Jardin de Miramar is situated on a three-hectare property in San Jose Extension in hilly Antipolo. Little used now by the family, the property was converted into a garden-like venue for parties and other events.
Divided into different themed areas, Jardin de Miramar hosts parties, receptions, and other functions in its lush multi-level gardens with stately royal palms and serenity waterfalls, landscaped by Tony Leano. Hammocks strung between tall trees tempt visitors to laze an afternoon away with a good book or a nap, lulled by the soothing sounds of water and the wind rustling through the trees.
A unique feature is a 30-foot boat, reconstructed from an actual 50-year-old fishing boat used by the owner's family in their deep sea fishing business. The Angelica was retired and some of its wood was used to build the "Noah's Ark" in the Galera section of the garden, which also features a lighthouse, totem poles, and a marine-themed metal sculpture by Ed Castrillo. Dramatic lighting was done by renowned lighting designer Shoko Matsumoto, who also designed the Santa House.
The rest of the wood from the boat Angelica was used for the trellises, benches, and other accents throughout the garden.
Behind the Santa house is an area called Intramuros, a mini version of Manila's old walled city. Featuring adobe walls with an aged look, it is reminiscent of turn-of-the-century Spanish architecture.
How to get there
- The province of Rizal is 110 kilometers south of Manila. It is accessible by land transportation from Metro Manila and the neighboring provinces of Southern Tagalog and Central Luzon.
- Buses, various public utility vehicles, and the metro rail system with stations at Crossing/EDSA in Mandaluyong City, Robinson’s Galleria in Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City and Farmer’s Market in Cubao, Quezon City ply the routes to Antipolo, Taytay, Cainta, Binangonan, Angono, Tanay, and other towns in Rizal.
- In touring around the town or from one city to another city, jeepneys and tricycles are available as a mode of transportation.