Rizal is situated immediately east of the National Capital Region. The province has Hinulugang Taktak Falls, 18th-century churches, and an Artists’ Village as its main tourist attractions. Rizal hosts many colorful festivals celebrating its cultural heritage and has spawned many of the country’s revered painters and artists, recognized around the world. They include Vicente Manansala, Nemiranda, Carlos “Botong” Francisco, and Jose Blanco and his family of painters, all of them hailing from either Angono or Binangonan.
History
The province takes its name after the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. It was founded in 1901, when parts of the old province of Manila and the military district of Morong were clustered together to form a new province. Originally, Rizal was composed of 26 municipalities but in 1975, 12 of its towns were incorporated with the Metro Manila (NCR) area.
Places to See
Hinulugang Taktak Waterfalls is one of the two most popular tourist attractions in Antipolo, Rizal. It has been declared a National Park and a National Historical Shrine. The government is now working hard to restore its former condition. Rizal is also home to several natural wonders such as Ugong Falls, Talim Island, Calinawan Cave, Wawa Dam, and Daranak Falls.
The town of Angono has an Artists Village where artists and musicians reside. There are quite a few notable galleries that display their works and masterpieces. In Binangonan, a shrine preserves Vicente Manansala’s original paintings and other memorabilia.
Religious festivals are also major attractions in Rizal. These include the San Clemente Festival, held on November 23, and the Carabao Festival, held every year on May 15, in honor of San Isidro Labrador. Antipolo has a lot of impressive churches including St. Jerome Church, which was built by Chinese craftsmen in 1615, and Baras Church, completed in 1686.