Fun things to do in San Pablo City

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We went for Visita Iglesia at the San Pablo Cathedral on several occasions. It is also known as St. Paul Cathedral, being named after its patron saint, St. Paul the Hermit. Pilgrims frequently hear mass at this Jubilee Church to gain plenary indulgence, then they "relive" the passion of Christ in the outdoor Stations Of The Cross.

Like other churches in Laguna, the first chapel had thatched roof when it was built in 1586. Repairs, renovations and improvements were made by the Augustinian Friars in the 1600s until the 1700s. The church structure was completed in 1721 by Fray Francisco Juan de Elorreaga, OSA. The administration was later turned over to the Franciscans in 1794 under Fray Andres Cabrera, OFM, who added other features like "the brick-stone wall in 1796, the tower in 1801 and the Cruzero in 1912."

With the installation of the Diocese of San Pablo in 1967, the church gained the status of a Cathedral, being the seat of The Diocese of San Pablo, the only diocese in the Province of Laguna. In 1986, the altar, ceiling and dome were renovated, but you can still admire the remaining original architectural details of the Cathedral. It is an Augustinian piece of neo-classical architecture. I particularly feel nostalgic when I see its 4-storey octagonal bell tower.

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There is so much to capture in photos: the views, the people, the flora, butterflies, etc. Don't be irritated if children distract you; they are just naturally curious about what you are trying to shoot. If you want to take close range people shots, ask permission from the individuals before you take their pictures.

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Although there are tricycles at Sampaloc Lake, you can opt to go around the lake by renting a bike or tri-"sikad" (bike with sidecar) for only P30 per 30 minutes. That way, you can bike around for a leisurely sight-seeing while burning calories.

I learned that fishing in the lakes are allowed, provided you DON'T FISH WITHIN THE FISHPENS. It would be prudent to ask permission from the Barangay Captain or fishpen caretaker before you go fishing.

There were so many joggers when went to Sampaloc Lake recently. It seems there is a conscious effort for health buffs to wear nice jogging attire. However, they didn't look pleased to see a camera aimed at them so I didn't take their pictures.

I noticed that there were also a lot of people, young and old, who simply enjoyed walking around the lake. There were some senior citizens who paced their steps, trying to go a short distance but soonafter returned to their starting point.

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Usually first in the tourists' itinerary is Sampaloc Lake, being the city's biggest lake found within the city proper.

Sampaloc Lake was a real beauty until the 1960s. Being the biggest of the 7 lakes in San Pablo City, Sampaloc Lake was undoubtedly a good fishing ground that provided livelihood to many people. Sadly, the proliferation of fishpens became uncontrolled, and many houses were built in the lake area, obstructing the panoramic view of the lake and nearby mountains. It was a popular place for family/group activities so with the rising popularity of the lake, some enterprising folks put up restaurants serving fresh fish. In no time, they "mushroomed" on the lake banks.

I was told that sometime in the 1970s, with the abuse and over-exploitation of its resources, Sampaloc Lake lost its grandeur. There was a problem in the ecosystem; there was an alarming incidence of fish kills due to water pollution. The water smelled terribly bad, turning off tourists and even locals who used to go there for fresh air and relaxation. The "death" of Sampaloc Lake saddened everyone, but it triggered a wake up call for citizens to unite and make a move to restore the lake's original beauty. (I will write about it in the Customs and Traditions Tip.)

Today, you can witness the fascinating, serene restored beauty of Sampaloc Lake: no more eateries and houses obstructing the view, fewer fishpens, lotuses in full bloom dotting the lake banks, young kids swimming again in the much cleaner waters, white migratory birds flying yonder, and soft bluish images of the mountains making an awesome background to the lake view, with clear reflections on the clean lake. Now, it abounds with tilapia, bangus, carp and several species of shrimps.

When you go to Sampaloc Lake , you'll see a nice view of Laguna mountains like Mt. Nagcarlang, and the mystical mountains of Mt. Banahaw and Mt. San Cristobal.

While relaxing at one of the mini-parks in Sampaloc Lake, I watched with fondness the beautiful pedigree dogs running or walking with their masters. I was told by a couple beside me that every morning, many locals bring their pet dogs there for exercise, such that it looked like there was always a parade of dogs. San Pablo City is a pet-friendly city.

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On our way to Sampaloc Lake , I couldn't help but notice Dona Leonila Park, a mini-forest park just across the old City Hall. It looked vibrant with lush trees and beautifully landscaped gardens. Why it was named after the wife of former President Carlos Garcia, I don't know for sure if Dona Leonila hailed from San Pablo, or if it was during the term of then President Garcia that she initiated that park. (I will update this tip when I have accurate info.)

I decided to drop by the park for a brief look-see. There were many people hanging out in the benches in the garden, some students at the picnic tables, some men snoozing on the benches under the trees in the mini-forest, people who seemed like government employees and other folks standing by the kiosks for snacks, and children screaming with joy at the playground. I noticed children playing on an elevated concrete stage which is probably used for public programs/events.


Before the beautification of Sampalok Lake, it was at Doña Leonila Park where locals and tourists rested and hang-out after visiting the fabled lake. I know there was a viewdeck at the Park we used to go to view Sampaloc Lake but somehow, I couldn't find it anymore. I tried to look for it but it started to shower so I had to hurry back to the car. I'll take a picture of it next time.