Posted by Santa Cruz is the current capital of the province of Laguna, Philippines. It has been the center of trade, education, transportation and governance of the province since the 19th century. Some interesting facts: In 1898, after the Philippine national hero Emilio Jacinto was released by the Spaniards, he then lived and died in Santa Cruz, Laguna. In 1901, General Juan K. Cailles surrendered his Filipino forces to the Americans in a Grand Parade of Submission at the Santa Cruz Town Plaza. In 1925, the pioneer of modern Philippine writing in English, Paz Marquez Benitez, used Santa Cruz, Laguna as the setting of her short story Dead Stars.
Here are the 11 things you can do in Santa Cruz, Laguna, Philippines!
1.) Visit the Santa Cruz Plaza’s Iconic Statues
One of the statues we took interest in was Agueda Kahabagan. She was the only female general in the Philippine Armed Forces during the Philippine-American war. She was born in Santa Cruz, Laguna, Philippines. (Swipe below photo for more pictures)
2.) Visit the Sta.Cruz Plaza for the Tunnel of Lights
There have been many tunnel of lights tourist attractions in various cities such as London, Tokyo, Singapore, Dubai, Los Angeles, Moscow, and Manila. Well, our small town, Santa Cruz, has its own beautiful version too of the Tunnel of Lights!
3.) Try Different Creative Restos
There are many budding interesting restos here in Sta.Cruz, Laguna. Please check out this separate article we did about Sta.Cruz restos in this link. (Swipe below photo for more pictures)
4.) Visit Historic Churches
Every barangay has its own chapel. The most historic though would be the 17th century Immaculate Concepcion Parish Church and the 19th century Cathedral of our Lady of Maulawin. Read our blog here. (Swipe below photo for more pictures)
5.) Shop
Sta.Cruz is one of the few towns in Laguna Province which has an airconditioned mall. We do not only have one but three major malls: Sunstar, MetroCentral and UniSun. Do not expect though that these would be similar to grander malls in Metro Manila. Read our blog here. (Swipe below photo for more pictures)
6.) Take a Glimpse of the Iconic Casa Valenzuela
This is the most-maintained remaining colonial mansion in Sta. Cruz, Laguna. It overlooks the Sta.Cruz River and the Sta.Cruz Municipal Town Hall. It is owned by one of the wealthiest clans in the town. Currently, the proprietors are living in the United States. The use of Philippine elements (e.g. coconut and carabao sculptures embroidered in the mansion’s facade) instead of European-inspired elements is interesting.
7.) Buy Kesong Puti
Kesong Puti is one of Sta. Cruz’ treasured products. We even have the so-called Kesong Puti Festival to celebrate it.
8.) Try Different Milk Tea Houses
The young population of Sta. Cruz loves milk tea! With all that said, we now have over 30 milk tea houses in our small town. Please check out this separate article we did about Sta.Cruz Milk Tea Houses:
9.) Hire a professional dress designer
Many designers from Santa Cruz have been recognized by national and international media. To mention a few, we have Richard Roque, Joel Mendoza, Joemel Calma, Nolie Viñeza. Last Santa Cruzan, we have been dressed by fashion designer Richard Roque. (Swipe below photo for more pictures)
10.) Watch Sunset/ Sunrise or Jog around Laguna De Bay
Santa Cruz is one of the towns bordering the largest lake in the Philippines, Laguna De Bay. We jogged along the newly constructed road in Bayside Baranggay Bagumbayan then watched the sunset in Bayside Baranggay Callios. (Swipe below photo for more pictures)
11.) Swim in Ilog ng San Jose
12.) Conduct a Charity Drive
Partner with Laguna Happy Events for your birthday charity. They have direct contact to the poor communities in Santa Cruz, Laguna. For example, your 2000php budget can buy 20 pcs of 300grams of milk to be distributed to 20 children. Nutrition is very crucial to the learning and development of every kid. A 300grams pack of milk can already nourish them for one week. You can also tap senior citizens abandoned by their families by giving them hot meals or medicines (to maintain their blood pressure, etc).
Other Random Photos
(Swipe below photo for more pictures)
Mabuti at gusto ng young population ng milk tea..ang old generation ay mas mahilig yata sa ibang uri ng “tea” (Fundatea…o Emperatea)
Hehe agree!
Hi can I am an architecture student, I am asking for a favor if my group can ask some of sta cruz’s people to be asked some simple surveys?
About San po? Ma spam kapag dito nyo po sa comment ipapaste