Maragondon is part of the third Growth Area, under the Cavite Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan 2021 – 2030, known as Metro Tagaytay or the Tourism Haven and Food Basket of the Province. This third Growth Area is composed of Indang, Amadeo, Alfonso, and four other municipalities and one city, which will be featured in subsequent articles in the future.
This is the fourth part of the series where we explore each LGU belonging to the Metro Tagaytay area. We share our experiences as we travel and visit the Metro Tagaytay area in the past to inform you of the interesting facts, business opportunities, and the state of the real estate in each LGU.
Maragondon is a 3rd class municipality located in the western side of the province of Cavite, Philippines. While it may not be as renowned as other tourist destinations in the country, Maragondon offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty that makes it a compelling place to explore. Here are some fascinating facts about Maragondon:
Historical Significance: Maragondon is steeped in history, particularly its role during the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonization. The town is the site where Andres Bonifacio, was tried and subsequently executed.
After being wounded and captured by the forces of President Emilio Aguinaldo in Indang, Bonifacio’s wounds were treated in the municipal hall of Indang. Bonifacio along with his brother Procopio, was then brought to Maragondon to be court-martialed in May 1897.
The Court Martial was headed by Brigadier General Mariano Noriel. Andres Bonifacio was found guilty of treason and sentenced to death. Wrong or right, the Bonifacio Trial House stands as a solemn reminder of this pivotal moment in Philippine history.
Natural Wonders: Maragondon is not just a historical site. It also boasts natural attractions that captivate visitors. The municipality is home to Mounts Palay-Palay–Mataas-na-Gulod Protected Landscape which includes Mount Pico de Loro, a popular hiking destination that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Mount Buntis and Mount Nagpatong are historical hiking trails, the latter is the location of the Bonifacio brothers’ execution site.
Maragondon is the only Municipality of Cavite boasting of appealing mountain ranges and a short coastline that is part of Manila Bay. And, to prove it is a coastal town, Carabao Island (Fort Frank) and Limbones Island are part of the municipality of Maragondon as well as Patungan Beach – a weekend beach destination of local residents and backpackers from outside Cavite.
Moreover, the municipality of Maragondon manages the Carabao Island Fish Sanctuary, one of Cavite’s three existing fish sanctuaries. It is an expansive 56 hectares of reef and sanctuary at Brgy. Sta. Mercedes. On the other hand, the other two sanctuaries include Ternate’s Bulaklakin Reef and Naic Fish Sanctuary.
What connects the mountain ranges of Maragondon to Manila Bay? It is the Maragondon River, which has an approximate length of 35.6 kilometers and an average width of 10 meters. According to its website, the Maragondon River is one of the six major river basins of Cavite. It is one of the largest with a total area of 357 square kilometers with an irrigable area of around five percent.
The Maragondon River provides opportunities for water-based activities like boating and fishing. However, fishing in the Maragondon River is limited in scope, as the fishery resources of the municipality have not been fully developed.
Finally, a well-known tourist destination in Maragondon is the Pantihan or Balayungan Falls which is described as a light-volume waterfall that drops over a small river gorge. This is a waterway that is one of the tributaries of the Maragondon River. It is an unspoiled area due to its remoteness but worth seeing, nonetheless.
Cultural Heritage: According to Wikipedia, the name Maragondon is a Spanish approximation of the Tagalog word maragundong or madagundong, which means “having a rumbling or thunderous sound”. This refers to the noise coming from the Kay Albaran River in the village of Capantayan. This was initially the place on which the town was to be built. However, due to the floods caused by the frequent overflowing of the river, the town was later relocated to its present site.
Maragondon is a place where the past whispers through its centuries-old church and ancestral homes, and the present thrives amidst lush landscapes and stunning coastal views. One religious site is the Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Church, a centuries-old structure that serves as a spiritual haven for the townspeople.
One historic event that occurred in Cavite but is not known by millions of Filipinos was the establishment of the Iglesia Filipina Catolica(Philippine Catholic Church) in Maragondon in early 1900, about two years ahead of the Philippine Independent of Aglipayan Church. The IFC was the first Philippine independent church to be established by Riego de Dios, a general of the Philippine Revolution when the then Archbishop of Manila failed to heed the public clamor for the removal of an anti-Filipino priest assigned in Maragondon.
Moreover, Maragondon celebrates its cultural heritage through various festivals and traditions. One such event is the “Kawayan Festival,” which showcases the town’s agricultural and bamboo products, especially bamboo textiles, and promotes agri-tourism, as well.
