Biyaheng South Experiential Tour 2024: Dive into Cavite’s Rich History and Culture
The Biyaheng South Experiential Tour 2024, hosted by Metro Pacific Tollways South (MPT South) in collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region IV-A (CALABARZON) and the Provincial Government of Cavite, was a resounding success. This year’s tour was proudly co-presented by Taal Vista Hotel and DongFeng Motors PH, with generous sponsorship from World Balance, Sky Ranch Philippines, and Suteki Japanese Restaurant.
Exploring the Rich History of Silang and Tagaytay
The journey began at the MPT South Hub, the sustainable headquarters of CAVITEX and CALAX, awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification. The hub’s green initiatives include a solar panel field that supplies 97% of its energy needs, a biophilic design integrating natural elements, and an electric vehicle charging station.
Next, participants visited Shambala Silang, where they explored the Tawid Gallery, showcasing indigenous arts and crafts that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage. A hearty lunch followed at Siglo Moderno Filipino, featuring the “Lakbay Lokal Platter,” a special meal with modern twists on traditional dishes from Cavite, including Laing Dinamita, Sisiglaw Salad, and Himagsikan wings.
In the afternoon, guests enjoyed the scenic beauty of Tagaytay with a stay at the iconic Taal Vista Hotel. The hotel offered a luxurious retreat and enriched their experience with a captivating history walk tour, highlighting the heritage of Tagaytay, the Taal Volcano, and the hotel’s storied legacy. The day concluded with thrilling rides at Sky Ranch Tagaytay and a delightful dinner at Suteki, featuring contemporary Japanese cuisine.
Delving Deep into the Culture of Maragondon
The second day of the tour took participants to Maragondon, Cavite. The day began with a peaceful lunch at the “Alegria del Rio” Maragondon Balsa River Cruise. They then visited the Bonifacio Trial House, where national hero Andres Bonifacio stood trial, providing deeper insight into the area’s historical significance.
To further enrich their experience, participants joined a hands-on session at the Likhang Maragondon Bamboo Weaving Workshop. Here, they learned weaving techniques from local artisans and created their own bamboo placemats. This workshop serves as a bridge between generations, ensuring that Maragondon’s indigenous weaving techniques are preserved and passed down.
The day concluded with snacks at Lolo Claro’s Restaurant, providing a perfect relaxing ending to the two-day adventure.
The Biyaheng South Experiential Tour is significant in showcasing the vibrant culture, history, and hidden gems of South Luzon. It also supports the local economies of the provinces by promoting tourism.
“This initiative is a testament to economic innovation and sustainable tourism development, enhancing tourism through accessibility and convenience for travelers. The goal is to create an environment where convenience complements the beauty and uniqueness of the destination, resulting in enjoyable, memorable, and convenient experiences for all,” said Ms. Marites Castro, Director of DOT Region IV-A.
“In honor of National Tourism Month, the Biyaheng South Experiential Tour shows our dedication to driving tourism and economic growth in the South. We are grateful for the continued support of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Cavite Tourism; their partnership and shared vision have been instrumental in making this program a success. Together, let’s look forward to fostering sustainable tourism, contributing to the livelihood of local communities, and showcasing the treasures that lie just beyond our toll roads,” stated Arlette Capistrano, MPT South’s Vice President for Communication and Stakeholder Management.
