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| Main thoroughfare facing the Plaza of Pila, Laguna |
The town of Pila, Laguna is a historic site that is known
for its archaic houses and turn of the century architecture. The town consists of houses that have been
preserved all through the years by families who are long-time residents. You don’t see building structures that are more than a few stories high.
Most houses are typical of the era during the Spanish times --- high ceilings,
big windows, and the used of wooden furniture and artifacts from bygone years.
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| Liceo de Pila |
The church is the center of the town where alongside it, is
a parochial school (Liceo de Pila) run by the clergy. The church is situated
in
the town plaza where you find the town hall and other commercial centers. The
local government has disallowed the construction of mega-commercial entities
like McDonalds and Jollibee so as not to destroy the little town ambiance of the place.
Many local celebrities have visited the place and used it as
venue for historical films. A number of television
shows have also tackled the archaic age-old charisma of this heritage site. The town boast of many local eating places
where you can savor the local delights like shrimps in coco milk, among many others.
The vendors used to sell this delicacy
in front of Plaza Delight, now named Patio Sophia, but have now transferred to the nearby market area.
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| Menu at Patio Sophia |
Other local food places have sprouted up like the Evelyn’s
Food Place along the national
road. It comes highly recommended by local people
due to its numerous food choices. The dining area is of typical Filipino
architecture and can accommodate several groups at any given time. If you don’t
mind eating barrio-style, then you can
opt to try this place. For the picky eater, the Patio Sophia is a better option
and serves the best pancit palabok in the locality.
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| Town Church |
Pila consists of several barrios that are still
agricultural. Most of the farms are planted to rice and vegetables. Some residents go into hog, goat, duck, and
chicken raising for additional income. However, these are mostly done on a small
scale basis and only ventured as an added endeavor by farmers. Like other provincial
area in the Philippine, many sons and daughter of the residents have gone abroad
as OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers). Hence, many big houses have been
constructed in modern European fashion in the barrios and nearby subdivisions.
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| Municial Town Center |
The town is near Metro Manila, and can be reached in less
than two hours on good roads. There are air-conditioned buses that ply the site
every hour, on the way to the provincial capital of Sta. Cruz. Non-air conditioned buses are also
available and would cost a few pesos lesser than the former. The trip to this
nostalgic place is worth every peso that you spend on it and this is one local travel that comes highly
recommended. One more thing…don’t forget your camera!
What else can I say, it is more fun in the Philippines!
writer_csm
Philippine News: A Shot from the Hip
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