San Pablo City Things to Do

 
by machomikemd
 
  •   Things to Do
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  • from the air
      from the air
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  • the 7 lakes
      the 7 lakes
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  •   Things to Do
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  •   Things to Do
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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Courtesy Call To San Pablo Tourism Affairs Office

by cyndymc

If you need assistance or information on how to go about your itinerary, you may visit the San Pablo Tourism Affairs Office at the 2nd floor of the new city hall. I went there to ask for some leaflets/brochures with road map of the city and to inquire about road conditions/ accessibility of the other lakes and waterfalls. Unfortunately, they didn't have printed materials, but the amiable Administrative Officer for Tourism Affairs was nice enough to answer my questions.

Visita Iglesia At St. Paul Cathedral

by cyndymc

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...

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Photo Shoot

by cyndymc

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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Biking While Sight-Seeing

by cyndymc

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.

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Fishing

by cyndymc

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.

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Jogging/Walking Around The Lake

by cyndymc

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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Must See: Sampaloc Lake

by cyndymc

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...

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Exercise Your Pet Dog @ Sampaloc Lake

by cyndymc

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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Relax At Dona Leonila Park

by cyndymc

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...

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Hangout at a Coffee Shop

by realcoffeeclub

Hangout with your friends or loved ones at the Real Coffee Club in Colago Avenue, San Pablo City (if you're passing through Maharlika Highway, it's almost across SPC Medical Hospital). Also try our pasta, sandwiches, cakes, pastries, and more! We also provide FREE WiFi!

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The Place

Reviews and photos of San Pablo City attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for San Pablo City sightseeing.

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Questions and Answers

irving.lewis profile photo

Q:  I planning to take a trip to SAN Pablo City Laguna Philippines on 3 Jan would like to know some good hotels to stay at while I am... 

mehulraj profile photo

A: please check out follow weblink its on VT PAGES you will find helpful reviews of hotels in SAN Pablo City... 

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