The Backpack Adventures

One of the several provinces near Manila, Laguna is known for its mixture of historical, modern, and natural tourist destinations. Top 10 Things to Do in Laguna For those who are planning to spend their weekend in the province, here are my  Top 10 Things to Do in Laguna : 1. Spend a fun-filled day with friends and family in the Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa. 2. Visit the  house of Dr. Jose Rizal  in Calamba City . 3. Take a dip in  88 HotSpring Resort and Spa  or any other hot spring in the numerous hot spring resorts in the province. 4. Feed the koi and try out the different activities in  Nuvali  in Cabuyao City. 5. Join the multitude of locals and enjoy the waters of  Bato Springs  in San Pablo Laguna. 6. Experience the farm life by visiting  Fun Farm  in Cabuyao City. 7. Go on a pilgrimage to the old Spanish Colonial era churches of Laguna.  8. Check out what's inside the historic  Underground Cemetery  in Nagcarlan. 9. Visit the heritage houses and the Span

Located in the town of Nagcarlan in the province of Laguna, Nagcarlan Church is a Spanish colonial-era church built in the 16th century. Nagcarlan Church Nagcarlan Church History Nagcarlan Church , also called San Bartolome Apostol Parish Church , was first built using light materials like nipa and wood in 1583. Father Tomas de Miranda , its first priest, dedicated the church to Saint Bartholomew . Fr. Miranda was also known for introducing the cultivation of wheat in the country.  Nagcarlan Church - San Bartolome Apostol Parish Church Nagcarlan Church bell tower Nagcarlan Church was rebuilt using stone and bricks under the term of Fr. Cristobal Torres in 1752. It was said that the stones and bricks used in building the church were offered by the faithful townspeople. The facade of Nagcarlan Church as seen from the side Nagcarlan Church NHI marker Sadly, Nagcarlan Church was partially destroyed by fire in 1781. It was quickly repaired and a few years late

Located in Barangay Bambang in the municipality of Nagcarlan in Laguna, Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery is a national historic landmark and museum of the town. It is also the only underground cemetery in the country. Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery History The Baroque cemetery was established in 1845 under the directives of Fr. Vicente Velloc . The cemetery's circular outline gives it its unique appearance. What makes Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery more unique is the chapel with an underground chamber at the far end of its entrance. Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery - Nagcarlan, Laguna The wooden panel outside the cemetery Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery NHI marker The niches and their tenants Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery or Libingan sa Ilalim ng Lupa ng Nagcarlan was built as a public burial site that occupies a hectare of land at the foot of Mt. San Cristobal. Despite being a public burial site, its crypt is exclusively fo

Located in the municipality of Pila in Laguna, Pila Church is one of the many well preserved Spanish-era churches in the province. Pila Church Pila Church History Also known as  San Antonio de Padua Parish Church , like what its name suggests, it is dedicated to St. Anthony de Padua who is also the patron saint of travelers, pregnant women,  poor people, and even animals. Pila Church is also the first Antonine parish church in the Philippines. It was founded in 1578 using the cane plant as the primary material. In 1599, Pila Church was reconstructed using stone.  Pila Church - Pila, Laguna Old photo of Pila Church Shocking as it might seem, it actually took 18 years before the reconstruction of the Pila Church and its rectory was finished.  Due to the persistent flooding caused by Laguna de Bay, the church was transferred stone by stone to its present location in 1800. Only the ruins of the bell tower were left in its original location in Pagalangan (now part of Victoria, L