San Mateo is in his heart

MANILA, Philippines - TV5’s Biyaheng Bulilit host Marc Cubales brings back the grandeur of San Mateo, Rizal. After the destruction brought by Ondoy in 2009, San Mateo vows to restore its historical landmark and strengthen the city’s cultural traditions.

One of the fast-track municipalities in Rizal, San Mateo is known for its spacious parks, tree-lined streets and roads, and industrial zones. The municipality is also a bustling residential district and a vacation paradise with its scenic parks and mountain resorts.

As early as now, plans are underway for the annual Kakanin Festival in San Mateo. A project of Mayor Ariel Diaz and Marc, tourists look forward to the traditional parade, where residents and guests are treated to free rice delicacies like suman and cassava cake.

The event starts with a parade of Saint Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu followed by residents offering different types of rice cakes. After the parade the rice cakes are given away for free.

The festival started during Spanish Era when the people of San Mateo Rizal offered kakanin or native rice delicacies as a sign of prayer and thanksgiving to Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu. Back then San Mateo was surrounded by rice fields, the municipality’s main livelihood and source of income. Aside from planting grains, households also prepared rice delicacies.

At present, although the city is home to different industries San Mateo is still known for its suman and bibingka which are sold in the market place and around the city.

San Mateo is emerging as an exciting place with the popular 9 Waves Resort, Earth Heaven Park and the cool mountain breeze at Timberland. Diaz is confident that with his continued efforts to develop the city’s tourist sites, and strengthen security of residents and visitors, the city will soon be known as a premiere destination.