Think buko pie, Laguna de Bay (the country’s largest lake), Mount Makiling, and iconic attractions from Calamba City to Santa Cruz. Laguna, Philippines is a must-visit in 2025. Wondering what is Laguna known for? Here’s a list.
If you are from Laguna, you know there are words, foods, and habits only we understand. I asked my friends to share their favorites. And if you’re a digital nomad, Laguna has work-friendly cafés and coworking spaces to help you balance work and travel.
Wanna enjoy the freedom to explore Laguna while working remotely? Get a copy of “The A-Z on Becoming a Digital Nomad.” It’s full of tips, gear lists, and digital tools to help you get started.
Can you relate to these “Signs You Grew Up in Laguna”? If yes, or if you have more to add, leave a comment and share the love for our hometown culture.
What Is Laguna Known For?
1. Buko Pie as Pasalubong
When you leave Laguna, friends expect buko pie. The best one is from The Original’s Buko Pie. You line up for it because it’s worth it.
2. Rizal Shrine Field Trip
Most students in Laguna have visited the Rizal Shrine in Calamba City. It’s a replica of Jose Rizal’s home. It’s educational and inspiring. He is our national hero.
3. Mer Nel’s Chocolate Cake
Many have tried other cakes. But Mer Nel’s chocolate cake is still the best for locals. It’s moist, chocolatey, and affordable.
4. EK and Splash Island
People think you go to Enchanted Kingdom or Splash Island every weekend. The truth? Not all locals have been there. But they’re top theme parks in South Luzon.
5. Unique Laguna Vocabulary
You say words like “nakain” and “naulan” without thinking. Others may laugh, but you’re proud of how Lagunenses speak.
6. Slippers from Liliw
Your slippers come from Liliw. They’re comfy and affordable. Locals love these stylish pieces of footwear.
7. Pansol Resort Finder
How many times have your friends planned for a weekend getaway at Pansol? Why? They think you know all the cottages and listings by heart.
8. Hot Springs Are Normal
Hot springs don’t excite you much. You’re used to them. They’re part of life in Los Baños and nearby towns, especially during the dry season.
9. “Awasan na!”
After class, you don’t say “Uwian na.” You say “Awasan na!” That’s pure Laguna slang.
10. Proud of Old Churches
You’ve joined Visita Iglesia in towns like Nagcarlan, Pakil, Magdalena, and San Pedro. The churches are beautiful and date back to Spanish times. Some popular towns have amazing Catholic structures.
11. Local Delicacies
You grew up eating “Kesong Puti” from Bagumbayan, lanzones from Paete, and “bibingka with bugok na itlog” from Sta. Cruz. Outsiders may not get it, but we love them.
Signs You Grew Up in Laguna, Based from Our Readers
“My colleagues were fascinated with the term ‘likdang likdang’ (skipped pages) and ‘liban’ ( crossed the street or overpass ) when i used them on my sentences… And yeah, they were too nosy with ‘na-‘ phrase.. i become an instant Filipino teacher explaining to them that na- phrase is a present participle term.. LOL…” – Pam Miranda
“We use the words “adyo” when climbing a tree and “akyat” when going up the stairs. We also sing-song “Tao po?”and “pabile!”, basically, when we are calling somebody who’s inside. Also.. we tend to cut our sentences like: kuni (kunin mo), bigi (ibigay mo), palti (palitin mo), walisi (walisin mo), buksi (buksan mo), etc.. etc.. we also add “ih” at the end of our phrases like “hindi ih”, “a a naman ih” (when being bullied), “talaga naman ih” (when trying to insist on the truth. The beauty of Tagalog.” – Chie Sune-Santos
“In our town of CAVINTI, we have a lot of words you cannot hear even here in some nearby towns, in fact we have our very own languages we called ” usapang pAOWIN”. Are you guys curious bout usapang paowin… come-on, just come and visit my town CAVINTI and find it for yourselves our funny talks. Guess these words: lipautan, mananakyod, mareseb, indoni, maribok, bulausan… well this were just examples of our native words that only Cavitiin can understand but i gauranty you guys this really tagalog words.” – Carlot Oliveros Villanueva
