Popularly known as the birthplace of the Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal, Calamba is among the provincial cities with the richest culture and history. As Calamba continues to develop, it is also able to strengthen its history, culture, and arts, allowing residents and tourists to remain close to its roots. In 2018, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in partnership with Calamba's Local Government Unit (LGU), formally institutionalized Calamba's Culture and Arts Council to protect and preserve Calamba's cultural heritage. This milestone aims to expand the promotion of Rizal's life and works and to highlight and promote other historical and cultural aspects.
Know More About Calamba's History and Culture
The original settlers in Calamba hailed from Barangay Sucol, a small village located on the shores of Laguna de Bay. When the Spaniards arrived, some of Calamba's original inhabitants remained in Barangay Sucol, preserving Calamba's culture. Calamba has a bittersweet history during the early Spanish colonization and Japanese occupation. When the Spaniards arrived, the town was converted into a hacienda owned by the Spaniards. Calamba was also the site of the gruesome massacre of 2000 civilians by the Japanese soldiers during World War II. Despite these unfortunate events, the residents are still eager to promote every bit of Calamba's history, strengthening its culture and arts.
Aside from the Spaniards, the Chinese also occupied a part of Calamba, which is now known as Canlubang, adding to the city's unique culture.
The name Calamba was coined after the famous local legend about a misunderstanding between a local village woman and two Spanish soldiers. The woman, whose livelihood was to sell claywares called "kalan banga", thought that the Spaniards were asking about her products when they were asking about the name of the town. The Spaniards then named the place "kalan banga," which later on became Calamba.
This legend became the inspiration for Calamba's symbol—banga. In 1937, Felipe Samaniego, a Filipino sculptor inspired by this legend, started to build the largest clay pot in the world. By 1939, the clay pot was completed and became the landmark of the Calamba Old Plaza situated near Dr. Jose Rizal's house.
To celebrate Calamba's culture and heritage, the residents celebrate Buhayani Festival every June 19, the same day as Rizal's birthday. Buhayani was derived from the words "buhay” and “bayani," which means to keep Rizal's life and works alive by commemorating it.
Calamba is truly a historical and cultural haven not only because of its colorful history, but also because of its residents who are eager to pass on the history and culture to the new generation. If you want to live in a place with a strong Filipino heritage, consider living in Calamba. Living a contemporary lifestyle while staying close to Filipino roots is possible with Camella Calamba Lessandra. Camella Calamba Lessandra has modern amenities and impressive landscaping, providing residents with a fun, convenient, and secure living experience. Living in a subdivision like Camella Calamba Lessandra will give you easy access to Calamba's historical sites while enjoying a modern living experience.
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