Ideal Real Estate Projects and Investments in Maragondon
Given its unique blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and cultural richness, Maragondon presents several opportunities for real estate development and investment. Here are some ideal projects and investments that could thrive in this municipality:
Heritage Tourism Resorts: Given Maragondon’s historical landmarks, there is potential for developing heritage tourism resorts that offer accommodations and guided tours to sites like the Bonifacio Trial House, which could begin at the Bonifacio Shrine in Indang, Cavite, and end at the Bonifacio Execution Site in Mout. Nagpatong. This type of development would cater to both local and international tourists interested in Philippine history.
Agricultural Estates: Maragondon’s fertile lands make it an ideal location for agricultural estates focused on bamboo, sugar cane, corn, cassava, upland red rice, and other high-value crops. Investors could develop integrated farming communities that combine residential housing with agricultural production, creating a sustainable and self-sufficient environment.
Eco-Tourism Lodges or Agri-Tourism Establishes: With its natural attractions such as Mount Buntis and Maragondon River, there is an opportunity to develop eco-tourism lodges and adventure resorts that cater to outdoor enthusiasts. These establishments could offer a range of activities, including hiking, camping, boating, and fishing, while promoting environmental conservation. One of the quaint yet excellent resorts in Maragondon, Cavite is the Riverfront Garden Resort.
Residential Subdivisions: As Maragondon continues to grow and develop, there will be a demand for residential subdivisions that provide modern amenities and facilities. Investors could capitalize on this by developing well-planned residential communities that offer a high quality of life for residents.
Commercial Centers: With the influx of tourists and the growth of the local population, there will be a need for commercial centers that provide essential goods and services. Investors could consider developing shopping malls, restaurants, and other commercial establishments that cater to the needs and preferences of the community.
In conclusion, Maragondon, Cavite, offers a wealth of opportunities for real estate development and investment, thanks to its historical significance, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. By leveraging these unique attributes, investors can create projects that not only generate substantial returns but also contribute to the sustainable development and prosperity of the municipality.
Do you have a specific real estate project in mind for Maragondon, Cavite but not really sure if it is appropriate? Let me know how we can help you sort things out. This real estate development maybe your main project for 2024.
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Atty. Jojo is a real estate attorney, an estate planning attorney, a licensed real estate broker, and a PRC-accredited Lecturer/ Speaker for Training Programs in Real Estate. He is committed to helping new and veteran real estate service practitioners be well-informed of the latest laws, rules, regulations, and information relevant to the real estate service sector.
“The Philippines is a developing nation with ideal conditions which position it as one of the best destinations for agri-tourism.”
– Asia Research Media, “The Rise of Agri-Tourism in the Philippines” on October 2013
By Realttorney®
Image source: The Playground in Royale Tagaytay Country Club. The club is a nine-hole garden golf course that is 3,079 yards long. It is described as a garden golf course because of the beautiful flora that surrounds it. It is located in Brgy. Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite.
Alfonso is part of the third Growth Area, under the Cavite Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan 2021 – 2030, known as Metro Tagaytay or the Tourism Haven and Food Basket of the Province. It is an upland town situated in the southwestern part of the Province of Cavite.
Alfonso, Cavite is 74 kilometers from Manila via Tagaytay. Magallanes is on its western side, Batangas Province on its southern side, Mendez and Tagaytay on its eastern side, General Aguinaldo on its northwestern side, and Maragondon and Indang on its northeastern side.
Why write about Alfonso, Cavite now? Well, aside from frequenting it often, it is a municipality that has gained attention for its natural beauty, cool climate, and emerging real estate opportunities. As a licensed real estate broker who has been a resident of Indang, Cavite for more than a decade, I will provide critical insights that are valuable for those interested in investing in real estate in Alfonso, Cavite.
Here are 5 key facts you need to know about the upland town of Alfonso.
1. Alfonso was once part of Indang, Cavite. The town was originally part of Barrio Lumampong in the town of Indang. Over time, the pocket settlements grew into sitios and later into barrios. The town became a separate district municipality from Indang on March 16, 1859, through the efforts of the community leaders Bonifacio Aveo and Felix del Mundo.
The new town was called Alas-as for seventeen years. The name refers to the pandan tree used for the construction of houses and bears sweet fruit. It was, eventually, named after King Alfonso XII of Spain, son of Isabella II.
On October 15, 1903, the adjacent towns of Bailen (now, the Municipality of General Emilio Aguinaldo) and Mendez-Nuñez merged with Alfonso under Act No. 947 enacted by the Philippine Commission. Both towns were later separated in 1915 to become independent once again.
