Where to go in Antipolo

Antipolo known as the pilgrimage city of the Philippines houses a lot of wondrous places to visit. It was still raining when I went out of the house to go to the pick up location where I would meet my fellow bloggers for the Antipolo getaway by TAG media.  Antipolo holds a special place on my travel list as this was the place where I learned how to play golf and it is also one of the places for affordable resorts for our family outings. The moment we alight at Antipolo Church the sun was already shining signifying a good voyage for all of us .

Antipolo Church

We started our morning exploration by attending a mass at the Antipolo Church. This church is known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. The church has also an area on where devotees can touch the hem of the dress of the Our Lady of Peace and voyage statue. I was not able to take any pictures as it was not allowed on that area. You can also buy delicacies and  pasalubong (souvenirs) outside the church such as the famous  suman(glutinous rice cake) and cashew nuts.

Hinulugang Taktak

Hinulugang taktak is popular for their waterfalls and is considered to be one of our national parks.  The water on the falls  was still dirty but that was understandable since the park itself is under rehabilitation.  This place would be ideal for family picnics and you can also take a dip on the pool on the other side but it tends to be overcrowded during the summer season.

Rate

The entrance is for free and all you need to do is sign your name on the reception area at their main entrance.

Mystical Cave

The road that leads up to the cave was a bit rocky and it look deserted when we alight on the foot of the mountain.  Inday Nelly Deles was the one who discovered the Mystical Cave in 1970. According to our tour guide’s story inday was only 7 years old when she started dreaming about this cave. They also said that Inday was originally  from IloIlo and since she was seeking for this cave , she ended up going to Antipolo.  This cave is 7 storeys deep and quite popular among religious people. This is also popular among filmmakers . Shows such as marina and enkantadia was shot on this very cave. When we got inside, there were a lot of stalagmite and stalactite that was formed with the water  dripping from the cave’s ceiling.  On the middle of our hike to the mystical cave we saw a hut that sells different colored candles which signifies a different belief.  They also held mass and weddings inside the cave. Some rock formation was shaped like a wing and a heart.

I also sat on one of the stones that claimed to be healing illnesses.  I learned a lot from this trip like whenever someone stepped on a rock with crystals it will die.

There was also a bath tub shaped area on which the residents that lived near the cave gathers their drinking water.

When we got out of the cave it was already raining so hard so we took shelter in a nearby hut and let the rain subside.

Rates

The entrance fee is P40 pesos each.

How to go there?

If you are in Antipolo Church you should ride a jeepney going to Antipolo Hills subdivision. From there alight off the terminal and ride a tricycle going to mystical cave.

Cafe Lupe

What is Cafe Lupe?

Is a hostel and restaurant fused together that offers a stunning view of  the city. It is owned by Alvin Carranza which is now managed by his son Head Chef  Albright Carranza and was built on 2003 . The place is designed to give a laid back vibe without the restriction of over thinking of what you need to wear.

How to go there?

 There are two ways to go to Cafe Lupe

From Cubao

1.Via Cogeo ride a jeepney to Antipolo

2. Look on the right side of the road as you can already see it along the highway

From Ortigas

1. Ride via UV express going to Antipolo

2. Alight to the church and look for a jeep that is going to Masinag

3. Look for the Hotel on the left side of the road.

Amenities

Hostel

The interior and exterior look of the hostel and the restaurant was both minimalistic and modern .We were welcomed by the hostels spacious and cozy main lounge.

The main lounge has a bar, a billiard or pool table and  air hockey table.

 It also has a board map to let the guests know the floor plan.

 On the side of the main entrance  there were mac computers and a wide seating area facing the LCD tv.

Their wifi connection is weak as it does not reach up until our rooms. There are a total of 8 rooms and it gives  you that feeling that you are at home .  We were  assigned to room # 3 which was the melba’s farm room.

All rooms are air conditioned and has its own humidifier. Our room has two single beds and a large wooden cabinet with a  mirror that stood in the middle of it. On my side of the bed there was a small window that overlooks the family KTV rooms.  There was also an LCD tv on the foot  of our beds. The bathroom was ordinary but complete with toiletries and a hot shower.  The hostel also offers daily housekeeping.

On the second floor of the hostel is the function room which can accommodate up to a 120 people. This is ideal for events, parties and intimate gatherings. There was also an outside deck that overlooks the city.

Restaurant

There was a stage outside the restaurant where the live bands perform at night.

Also outside is a mini area where there are swings, a slide and a tent for the kids to enjoy.

 There are tables set up outside for guests who wants to enjoy the sun, the view of the stars at night or if they want to watch the live performance of the band while dinning.

Upon entering the restaurant you will be welcomed by their bar  which offers cocktails and other alcoholic beverages. They also have portraits of team Azkals and a stunning view of the city. The restaurant also offers a stable Wi-Fi connection.

FAMILY KTV

The room that was given to us was room number 3 and it was spacious enough since we were 9 in our group. It was also air conditioned and the song choices were updated with the current trend. A portrait of the eiffel tower can be seen on the walls  The table can hold a lot of dishes since we had our dinner inside the KTV room. One of the KTV rooms has its own bathroom but when we visited it was already occupied by other  guests.

FOOD

The food is a fusion of Filipino and Mexican style. My personal favorites was the pasta, liempo, kadjos and definitely  their nachos which is one of their bestsellers. They also serve cocktails and other alcoholic beverages that can suit your mood while belting out a song or enjoying the stunning city view.

Their breakfast meal is being offered all day and it is already included when you book a room with them.

STAFF

The staff was very accommodating and attentive with all our needs.

What I love About Cafe Lupe

1. I had a goodnight’s sleep at our room and the hot shower was working fine plus it smelled nice due to the humidifier.
2. Overlooking view of the city is what boost Cafe Lupe from the rest as they have their own deck.
3.  If you like to sing then their KTV is definitely worth a try. We stayed up until 2 AM belting out songs.  For music lovers you can enjoy the live band until 2 AM as well.
4. The laid back vibe that the place exudes is perfect for a relaxing weekend with your family, friends or significant other.
5.  I met a lot of wonderul bloggers on this trip. Starting with my roommate Yvonne of whatyvonneloves, Allan of thefilipinorambler, Dianne of curlydianne, Orlee of orleepasion, David of thelifeandtimesofrichvalor, Rey of boy raket and Arriane of Travel Habeat

How to book

Check out their page

                                                   https://www.facebook.com/cafelupe.antipolo/?fref=ts

Call /text them

4703201 or 09253892898

Rates

As per their Facebook page