DOT promotes metro cultural sites, ‘Lugaw experience’

Foreign and local tourists in Metro Manila looking for diverse travel experiences need not look very far.

The Department of Tourism is promoting the cities of Malabon and Las Piñas for their “emerging” tourism come-ons—from Malabon’s “Lugaw Experience” to Las Piñas’ iconic 196-year-old Bamboo Organ.

Over the weekend, Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo and other tourism officials led  a familiarization tour for reporters, travel writers and bloggers for a sampling of what the two cities have to offer.

They went on a “Tricycle Tour” of Malabon’s “best-kept secrets,” including the 404-year old San Bartolome Church, Syjuco Heritage House, artist Angel Cacnio’s art gallery, Borja Mansion and Immaculate Concepcion Church.

“This tricycle [tour] is very unique. There’s nothing like it anywhere else that is why we should make an effort to promote this project,” Teo said.

The group also met with Malabon Mayor Lenlen Oreta who gave them a taste of the “Lugaw Xperience,” featuring the city’s special chicken arroz caldo on top of Pancit Malabon and other local delicacies like puto and kakanin.

In Las Piñas, Tourism Assistant Secretary Frederick Alegre went around the city’s popular attractions such as the Bamboo Organ of St. Joseph Church and the old manufacturing plant of Sarao Motors, the pioneer of the country’s jeepney industry.

“Las Piñas City [has] preserved its old town charm and intimacy. The community of the home of the iconic Bamboo Organ resonates Filipino hospitality, especially during the traditional festivities,” Alegre said.

Also part of the tour was the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecological Area which has been attracting bird lovers and environmentalists.

The 175-hectare avian sanctuary, with its mangrove forests and mudflats, hosts over 80 migratory bird species. In 2013, it was included in the Ramsar Convention’s List of Wetlands of International Importance.  —JEROME ANING