Profiling of the

Provinces in the
Philippines.
BY: CLARICE JOYCE Y. PAGAYON
BSHM 3-1
Contents of the
Presentation
I. Etymology
II. Map of the Province
III. Brief History
IV.. Dialect
V. Culture and Tradition
VI. Famous Tourist Attraction
VII. Famous Tourist Destination
VIII. Local Delicacies
IX. Famous Personalities
X. Trivia
Get to Know
Laguna

ETYMOLOGY OF LAGUNA
 Etymology of Laguna
• The province got its name from the
Spanish word "lago", which means lake.
• In Latin it came from the word "Lacuna"
which means hollow or hole
Map of Laguna
 Brief History of Laguna
• Laguna derives its name from "La Laguna" (the lake), referring to Laguna de
Bay, the largest inland body of water in the Philippines, which forms the
province´s northern boundary.
• Laguna and surrounding areas were conquered by Spain in 1571. Seven years
later, Franciscan friars started the work of Christianization. Soon, towns
around the lake were founded. In 1678, San Pablo de los Montes (now San
Pablo City) was established.
 Brief History of Laguna
• The town of Bay was the capital of the province until 1688, when
it was transferred to Pagsanjan and later in 1852, to Sta. Cruz.
Laguna was one of the first eight provinces to rise in revolt against
Spain.
• The town of Calamba is the birthplace of the country's national
hero, Dr. Jose Percival Rizal.
Dialect in
Laguna
• The primary language is Tagalog. The Tagalog dialect in
Laguna is generally the same as in Manila, but with some
influences from Batangas and Quezon dialects in terms of
vocabulary. Most Laguna residents can speak English,
especially in the urbanized regions.
Culture and
Tradition of
Laguna
Culture & Tradition
• Laguna is one of the many provinces in the Philippines that have been influenced by the ways
of the Spaniards. Because of this, several religious sites were built in Laguna. The government
of Laguna, as well as the locals, did an excellent job in preserving these churches.
• There are at least four major churches in Laguna namely the Church of Santa Rosa de Lima,
San Policarpio Church, San Antonio de Padua Church and the Church of Saint John the
Baptist.
• he Laguna tradition of Visita Iglesia (church visit) done every Maundy Thursday each year are
still exercised by many. People from the province of Laguna and from its neighboring areas
visit these huge churches to perform this tradition or ritual that is very unique in the province
and in the whole country of the Philippines.
Culture & Tradition
• Laguna is their ANILAG Festival. It is a weeklong celebration that usually happens during the month of
March. The ANILAG Festival is held to give thanks to the all the blessings that the people of the province
had in the previous year.
• ANILAG Festival is celebrated through beauty pageants, dance showdowns, food contests, and
woodcarving competitions. Aside from being a tradition, the ANILAG Festival is also a way for the
government of Laguna to showcase it marvellous sceneries, sumptuous local delicacies, and of course, the
talent of its locals.
• Laguna that can be seen only in some parts of the province. In Magdalena, Laguna, there is a wedding
custom called Galahan. It is a wedding practice for newly wed couples where it is mandatory for them to
dance in front of the relatives.
• here is also a custom called Bayanihan where neighbors offer an extraordinary kindness to their fellow
Laguenos in times of need.
Famous
Tourist
Attraction
 Hot Springs in Laguna

• Among the must-see attractions here are the hot

springs nestled along the foothills of Mt.
Makiling. Most of the hot spring resorts in
Laguna are concentrated in Los Baños,
specifically in the Pansol area.
• Some people believe that hot springs can heal or
treat some diseases. In fact, hot springs have
high levels of sulfur that helps in reducing stress
and improving blood circulation.
 Pagsanjan Falls
• One of the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines
and near Manila is the Pagsanjan Falls. In 1939,
Pagsanjan Falls and its surrounding gorges were
declared as a National Park. The waterfall is under
the jurisdiction of Cavinti; however, the scenic river
going to the falls is part of Pagsanjan town.
• Pagsanjan Falls or Cavinti Falls is originally named
Magdapio Falls. It is one of the earliest attractions
after an American missionary discovered this three-
drop waterfall in 1902. He called it Pagsanjan Falls,
which is derived from the Filipino word
Pinagsangahan or where it branches.
Bahay ni Rizal
• Also known as the Rizal Shrine in
Calamba. This 2-story stone house is the
replica of the birthplace of the Philippine
national hero Jose Rizal. Its structure is
made of hardwood, bricks, and sliding
windows with capiz shells. It is one of the
must-visit historical tourist spots in the
Philippines.
Seven Lakes of San Pablo
• Apart from historical sites and resorts, Laguna
is also home to the famed Seven Lakes of San
Pablo, namely Sampaloc, Bunot, Calibato,
Pandin, Yambo, Palakpakin, and Mohicap.
