Antipolo

Philippines

Antipolo is a city in Rizal Province, Philippines.

While Pasig remains the de jure capital of Rizal (despite being separated from the province to become part of Metro Manila in the 1970s, and the provincial government center there redeveloped into a lifestyle strip), Antipolo is the de facto capital of the province, and despite what the law says, the provincial capitol has been relocated into this city since 2009. Antipolo is planned to be converted into an independent city, but a plebiscite has not been held to completely ratify its autonomy from the rest of Rizal. Even when a vote occurs, the city will remains part of Rizal practically for travel purposes.

Sitting above a plateau 200m above sea level, Antipolo is a respite from Manila's chaos, allowing a scenic view of an otherwise crowded and bustling metropolis. Most visitors go to Antipolo for pilgrimage as the city's cathedral houses the image of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Spanish: Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje, Tagalog: Birhen ng Kapayapaan at Mabuting Paglalakbay). There is continuing local following; devotees to the Marian image customarily undertake a 23km trek, Alay Lakad, from Quiapo Church to the cathedral, which is a 5-hour sacrifice, when it is possible to reach it within a half hour without Manila's perennial traffic snarls.

  • Antipolo Cathedral - Home of the more than 100-year+old Nuestra Senora de la Paz y Buen Viaje (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage); lot of pilgrims flock to the cathedral from Manila and the lowlands of Rizal during May to offer flowers
  • Hinulugang Taktak Waterfalls - A once nice and popular picnic spot for families, this waterfalls has suffered from pollution and eutrophication; visitors are advised against bathing in the stream of the waterfalls for health reasons
  • Pinto Art Museum, 1 Sierra Madre St., Antipolo City (A few meters away from Rizal Provincial Capitol, turn right at Grand Heights Rd then straight ahead to Pinto Art Museum, +63 2 697 2460. A museum gallery showcasing works of art from paintings and sculptures of local artists. It is a sprawling property with well manicured gardens and fountains. A perfect backdrop for reflection and learning. The gallery also has a commanding view of Metro Manila. The café catered by Bizu is open during weekends.

Antipolo Cathedral - Home of the more than 100-year+old Nuestra Senora de la Paz y Buen Viaje (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage); lot of pilgrims flock to the cathedral from Manila and the lowlands of Rizal during May to offer flowers

Hinulugang Taktak Waterfalls - A once nice and popular picnic spot for families, this waterfalls has suffered from pollution and eutrophication; visitors are advised against bathing in the stream of the waterfalls for health reasons

Pinto Art Museum, 1 Sierra Madre St., Antipolo City (A few meters away from Rizal Provincial Capitol, turn right at Grand Heights Rd then straight ahead to Pinto Art Museum, +63 2 697 2460. A museum gallery showcasing works of art from paintings and sculptures of local artists. It is a sprawling property with well manicured gardens and fountains. A perfect backdrop for reflection and learning. The gallery also has a commanding view of Metro Manila. The café catered by Bizu is open during weekends.

  • Attend mass at the Antipolo cathedral (the biggest and most important church in the province). Also take time to visit the Nuestra Senora del Buen Viaje (at the back of the cathedral).
  • Enjoy the overlooking views of the Manila skyline along Sumulong Highway. One could even stop for a drink at one of the restaurant-pubs on the roadside.

  • Roasted cashew nuts - Hot from the vendors outside of Antipolo Cathedral (the vendors will most likely come to you, rather than you come to them)
  • Filipino rice cakes - The most famous form of which, "kalamay", is another popular "pasalubong" that visitors carry away from Antipolo

There are a lot of fast food chains located at the town center (Upper Antipolo) and in Cogeo area (Lower Antipolo) such as Jollibee, McDonald's, KFC, and Pizza Hut, and convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Ministop.

Also, these includes numerous restaurants and bars located at OL (Over-Looking) at Sumulong Highway wherein you'll have the best view of Metro Manila, seeing Ortigas Buildings, and residential areas.

There are also numerous places to drink in the mountainous city, along Marcos Highway you can find several spots for drinking like 22nd St. Comedy Bar, X Factor Bar, Dampa sa Antipolo to name a few. In the Sumulong Highway you can also find classy places to drink like the Padi's Point and Cloud 9 bar.

Come down into other lower-lying towns of Rizal, one of the most interesting of which is Angono (named the Art Capital of the Philippines) and host of two National Artists. In the backdoor entry to Angono from Antipolo (through the Eastridge Country Club), visitors can stop by to take a visit at the famous Angono Petroglyphs (now managed by the National Museum).