Binangonan Rizal

Binangonan is a gem waiting to be discovered by curious travelers. Unlike its neighboring towns of Angono and Taytay, the town is on its primal stages on tourism projects, but with undeniable rustic beauty and old-town charisma accompanied with its rich culture and traditions plus the accessibility from the Metro, this town is definitely a diamond in the rough.

The Municipality of Binangonan is a first class urban municipality in the province of Rizal, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 274,179 inhabitants in 54,836 households in census. It has a land area of 6,634 hectares (16,390 acres).
A thriving fish port and fishing industry is found in Binangonan, having a long coast line facing the Laguna de Bay, including the western part of Talim Island. The plant of Rizal Cement and Grandspan are in Binangonan as well. Their main livelihood are fishing and farming.
With the continuous expansion of Metro Manila, the municipality is now part of Manila's conurbation which reaches Cardona in its easternmost part, although there are efforts underway to convert it into a city.

-Wikipedia

In a good-mood for a weekend joyride with family or friends?
Here is a list of must-visit places in Binangonan...

Sta. Ursula Parish Church

It is a 200-year old church dedicated to the Virgin & Martyr, Saint Ursula. The church is located at the heart of the town and considered as an integral part of life among its townspeople.
Originally a chapel built in the 15th century by Franciscan Missionaries, the church administration where then handed over to Jesuits and then transferred to Augustinians only to be returned by the people to the Franciscans in 1737.
It was built from 1782 to 1800 and renovated in 1853.

This is also the start and end point for the famous Binangonan Holy Week Procession that includes the Giwang-Giwang or Santo Entiero (Dead Christ), 

Giwang Giwang is a local word which means “to sway incessantly”.

The Dead Christ is the center of the Good Friday procession that usually starts around 4PM and ends around 2-3AM the following day. Devotees nab their way to its Calandra or bier carrying the Dead Christ to grab a hold and hope for blessings and forgiveness hence the swaying of the sepulcher.


Mt.Tagapo
A dagger-shaped island at the heart of Laguna de Bay, Talim Island is endowed with mountains and hills such as Mt. Tagapo. Also known as Mt.Susong Dalaga (Maiden's Breast) due to its peak that resemble's a young woman's breast.