Biñan: Splash Island Photos

Probably the most famous waterpark in Laguna, a day in the Splash Island is a great summer adventure that will give family and friends a chance to experience the thrill of water activities through slides and rides. Located in Southwoods Ecocentrum in Biñan, the park is 7.5 hectares big and can accommodate up to 6,000 guests.

Splash Island's Colorful Balsa

Below is an extensive guide on Commuting Routes to get to Splash Island: 

List of Elected Officials in Laguna

Jeorge "ER" Ejercito Estregan

Governor

Ramil Hernandez

Vice Governor

ELECTED OFFICIALS FOR THE 1ST DISTRICT OF LAGUNA

Cities: Biñan City, Santa Rosa City

Municipality: San Pedro 

Danilo Fernandez

Congressman

-- BIÑAN CITY --

Marlyn Alonte

Mayor

Walfredo Dimaguila, Jr.

Vice Mayor 

-- SANTA ROSA CITY --

Arlene Arcillas

Mayor

Arnel Gomez

Vice Mayor

Enchanted Kingdom's Flores de Laguna

Santacruzan in the Philippines happens every month of May. It's a colorful Catholic celebration of Filipina beauty filled with glamor, sparkling dresses and a night of street savvy fashion.

When in Laguna talking about lights, colors and festive mood, Enchanted Kingdom is our best bet for fun outdoorsy feel. Lately, I learned that the said theme park will host their version of Santacruzan, entitled “Flores de Laguna - The Beauty and Magic of Enchanted Kingdom." 

This May 26, 2013 Laguna’s best and most creative fashion designers will showcase their styling talent sharing their exquisite Filipiñana-inspired gowns with park guests. The competition is open to amateur and professional fashion designers who hail from the Province of Laguna with this year's theme ‘Evolution of the Filipiñana' and will be held at the Eldar's Tent of Enchanted Kingdom.

Laguna Local Elections Tally Update

Partial unofficial tally as of 2013-05-14 16:46:55 representing 74.77% of the Laguna Election Returns. (1,500 of 2,006 Election Returns) (825,753 of 1,525,522 Registered Voters)

Provincial Governor
EJERCITO, JEORGE ESTREGAN 413,552
SAN LUIS, EDGAR 355,682

Provincial Vice-Governor
HERNANDEZ, RAMIL 388,859
MERCADO, SOY 163,358
AMANTE, DANTE 132,042

Member, House of Representatives - First Legdist
FERNANDEZ, DANILO RAMON 120,784
ALATIIT, GAT-ALA 39,854

Member, House of Representatives - Fourth Legdist
AGARAO, BENJIE 82,251
CAROLINO, ANTONIO 70,483
PALACOL, BONG 24,103

Member, House of Representatives - Second Legdist
CHIPECO, JUN 149,622
LAZARO, TERESITA 93,783

Member, House of Representatives - Third Legdist
ARAGONES, SOL 80,300
ARAGO, MARIA EVITA 71,255
LOPEZ, CELIA 7,286

Member, Sangguniang Panlalawigan - First Provdist
ALMARINEZ, DAVE 85,616
ALMORO, CARLO 75,196
TIONGCO, EMILIO 66,105
ALATIIT, GAB 65,010
GARCIA, EMILIO 64,359
EJERCITO, GHEROME ERIC 48,355

Member, Sangguniang Panlalawigan - Fourth Provdist
AGARAO, BENJO 100,305
SAN LUIS, RAI-ANN 80,135
PANGANIBAN, AMBIEL 48,470
EJERCITO, GERALD GE 44,326
SARMIENTO, ALLAN 5,574

Member, Sangguniang Panlalawigan - Second Provdist
BAGNES, NEPTALI 112,202
ORUGA, PURSINO 110,613
UNICO, JUAN 99,376
NOCON, NEIL ANDREW 83,663
BELARMINO, BIM 65,310
TAPIA, SUSANO 49,201
CALDEO, LITO 16,258

Member, Sangguniang Panlalawigan - Third Provdist
AGAPAY, KAREN 99,257
ALARVA, ANGELICA JONES 61,598
PARAS, MARINA 35,653
BALDIVIA, DENNIS PADILLA 33,599
PAVICO, CHAD 26,056
ISLETA, EROL 7,401
AGUSTIN, LEVIS 1,112

Source: Comelec Rappler Mirror Server

Villa Sofia Private Resort in Calamba Tops GMA's Ang Pinaka Patok na Family Resorts

Since it is still summer here in the Philippines and city dwellers love spending day trips and overnights on hundreds of Laguna's resorts, might as well share with you an interesting list compiled by GMA's tv show, Ang Pinaka.

Laguna being Philippine's 'resort capital' is a favorite destination during summer months. From public to private pools, from hot springs to cold springs, there's always something good to experience when in Laguna. However, summer crowd can get crazy. Swimming in pools along with tens or hundreds of people isn't much a relaxing thing to do. That is why a lot of group outings prefer the comfort of renting out private resorts.

Take a look at Villa Sofia, a private resort in Calamba that bagged the No. 1 spot for the said show's Top 10 Ang Pinaka Patok na Family Resorts. Let's find out why...

Natural Cold Spring From Mt. Banahaw

cold spring in Nagcarlan, Laguna on a glorified morning

Laguna is synonymous to numerous hot springs, most of which can be found in the provinces of Pansol, Calamba and Los Baños geographically located at the foot of Mt. Makiling, the source of the therapeutic water heat. On the other side of Laguna, however, lies Mt. Banahaw, the source of the refreshingly cold mountain water. The provinces of Nagcarlan, Majayjay, Liliw and Pagsanjan cradles a number of natural cold springs that are a welcoming treat to Philippine's summer heat.

