 |
| Laguna Provincial Capitol |
It was already late in the afternoon when Jandy and I arrived at Sta. Cruz town, Laguna’s provincial capital and one of the province’s 2 main route centers (the other is San Pablo City). The health, education, transportation, commerce and social services center for the entire province, Sta. Cruz also serves as the business and commercial hub particularly for the predominantly rural northeastern towns of Cavinti, Famy, Luisiana, Mabitac, Majayjay, Nagcarlan, Pakil and Pangil.
 |
| Sta. Cruz Municipal Hall |
Formerly a part of Lumban, it became a separate municipality in 1602 and was made into the provincial capital in 1858, replacing Pagsanjan. This town is made famous for its delicious kesong puti (salty white cottage cheese). This native delicacy, made from carabao’s milk, is cooked in large vats to which salt and vinegar is added till it curdles. The cheese is then fermented, strained and molded and then individually wrapped in banana leaves.
 |
| Church of the Immaculate Conception |
Upon arrival at the town, I parked the Revo across the blue and white municipal hall at the town plaza. The town’s layout seems to be broader than most Laguna lakeside settlements. Sta. Cruz, however, has no natural tourist attractions, only man-made. Near the plaza is the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
 |
| Old Provincial Capitol Building |
After merienda at a MacDonald’s outlet nearby, we proceeded to visit the Provincial Capitol Building along P. Guevarra St.. Also within the compound is the old provincial capitol. Our visit to Sta. Cruz capped our Laguna joy ride and we proceeded on our 87-km. drive back to Manila.
Mayor’s Office: Municipal Hall, Poblacion, Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Tel: (049) 808-1008