VALENCIANA FESTIVAL

Growing up as an Asian, we tend to have an immense obsession with anything or everything made out of rice. Not just as staple food, from appetizer to dessert to main course, rice definitely holds the throne among all the other foods in Asian cuisine. However, it is not the Asians who produced this flavorful, delectable and luscious rice dish which stole the heart of most Filipinos. Paella, a rice dish cooked with variety of meats and vegetables was first introduced by the Spaniards during the colonization era. It is a rice dish originally from Valencia, Spain. This dish immediately hit the taste buds of Filipinos as Asians who loves rice. As a former colony of Spain, Filipinos eventually personalized Paella and incorporated it with the flavors of the Filipino people.

          The City of General Trias located in the historical province of Cavite celebrates Valenciana festival in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and also to promote Valenciana which is the local version of Paella originating from the city. This hearty dish was heavily influenced by the early Spanish settlement in the town wherein locals integrated local flavors to form the rich taste of Valenciana. The cooking might not be as easy as 1-2-3 or ABC but the two hours wait will be surely worth it. On a large pan sauté onion, garlic and tomatoes with butter, add chorizo and pork, then add in the tomato sauce and paste which give this dish bright orange color, the chicken is added next, after that coconut milk is added to add a dash of creaminess, laurel leaf is blended in to give nice aroma, potatoes and carrots are mingled in, the star of the dish is added next, jasmine and glutinous rice and when the rice is half cooked, mix in raisins, hotdogs,  bell peppers and cover in banana leaf. After two hours, a bright orange rice with variety of colors will come out, it is an instagram worthy dish with an appealing visuals. The different flavors and texture will explode in your mouth once you taste it.

During the Valenciana Festival the 33 barangays of General Trias competes in a Valenciana cook-off wherein they cook their own version of Valenciana with a twist. Seafood, Adobo or even Pinakbet are fused with this dish to prove how versatile Valenciana is. On the other hand, authentic Valenciana can be also tasted everywhere as it is the staple dish of the city. It is present in any occasions and it embodies the rich culture and history of the city, If you wanted to taste this delicacy, visit the city during Valenciana Festival which is celebrated every December. Tasting this dish will not only make you full and satisfied but will also retell you the stories and culture of the city and the people.

DOWNTOWN

Manggahan area is known as the commercial area of the city. Numerous establishments such as restaurant, malls and kiosk can be found here. With a rapidly growing population in this area, a city hall annex was established. Shopping centers like WalterMart, GenStar Plaza, Puregold Jr. and Divimart is located. You can find food hubs ranging from fast foods to restaurants. This area also holds the Lyceum of the University Philippines - Cavite campus.

LET'S RELAX AND EXPLORE

La Traviesa Hotel and Resort Spa is 5-star hotel and resort located in Barangay Buenavista II. It is famous for its beautiful scenery. Growing up, I remember seeing numerous shootings and taping done in this resort and it is very fascinating to see artists in close proximity. The resort is also famous for its good food and relaxing massage. Geronimo Berenguer de los Reyes Jr. (GBR) Museum is a fine arts collection and historical artifacts collection located in Barangay Javalera. Located in the Gateway Business Park, this museum contains 3000 vintage photographs. Although it was privately funded, an entrance fee of PhP 100 is surely worth it. General Trias, having a big area has numerous landscapes. The northern part bordering Rosario and Noveleta is where the city's old town is located, Malabon. The southern tip bordered by Amadeo and Silang offers a different experience. The barangays of Panungyanan and Alingaro is known for its cold climate. A lot of pineapple plantation is located in this area.

MALABON

Malabon or Poblacion is the area of General Trias wherein much of the government offices are located. The city is famous for its beautiful and majestic plaza and city hall. The plaza is a place where most of the locals can hangout. Also located near the plaza, the Saint Francis of Assisi Church which was constructed on 1769. It was declared a historical structure by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. You will never get tired of  walking in this area, you can see many old houses and old establishments, as if you turned back to the past times. This area is an instagram worthy spot for picture lovers and a place for history lovers.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Tejeros Convention

The Magdiwang Council hosted Tejeros Convention wherein General Emilio Aguinaldo was elected as the president and General Mariano Trias as the vice president.

First Cry of Cavite

Filipino revolutionist and the town's proud son Mariano Trias, Diego Mojica and Nicolas Portilla lead  the famous FIRST CRY OF CAVITE.

HENERAL TRIAS, KABITE

Located in the Province of Cavite, the City of General Trias is approximately 35 kilometers southwest of Manila. The city is bordered by the municipalities of Rosario, Noveleta, Tanza, Amadeo, Silang and the cities of Trece Martires, Imus and Dasmariñas making it the town with the most number of bordering cities and municipalitites. General Trias is the 2nd youngest city in the Philippines  inaugurated on December 2015 but this particular city is rich in history and many historical landmarks. Named after the first Vice President of the country, General Mariano Trias, this town formerly called San Francisco de Malabon was founded way back December 12, 1748. It is the home of multiple significant events in the Philippine history.