Tourist Spot: Pagsanjan Falls

 

Pagsanjan Falls

The province of Pagsanjan is known for its famous shooting the rapids adventure to reach the famed Pagsanjan Falls. But only a few knows of the other way and a cheaper alternative to also see the falls and that is through Cavinti's Vertical Trek which requires an easy version of rappelling. This route is a good alternative for those who are in budget and best for summer. Shooting the rapids is a good thrill during the rainy season.

Sta. Rosa: Day Tour in Nuvali

It was simply a spur of the moment decision when me and 2 other friends speed off to Nuvali, a few minutes away from our houses in Biñan. By car, we drove from Carmona exit to Sta. Rosa exit passing through Paseo de Sta. Rosa and other high-end subdivisions. 

afternoon goers in Nuvali

One good factor as to what makes Nuvali worth visiting is its wide range of restaurants perfect for foodies. Some of the finest restaurants that can be found in Solenad 1 include Starbucks, Conti's, Italianni's, Yellow Cab, Brother's Burger, Pig Out. As you can see, this is a great area for a wonderful food trip, dine alfresco with a good lake view to boot.

Experiencing Boracay Sands Spa in Laguna

Hands down, it's the cheapest quality massage I had so far. For only Php149, we treated ourselves for a 1 hour full body massage courtesy of Boracay Sands Spa.

Boracay Sands Spa Biñan Branch

The catchy name of the establishment would seem tricky at first. One would expect, the spa started in the famous white sand beach of Boracay. Let's face it, any product label with Boracay stuck to its name never fails to catch interest. So people try it.

My sister's SPED teacher was actually the first to recommend Boracay Sands Spa. She said mom can use her card to avail of member's discount. But it was only during a very tiring day that I badly wanted a good massage, so I invited mom to go with me and check out the said spa ourselves.

On Getting (A Free) Affidavit

I posted a few days ago that I dropped by the new Biñan City Hall to secure myself an affidavit. Mom advised that I go straight to the city hall as it's cheaper there. I had my fair share of affidavit requests on private law offices before and had to pay hundreds of bucks to have that much needed piece of paper. So I heeded the advice and went to this government building.

the new City Hall of Biñan

It was in 2010 (during voter's registration) when I got to see the first inside look of  the building, it wasn't fully operational back then. Either way, it was already impressive and I love its quiet location. This new city hall, reported to be worth P276.583-million is a two-hectare complex, has a floor area of 9,123 square meters with ancillaries costing P80.343-million covering site development, a power house, pump house, cistern and fountain. The new City Hall now caters to increasing demands for services from a booming city in the CALABARZON area as host to Laguna’s major industrial and investment locators.

Nanay's Pancit Malabon: Biñan Branch

If you're in Laguna and craving for a good and affordable Pancit Malabon, look no further because located in 122 Nepa Highway, San Vicente, Biñan, Laguna is the iconic Nanay's (or Inang's) Pancit Malabon. 

their biggest palabok worth Php750 (can feed a plenty!)

Giant sized Pichi-pichi

A bilao of pancit malabon may not be uniquely Laguna. But hey, it's a good foodie find either way.

Biñan branch - image from openrice.com

Nanay's Pancit Malabon's main branch is located at Gov. Pascual Avenue cor Sto. Rosario Village, Malabon City.

On Getting Voter's ID

Comelec Office Biñan

A few weeks ago, I found myself inside the new city hall of Biñan (the one near Pavilion) to specifically ask for an affidavit. I wasn't able to get an affidavit due to an incomplete requirement. To not waste time and effort, I proceeded to the Comelec Office, the building located right in front of the city hall (it's where we applied for registration during the 2010 election). I wanted to check if I can claim my voter's id. Thank goodness, it's there, waiting to be claimed along with thousands of unclaimed voter's id. Good thing I was able to claim my brothers id's as well.

3 years had passed before I was able to get my id. It was not mailed, it will never be, nor can it be claimed at a barangay hall. So Biñan residents, you may want to claim your id's now at our local Comelec Office. Remember,  a digitized voter's id is a government id we Filipinos can use in many ways. Aside from personal info, the said id shows one's VIN (voter's identification number) as well as precinct no.

Loving Laguna Walks

Hello there! Thank you for visiting my site. 

Laguna Walks is a personal blog of a Filipina who happens to be living in Laguna for 20 years. I am making this my online space documenting some interesting bits covering anything and everything Laguna-inspired.

Found in the Calabarzon region, Laguna cradles a number of world-class tourist destinations but it's more famous for being the birthplace of Dr. Jose Rizal, Philippines National Hero.

I'll be sharing rants and raves about living in this side of region 4. Laguna welcomed our family in the early 1990s with a friendly and peaceful neighborhood fit for a growing family like ours. Away from the noise and pollution we got from 10 years of living in Manila, we found ourselves living side by side with farm animals in a wide expanse of surrounding vacant lots (from 10 years ago), night rules on sounds of speeding cars from a nearby backyard we call South Super Highway. As teens, we look forward to occasional weekend trips to Tagaytay and many resort pools as well as afternoon snacking on Puto Biñan and buko pies. 

Just like any other cities and provinces, Laguna has its fair share of controversies and issues. And yes, we also have this love and hate relationship (especially on some Laguna areas), either way, the province will forever be special.

I'm declaring March 1, 2013 as the official birthday of Laguna Walks. To the loving people of Laguna, get on your sturdiest tsinelas (from Liliw) and let's start walking the historic, glitzy and off beaten streets of Laguna.