Metro Pacific Tollways South (MPT South), in collaboration with the Department of Interior and Local Government – Laguna (DILG Laguna), Laguna Tourism Culture Arts and Trade Office (LTCATO), Biñan City Culture, History, Arts, and Tourism Office (BCHATO), and Sta. Rosa Tourism Office (SRTO) successfully culminated its first Biyaheng South’s “Discover Laguna: A Heritage Photo Walk Tour” in Biñan and Santa Rosa.
‘Biyaheng South’ invited photo enthusiasts and selected media partners to take part in the Photo Walk Tour. It started in Biñan, with a quick tour of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) from Mamplasan to Silang-Aguinaldo exit to highlight its features as a green expressway which makes the segment self-sustaining. Afterward, participants, media partners, and colleagues from different government agencies enjoyed a heartwarming breakfast and the cozy vibe of one of Biñan’s hidden gems, Kamp Lilim, just a few kilometers away from CALAX. Shortly, they headed to Biñan Esplanade, the coastal area of Biñan, where they got the chance to see the Hispanic-inspired coastal architecture and breathtaking scenery of Laguna Lake, the country’s largest freshwater basin.
Heading to the city’s población, they got the chance to explore and capture one of Biñan’s historical landmarks, the Alberto Mansion, Teodora Alonzo’s ancestral abode, the mother of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. They also seized the moment, learning the footprints of Dr. Rizal’s maternal and paternal lineage sketched around the city center.
As they head to the city of Sta. Rosa, the participants were also pleased with the homey Filipino food served for lunch at ‘PansEAT,’ one of Sta. Rosa’s oldest restaurant. After the luncheon, they were briefed by the local tourism officers with the amazing historical evidence found in the city’s museum, and city’s century-old church, the Sta. Rosa de Lima Parish Church, which was built in 1792; the impressive Spanish and American ancestral houses along Zavalla Street adds to the historical significance of the city; and the infamous landmark and identity of Sta. Rosa, the Sta. Rosa Arch.
Participants captured different heritage sites and historical landmarks in the middle of the bustling metropolis of Biñan and Sta. Rosa; enjoyed the local delicacies such as Puto Biñan and fried okoy, or shrimp fritters; and got to learn its historical significance which displays the tapestry of culture, arts, and heritage it embodies.
The photo enthusiasts who took part in the event shared their most exquisite captures of the day during their photo walk of the two cities, which was judged by MPT South and other partners in government. After their careful deliberation, the judges concluded that the winning photograph was from participant Sarah Lou Berdinardino, who garnered the highest score for her photos captured in Biñan and Sta. Rosa.
“The heritage photo walk tour signifies MPT South’s dedication to foster awareness in the preservation of our cultural heritage and appreciate the significance of the past in today’s everyday endeavor,” said Arlette V. Capistrano, Vice President for Communication and Stakeholder Management of MPT South. “MPT South will continue to be an avenue in conserving our historical significance and encouraging people to take part in this cause,” added Capistrano.
About Biyaheng South
Biyaheng South is MPT South’s award-winning tourism advocacy program with a strong presence on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. It is dedicated to promoting the rich cultural heritage, diverse tourist destinations, and unique local experiences in Region IV-A and NCR, specifically areas reached by its expressways.
About MPT South
MPT South is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the toll road development arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC). It is the biggest toll road builder and operator in the country. Aside from the CAVITEX and CALAX, MPTC’s domestic portfolio includes the concessions for the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), the NLEX Connector Road, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cebu.
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