Valencia, Philippines

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Valencia, Philippines

Region: Bukidnon

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Geographic Coordinates: 7.904200, 125.093000

Population: 216546

Language: Tagalog

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Valencia is a small and picturesque town located in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. It is nestled in the foothills of Mount Talinis, Which provides a stunning backdrop to the town. Valencia is known for its lush greenery, Beautiful waterfalls and hot springs, Making it a popular destination for nature lovers. One of the most famous attractions in Valencia is Casaroro Falls. This majestic waterfall cascades down from a height of 100 feet into a natural pool below.

The hike to reach the falls can be challenging but it’s well worth it for those who love adventure and breathtaking views. Another popular attraction in Valencia is Pulangbato Falls. It’s named after its red rocks which are believed to be volcanic in origin. The waterfall has several tiers that drop into clear pools where visitors can swim or relax while enjoying nature’s beauty. Valencia also boasts several hot springs that are perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploring waterfalls and hiking trails.

Red Rock Hot Spring Resort offers several pools with varying temperatures, As well as private villas overlooking the mountains. For those who want to learn more about local culture and history, There are several historical landmarks such as St. Catherine of Alexandria Church which was built during Spanish colonial rule in 1861. Valencia also has an annual festival called Tawo Tawo Festival which celebrates their agricultural heritage and honors their patron saint San Isidro Labrador. During this festival, Locals dress up as scarecrows (tawo tawo) adorned with colorful flowers made from indigenous materials like banana leaves and coconut shells.

The people of Valencia are known for being friendly and hospitable towards visitors making it easy for tourists to feel at home while exploring this charming town. Valencia offers an authentic experience filled with natural wonders that will leave any traveler feeling rejuvenated by its tranquil atmosphere amidst lush greenery that surrounds them everywhere they go.

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1. Casaroro Falls – This waterfall is among the top-rated tourist destinations in Valencia. It’s nestled deep within the forest and requires a short trek to reach.
2. Forest Camp – A picturesque nature park with swimming pools, picnic areas, and hiking trails.
3. Pulangbato Falls – A stunning waterfall surrounded by red-colored rocks.
4. Red Rock Hot Spring – A natural hot spring encircled by red rocks that are believed to have healing properties.
5. Cata-al World War II Museum – A museum dedicated to conserving Valencia’s history during World War II.
6. Mount Talinis – An active volcano that offers challenging hikes for experienced hikers.
7. Twin Lakes Natural Park – An idyllic area with two lakes encompassed by verdant forests and hills.
8. Valencia Church – The principal church of the town showcases exquisite Spanish colonial architecture.
9. Malabo-Kalibo Beach Resort – One of Negros Oriental’s finest beaches.
10. Valencia Market – Where you can purchase fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables at affordable prices.

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• Valencia, Philippines is a small town situated in the province of Bukidnon.
• The town’s economy is primarily driven by:
• Agriculture
• Livestock farming
• Food processing
• Handicrafts
• Tourism
• Education
• Retail trade
• Transportation
• Valencia boasts vast agricultural lands where crops such as:
• Rice
• Corn
• Sugarcane
• are cultivated alongside vegetables.
• Cattle rearing and dairy farming are also common in the area.
• Several food processing companies operate in Valencia that specialize in canning fruits and vegetables.
• Local artisans produce handicrafts made from bamboo, rattan and wood among other natural materials.
• Tourism is a significant contributor to Valencia’s economy due to its scenic spots such as:
• Pulangi Lake
• Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park
• Additionally, the town has several schools ranging from elementary to tertiary level that cater to students from nearby areas.
• Small retail shops selling various products can be found along the main streets of Valencia’s commercial district.
• Public transportation services such as jeepneys and tricycles provide easy access to different parts of the town for locals and tourists alike.

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Noteable History

1. Valencia was established in 1869 by Spanish friars.
2. During World War II, Valencia played a crucial role as a base for guerrilla fighters who fought against Japanese forces occupying the Philippines.
3. In 1945, American troops arrived in Valencia and liberated the town from Japanese occupation.
4. Teodoro Mendiola Sr., who served as mayor of Valencia for more than two decades, is one of the most prominent figures associated with the town. He was known for his efforts to improve infrastructure and promote tourism in Valencia.
5. Josefa Llanes Escoda, a social worker and women’s rights activist who played an essential role in establishing Girl Scouts of the Philippines, also hailed from Valencia.
6. The San Agustin Church built-in 1876 by Spanish friars stands tall today as one of the most significant landmarks in Valencia that serves as a reminder of its colonial past.
7. In recent years, eco-tourism attractions like Casaroro Falls and Pulangbato Falls have put Valencia on the map attracting visitors from all over Negros Oriental region to experience their natural beauty firsthand.

