My husband originally wanted to go to Cagayan Valley to explore the caves and other tourist spots while APEC is happening in Metro Manila, unfortunately I got sick. I knew I wouldn't be able to handle the long drive and extreme heat in Cagayan Valley. When I felt better, I immediately planned a three-day Sagada trip, but that too was shelved as there were no accommodations available for November 18 to 21. My classmate who's based in Baguio also discouraged me to go in the City of Pines as more people flocked the place.
Having a determined attitude, I didn't allow to miss the opportunity of long weekend to pass by without a family adventure. We headed east and decided to check out places to visit in Antipolo.
Hinulugang Taktak
Hinulugang Taktak was declared a National Park in 1990 and a Protected Landscape in 2000. It was rehabilitated and reopened to the public last February 13, 2015. Hinulugang Taktak is in Barangay Dela Paz in Antipolo City, on Taktak Road off Sumulong Highway.
Parking and entrance is free. All you have to do is sign the names and point of origin.
Swimming is free, too, but it was not in our itinerary.
We were supposed to have picnic in the area but the smell coming from the falls did not coordinate with our plan. We just stayed for awhile and took some photos.
The clean restrooms make up for the not-so-nice smell from the outside. Plus, entance and use is free unlike restrooms in parks where you have to pay P5 or P10.
Antipolo Cathedral
The Antipolo Cathedral, also known as National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, in P. Oliveros St.Antipolo, is a favorite pilgrimage site. This is where we actually prayed to have children.
For mass and vehicle blessing, contact (632) 697-0274;
Pinto Museum
This beautiful contemporary art museum sits on a 1.2 hectare property also known as Silangan Gardens located in 1 Sierra Madre St., Grand Heights Subdivision, Marikina. An entrance fee of P20 will be collected for the road use, according to the guard.
I’ve been wanting to check Pinto Art Museum after Steph Lopez and PJ Valenciano told me how beautiful this place is. Well, they were right because everywhere we looked is a visual a treat. Every turn of the corner reveals lovely art pieces that will surely be enjoyed by everyone - be they art critic or not.
ADDRESS & CONTACT INFO:
Pinto Art Museum is located at 1 Sierra Madre St., Grand Heights, Antipolo, Rizal. Contact info: 6971015. Email: pintoartmuseum@yahoo.com. Facebook page: Pinto Art Museum.
Mystical Cave
Mystical Cave is located in Sitio Boso-boso, Barangay San Jose. I'll be writing more about about this in the next few days.

Since we live outside NCR, we have no holiday break so I'm just waiting for the Christmas holiday so we can have vacation too. Checking your photos, I've only been in Antipolo Cathedral, I hope I can visit Antipolo again.
ReplyDeleteWe're from the suburban east, but I just realized I haven't taken my kids to most of these places! We like going further east kasi, like Tanay and Pilillia where more adventurous places are. I'll remember to schedule a trip around Antipolo for them soon.
ReplyDeleteI really would like to visit Pinto Art Museum and Lujetta's Hanging Garden.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great and unexpected adventure. Would love to try this with the family. :)
ReplyDeleteWhen in Antipolo, you may also want to try out Casa Santa located at Jardin de Miramar (very near Robinson's Antipolo). I have been wanting to go to Pinto myself and then take my husband for a date at Luljetta.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been in antipolo but i'd love to bring my family there one time. The places looks amazing and I'm sure we'll have fun. Thanks for sharing. ~Pearliza Paguio
ReplyDeleteIt's been awhile since I've been here. We would always just come here pag mag bless ng car. I hope I can visit again soon! :-)
ReplyDeletei'll set a date for this trip using your itinerary! hihi thanks for sharing! i just hope wala ng bad smell when we visit.
ReplyDeleteyou'll surely have fun.
DeleteNice trip ah! I think isang beses lang ako nakarating sa Antipolo, yung magpapa bless ng sasakyan ng inlaws ko. I'd have to remember that Pinto Art museum. You have a nice family btw.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeletePinto Art Museum and Luljetta's Hanging Gardens are in my bucket list! I hope i can squeeze some time to insert it in my scheduled trips for this year!
ReplyDelete