Metro Pacific Tollways South (MPT South), in partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government – Laguna (DILG Laguna), Laguna Tourism Culture Arts and Trade Office (LTCATO), Biñan City Culture, History, Arts, and Tourism Office (BCHATO), and Sta. Rosa Tourism Office (SRTO), successfully concluded its inaugural Biyaheng South’s “Discover Laguna: A Heritage Photo Walk Tour” in Biñan and Santa Rosa.
The “Biyaheng South” event invited photography enthusiasts and select media partners to join the Photo Walk Tour. It began in Biñan with a brief tour of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) from Mamplasan to the Silang-Aguinaldo exit, showcasing its features as an environmentally friendly and self-sustaining expressway.
Participants then enjoyed a delightful breakfast at Kamp Lilim, a charming spot in Biñan located just a short distance from CALAX. The tour continued to Biñan Esplanade, where attendees explored the Hispanic-inspired coastal architecture and scenic views of Laguna Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the Philippines.
In Biñan’s city center, the group visited the Alberto Mansion, the ancestral home of Teodora Alonso, mother of the national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. They also learned about Dr. Rizal’s familial heritage through various historical markers around the city.
Moving on to Sta. Rosa, participants enjoyed a traditional Filipino lunch at ‘PansEAT,’ one of the city’s oldest restaurants. After lunch, local tourism officers provided insights into the city’s historical treasures, including the century-old Sta. Rosa de Lima Parish Church, Spanish and American-era ancestral houses on Zavalla Street, and the iconic Sta. Rosa Arch.
Throughout the tour, participants captured images of heritage sites and historical landmarks amidst the vibrant settings of Biñan and Sta. Rosa. They sampled local delicacies like Puto Biñan and fried okoy (shrimp fritters) and gained a deeper appreciation of the region’s cultural and historical significance.
The photo entries from the event were judged by MPT South and other governmental partners, with Sarah Lou Berdinardino emerging as the winner for her exceptional photos of Biñan and Sta. Rosa.
Arlette V. Capistrano, Vice President for Communication and Stakeholder Management of MPT South, remarked, “The heritage photo walk tour underscores MPT South’s commitment to raising awareness about preserving our cultural heritage and recognizing the importance of historical context in our daily lives.” She added, “MPT South will continue to be a platform for conserving our historical legacy and encouraging public participation in this important cause.”
About Biyaheng South
Biyaheng South is MPT South’s award-winning tourism advocacy program, with a prominent presence on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. It aims to highlight the rich cultural heritage, diverse tourist attractions, and unique local experiences in Region IV-A and NCR, specifically in areas connected by its expressways.
