A Historical Visit at Little Hollywood

We all know that Hollywood is a place where you can experience the glamorous celebrity life. You can meet your favorite international actors and actresses and you will discover the artistic production of their films and television series. You can see tall skyscrapers, lively entertainment centers and fancy restaurants.

Here in the Philippines, we have our own version too, a place called Little Hollywood. As you enter the town, you can see a lot of coconut plantations, rice fields and verdant meadows in the foothills of Mount Banahaw and it is part of the Laguna Loop.

Located a few kilometers away from Pagsanjan, Magdalena is known as "The Little Hollywood of Laguna" because the town became a favorite shooting location of some classic Philippine movies. In addition, you can experience a typical Pinoy rural ambiance in this town because of the lush vegetation, clear rivers, the simplicity of life among the inhabitants. and a town rich in history because of its landmarks.

The welcome arch of Magdalena and you can see the lush vegetation in the town.

The Little Hollywood of Laguna

I always passed this town when I traveled to Liliw and Nagcarlan. I was curious about the town so I decided to visit and get to know the simplicity of life in this peaceful town. The jeepney driver told me that I should visit the town plaza and he took me there. I appreciated a lot in this town plaza because of the century-old town hall as a familiar venue in one of the classic Fernando Poe Jr. movies. There is also the small but clean  Rizal Park located in front of the municipal hall. You can see the monuments of Dr. Jose Rizal and the other historical markers including the marker dedicated to the war veterans who fought during the Japanese occupation in the country. There is also a place called Walk of Fame which is located opposite the municipal hall. Aside from Fernando Poe Jr., other local celebrities such as Sharon Cuneta, Robin Padilla and Rudy Fernandez made it to this town for shooting location of their movies.

The municipio or town hall of Magdalena.

Rizal Park

Soccer is the number one hobby of the young boys in Magdalena.

The town plaza during rainy days.

Adjacent to the municipal hall, the Saint Mary Magdalene Church was located in the plaza. It was built in 1829 and it is one of the Baroque churches in the Laguna Loop. It is also the place where Emilio Jacinto, sought refuge after he was wounded during the war in Laguna in 1898. Inside the church, you can find the marker where his blood stains are covered by a glass and you can see his bolo and hat.

The facade of St. Mary Magdalene Church

Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Magdalena, Laguna

Emilio Jacinto Marker inside the St. Mary Magdalene Church

The hat and the bolo of Emilio Jacinto and his blood stains in the floor covered with glass.

Memorial marker of Emilio Jacinto.

Away from the town center, you can find another historical landmarks in the midst of lush vegetation. As you passed the sleepy roads, you can find the area where Emilio Jacinto was shot by the revolutionaries near in Maimpis River before he proceed to the church.

Emilio Jacinto Marker near the Maimpis River and in front of Bahay Laguna

In front of the marker, you can visit a small museum called Bahay Laguna. This museum was operating for almost fourteen years in order to commemorate the administration of Felicisimo San Luis, who became a governor of the province for almost three decades.

This landmark was established 14 years ago and it serves as a museum dedicated to Former Governor Felicisimo San Luis, who lead the province for almost 33 years. I had a chance to visit the house and it was surprising that Mrs. Felicidad San Luis, the wife of the former governor, was there during that time. I had a chance to tour around the museum and I saw all the memorabilla of Governor San Luis which reflects the progress in the province of Laguna during his administration for three decades. I also read a poem entitled "Pangarap" (Dreams) written by Gov. San Luis where it can be sung in the tune of Matt Monro's "The Impossible Dream." In the end of the house visit, I gave a gift to Mrs. San Luis as a token of appreciation for meeting her. I also visited the house for the second time where we exchange messages through letters as a remembrance.

The marker of Bahay Laguna

The facade of Bahay Laguna

The products from different towns in Laguna.

The office of Governor San Luis

The statue of Felicisimo San Luis. Below is a poem entitled "Pangarap" (Dreams) which
was written by San Luis. It can be sang in the tune of "The Impossible Dream" by Matt Monro.

Therefore, the travel experience in Magdalena was such a meaningful ones because I learned a lot about the colorful past of Laguna as well with the history of the Philippines. Magdalena is a town preserved by generations through heritage and history as well with its rustic ambiance and the peaceful life of the residents.

How to get there:

• You can ride a jeepney from Santa Cruz, passing the town of Pagsanjan. If you are from San Pablo, ride a jeepney going to Liliw, then ride another jeepney to Magdalena.

You can read my December 2011 post - Navigating Laguna Loop: Magdalena

Date of Travel: November 6, 2011 and December 18, 2011