THE VIEW FROM RIZAL
By DR. JUN YNARES
Dr. Jun Ynares
Yesterday, the City of Antipolo celebrated its annual fiesta. The yearly celebration coincides with the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the patroness of the city and the image after which Antipolo’s famous cathedral is named.
December is the other busy season for Antipolo. It is visited by nearly as many people as the month of May. We were told that the pilgrims of May usually make a second visit to Antipolo during the Christmas season. And, why not? After all, Antipolo presents a different beauty at this time of the year.
Many who have yet to see Antipolo in December have been asking us, what is there to see?
So, we have come up with a list of what one’s family might do and look forward to in case they do decide to come over this month.
Here’s a Things-to-Do list.
1. Hang out
There are two spots in Antipolo to while away the time in. The first is Sumulong Park, the plaza fronting the Cathedral and the City Hall. The other one is the area in front of the Sports Center located behind the Rizal Provincial Capitol. At the Plaza, visitors will enjoy three attractions: the giant Christmas tree, the food and souvenir stalls, and the music played by traditional Filipino “banda.”
Meanwhile, at the sports center grounds, there is the usual Christmas carnival complete with rides, games and attractions organized for the public by the Rizal Provincial Government.
2. Shop
Speaking of the carnival at the Sports Center grounds, this annual event is also a “tiangge.” Families from all over Metro Manila and Southern Tagalog region come over to do their leisurely Christmas shopping here. The goods are almost half the department store prices and the choices are many.
Those who still prefer to do their Christmas shopping at a mall, may still do so in Antipolo. There is an SM mall at Masinag. There are also smaller malls along Sumulong Highway going up to the city proper. And when one gets to Upper Antipolo, the mall shopping option is Robinsons, 10 minute away from the Cathedral.
3. Dine
While hanging out and shopping, our visitors can enjoy eating out at a place that serves their families’ favorite cuisine. The usual fast-food outlets abound. There are fine dining options, too. And for those looking for the old Antipolo culinary favorites, there are carinderia-style dining places both at the Sports Center grounds and along the circumferential road.
Most visitors come to Antipolo to take home the trademark “suman, mangga, and kasoy.” We are not sure about mangoes, but the suman, kasoy, and other favorites continue to await pilgrims who will not go home without them.
4. Pray
Main reason why most people visit Antipolo is to pay homage to the city’s patroness, the Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. During December, many visitors from various parts of the metropolis and nearby towns and provinces join Antipoleños for the traditional Simbang Gabi which starts on the evening of December 16, goes on for the next eight nights and culminates in the Misa de Aguinaldo on the evening of the 24th.
Antipoleños have made sure that the ambience and atmosphere of their Simbang Gabi help visitors experience the way this precious tradition have been observed for centuries.
5. Enjoy
Antipolo’s weather becomes chilly and nippy in December. The temperature is usually 4 to 5 degrees lower than most parts of Metro Manila. One will have to travel farther to enjoy air that is as clean and as cool.
The Antipolo skies are usually clear at night, allowing the stars and constellations to put on a show of lights. For visitors who prefer not to look up, the lights of Metro Manila also put on a dazzling show and can be viewed from the many restaurants along Sumulong Highway.
Antipolo has gone through major transformation over the past six years. However, the city has preserved most of the things that has made it the Pilgrimage Capital of the country and the favorites destination of Filipino families both in summer and in December.
One more thing that has never changed: the magic of that timeless invitation, tayo na sa Antipolo.
*For feedback, please email it to [email protected] or send it to #4 Horse Shoe Drive, Beverly Hills Subdivision, Bgy. Beverly Hills, Antipolo City, Rizal.
Dr. Jun Ynares
Yesterday, the City of Antipolo celebrated its annual fiesta. The yearly celebration coincides with the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the patroness of the city and the image after which Antipolo’s famous cathedral is named.
December is the other busy season for Antipolo. It is visited by nearly as many people as the month of May. We were told that the pilgrims of May usually make a second visit to Antipolo during the Christmas season. And, why not? After all, Antipolo presents a different beauty at this time of the year.
Many who have yet to see Antipolo in December have been asking us, what is there to see?
So, we have come up with a list of what one’s family might do and look forward to in case they do decide to come over this month.
Here’s a Things-to-Do list.
1. Hang out
There are two spots in Antipolo to while away the time in. The first is Sumulong Park, the plaza fronting the Cathedral and the City Hall. The other one is the area in front of the Sports Center located behind the Rizal Provincial Capitol. At the Plaza, visitors will enjoy three attractions: the giant Christmas tree, the food and souvenir stalls, and the music played by traditional Filipino “banda.”
Meanwhile, at the sports center grounds, there is the usual Christmas carnival complete with rides, games and attractions organized for the public by the Rizal Provincial Government.
2. Shop
Speaking of the carnival at the Sports Center grounds, this annual event is also a “tiangge.” Families from all over Metro Manila and Southern Tagalog region come over to do their leisurely Christmas shopping here. The goods are almost half the department store prices and the choices are many.
Those who still prefer to do their Christmas shopping at a mall, may still do so in Antipolo. There is an SM mall at Masinag. There are also smaller malls along Sumulong Highway going up to the city proper. And when one gets to Upper Antipolo, the mall shopping option is Robinsons, 10 minute away from the Cathedral.
3. Dine
While hanging out and shopping, our visitors can enjoy eating out at a place that serves their families’ favorite cuisine. The usual fast-food outlets abound. There are fine dining options, too. And for those looking for the old Antipolo culinary favorites, there are carinderia-style dining places both at the Sports Center grounds and along the circumferential road.
Most visitors come to Antipolo to take home the trademark “suman, mangga, and kasoy.” We are not sure about mangoes, but the suman, kasoy, and other favorites continue to await pilgrims who will not go home without them.
4. Pray
Main reason why most people visit Antipolo is to pay homage to the city’s patroness, the Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. During December, many visitors from various parts of the metropolis and nearby towns and provinces join Antipoleños for the traditional Simbang Gabi which starts on the evening of December 16, goes on for the next eight nights and culminates in the Misa de Aguinaldo on the evening of the 24th.
Antipoleños have made sure that the ambience and atmosphere of their Simbang Gabi help visitors experience the way this precious tradition have been observed for centuries.
5. Enjoy
Antipolo’s weather becomes chilly and nippy in December. The temperature is usually 4 to 5 degrees lower than most parts of Metro Manila. One will have to travel farther to enjoy air that is as clean and as cool.
The Antipolo skies are usually clear at night, allowing the stars and constellations to put on a show of lights. For visitors who prefer not to look up, the lights of Metro Manila also put on a dazzling show and can be viewed from the many restaurants along Sumulong Highway.
Antipolo has gone through major transformation over the past six years. However, the city has preserved most of the things that has made it the Pilgrimage Capital of the country and the favorites destination of Filipino families both in summer and in December.
One more thing that has never changed: the magic of that timeless invitation, tayo na sa Antipolo.
*For feedback, please email it to [email protected] or send it to #4 Horse Shoe Drive, Beverly Hills Subdivision, Bgy. Beverly Hills, Antipolo City, Rizal.