crescent Moon Cafe – known for their pottery classes and Filipino dishes such as lechon kawali, crispy pata, and sisig.
- Vieux Chalet Swiss Restaurant – offers Swiss cuisine such as raclette cheese fondue and schnitzel.
- Eggs for Breakfast Cafe – serves breakfast favorites like pancakes, waffles, omelets, bacon sandwiches.
- Yellow Lantern Cafe- serves coffee drinks along with pastries like croissants.
- Balaw-Balaw Specialty Restaurant- known for its exotic dishes like balut (fertilized duck egg), adobong sawa (python stew), crispy frogs’ legs.
- Cloud 9 Sports Bar & Grill- serves burgers , pizzas along with beers on tap.
- Pancake House- famous chain restaurant serving American-style breakfasts including pancakes & waffles along with other international cuisines.
- Mamou Too! at Ayala Malls Feliz- offers steakhouse classics like rib eye steaks to truffle pasta dishes.
- Hinulugang Taktak National Park is a popular destination for nature lovers. It features a beautiful waterfall and swimming area where visitors can enjoy the refreshing water.
- Pinto Art Museum is an art lover’s paradise with its stunning gardens and outdoor spaces that provide the perfect backdrop for its impressive collection of contemporary art.
- Bosay Resort is a great place to cool off on a hot day with its numerous swimming pools, slides, and other water activities.
- Cloud 9 Sports and Leisure Club is perfect for sports enthusiasts who want to stay active during their visit to Antipolo. It offers facilities for basketball, tennis, badminton, and more.
- Antipolo Cathedral is a historic cathedral that boasts beautiful gardens and stunning views of the city below.
- Ynares Center Antipolo hosts various events like basketball games, concerts, and conventions in its indoor sports arena.
- Mount Purro Nature Reserve offers hiking trails through the forested mountains of Sierra Madre where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of nature’s beauty.
- Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa provides spa treatments in an idyllic setting overlooking Laguna de Bay – the perfect way to unwind after exploring Antipolo’s many attractions!
- Mystical Cave features underground river systems that are perfect for spelunking enthusiasts looking to explore something truly unique!
- Casa Santa Museum showcases over 3k Christmas-themed items from around the world including life-size figures of Santa Claus & other characters from different cultures & countries!