With the city’s perpetual hustle and bustle, most metropolitan dwellers would find reasons to get out of the urban grid and step into neighboring towns that offer a refreshing slice of nature. In this regard, individuals would flock to nearby towns that are just as lively and exciting sans the traffic and stress of pollution.

Rizal, a charming little town aptly named after the Philippine’s national hero, is one of the nearby towns most city-dwellers overlook. Just forty kilometers away from Metro Manila, Rizal only takes a little over an hour to reach making it one of the ideal cities for a quick weekend getaway or an extended holiday. Unfortunately, the place does not get as much recognition as Tagaytay and Batangas which is a major oversight seeing as the province is a little closer to Metro Manila as compared to Tagaytay and Batangas. While Rizal has remained unnoticed and overlooked, it shows promise of being a real tourist destination. Rizal, albeit yet to make a name for itself, has plenty of little known spots that would help cement its claim to fame as a contender for one of the best local tourist destinations. Known mostly for its reputed dedication to art and the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges, Rizal has natural and man-made wonders that are just waiting to be explored–and since it is just an hour or so away from Metro Manila, this place promises to be worth the trip as you take a breather from the stress of the crowded metropolis.

 

THUNDERBIRD RESORT, BINANGONAN RIZAL

Most travelers and city dwellers are probably familiar with the Mediterranean-style Thunderbird Resorts and Casino that sits atop a scenic cliff of the Poro Point Peninsula. Regarded by many as the Santorini of Asia (and the crown jewel of the North), Thunderbird Resorts and Casinos Poro Point is a premier integrated resort in the Philippines that has become somewhat of a beloved sight in the North. Primarily inspired by the Santorini Island of Greece, the resort makes an excellent place for photo shoots and photo ops.

However, you do not need to make the drive all the way to La Union just to experience this exceptional slice of beauty for yourself. Lucky for you, Thunderbird Resorts in Binangonan Rizal is just as breathtaking and beautiful as its counterpart in Poro Point. Nestled by lush greens and overlooking Laguna Bay and with the Manila Skyline as a backdrop, Thunderbird Resorts in Rizal offers an unparalleled experience like no other: an avenue for a laid-back and relaxing getaway that is only an hour away from the city. Conveniently perched on a valley about 210 ft above sea level that overlooks the longest mountain range in the Philippines, Sierra Madre, this luxury integrated resort is the pinnacle of luxury and opulence. While Thunderbird Poro Point heavily draws its inspiration from Santorini in Greece, its counterpart in Rizal is filled with Spanish colonial architecture.Perfect even for the clientele with the most sophisticated taste, the resort’s posh hotel rooms offer a luxurious and much-needed stress-relief . With its surrounding greenery, the resort has a prolific share of refreshing views that individuals with an affinity for nature will love. In this regard, individuals who are looking for a quick escape from Manila will find the place more than appropriate.

Opening its doors to the public in 2005, this resort has over a decade of experience in excellent hospitality service. With its picturesque views and laid-back vibe and ambiance, Thunderbird Resorts Rizal is an excellent place to invigorate and rejuvenate one’s self.

GARDEN OF TULIPS, RIZAL’S HIDDEN JEWEL

To keep up with the market’s ever-changing palate for entertainment as well as keep things fresh and exciting, Thunderbird Resorts routinely comes up with innovative ideas to keep prospective clients and visitors on their toes. The Garden of Tulips, Thunderbird Resort Rizal’s newest addition and feature, was recently unveiled and inaugurated last year.  Opening its doors to the public last November 23, 2019, The Garden of Tulip’s launching and opening ceremony was accompanied by Thunderbird Resort Rizal’s lighting of their Christmas Tree. The launching of the Garden of Tulips began with a short mass at 6PM which was then followed by a blessing of the venue. To formally commemorate the event, the lighting ceremony began at 7PM and was then followed by Christmas carols performed by the Sonshine Philippines Movement.

 Regarded as the hidden jewel of Rizal, the garden is filled with more than ten thousand LED roses that light up by the time night falls. By day, the Garden of Tulips is an enchanting meadow of red and yellow  synthetic foliage that look anything but. However, As soon as dusk settles in, the place is transformed into a magical backdrop of red and yellow tulips perfect for proposals and photo shoots. Those who wish to update their social media feeds with unique photographs may do so with the garden’s unique aesthetic–the possibilities are endless. With the newest addition, Thunderbird Resort in Rizal can surely expect more visitors to come.

If you wish to visit the garden for yourself, it is open from 7AM-10PM daily.