March 2015 Family Bonding - Antipolo, Rizal

Hi Everyone,

"... tayo na sa Antipolo, at duo'y maligo tayo, sa batis na kung tawagin... ay Hinulugang Taktak."

We had an early family bonding activity this March. Since March is my birthday month, I was able to sway Daddy to visit Pinto Art Museum. I've been wanting to visit this gallery since January, but Antipolo seemed far just to visit a gallery. 

It was our first time to visit Antipolo as a family. I've been here when I was a kid, but I have a very faint memory of that trip. Our itinerary included visit to the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, eat at My Pot Restaurant, visit Pinto Art Museum, and Hinulugang Taktak. It took us 2 hours to reach our first destination because of heavy traffic in Cavite and EDSA. 

When we got to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, a Holy Mass was being celebrated. We were lucky because it was their Archbishop who was officiating it. When I stood inside the church, I felt warmth coming from my heart which quickly spread to my body and engulfed me. I felt that way when I visited churches for the first time; like a spiritual craving of some sort. Anyway, the Church is simple, no elaborate paintings on the ceiling and walls. There are very few religious statues, too. There were many doors, and these were left open keeping the church cool. 

After the Mass, we were met by several vendors selling us candles, sampaguitas, rosaries, and local products. We followed one vendor to her stall. We passed by other stalls selling religious items.

We got to the Victory Pasalubong Center, where the vendor's stall was located. There we bought suman (Php100/dozen), coco jam (Php120/jar), and kasuy (Php120/tall glass). The vendor gave us 6 free suman and 3 rosaries. Talk about bargain. :D

There was a park nearby where we rested for a few minutes. The area was clean and there were many students taking a break as well.

It was almost lunch time, so we headed for My Pot Restaurant. We had a hard time finding the place because the location in Google Map is not correct and the locals did not know this restaurant. But with luck and trying different streets, we finally found it! My Pot Restaurant offered an Eat-All-You-Can Buffet for Php125 only.They do not have a fix menu. The selections when we visited were good. There were pancit, buttered lemon chicken, sinigang na baboy, chicken curry, and palitaw among others. The restaurant is clean and air-conditioned. The staff are also friendly. Pop na pop!

After satisfying our hunger, we readied for our next destination, Pinto Art Museum. I couldn't wait! However, our map failed us. Ugh! And again, even the locals had not heard about it. Ugh again! Finally, we were able to chance upon a traffic enforcer who knew Antipolo and was able to give us directions. :) Truth was, we'd driven near the location, but the small sign was obscured from people's view by a tree. Anyway, we finally did locate the gallery. There was an entrance fee of Php150.00 per person. I couldn't contain my excitement. The place was beautiful! It brought me a sense of euphoria. I quickly got my camera and clicked away. I'd say this was the highlight of our trip. It's basically called Pinto Art Museum, because there are a lot of pinto = doors. I'll blog more of this place soon as I think it deserves a one-page blog. :) Here are some photos of it.

 

After being there for almost 3.5 hours, we headed for Hinulugang Taktak. We got there at 4:45PM and they were closing at 5:30PM. There was no entrance fee, but one of the caretakers said that when they are done with the renovations, there might be a fee of Php100.00 per person. They said they have done a great deal of rehabilitation in the area. The falls was clean, but it still smelled. I'm not sure how they will remedy that. The area surrounding the falls looked newly built and clean. There are few tables where families can have their picnic. There was an open ground for children to play. There was also a swimming pool area being constructed. I think the place holds a lot of promise, but I don't think I'd pay Php100.00 to return here. Php50.00 would be reasonable.

After Hinulugang Taktak, we decided it was time to go home. On our way home, we accidentally chanced upon Tiendesitas. We decided to have dinner there, but ended up in a nearby McDonald's. :) 

After dinner, we drove home tired, but happy. :)

Live, Love, Laugh with Family!