MANILA, Philippines - As the nation celebrates Independence Day, Inscribe Tours returns to one of its favorite destinations on June 12 with a tour aptly called “Antipolo Rediscovered.”
Indeed, Antipolo City, commonly associated with the Church of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, Hinulugang Taktak waterfalls, and the native delicacies kasuy, suman and mangga, cradles many delightful, off-the-beaten-track destinations that one might never have imagined.
This unique tour starts with breakfast at the cozy, charming Vieux Chalet country restaurant. Here, enjoy a spectacular view of the metropolis while you savor fine Swiss cuisine, a wonderful blend of French, German and Italian influences.
The tour then heads to the highlands of Sitio Boso-boso to visit the 17th-century Nuestra Senora de Anunciata Church where the huge acacia tree in the courtyard features a mysterious hollow trunk — something that’s sure to get your attention.
Before leaving the place, bring home Boso-boso’s signature product: binusang kasuy or dry, roasted cashew nuts. There’s nothing ordinary about the process of making these nuts — from the moment they are plucked from thousands of cashew trees at the foot of the Sierra Madre range during summer until they are ready for that crunchy bite.
Then, we visit another hidden wonder of Antipolo — Carolina’s Bamboo Garden, with its eco-friendly house made of bamboo, conceived by the respected architect Angel Lazaro, Sr. A leisurely walk around the garden will reveal varieties of the famous giant grass.
Next stop is another horticultural gem, Flor’s Garden. Be amazed by the variety of plants, mostly herbs, that banker and owner Flor Gozon Tarriela calls Hardin ng Buhay. Find out why she says, “Walang dapat magutom na Pilipino.”
Stroll the grounds and enjoy the wonderful scenery around the place before sitting down to a healthy lunch consisting of blue rice, grilled tilapia and chicken, clam soup with lemongrass, blushing bloom salad, ginataang labong, fresh juice (balimbing or guyabano), and fruits. A guided tour of the Hardin ng Buhay follows.
Next on the itinerary is the Touch of Glory Prayer Mountain, a serene refuge for those seeking to commune not only with nature but also the divine.
The tour ends at the modern Eugenio Lopez Center where vintage photographs and memorabilia of this remarkable family take you through the country’s political and business history. Equally worth a visit is the magnificent installation art of Impy Pilapil at the center’s atrium.
Afterwards, it’s time to sit down for a hearty merienda cena against the awesome backdrop of Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay with its famous sunset.
Join Inscribe Tours’ “Antipolo Rediscovered” tour and explore these hidden wonders as well as new flavors and experiences.
For reservations, call Gerry or Karla at 840-5912 and 575-8370.