These hidden wonders are nestled between Mt.
Cristobal, Tayak Hill, Mt. Kalisungan, and Mt.
Mabilog.
• As for geologists, the origin of the lakes came
from the San Pablo Volcanic Field, which
includes Mt. Makiling, Mt. Kalisungan, Mt.
Atimla, Imoc Hill, and Mt. Mabilog. The seven
lakes used to be craters of ancient volcanoes.
 Caliraya Lake
• Another scenic attraction in Laguna is
Caliraya Lake, a man-made lake in Lumban,
Laguna. Caliraya Lake is a haven for various
outdoor and sports activities such as golf, jet
skiing, windsurfing, largemouth bass fishing,
water skiing, and boating. There are also
designated campsites for hikers.
Hidden Valley Spring
• Nestled between the famous mountains of
Banahaw and Makiling, Hidden Valley Springs
is a 3-star private resort featuring lush
landscapes and beautiful gardens in Calauan,
Laguna.
• This paradise-like resort is nestled inside a
protected rainforest that features over 150
species of plants. You can find a vast collection
of wild orchids, giant ferns, and century-old
trees. One of the centenarian trees here is the
Amlang Tree, which is already more than 300
years old.
 Mt. Makiling
• Tucked between the provinces of Laguna and
Batangas, Mt. Makiling is a dormant volcano
that rises over 1,090 m (3,580 ft) above mean
sea level.
• It is one of the top destinations when hiking in
the Philippines.
• The Mount Makiling Forest Reserve (MMFR) is
an ASEAN Heritage Park that spans 4,244
hectares with straddling parts of Los Baños,
Bay, and Calamba City in Laguna. Its terrestrial
ecosystem is under the University of the
Philippines Los Baños and the Makiling Center
for Mountain Ecosystems.
St. John the Baptist Church
• One of the must-see heritage sites in Laguna is
the St. John the Baptist Church, also known as
Liliw or Lilio Church. It is a 400-year-old Laguna
church that majestically stands in Liliw town, the
Tsinelas Capital of the Philippines.
• he original wooden structure of the church was
established in the early 16th century. Meanwhile,
the edifices are composed of red bricks and rocks.
In 1880, it was partially damaged by a massive
earthquake in Luzon. Then, it underwent
reconstruction in 1885. However, it was again
partially burned on April 6, 1898.
Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery
• Another must-see attraction in Laguna is the
Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery, which is
situated inside a chapel. It sits on a hilly terrain
in the laid-back town of Nagcarlan in Barangay
Bambang. You can find the catacombs where
the friars and wealthy people were laid to rest at
the chapel's lower ground floor.
• In 1981, Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery was
declared as a National Historical Landmark. Its
iconic structure is currently under the
supervision of the National Historical
Commission of the Philippines.
 Hulugan Falls
• This enchanting waterfall is one of the
relatively known cascades in Baranggay
Salvador, Luisiana, Laguna. It has
caught the attention of many tourists,
making it one of the must-see waterfalls
in the Philippines. Since it is nestled in a
far-flung area, the roads leading to the
falls are not easily accessible.
Japanese Garden
• The Japanese Garden is one of
many historical sites in Laguna. It is
situated in Cavinti along the popular
Lake Caliraya. This beautiful
garden was constructed in the 1970s
to commemorate the Japanese
occupation of the Philippines in
World War II.
Famous
Tourist
Destination
Mt. Banahaw
• Mt. Banahaw. Though it’s more
known as a popular hiking
destination, the volcano is also
considered a pilgrimage spot or
“holy mountain" for locals. Even
without taking the climb, you will
pass by Bangkong Kahoy Valley
where you’ll meet friendly locals
and get a glimpse of Laguna’s
beauty.
Makiling Botanical Gardens
• The Makiling Botanical Gardens is for
those who want to experience the best of
nature without having to brave a steep
hike. The gardens are paved with trails
you can safely follow, and if you have
time, you can take the loop all the way
back to the entrance. Along the trail
you’ll see; towering greens, rare species
of trees and plants, and a stream that cuts
through the property.
 Paete Town
• Paete Town is located in the north-
eastern part of Laguna, along the
shores of Laguna Bay. Paete is most
famous for its large population of
craftsmen who are highly skilled in
wood carving and embellishment.
Enchanted Kingdom
• If you're seeking fun and exhilarating adventures
near the metro, you may want to visit the
Enchanted Kingdom in Barangay Balibago, Santa
Rosa City, Laguna. It is considered the first and
only world-class theme park in the Philippines.
