Eleven Local Wonders of Bulacan

Here are some local wonders that travelers could visit in the province of Bulacan;

1.     Apo Iru Gatbuca Calumpit, Bulacan

Known as “Pottery Country”, Apo Iru Gatbuca is the biggest producer of pots in the whole of Bulacan. So vast is the pot-making industry that most residents make their living out of pottery. Local artisans transform an ordinary mass of clay into an exquisite work of art – some of which are even made into glazed decorative ceramics.

2.     Bagbag Bridge Calumpit, Bulacan

Site of the longest battle between the Americans and Filipinos led by Gen. Gregorio del Pilar which took place in April 25, 1899. The bridge still standing serves as a reminder of the valor displayed by the Filipinos who triumphed against the American forces.

3.     Bustos Dam Bustos, Bulacan

The dam is one of the longest sector-gates in the world and serves as the huge reservoir of the Angat Hydroelectric plant at Barrio Hilltop. The dam was built in 1922 and serves as the source of electric power in the province and Metro Manila. It features a cool picnic haven with an inspiring scenery.

4.     Grotto Central Cement San Ildefonso, Bulacan

This place is memorable because of the grotto and statue of the Virgin Mary, the beautiful landscape, and the natural scenery.

5.     Hanging Bridge Marilao, Bulacan

A wooden bridge connecting Brgy. Lambakin and Brgy. Sta. Rosa. This place offers a scenic view of the surrounding area.

6.     Ipo Dam Norzagaray, Bulacan

The place is a water impounding dam made famous by its name synonymous with gallantry, bravery and heroism. It is used as a reservoir for the La Mesa Dam which distributes water to Metro Manila residents. The green virgin forest and sky blue water make Ipo Dam an attractive place to visit.

7.     Marble Making Industry Tabang, Guiguinto, Bulacan

As early as 1992, the Marble Association of the Philippines (MAP) conceptualized the establishment of a common service facility for processing marble tiles, and to serve as a training center for marble producers. This took the form of a polishing line for the processing of export quality marble tiles targeted to respond to the high demand in the export business. The Marble Center offers polishing services with a complete line of equipment from Italy including the provision of consultancy on the proper technical procedures in extracting blocks from limestone deposits. Contact information: MAP Marble Center, TESDA Compound, Tabang, Guiguinto, Bulacan, Tel. No. (63 44) 794-2947/690-0061

8.     Meycauayan Jewelry Art Meycauayan, Bulacan

The intricate craftsmanship and painstaking creative dedication that the town’s jewelers pour into their creations have made the town the leading producer of silver and gold jewelry in the country. As a living museum of the town’s famous jewelry art, the Philippine Jewelry Center was built to showcase the craftsmanship of notable goldsmiths and silversmiths. The edifice has an area of 2,100 sq. m. (three storey) seating on a lot of about 1,000 sq.m. located inside the Provincial Sports Complex in Pandayan, Meycauayan, Bulacan. It is about 2 kms away north of Maycauayan Municipal Hall and 30 kms away north of Quezon City. It serves as a one-stop service center for jewellers of Bulacan and other provinces. Facilities such as training center, display room, common service and laboratory facilities, and business center serve to complete the formation of an innovative concept in global competition. Contact information: Philippie Jewelry Center, Tel. No. (63 44) 228-2611/721-0178 eMail: [email protected]

9.     National Manpower Youth Center Guiguinto, Bulacan

A center formed by the national government to help out-of-school youth by training them for jobs and livelihood projects.

10.     Pulilan Butterfly Haven Pulilan, Bulacan

Located along San Francisco Street, this butterfly sanctuary is also a perfect place for nature lovers where they can witness the butterfly’s fascinating life cycle, enjoy lush greenery which provide an ideal habitat for the butterflies and experience nature in an oasis of beauty and tranquility with butterflies flitting from one flower to another. Entrance fee: P50 Open: Monday – sunday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. For further info, contact Ms. Carina Santiago, Mobile 0918-778-4305, Tel. No. (63 44) 676-1377 (Fe Magtalas)

11.     Sergio Bayan Calumpit, Bulacan

The place produces export-quality religious products and icons. Tourists flock to the shop area to witness workers transform an ordinary mass of clay into an exquisite work of art.