Tanay is a first-class municipality in the province of Rizal. It is nestled between the Sierra Madre Mountain Range on the East and Laguna Lake on the south. Travelling Tanay from Metro Manila would take approximately 2-3 hours depending on the traffic situation. Whether one is driven to travel into a sacred place, cultural and heritage sites, or nature-trail adventure, the town has everything to offer for every interpid traveler. Here are some of Tanay's hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered.
Regina RICA (Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia)
This sacred place is perfect for soul feeding. Located in the highlands of Brgy. Sampaloc. It holds a 71 foot tall statue of the Blessed Mother Mary on top of a hill. The construction of the statue began on October 7, 2009 and was completed and blessed in March 19, 2010. The towering statue was built through the creative hands of sculpture artist Jose Barcena Jr.. Inside the statue or inside the mantle of the Blessed Mother Mary is a praying sanctuary or an altar which is being called SULOD (Sanctuary of Love and Devotion). Sulod is an Ilonggo word which means Enter or Go Inside. Sulod has a solemn atmosphere, it is a perfect place to communicate with God and with the Blessed Mother Mary. It is being inspired by the Dominican tradition of Our Lady's protective mantle that shelters her devoted children. Getting to the top of the hill and to get closer into the towering statue, you have to traverse the S-trail which is a steep inclined pathway to the top. Once you're on the top you can have a breathtaking view of mountains which surrounds the statue. Masses are being offered everyday at 11:00am, 06:00am every fourth Saturday of the month and 11:00am and 3:30pm during Sundays. There is also Pasilungan within the premises of the Regina RICA, it is an area where visitors can take a relaxing rest after getting tired in traversing the inclined pathway under the shades of tall trees. You can also have a delightful snack available at the foodshop of Regina RICA, souvenirs and religious items are also available there. The Regina RICA is being run by the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii, they promote and strenghten every visitor's faith and devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary. They also promotes taking care of Mother Nature. Since, Regina RICA is a sacred place, if you plan to have a visit there, please dress properly and appropriately. Looking for a place to commune with Mother Mary and also with Mother Nature? Go to Tanay's Regina RICA.
Calinawan Cave
Situated in Brgy. Tandang Kutyo, you have to go through on an unpaved and rocky road to get there, from Regina RICA it is almost an hour drive. The cave is a private property of the Piging-Matalino clan and it is one of the attractions of Tanay. During the late 1800's it became a hideout of the Katipuneros where they strategized against the Spanish forces. It also serves as a home for the Tanayans during the World War 2. Nowadays, it was made famous by the local and foreign movie and television directors and producers where they shot some scenes for their fantasy themed program. Among those are "Dyesebel", "Lobo", "Buhawi Jack" and the Vic Sotto movie "Enteng Kabisote". Jackie Chan was only one of the foreign artist who took some scenes at the caverns of Calinawan. Exploring the entire cave will take 20-30 minutes. Passing by narrow passages and ducking for low ceilings with a dark claustrophobic corridor will surely make everyone's journey to Calinawan Cave more adventurous. The temperature under the cave is cold, it feels like you are inside an air-conditioned room.While roaming around the cave you'll get amazed with the formations of stalactites and stalagmites, which according to my guide Girlie, the dripping of stalactites will take a hundred years before it will form as stalagmites. So, for all spelunkers out there why not add Calinawan Cave on ur bucket list, it is worth visiting.
Daranak Falls
Also in Brgy. Tandang Kutyo, it is just 20 minutes away from Calinawan Cave. This 14-meter high waterfalls is a favorite destination among excursionist all over the neighboring towns of Tanay and also the city dwellers from Manila. From the phrase "Dadanak ang dugo" or spilling of blood where its name was derived I assure you "Dadanak din ang kasiyahan dito". The waterfalls is surrounded by the mountains of Tanay that is why clean and fresh air gives you a treat. With the lush vegetation, emerald green water on its basin plus the refreshing cool air, everyone should take a dip on it and be refreshed. If you're coming on a big group and plan to take a dip, you can rent cottages for P300 only. Entrance fee to the falls is only P20. Craving for a place of relaxation? Why not visit Tanay's most famous Daranak Falls!
Rock Balancing
The balancing of rocks in Daranak Falls also one of the attractions there. Get off the hanging bridge and you will see a lot of balanced rock formations displayed on the river upstream.
After getting refreshed by the Daranak falls and if you still have enough strength why not hike the 250 steps stairway to the top and get a chance to see the Grotto of Our Lady of Rawang
The Parola
Located at the shores of Laguna Lake, it is a four-storey spire with a spiral staircase which will lead you on the top. On top of it you can have a magnificent view of Laguna Lake and surrounding mountains. It was built in 1950's with the administration of then Mayor Theodulo Bernados. The park where the parola stands was named after the former Mayor of Tanay Mayor Bernados in recognition of his contribution to the development of the town of Tanay. In the morning it is a favorite resting place among joggers, in the afternoon it is a place for students or peer group exchanging stories, and in the night time it serves as a guiding light to the fishermen. Touring Tanay is not complete without visiting its simple but elegant lighthouse or Parola.
You can also rent a motor boat that can carry and tour you around Laguna de Bay. Boat rentals are amounting P80-P100 per boat that can carry 4-6 persons.
San Ildefonso Parish Church (Tanay Church)
Built during the 1700's, this almost 400 years old church is one of the 26 churches in the Philippines chosen by the National Commission for Culture and Arts as a national heritage site. This is the second oldest church in the Province of Rizal and the first stone church in Tanay. The baroque architectural design of the church is perfect in post card photography. Looking for a centuries old pilgrimage site? Why not visit Tanay Church!
My Journey to Tanay
After reading a travel magazine which features the Province of Rizal, I was enthralled with the attractiveness of the places of interest in Tanay, I told myself that someday I will be seeing those places myself. That was March when I read the magazine, and it was just last June 5 when I got a chance to be there. The first plan was I'll be going to Tanay with my friend but unfortunately she has her duty, but I am decided even if I'm alone. Coming from Pampanga, I started my journey as early as 5:30 in the morning to avoid the heavy traffic of Metro Manila, at 8:00am I arrived at Edsa Crossing where I will ride a passenger van going to Tanay, fare is P70. After 2 hours I arrived at the Tanay Transport Terminal, I do not have an idea of what to ride that's why I sat for a while and think of some things I should do, then a tricycle driver approached me, and I asked him how much will it cost renting his tricycle taking me to all the places of attractions of Tanay, we have closed the deal for P500 which I think it's enough and reasonable. Just to give you an advice for itinerary and this is the idea of the Driver/Tour guide/Photographer of mine on my journey to Tanay, Jay-r, we visited first Regina RICA then Calinawan Cave, Daranak Falls, The Grotto of Rawang, The Parola and lastly the Tanay Church, I think the idea was good and helpful because I am able to see all those places in just 6 hours enough time to appreciate each place offerings. My journey to Tanay was so good, memorable and I had a lot of fun even though I'm alone, thanks to Jay-r who guided me, to Girlie the guide in Calinawan Cave for the fun facts and trivia she shared with me, and to Lola Tale for letting me hear some of scary stories of Calinawan Cave and to all the accomodating people of Regina RICA for the warm welcome. On my next visit to Tanay I will bring with me my family and friends for them to see also the beauty of Tanay. And to add Daraitan River and Tinipak Rock Formations on my list when I go back to Tanay. It is really more fun in the Philippines, and Tanay has a lot to share in Philippine Tourism. TANAY HANE!!!
