Top 12 Things To Do in Santa Cruz, Laguna, Philippines

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.

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Here are the Top 12 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. These establishments not only showcase a variety of culinary delights but also reflect the rich culture and flavors of this town. From cozy cafes to vibrant eateries, each restaurant has its own unique charm and culinary story. 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, reflecting the rich spiritual heritage of the community. The most historic, though, would be the 17th century Immaculate Concepcion Parish Church, renowned for its intricate architecture and significance in local history, often serving as a venue for important ceremonies and gatherings. To learn more about these remarkable places, read our blog here. (Swipe below photo for more pictures)

5.) Shopping

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.) Try Kesong Puti

Kesong Puti is one of Sta. Cruz’ treasured products, renowned for its smooth texture and rich flavor that captures the essence of local cheese-making traditions. Made from fresh carabao’s milk, this delicacy is not only a staple in many Filipino households but also a symbol of culinary heritage in the region. We even have the so-called Kesong Puti Festival to celebrate it, where locals and visitors alike come together to enjoy various dishes featuring this cheese, engaging in lively competitions and cultural performances that showcase the vibrant spirit of Sta. Cruz. The festival not only highlights the importance of Kesong Puti in our diets but also fosters community pride and strengthens bonds among residents.

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, each offering unique flavors and blends that cater to diverse tastes. The vibrant scenes outside these establishments are often filled with laughter and chatter, as friends gather to enjoy their favorite drinks. From traditional classics to innovative fruity concoctions, there’s something for everyone. Local events often feature milk tea tastings, further encouraging the community to explore new varieties and support local entrepreneurs. This booming trend not only adds vibrancy to our town but also brings a sense of togetherness among the residents. Read our blog here.

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. Each of these designers brings a unique flair to the fashion scene, drawing inspiration from the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Santa Cruz. Richard Roque, known for his innovative techniques and bold designs, has been a pioneer in integrating traditional textiles with contemporary styles. Joel Mendoza captures the essence of the local spirit through his sustainable practices, while Joemel Calma and Nolie Viñeza continue to push boundaries with their eclectic collections. It’s no surprise that Santa Cruz has become a hub for fashion talent, as these designers showcase the incredible creativity and artistry that the region has to offer. (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 Barangay Bagumbayan, enjoying the fresh breeze and the picturesque views of the lake shimmering under the sun. The atmosphere was lively, with families out for evening strolls and vendors selling local snacks. (Swipe below photo for more pictures)

11.) Swim in Ilog ng San Jose

Family bonding in San Jose River in Santa Cruz, Laguna, is an unforgettable experience for many. This picturesque location is known for being one of the cleanest and most refreshing rivers continuously flowing through the area. Families often gather here to enjoy serene picnics, where the sounds of flowing water create a soothing backdrop. Whether you’re splashing in the water or sharing stories on the riverbank, the San Jose River is a wonderful place for creating lasting memories with loved ones.

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

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