Escapes near the City

Summer is over and some of us still have the hang-over of the beach, the out of town adventures, travelling and lots of stuff. But because of the rainy season is here, it’s not that easy anymore to get out of the city, travel, go to a quiet place, enjoy some water and relax. Luckily there are places inside and near Metro Manila where we can still spend time quietly, relax and enjoy other things than the beach.

Binagonan-Angono Petroglyphs

The Binangonan-Angono Petroglyphs is a National Cultural Treasure as it shows the primitive form of art of the Filipinos. The cave of the petroglyph was first discovered by National Artist, Carlos “Botong” Francisco in 1965. To preserve and restore this national treasure, the National Museum opened a museum in the place showcasing artifacts, paintings and animal fossils. Aside from the historical artifacts and the petroglyphs, the place also has rich faunas and since it is located inside the Thunderbird Resorts you will also enjoy the scenery.

Mondays-Fridays / 9:00 am - 4:00 pm;

Saturdays, Sundays and holidays by appointment
Contact Information:
ASBMD, National Museum Central Office; 527-4192
email: nm_asbmd@yahoo.com

How to get there: Ride an Angono bound jeepney but be sure to ask the driver if they would pass the Scrapyard Resort and Balaw-Balaw as this will be your drop-off point. Upon reaching Scrapyard Resort or Balaw-Balaw, hire a tricycle to take you to the petroglyphs or as more commonly known by the locals as the “kweba”. Tricycle fee is Php 300 (one-way). Reminder, don’t bring heavy baggage and the maximum passenger capacity of the tricycle is 2 persons; the road is too steep and it may be difficult for the tricycle to climb the road. 

Sierra Madre Hotel and Resort

It’s been three years since I went to Sierra Madre Resort in Tanay, Rizal. Located at the foot of Sierra Madre, the resort is a place of tranquility as it offers you a nice view of the mountain and fresh air. The resort also is very affordable with room costs staring at Php 1,500 for a non-air-conditioned room that is good for 2-3 persons. Although there is no air-condition this is no problem since the weather is cold because of its location in the mountain. The resort’s amenities include a swimming pool, a falls, zipline, horseback riding, convention center, prayer house, restaurant and a lot more.  

Sierra Madre Hotel and Resort is located at Km 58 Marcos Hi-way Mayagay Tanay Rizal

Telephone Nos. 913-2001 or 697-4321 and look for Vet, Don or Cha.

How to get there: From Cubao, ride a jeep going to Cogeo gate 2 and alight at the market. From the market ride a jeep bound to Sampaloc and tells the driver to drop you off at Sierra Madre Resort.

Pinto Art Museum

The Pinto Art Museum is located at Antipolo City. The museum showcases paintings and sculptures from various Filipino artists. The museum’s galleries are full of paintings that will leave you in awe about the creativity and ingenuity of the Filipino artists. The museum also has spacious and luscious gardens that have an over view of the city and some parts of Antipolo. If you get hungry while wandering around the museum, there is a café inside that can satisfy your gastronomical cravings.

Pinto Art Gallery is located at Number 1, Sierra Madre St., Grand Heights, Antipolo City, Rizal, Philippines.

Gallery is open Wednesdays to Sundays, with gallery hours from 9am to 6pm. Special tours are by appointment only.

Telefax:  63-2-6971015

How to get there: From Crossing in Mandaluyong you need to ride a jeep bound to Antipolo, Tanay and asks the driver to drop you at Ynares Gym in Antipolo. From Ynares Gym ride a tricycle and tell the driver about Pinto Art Musem. 

University of the Philippines

If you did not want to leave the city, you should try to visit the University of the Philippines in Diliman Quezon City. Known as home of the scholars of the Philippines, UP does not only offer good quality education but also a place of tranquility and relaxation. The very wide UP campus has a museum, observatory/planetarium, various sculptures including the ever famous oblation statue and the sunflower gardens.