vlog: paete, laguna

Paete, Laguna in the Philippines is a small town of about 25,000 people nestled between jungle mountains and Laguna bay, a three hours drive from Makati, Manilla.

Paete is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional crafts, specifically woodcarvings from locally sourced wood, earning the title “the carving capital of the Philippines.

This was my first visit to Paete, and I felt as if I was transported back in time strolling through the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of a community steeped in tradition and history.

The town's main street is lined with shops selling handcrafted wooden items, from religious statues to furniture. The artisans can be seen working on their craft in the open air, using hand tools passed down through generations.

It’s a unique experience to see traditional craftsmanship still alive and thriving in the modern world.

If you’re keen on an adventure, this town also has a hidden gem of a waterfall called Matabungca Falls a short hike (1 hour) from the centre of town and about 20 minutes before you reach the top of the Tatlong Krus lookout, overlooking the entire town and bay.

I absolutely adored this little town. It was a very much needed trip after spending months in the concrete jungle of Manila.