• Enjoy unlimited rides inside this 25-hectare park
that features eight themed zones with over 20
attractions. These attractions range from interactive
motion theaters to extreme rides such as Space
Shuttle, Anchor’s Away, Rio Grande Rapids,
EKstreme Tower, Roller Skater, Fun Kart, Disk-O-
Magic, Jungle Log Jam, and Air Race.
Cavinti Underground River and
Cave Complex
• If you like adventure, Cavinti’s
Underground River and Cave
Complex in Cavinti is the place to
go. This subterranean wonder has
beautiful stalactites and stalagmites
as you go deeper into the
chambers.
 LOCAL
DELICACIES
 Espasol
• Espasol is a Filipino rice cake shaped like a cylinder
originating in the Laguna province and traditionally
sold during the Christmas season. It consists of rice
flour, which is cooked in coconut milk and coconut
stripes and is poured into toasting rice meal.
• In Pagsanjan, where you can buy the best Espanol, they
didn't use any toasted rice flour to dust the product.
Their Espasol is much more compact and does not taste
too dry, which makes it so delicious. But it is possible
to buy around Laguna, especially in transport terminals.
Buko Pie
• Buko Pie is a traditional Filipino coconut custard cake,
often referred to as a coconut pie. It is recognized in the
town of Los Baños in the province of Laguna.
• It is similar to a cream pie that is very popular in Filipinos,
and the only difference is Buko pie is made with young
coconut, no creams, and custard fillings. Buko Pie uses
lighter and denser sweetened milk, and it's filling is made
up of coconut meat. Buko Pie also uses slightly different
ingredients, including macapuno tarts, a thick and sticky
special type of coconut.
• It is believed that the concept of the buko pie originated
from the province of Laguna. The makers of this delicacy
were the Pahud sisters from Los Baños, Laguna.
 Kesong Puti
• Kesong puti is a Philippine cheese made of soft and
non-aged carabao milk and salt curdled with vinegar,
citrus, or rennet juices. It is also possible to use goat or
cow's milk to make Kesong Puti. Kesong puti was
originated in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.
• To promote this popular product of the Laguna, the
Government of Sta Cruz, Laguna has arranged this
festival. And it also helps to promote the products of
cheesemakers and the different small businesses. It also
taught people who want to venture into the industry and
people who want other income means with such a
business to make this particular white cheese.
Uraro
• Uraró is a Philippine cookie that is also
known as an araró or arrowroot cookie.
The texture is dry and powdery and is
usually in a floral-shape. They come
from South Luzon, especially in
Laguna, Quezon, and Marinduque
provinces.
Bibingka
• Bibingka is a kind of Philippine rice
cake. It is typically made from
galapong, cocoa butter, margarine, and
sugar. Every Christmas, side street
vendors offer this tasty rice cake along
with "Puto bumbong" to the local
tourist and even foreign tourists.
Monay
• In different provinces, you can find
various Monay. However, in Bay,
Laguna, you can find their unique
and different Monay. The shell is
crooked, but the inside is smooth.
The taste can be enhanced by adding
cheese or butter.
Bibingka de Macapuno
• It’s a rice cake filled with
macapuno, a soft processed coconut
meat. It has a texture similar to
bread but it’s sweet! Definitely
something that must not be missed.
Best ones sold in Sta. Cruz.
 FAMOUS
PE R S ONALITIES
Barbie Forteza Dioscoro Umali Ken Chan
Actress National Scientist Actor
 Precious Lara Quigaman
Ronnie Alonte Zephanie Dimaranan
Actress, 2005 Miss International
Dancer, Actor Idol Philippines 2019 Champion
• Laguna was founded in July 28, 1571. It is now more than 400 years old (435
years old) as a province.
• The late Governor Felicisimo T. San Luis served Laguna province as governor
for 33 years.
• The current house of Rizal in Calamba, Laguna (Rizal Shrine) is just a replica of
the original house which was destroyed during World War II.
• Our national hero, Jose Rizal, was baptized at St. John the Baptist or Calamba
Church by Rev. Rufino Collantes.
• The name Biñan, a prominent town in Laguna, was derived from “binyagan”
which means baptismal.
• The San Pablo City in Laguna was founded originally as San Pablo de los
Montes by Fray Hernando Cabrera in 1678.
• Laguna actively supported the First Philippine Republic proclaimed at Malolos
on January 23, 1899.
• Pila is one of the oldest towns in the Philippines. Its existence is recorded twice
in the oldest Philippine document, the Laguna Copperplate Inscription which
dates back to 900 AD.
• The original name of Laguna is La Laguna. The article La was removed
sometime during the US occupation in the Philippines
• Enchanted Kingdom, located in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, is the first and only world-
class theme park in the Philippines that was opened to public on October 19,
1995