Biyaheng South Experiential Tour 2024: Discovering the History and Culture of Cavite

Metro Pacific Tollways South (MPT South), in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region IV-A (CALABARZON) and Provincial Government of Cavite, held a successful Biyaheng South Experiential Tour 2024. 

This year’s Experiential Tour was proudly co-presented by Taal Vista Hotel and DongFeng Motors PH, with generous sponsorship from World Balance, Sky Ranch Philippines, and Suteki Japanese Restaurant. 

Our Ka-biyaheros—comprising a diverse group of influencers and media partners—went on an exciting adventure to explore and experience the hidden treasures of South Luzon.

Day 1: Exploring the Rich History of Silang ang Tagaytay 

The tour started with a visit to the MPT South Hub, the sustainable headquarters of CAVITEX and CALAX that is awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification. As part of its green initiatives, its architecture features a solar panel field that contributes to 97% of the hub’s energy requirement, a biophilic design that integrates natural elements, and a charging station for electric vehicles. 

The day continued with a cultural immersion at Shambala Silang, where the main attraction is their Tawid Gallery, where guests got to see the indigenous arts and crafts of the region, offering them a glimpse into their rich heritage. 

This was followed by a hearty lunch at Siglo Moderno Filipino, known for its modern takes on traditional Filipino dishes. They served the guests a meal they called “Lakbay Lokal Platter." This special meal contains different local dishes with a twist from the provinces of Cavite: Laing Dinamita, Sisiglaw Salad, Himagsikan wings (a local version of Buffalo wings), and more. 

In the afternoon, guests were treated to the scenic beauty of Tagaytay with a stay at the iconic Taal Vista Hotel. More than just offering a luxurious retreat, the hotel enriched their experience with a captivating history walk tour, shedding light on the rich heritage of Tagaytay, the Taal Volcano, and the storied legacy of the hotel itself. 

To end the day, they experienced the thrills of Sky Ranch Tagaytay before enjoying a delightful dinner at Suteki, a restaurant that features contemporary Japanese cuisine, adding a vibrant contrast to the day’s Filipino-themed meals. 

Day 2: Delving Deep into the Culture of Maragondon 

The adventure continued the second day, where they took the influencers to the charming town of Maragondon, Cavite, starting with a peaceful lunch at the "Alegria del Rio" Maragondon Balsa River Cruise.

After, they went on to visit one of the famous tourist spots around the city, the Bonifacio Trial House, where national hero Andres Bonifacio stood trial, giving them a deeper understanding of the area’s role in Philippine history. 

To further enrich their experience, the participants joined a hands-on session at the Likhang Maragondon Bamboo Weaving Workshop, where they learnt weaving techniques from local artisans using bamboo as a material. Every one of the guests got to create their own placemats out of bamboo. 

Weaving is part of Maragondon’s history and culture. As part of the community’s way of preserving this tradition, this workshop serves as a bridge between generations, ensuring that the rich heritage of Maragondon’s indigenous weaving techniques is passed down to younger artisans. 

The day concluded with snacks at Lolo Claro’s Restaurant, providing a perfect relaxing ending to the two-day adventure.

Why We Do This 

Biyaheng South Experiential Tour holds great significance in showcasing the vibrant culture, history, and hidden gems of South Luzon. However, we are not only promoting the scenic spots of South Luzon but also supporting the local economies of the provinces. 

“This initiative is a testament to economic innovation and sustainable tourism development, enhancing tourism through accessibility and convenience for travelers. The goal is to create an environment where convenience complements the beauty and uniqueness of the destination, resulting in enjoyable, memorable, and convenient experiences for all,” Department of Tourism Region IV-A Director, Ms. Marites Castro, said. 

“In honor of National Tourism Month, the Biyaheng South Experiential Tour shows our dedication to drive tourism and economic growth in the South. We are grateful for the continued support of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Cavite Tourism; their partnership and shared vision have been instrumental in making this program a success. Together, let’s look forward to fostering sustainable tourism, contributing to the livelihood of local communities, and showcasing the treasures that lie just beyond our toll roads,” stated Arlette Capistrano, MPT South’s Vice President for Communication and Stakeholder Management. 

Biyaheng South is MPT South’s tourism advocacy program that has made a significant impact by promoting its toll road networks, particularly CAVITEX, its C5 Link segment, and CALAX, as gateways to the tourist destinations of Southern Luzon. The program demonstrates how infrastructure not only can improve connectivity but also can serve as a catalyst for regional economic growth through tourism promotion. 

MPT South is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the infrastructure arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC). Aside from the CALAX and CAVITEX networks of toll roads, MPTC’s domestic portfolio includes concessions for the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), the NLEX Connector Road, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cebu.