FEW TOWNS IN the Philippines possess a cultural identity as vivid, as storied, and as proudly preserved as Angono, Rizal — the country’s undisputed Art Capital.
Located along the scenic shores of Laguna de Bay, Angono blends ancient heritage, modern creativity, and deeply rooted traditions into a destination that feels both timeless and vibrantly alive.
TOWN RICH IN ART AND CULTURE
Angono’s artistic wealth is its beating heart. It is the only town in the Philippines that produced two National Artists — Carlos “Botong” V. Francisco for Painting and Lucio San Pedro for Music. Their legacies continue to shape Angono’s identity, inspiring generations of local artists whose works adorn homes, studios, and entire streets.
Walking through Angono often feels like stepping into a vast open-air museum. Along Doña Aurora Street, murals and bas-relief sculptures inspired by Botong Francisco transform ordinary walls into cultural masterpieces. From scenes of rural life to reinterpretations of iconic paintings, every corner immerses visitors in the town’s artistic soul.
Private galleries further enrich the experience. The Blanco Family Museum showcases the stunning realism and Filipino narratives painted by an entire clan of artists. Nemiranda Arthouse celebrates mythologies and folklore through expressive sculptures and vibrant canvases. The House of Botong Francisco, meanwhile, preserves the personal life and creative journey of the National Artist himself.
OLDEST ARTWORKS IN THE COUNTRY
Beyond modern creativity, Angono is also home to one of the most significant archaeological sites in Southeast Asia: the Angono–Binangonan Petroglyphs.
Discovered by Botong Francisco in 1965, this rock shelter contains 127 ancient carvings dating back to around 3000 B.C. Declared a National Cultural Treasure, the Petroglyphs offer a rare window into the artistic and spiritual expressions of the country’s early inhabitants.
To date, the local government, through its Tourism Office has been actively working on measures that would ensure the continuity of the town’s brand name by inculcating arts education among the younger generation.
NATURE, FOOD, AND CALM ESCAPES
Angono’s appeal extends beyond its artistry. Nature lovers and weekend travelers find comfort in its peaceful landscapes and stunning waterside views.
At the Angono Lakeside Park (Wawa), families gather for afternoon strolls, bikers enjoy the lakeside paths, and visitors witness one of the province’s most mesmerizing sunsets. The serene Angono Forest Park, with its towering trees and wide open spaces, is a favorite for campers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a quiet retreat.
No visit to Angono is complete without experiencing its culinary identity. Balaw-Balaw Restaurant and Art Gallery remains a must-stop destination, offering Filipino delicacies—some exotic—served in a setting filled with sculptures, paintings, and folk art.
TRADITIONS THAT LIVE ON
Angono is a town where heritage is not just preserved—it is celebrated. The iconic Higantes Festival, held every November, brings hundreds of giant papier-mâché figures to the streets in a colorful parade honoring its patron — St. Clement and recalls a spirited chapter of local history.
Religious and seasonal traditions flourish throughout the year: the Bati/Salubong during Easter, the solemn Cenaculo during Holy Week, the vibrant Carabao Festival in May, and the elegant Flores de Mayo and Santakrusan processions.
Each celebration reflects Angono’s strong faith, unity, and deep community roots.
HERITAGE WEALTH AND BEAUTY
While Angono is steeped in culture, it is also a municipality driven by progress and good governance.
Recognized repeatedly with the Seal of Good Local Governance, the town continues to develop modern infrastructure, expand social services, and strengthen its tourism programs. Its advocacy for heritage conservation and its efforts to promote the Petroglyphs for UNESCO World Heritage recognition reflect a community committed to both honoring the past and preparing for the future.
Angono, Rizal is more than a destination — it is an experience. A place where art lives in every corner, where history speaks through stones and murals, and where traditions endure with pride. For travelers seeking culture, creativity, and meaningful stories, Angono stands as one of the Philippines’ finest treasures — a town painted with heritage, shaped by legends, and forever alive with imagination.
CONGRESSIONAL LEGISLATION
While the mere mention of Angono is in itself synonymous to artistry, Mayor Gerardo Calderon cited the need for a congressional legislation that would formalize its moniker – Art Capital of the Philippines.
According to Calderon, earning the official title would further boost their tourism potential even as he claimed that the lakeshore town 20 minutes away from eastern Metro Manila has every reason to become the country’s official art capital – “We’re doing good insofar as tourism is concerned, but adding an icing on the cake would make as stall taller.”
“For one, Angono is the home of two national artists – Maestro Lucio San Pedro for music and Carlos ‘Botong’ Francisco for visual arts. After them are thousands of local folks who were inspired by these two great men and have become artists too.”
THE ARTIST PARADISE
When asked as to how the moniker came about, the local chief executive said that “it was in 2004 when then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was mesmerized by the abundant talents we have here… it was then that she uttered that Angono deserves the title of being the Art Capital of the Philippines.”
Interestingly, former legislators representing Rizal’s first congressional district (where Angono belongs) have repeatedly filed bills seeking to officially make the first class lakeshore municipality as the Art Capital of the Philippines.
“For the record, wala pa rin official declaration coming from both the Philippine Congress or the Office of the President that Angono is the Art Capital. But we would gladly prove our worth once meron na,” Calderon quipped. (With reports from Jimmylyn Velasco)