Over the years, there is no question that Metro Manila’s residential communities have become increasingly saturated. Even neighborhoods located at the fringes of the metropolis are seemingly teeming with people. This phenomenon drives real estate prices even higher than Metro Manila’s already inflated rate.
As a result, more and more individuals are constrained into searching for residential communities in neighboring cities that offer competitive real estate rates (without sacrificing the conveniences of the metropolis). Apart from affording better property prices, the peripheries of the megacities are afforded more peace and quiet—two things that are glaringly absent in the metropolitan. The best thing of all is that residents can enjoy the benefits of suburban life, while still having all the modern comforts they can enjoy within easy and convenient reach.
One such place that offers this unique lifestyle is Laguna. Primarily known as a go-to long weekend destination in the Philippines and the birthplace of a beloved national hero, Laguna is a natural wonder of all sorts. The province is peppered with breathtaking bodies of water, diverse landscapes, and natural resources.
Over the years, however, Laguna has presented a myriad of compelling reasons to be the next real estate hot spot. Apart from the vast land area ideal for property development, the province is in proximity to Metro Manila and key regions such as Cavite and Batangas. “Laidback but progressive” is one phrase that fully encapsulates life in Laguna, making it the ideal city for individuals who are seeking work-life balance.
Facts about Laguna
- The name is derived from the Spanish word “Laguna” which translates to lagoon or lake. Before the name was shortened to Laguna, the Spaniards named it “La Provincia de la Laguna de Bay.”
- One of the most exciting aspects of Laguna is the fact that Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippines ‘ national hero, was born here. While the current house of Rizal in Calamba, Laguna (Rizal Shrine) still stands in the exact same spot, it is only a replica of the original house. The latter was destroyed during the Second World War.
- Pila, a town in Laguna, is one of the oldest towns in the country. Its existence is recorded twice in the oldest Philippine document, the Laguna Copperplate Inscription dating back to 900 AD.
- Originally, Laguna is supposed to be named La Laguna. However, the article “La” was removed during the US occupation in the Philippines.
- The first and only world-class theme park in the country is located in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The Enchanted Kingdom opened its doors to the public in October of 1995.
- One of Laguna’s famous and favorite attractions is the Seven Lakes which are named Bunot, Calibato, Mojicap, Palakpakin, Pandin, Sampaloc, and Yambo Lake.
- While Marikina is regarded as the shoe capital of the country, Laguna has its very own footwear capital. Liliw, a town in Laguna with a thriving footwear industry, has been supplying shoes and all sorts of footwear to Laguna and even to its neighboring towns and cities.
Reasons to live in Laguna
It is a resort province.
There is no doubt that Laguna attracts tourists from all over the world. Apart from being a go-to weekend destination, the province routinely attracts foreign tourists as well, considering that it is rich in natural resources and is teeming with tourist spots. The province alone has more than seven-hundred hot spring resorts in the areas of Calamba and Los Baños.
Moreover, Laguna is known for the supposedly enchanted Mt. Makiling, and gained international fame after the final scenes of the Hollywood movie Apocalypse Now were shot in the iconic Pagsanjan Falls.
It is an emergent industrial hub.
Today, Laguna is recognized as one of the key business locations in the south. Apart from the array of car manufacturers peppered all over the city, it is also home to a myriad of BPO and IT companies. Seeing as the province is rapidly growing in terms of economy and population, more and more investors are choosing to develop their projects within it. As a result, the province is made more accessible starting with the widening of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), a major thoroughfare that connects Metro Manila to Laguna.
Alternatively, there is also the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road that seeks to connect both the southern and northern areas of Manila, making it convenient for Laguna residents to travel up north.
It has a booming market in real estate.
By now, residents in Metro Manila are no longer surprised by the metropolitan’s perpetual traffic and overpopulation. As a result, many of them are thinking of moving to nearby provinces that will afford them a peaceful and relaxing lifestyle, without having to compromise modern comforts and convenience.
As a result, Laguna became a premier spot for real estate, owing to its proximity to Metro Manila and the vast land available for future quality developments. With sustainable and green communities scattered all over the province, prospective homebuyers are treated to an array of real estate choices. Combining suburban living and fast-paced work life, Laguna is the perfect place that champions a work-life balance.
