By Izah Morales
INQUIRER.net

THE FRESH, cool, and crisp air of the province welcomed us as we were on our way to Nagcarlan, Laguna. Away from the towers in the metro, our eyes were refreshed by the greens of the trees and farmlands. Long trips can make your legs numb but it can make your brain wander in a wilderness of thoughts and daydreams.

Numbness went away when we started exercising our legs and feet for a walk to the underground cemetery in Barangay Bambang, Nagcarlan, Laguna. Though All Souls’ Day is in November, people visit the graveyard because it belongs to the list of our country’s National Historical Landmarks.

The brick and stone walls and iron-gate gave the feel of baroque architecture. As we went towards the old chapel, the tour guide talked about how the underground cemetery became a national landmark. She said the crypt below the chapel served as a secret meeting place of the Katipuneros during the Spanish rule. It was believed that the pact of Biac na Bato was first planned in the said area.

Here’s a video we took of the underground cemetery.

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LAGUNA has its own version of Marikina City in this quaint little town called Liliw, famous for its handmade shoes and slippers. Liliw is among a cluster of towns located at the southeastern side of Laguna and sits at the foot of mystical Mount Banahaw, partly hidden by clouds in the picture.

As mentioned in Wikipedia, Liliw has a shoe industry that can rival Marikina. There are two main streets lined with shops like these on both sides. I bought my Grandma two pairs of abaloryo slippers, with sequins and have a soft feathery feel, which I found out from her, can rarely be found elsewhere.

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By Marlon Ramos
Southern Luzon Bureau

CALAMBA CITY, Philippines–Two days after foreign and local tourists were stranded along the rock-strewn river while touring the famous Pagsanjan Falls, a technical team was formed Thursday to look into it and come up with corrective measures to avoid a repeat of the incident.

Pagsanjan, Laguna Mayor Emilio Ramon Ejercito III said the technical team will be tasked primarily to ensure the safety of vacationers and boatmen visiting the majestic falls.

The character actor-turned-politician said the team will be composed of representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local environment office and municipal government of Pagsanjan.

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