Without a doubt, the province of Laguna is endowed with many natural treasures such as its amazing waterfalls, including the famous Pagsanjan Falls, now officially called as Cavinti Falls (READ: Cavinti Falls in Cavinti, Laguna: From Textbooks to Reality), and Hulugan Falls (READ: Luisiana, Laguna: A Home of Captivating Waterfalls). However, the province is not only rich in natural treasures, but it is also home to a number of cultural heritage sites, including the house of the Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.
Rizal Shrine (Dambanang Rizal) is one of the most visited tourist attractions of the province, as it is a favorite destination of students, from elementary to university level, due to its relevance to our country’s history. It is located along the historic Calle Real, and just few meters away from the City College of Calamba (the old City Hall of Calamba), and from St. John the Baptist Parish Church. During World War II, the original house was destroyed. As stated in the steel plate posted on a wall outside Rizal Shrine, the house was restored through Executive Order 145 of President Quirino, and was inaugurated in 1950. Presently, the shrine is under the management of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), which was formerly known as the National Historical Institute (NHI).
During my last visit, which was a Sunday, there were quite a number of visitors, which, according to the guard, was typical because of its high accessibility. As you enter the shrine, you will feel as though you are transported into the Spanish colonial era, the time of Dr. Rizal. The house is just like the cultural heritage houses in Vigan City in Ilocos sur, a typical Ilustrado house during the Hispanic period.
The museum within the compound exhibits various materials, which were owned, made, or written by Dr. Rizal, including his two famous books, Noli me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Some of the clothes worn by the national hero during his execution in Bagumbayan Manila on December 30, 1896, are also housed in the museum.
Before we go home, we roamed around the backyard of the Rizal family, which was the playground of the young Pepe (Jose Rizal’s nickname). It was really fun to know more about our country’s national hero, and be able to appreciate more what he sacrificed so that we could live in a free society.
When we left, we took nothing but pictures, we left nothing but memories.
Additional notes:
- The shrine is open daily, except Mondays, from 8am to 4pm.
- They are not collecting any entrance fee but you are more than welcome to give your donations.
- For more information, you may contact the office of the Museum Curator through:
- Landline: (049) 834- 1599
- Mobile: 09176564157
- Always be reminded of a simple rule: garbage in, garbage out. Help in protecting and conserving our environment.
Acknowledgments:
I would like to send my sincerest gratitude to my Victory Groupmates, Patrick and Roneil, for accompanying me in this trip.
| Travel Guide | ||
| Route | Mode of Transportation | Estimated Travel Time |
| DLTB/HM Terminal (Cubao) to Calamba City (BIR Office) | Bus (Sta Cruz Bound)* | 2 hours |
| Calamba City to Calamba Bayan (City College of Calamba) | Jeep (Calamba Bayan bound) | 15 minutes |
| City College of Calamba to Rizal Shrine | Foot | 5 minutes |
| Estimated Budget (in Pesos) | |
| Transportation (one-way) | |
| Victory Terminal (Cubao) to Calamba City (BIR Office) | 85 |
| Calamba City to Calamba Bayan (City College of Calamba) | 8 |
Here are some photos at Rizal Shrine:
