My 2018: A Tour Around My Town - Go Where You Feel the Most Alive

Today, I would like to introduce you to my hometown -- TANAY.

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Tanay is a first class municipality in the province of Rizal, Philippines. If I remember correctly, it was 2000 when my family moved to this place. It was just a simple town back then -- we had no idea that it will eventually become a major agricultural, tourism, and commercial center of Rizal.

If I were to take you on a personal tour of Tanay, I'd start at Saint Ildefonsus of Toledo Parish Church.

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LEG #1: SAINT ILDEFONSUS OF TOLEDO PARISH CHURCH

Tanay's historical church

The San Ildefonso Church lights up at night.

This church is probably Tanay's most historical site as it was built in 1783. In addition, it was proclaimed as a National Cultural Treasure Church by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts -- the "Stations of the Cross" inside the church is regarded as one of the most stunning Stations of the Cross in Asia.

Recently, one of the Narra trees outside the church has been transformed into a wood sculpture depicting how Mama Mary appeared to San Ildefonso.

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Leg #2: SAN ILDEFONSO COLLEGE

The best school in Tanay

SIC is just located beside the church. Posting a throwback photo as I haven’t visited my school in years.

San Ildefonso College (SIC) is the lone Catholic Educational Institution in Tanay -- located just beside the church. It's actually where I had my elementary education and where I met my first friends in Tanay. I am a proud Ildefonsian as SIC honed my skills, abilities, and values in the light of the Christian faith that helped me improve myself and prepare for the future.

Posting another throwback photo. This one features my first set of friends. Time flies so fast!

Having said that, I would like to congratulate San Ildefonso College on its 100 years of existence. I am a proud alumni!

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Leg #3: THE PAROLA

Tanay's famous lighthouse

Just a short walk away from Saint Ildefonsus of Toledo Parish Church lies the Parola (lighthouse). It provides an impressive view of the mountains and Laguna de Bay.

We usually visit this place in the early morning to wait for the sunrise, experience the cool breeze, and stroll along the dike. Although it is relatively small, it's a major landmark in Tanay - with lots of fishing boats docked near the dike.

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Leg #4: REGINA ROSARII INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPLATION IN ASIA

A place of prayer, pilgrimage, and peace

The Regina Rica is one of the famous pilgrimage locations in the Philippines. This is the perfect place for those who are seeking God as this is a place of prayer, pilgrimage, and peace. It contains a 71-foot statue of the Queen of the Holy Rosary and also has a church located on top of a hill. The Regina Rica is open to the public for free but donations are accepted. However, please remember to be in your best behavior as this is a sacred place and not a place for fun.

This church is also located on top of a hill. Thus, you will be walking all the way up for a few minutes to reach the entrance.

The interior of the church is so beautiful -- giving you a sense of peace and relaxation.

The Jamilano siblings are complete!

A week before my Electronics Engineering board exam, me and my family purposely went to Regina Rica to pray for guidance and ask our Lord to help me get that most coveted "passed" mark. Fast forward to a few days after taking the board exam, the results were then announced and my name's included on the list of passers!

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Leg #5: TANAY PUBLIC MARKET

Better than most supermarkets

Long before the arrival of the Savemore and Puregold supermarkets in Tanay, there was the Tanay Public Market. The public market stimulate rural development by offering a retail outlet for different industries, e.g. tailors, farmers, cooks. In addition, the terminal in this market is actually the starting point to many adventure trips around Tanay.

You can find the freshest meats and vegetables in this market.

Fun fact: The reason why we moved to Tanay from Laguna is due to my father’s retail business located in the market.

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TIME OFF: We’re almost nearing the most exciting and fun parts of the tour. Heads up! You guys should be prepared and ready for Tanay’s adventurous side as it is something extraordinary. Here it goes...

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Leg #6: HANE FESTIVAL

Tanay's fun and vibrant festival

The Hane Festival is an annual festival and a commemoration of Tanay's founding anniversary. It showcases Tanay's booming tourism, bountiful agricultural produce, sustainable and healthy environment, vibrant arts and culture, and warm-hearted people. Hane comes from Tanay term of saying okay or please ("Ingat ka, hane?" translates to "Take care, okay?").

Locals go all-out and dance their hearts out in the streets of Tanay.

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Leg #7: PILILLA WIND FARM

One of the newest attractions in Tanay

This view will definitely make you appreciate Tanay even better.

You don’t have to travel all the way to Ilocos just to see the famous giant windmills. The Pililla Wind Farm is one of the newest additions to the increasing list of tourism destinations around Tanay. This place is one of the most windiest places I've ever been to! If you just want to chill and feel the cold breeze, this wind farm is perfect for you.

We're actually one of the first visitors of this awesome place!

