The Motherland
A hidden gem tucked away in the Province of Laguna, Philippines. Luisiana is 117 kilometers, or approximately 72 miles southeast of Manila. However the commute can take up to three hours due to road conditions, traffic and smaller and much slower vehicles.
Mount Banahaw - an active volcano that sits on the border of the Laguna and Quezon provinces.
A carabao (water buffalo) resting on the side of the road on the way to De La Paz
The entrance to De La Paz, the Veluz Farm
Dragon Fruit from De La Paz, the Veluz Farm
Dragon Fruit from De La Paz, the Veluz Farm
A cemetery in Luisiana where Bernabe Veluz' tomb and statue are.
The statue and tomb of Bernabe Veluz (Diego's father). Bernabe was a Katipunero and member of Katipunan. Katipunan was a secret Philippine revolutionary society founded in 1892 whose primary goal was to gain independence from Spain through a revolution.
On a road close the De Laz Paz, the Veluz Farm. Freshly picked Pandan leaves taken to be cleaned, dried, then woven into bags, baskets and other items
Bibingka • a type of baked rice cake from the Philippines that is traditionally cooked in a terracotta oven lined with banana leaves and is usually eaten for breakfast or as merienda.
Freshly made Bibingka at a Bibingka stand which can be found along the roads around Luisiana leading to neighboring towns. They are then lovingly placed in the locally made pandan baskets before given to patrons.
Aliw Falls • approximately 3 miles from the Luisiana Adventist Elementary School. One can get there after a 15 min golf cart ride followed by a 15 min trek on foot through the rain forests.
The kabal (Quezon) or malakape (Tagalog) tree (fagraea racemosa species). Commonly found in Quezon and Laguna.