Cainta Travel Guide, Philippines

Cainta is a first-class municipality in the province of Rizal.  It is recognized as the province’s most prosperous town despite a very small land area of 43 sq. kilometers.  It is famous for a native delicacy known as bibingka (rice cake).  It is known for different tag names like “Your Gateway to the East”, “Gateway to the Province of Rizal”, “Bibingka Capital of the Philippines”, and “The Premier Town of the Province of Rizal”.

Cainta’s people are rooted from Indian soldiers who were responsible in attacking the British colony which occupied the town from 1762 to 1763.  More popularly known as Sepoy, these inhabitants married the native women of the municipality.  These people are now predominantly seen in Barangay Sto. Niño’s Barrio Dayap.  The people in the said area have the physical characteristics of their Indian ancestors.

Cainta is famous for two annual events which are said to be both religious in nature.  The first one is the Cenakulo which dates back in 1904.  It originated from Barrio Dayap with a very limited group of individuals participating in the event.  It was their outlet to drive away evil spirits which they thought were the real cause of natural calamities in the area.  After some time, the members of the event grew in number thus leading to staging the so-called event to depict Pasyon (Passion of Christ). 

The second event that the natives are known for is the Penitencia (Penitence).  This is a yearly event which shows the 14 stations of the cross and is held every Good Friday to commemorate the crucifixion of Christ.  A resident called the devotee would act as the Lord Jesus to be able to be freed from his sins.  He is then asked to have himself nailed on the cross the way the redeemer had.  This may sound strange to tourists especially from other parts of the globe but the people of Cainta made this a part of their tradition.  This is held at the Liwasang Bayan (Municipal or Town Plaza).

Cainta is known for the Igorot Village which is situated at Barangay San Juan.  Igorots are native inhabitants who are now seen in the Mountain Province.  The village is man-made with semi-modern houses completing the entire area.  This is in tribute to the families who settled in the place.  Though not much of the tribe is seen in Cainta these days, the local government continuously supports the existence of this tourist destination.

Travelling to Cainta is very accessible through bus rides from Manila.  It is bounded by Marikina City and San Mateo (Rizal) in the north.  On its eastern and southern portions you will see the whole of Taytay (Rizal) and on its west, you can find Pasig City.  These cities and municipalities make Cainta more popular to local tourists.