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Leg #8: DARANAK FALLS

One of the country's cleanest falls

It is highly recommended to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

The Daranak Falls is a 14-meter high waterfall that is nestled perfectly at the foot of the Tanay mountains and is truly a serene and captivating sight. It is also a favorite location shooting location of many local (and international) shows and movies.

This is one of Tanay’s most famous nature spots -- the road’s almost full of tourist jeepneys!

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Leg #9: TINIPAK RIVER

Discover Tanay's hidden gem

Wow, Tinipak River has legit crystal clear waters.

Stunning rock formations along the river.

With its majestic marble rock formations and crystal clear waters, the Tinipak River is truly a perfect getaway for the weekend. You have to trek for a couple of minutes before reaching this hidden gem in Tanay. Extra caution is needed during the rainy season as the rocks will be muddy and slippery. The Tinipak River is also popular to mountaineers since this can be reached right after summiting Mt. Daraitan.

You have to trek for less than an hour before reaching this hidden gem.

Before swimming, we had to take a selfie first. Hehe.

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Leg #10: THE MOUNTAINS

Tanay's endless mountain ranges

Being a mountainous municipality, Tanay is gifted with multiple trekking and hiking spots. Since there are a lot of stunning mountains to choose from, you can add a magical twist to your hike by witnessing a special moment at the summit: a sea of clouds!

You have all the rights to pose for cool shots upon reaching the summit!

I must say that many travelers dream of seeing a sea of clouds. They travel far away and take long journeys in the hopes of witnessing it. Fortunately, here in my hometown of Tanay, a sea of clouds is fairly easy to spot.

Wow, just wow.

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Leg #11: RESORTS AND LEISURE CAMPS

A true adventure experience

Aside from its natural wonders, Tanay is also an ideal destination for boot camp and team building with different resorts that offer activities and facilities for such.

Momarco Resort & Hotel is a secluded resort that is perfect for family out-of-town trips. It features different types of accommodations, function rooms, sports center, man-made lagoon, swimming pools, mini zoo, convention hall, restaurants and garden. The Bathala Bike Park is also within its premises.

Seeing this view will instantly make you want to jump into Momarco Resort’s swimming pool.

You can rent those huts and cook your own food in this resort.

This is Momarco Resort’s man-made lagoon.

My siblings having the time of their lives. LOL

Bakasyunan Resort and Conference Center is another ideal place for youth camp and team building. This resort is nestled atop one of Tanay's mountains and offers scenic view of the town. It boasts various activities various outdoor activities such as ziplining, rappelling, wall climbing, mudslide, ATV, airsoft, rope course games, and more.

This view will welcome you upon arrival. Truly breathtaking.

Riding ATVs is one of the fun activities in this resort.

Chilling like villains under the trees.

There are still a gazillion of unique resorts in Tanay that we have yet to visit. We will be crossing some of them off our list this year though. Fingers crossed!

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Leg 12: FOOD

I know you love food, Tanay knows you love food

You guys, we're almost done with this tour. I bet that you are already starving. Hmm... Well, good news! No Tanay trip is complete without dining at my hometown's well-loved restaurants. Shall we begin?

Bulawan Floating Restaurant. One of the more well-known restaurants in Tanay, Bulawan has been around for a while now but it still offers some delicious Filipino favorites like crispy pata, sinigang, bulalo, and seafood.

Bulawan also has a fishing pond inside where you can actually catch your own fish and cook it afterwards.

Filipino food will definitely make you drool.

Vista Barista. This is a destination for gourmet and pastry coffee lovers like me. It is a great place to unwind and bond with your family and friends. Vista Barista is not just all about pastries and coffee, they also offer pastas, salads, and sandwiches.

Perfect for bonding sessions!

It has been a tradition for us to have cheesecake parties in this coffee shop. P.S. Their pastries are heaven-sent!

Lutong Pugon. It’s quite unusual to see a pizza place in the mountains so Lutong Pugon is definitely a must try — their wood fired pizza is just wow! FYI, this restaurant is strategically located just outside Regina Rica. After attending a mass, you may choose to go there and satisfy your pizza and pasta cravings.

Cool sign!

The coconut nut is giant nut. If you eat too much, you’ll get very fat. Hehe.

I’m a huge pizza and pasta lover. I can eat those every single day.

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Isn’t it amazing to know that there are lots of breathtaking attractions and activities that await in Tanay? If you ever get a chance to actually visit my hometown, please do so! As a matter of fact, I will gladly volunteer to be your tour guide. :)

We have already reached the end of this tour. Thank you for joining me on this wonderful adventure around my hometown, TANAY!

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This is my entry for @anomadsoul’s My 2018: A Tour Around My Town contest.

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!steemitworldmap 14.5797053 lat 121.3312882 long Tanay, Rizal D3SCR