“Wood curves from Paete Laguna, itlog ng itik sa Victoria at mga lumang bahay at ilog ng Pagsanjan.” – Ofelia Vibar Detalla
“When I was a Student at the University of Sto Tomas, my classmates would always request me almost everyday to bring PUTO BIÑAN!!! Ewan ko mas matagal pa yung biyahe ko mula Binan hanggang UST, in just a matter of 2-3 minutes ubos na agad isang bilaong Puto. Biñan! At kahit halos araw – araw akong magdala, hindi sila nagsasawa! Kaya ang tawag nila sa akin si PUTO! Hahaha!” – Victor Escueta
“The well known liquor of laguna LAMBANOG can’t miss this when growing up in laguna you would try it once or twice and the tsinyelas capital of Laguna Liliw, attended its tsinyelas festival and the very old and historical UNDERGROUND CEMETERY in Nagcarlan Laguna….” – Joe S. Ref
“Well, whatabout the Capital Embroidery of the Philippines? Only in Lumban Laguna – where you can find and discover the intricate designs and artistry of making Gowns and Barong Tagalog. The sequences were made “more of” by hand and machine embroidery with the combination of hand painting. Plusssss the reasonable price compared to the Market…” – Joy Yasto Arroyo
“We use the word “hawhaw” to rinse off utensils and dishes which is different from “anlaw” to rinse off soap suda from laundry; “pinaw” to get dried clothes from the “sampayan”; ” lamog” referring to soiled clothes for laundry.” – Maria Lourdes Rivera Menorca
“How about “Kesong puti” from bagumbayan and bibingka “bugok na itlog” in Sta. Cruz. Anyone? I grew up eating these, and people from other provinces have no idea these food exist. Lol” – Bryan Acu Mercado
“Of course there’s the pinyang Calauan then you say “baga” instead of “ba” . ex. ah ganun baga? umadyo ka when climbing, umisod isod ka( move a little) , umigib ng tubig, maglandi ng tubig( when playing with water ) and yes awasan na!” – Susie Larona
Final Thoughts
Laguna is more than a province. It’s a home filled with natural beauty, strong traditions, and a rich cultural heritage. You’ll find hot spring resorts, big shopping malls, and major national roads like the South Luzon Expressway. These roads link to Batangas, Cavite, Metro Manila, and the wider Calabarzon region.
Don’t miss the town of Bay, historic municipalities, and rising component cities. Visit the City of Santa Rosa, known as the Detroit of the Philippines, and Los Baños, home to the University of the Philippines Los Baños.
Explore the seven lakes of San Pablo City, the thrilling Pagsanjan Falls, and historic sites from the American war and Japanese forces. Don’t forget Caliraya Lake, a perfect weekend escape.
Laguna is also famous for its coconut products and traditions handed down from Spain. Every corner has something unique – from markets to mountains.
Whether you’re here for relaxation, to take photos with your camera, or to work remotely using your laptop and Yesim (Code: KATRIN8414), Laguna makes you feel right at home.
Pack your water bottle and travel health insurance. Be ready for an unforgettable trip!
Love Laguna or planning to visit soon? Share this article and tell us. What’s your favorite thing about growing up in Laguna?
FAQ
Laguna is best known for its hot spring resorts, buko pie, and natural attractions like Mount Makiling and Pagsanjan Falls. It’s also famous for being the birthplace of national hero Jose Rizal.
Laguna’s specialties include buko pie, kesong puti, and bibingka with itlog na maalat. The province is also known for slippers from Liliw, wood carvings from Paete, and embroidery from Lumban.
Laguna Beach (in California) is famous for its scenic coastline, artsy vibe, and outdoor lifestyle. It’s popular for surfing, art galleries, and stunning ocean views. (Note: Different from Laguna, Philippines.)
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