Visiting Liliw

Liliw is a quiet and laid-back town in the province of Laguna. The town is popular because of its slippers and shoes and is tagged as the shoe capital of Laguna. Aside from the footwear, Liliw is also the home of one of the oldest Baroque churches in the country and a family-owned restaurant that is becoming a go to place in the town.

 Shoes and Slippers.

Along the streets of Gat Tayaw and Rizal are houses turned shoe factory and shoe store. Everywhere you looked, you will see different kinds of shoes at every size. Every shoe store is crowded with tourist buying for shoes.  In Liliw you will find almost every kind of shoes and slippers at a very affordable price. You can buy three slippers for only Php 100.00 Sandals and high heeled shoes can be bought at around Php 300.00 much cheaper than the one sold in Metro Manila.

Famous Shoe stores are Badong Footwear and Entrada. But since the whole street of Gat Tayaw is full of houses made to shoe store, it is better to check all of them as you might see other bargain finds. Aside from the shoes and slippers, you can also buy leather wallets, bags and belts at the different stores. 

St. John the Baptist Parish Church

St. John the Baptist Parish Church is another tourist destination in Liliw. The church is known for its Baroque architectural design and beautiful façade. The church prominent red bricks and stained glasses is a main attraction of the church. When you entered the church, you will be further amazed by the altar design, the huge crucifix hanging at the wall and how the light from the stained glasses gave the inside of the church a solemn feeling. Aside from the architectural design, the church is also proud to have the vestments of St. John Paul II when he visited the Philippines.

The other thing that amazes me during our visit at the church is how the people of Liliw loved and kept the church. When we visited the place the whole town of Liliw is having a general cleaning of the church. And even when they are busy with their duty, they are still hospitable to the tourist. They would be glad to take a photo of you with your friends and talk to you about the rich history of their church. 

Arabella

Arabella is a family owned restaurant that serves pastas, pizzas, steaks, pastries, coffees and blended drinks. Owned by the Camello family, Arabella is the most popular dining area at Liliw. The store opens at 11:15 am and even before the restaurants opens, there are already customers waiting outside the restaurants. The place is small and can only accommodate up to 40 persons. The place is usually jam-packed so it is advisable to come even before the store opens.

Even if the place is jam-packed with customers, Arabela has a nice service. We did not have to wait long for our food to be served and they will surely entertain you while waiting to be seated and served. We also found the food very affordable even for their Italian pastas and steaks.

Arabella is located at 503 Rizal St. and just walking distance from St. John Baptist Parish Church and Badongs.  

Getting at Liliw:

From Alabang, we rode a bus bound for San Pablo. Drop-off point is San Pablo town proper. By there we rode a tricycle going past to the jeepney terminal bound for Liliw and Nagcarlan. Travel time from Alabang to San Pablo is around 1 hour and 30 minutes. From San Pablo to Liliw via the Nagcarlan Road is 30 minutes.

Transportation Cost:

Bus from Alabang to San Pablo – Php 97.50

Tricycle at San Pablo – Php 50.00 for 4 persons

Jeepney San Pablo to Liliw – Php 36.00

If you are not familiar with the town of Liliw, there is tourist assistance post near the municipal hall along Gat Tayaw Street which helps tourists.