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Museums and Things To See

1. Valencia Church – A beautiful and historic church located in the heart of Valencia.
2. Valencia Heritage Museum – A museum that showcases the history and culture of Valencia, including artifacts and exhibits on local traditions, crafts, and industries.
3. Pulang Tubig Falls – A stunning waterfall located just a short hike away from the town center.
4. Mt. Talinis – An impressive mountain range that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
5. Casaroro Falls – Another popular waterfall in the area that is known for its scenic beauty and crystal-clear waters.
6. Forest Camp Resort – This resort offers various activities such as zip-lining, swimming pool, wall climbing, rappelling, kayaking among others
7. Tejero Highland Resort & Adventure Park – This resort features a man-made lake where visitors can enjoy boating activities along with other outdoor activities like horseback riding and zipline rides
8. Valencia Nature Park- The park is home to different species of flora & fauna which makes it an ideal place for nature lovers
9. Valencia Public Market- It is one of the busiest markets in town where visitors can buy fresh produce from farmers at affordable prices
10. Malabo Falls- Located within Mount Talinis Natural Park this falls offers an adventurous trek through lush greenery leading to a beautiful cascade

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Sports Teams

1. Valencia is a municipality situated in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines.
2. It is renowned for its natural beauty and attractions, including waterfalls and hot springs.
3. Although there are no significant professional sports teams based in Valencia, sports are prevalent in the area.
4. Basketball, volleyball, and football (soccer) are the most popular sports played in Valencia.
5. Local leagues and tournaments for these sports are organized by schools or community organizations.
6. Valencia also has numerous fitness centers and gyms that offer classes like yoga, Zumba, aerobics, and martial arts to help residents stay active.
7. In conclusion, while Valencia may not have any major professional sports teams or well-known athletes associated with it at this time; it remains a lively community that values physical fitness and healthy living.

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Cultural Events

1. Kumbira Festival – This is a food festival held every August in Valencia. It showcases local delicacies and culinary creations from various chefs.
2. Sinulog sa Valencia – This is a religious festival held every January in honor of the Sto. Niño (Child Jesus). It features street dancing and a procession.
3. Kaamulan Festival – Although this festival is celebrated in Bukidnon province, it also has an impact on nearby towns like Valencia as it’s considered the festival of festivals in Northern Mindanao region.
4. Puhag Festival – A cultural festivity that celebrates the town’s founding anniversary every 15th day of February.
5. Valencia Day – Celebrated on June 12th which marks the town’s Independence Day with parades and other festivities showcasing local culture and traditions.
6. Annual Town Fiesta – Held annually during their patron saint’s feast day which falls on September 8th to honor Our Lady of Divine Grace with street parties, live music performances, beauty pageants among other activities to mark the occasion.

However due to Covid-19 pandemic situation it’s better to check before planning any trip or attending any event as many events might be cancelled or postponed for safety reasons.

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Cuisine

• Valencia’s Buko Pie – a popular pastry filled with young coconut meat and sweet custard that can be found in many bakeries and restaurants.
• Sari-Sari Store – small convenience stores that sell snacks, drinks, and basic household items are scattered throughout the town.
• Balbacua – a hearty soup made with beef or pork meat, tendons, skin, and bones boiled for hours until tender.
• Kakanin – traditional Filipino rice cakes made with sticky rice flour and coconut milk come in various flavors such as ube (purple yam), pandan (screwpine leaves), and bibingka (rice cake with salted eggs).
• Kusina sa Plaza – located at the town plaza, this restaurant serves Filipino comfort food like adobo, sinigang, and grilled meats.
• Bahay Kubo Restobar & Grill – offers cozy seating arrangements while serving grilled seafood dishes like squid stuffed with onions and tomatoes.
• Lantaw Native Restaurant – an open-air restaurant overlooking the sea that serves fresh seafood cooked in traditional Filipino style is worth trying out too.
• Cafe Laguna Valencia Branch- A branch of one of Cebu’s most famous restaurants serving delicious Filipino cuisine like crispy pata or chicken adobo sa Gata among others is another option to consider when looking for a place to dine-in Valencia.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Valencia Eco Park is a nature park that offers hiking trails, camping sites, and picnic areas.
2. Casaroro Falls is a popular attraction known for its picturesque waterfall and swimming area.
3. Forest Camp is an adventure park that features zip lines, obstacle courses, and swimming pools.
4. Pulangbato Falls is another scenic waterfall that can be easily accessed by car or motorcycle.
5. Malabo-Kalibo Cave System is a cave network that provides spelunking tours for adventurous visitors.
6. Apo Island Marine Reserve is a protected marine sanctuary perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
7. Twin Lakes Natural Park offers two interconnected lakes surrounded by lush vegetation in a serene setting.
8. Mount Talinis National Park presents mountainous terrain with hiking trails leading to stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
9. Dumaguete Boulevard provides seaside promenades where locals jog or stroll while enjoying the view of the sea.
10. Rizal Boulevard also features seaside promenades where visitors can enjoy seafood restaurants, street foods or just sit down on benches along the boulevard’s path.

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Find Yourself Again.

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