What is it about the province of Rizal that has spawned some of the greatest Filipino art masters? On Aug. 14, Inscribe Tours (840-5912) takes participants on a journey of discovery through the rustic province dubbed the “Cradle of Philippine Art”.
Four charming lakeshore towns, each brimming with artistic expression, are on the itinerary. First is Angono, home to two National Artists – the muralist Carlos “Botong” Francisco and composer Lucio San Pedro – as well as several future ones.
A walking tour of the famous Artists’ Street, where murals commemorating the great works of the town’s favorite sons (etched on walls), kicks off the daylong trip. At the gallery of Botong’s grandson, Carlos II, visitors can peek at the maestro’s old studio. Other stops include the Blanco Museum, Nemiranda’s atelier and snacks at a delightful cafécum-gallery.
The tour then heads to Binangonan where National Artist Vicente Manansala lived. His house is now a shrine filled with memorabilia. In Tanay, the tour visits the 200-year-old Church of St. Ildephonse, whose rococo artwork and uniquely sculpted Stations of the Cross are cultural treasures.
And in Morong, participants drop in on what must be the most spectacular artists’ workshop anywhere – the cliffside “Dambana ng Kalikasan” of fingerpainter Rafael Pacheco, who will then demonstrate his rare skill.
Beyond art, the tour showcases the flavorful yet unheralded cuisine of Rizal. Lunch at the Aplaya restaurant features “barutak”, a sour, shrimp-based broth; some fresh catch from Laguna de Bay; and “moresqueta” rice. For snacks, there is the ambrosial “turones de yema”, itself a veritable work of art. (A. Anne Villanueva)