2. Climate Excellence. One of the distinguishing features of Alfonso is its cool climate, reminiscent of Tagaytay, but less crowded and with more lush greenery. This climate advantage makes it a preferred destination for those seeking respite from the heat of urban areas.
The temperature in Alfonso has a yearly average of 20 to 27 degrees Celsius, with the highest temperature reaching 29, 30, and 29 from March, April, and June, respectively.[1] But you will still enjoy its cold breeze from late afternoon to nighttime.
This climate advantage is not just an environmental boon but also a factor that real estate brokers can leverage in marketing properties, especially for those looking to invest in second homes, vacation rentals (Airbnb), restaurants, resorts, and/or events places, and other development projects.
3. A Place of Culinary Distinction. There are numerous restaurants in Alfonso, Cavite. The entire municipality offers a gastronomic adventure, with flavors from around the world at every bend on the road. Here are some of the best restaurants in Alfonso, Cavite itself.
First, Lime and Basil offer Thai cuisine. Second, Lequestria Cafe and Restaurant offers French, Indian, Filipino, and Asian cuisine. Third, Marcia Adams offers Mediterranean cuisine. Fourth, Surugin Ramen House offers Japanese cuisine. Fifth, Amare La Cucina Tagaytay offers Italian cuisine. Finally, Sentro Botanikos offers Vegan and Healthy cuisine. These places are purely restaurants, and they are not the only places that satisfy the epicurean delights of their customers.
In addition, Alfonso is also home to various wedding venues and bed and breakfast businesses with onsite restaurants. The first example that comes to mind is Sonya’s Secret Garden located in Brgy. Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite. Second is Girasol along Tagaytay Nasugbu Highway. And, finally, Hill Creek Gardens along Luksuhin-Mangas Road.
FUN FACT: When you see the website addresses of Girasol and Hill Creek Gardens both include the word “Tagaytay”. But, now you know that these wonderful places are located in Alfonso, not Tagaytay.
4. Infrastructure Development. While it is not as urbanized as neighboring Tagaytay, Alfonso has been experiencing gradual infrastructure development, including road improvements and utilities.
One of the major roads that have been opened to serve the residents and visitors of the Metro Tagaytay area is the Tagaytay-Alfonso Bypass Road. If you are still unfamiliar with this new road, it starts at the end of TCI Road where the Tagaytay Public Cemetery is situated, and ends at the Luksuhin-Mangas Road.
As of the time of this writing, a portion of Bypass Road that passes through Brgy. Mahabang Kahoy Balagbag, Indang, Cavite connecting it to Brgy. Patutong Malaki North, Tagaytay City is still unpassable. Moreover, the portion from Tagaytay-Mendez Road to Maglabe Drive in Brgy. Guinhawa North, Tagaytay City is likewise still unpassable.
Aside from the Bypass Road, the East-West Lateral Road creates greater accessibility going to the Municipality of Alfonso. The Lateral Road is a 41.67-kilometer road project that will connect two national roads: the Cavite-Batangas Road in the east and the Ternate-Nasugbu Road in the west.
It will traverse the municipalities of Silang, Amadeo, Indang, Maragondon, General Aguinaldo, Magallanes in Cavite, and Nasugbu in Batangas. The project is part of the Build, Build, Build program of the government and is expected to be completed by 2024. The road will provide faster and easier access to the tourist destinations and agricultural areas in the region.
Finally, the proposed Cavite-Batangas Expressway (CBEX) will provide faster and easier access to the tourist destinations and agricultural areas of Silang, Amadeo, Tagaytay, Indang, Mendez, and Alfonso in Cavite – all part of Metro Tagaytay – before crossing into Nasugbu, Batangas. If all goes as planned, there will be 2 interchanges of CBEX that will be located in the Municipality of Alfonso.
The net effect of the opening of new portions of the Bypass Road (even though not completely opened), the completion of the East-West Lateral Road, and the future opening of CBEX is that real estate values have been rising in almost every corner of the Alfonso, Amadeo, and Indang. Easy access to once inaccessible parts of Alfonso has attracted new businesses and promoted economic growth in the municipality as well as the Metro Tagaytay area.
5. Agricultural Richness and Agri-tourism Potential. Did you know that Alfonso has a strawberry farm? It is called Queens Strawberry Farm and it is a farm-to-table agri-tourism complex composed of a farm, restaurant, and Bed-and-Breakfast accommodations. Aside from Sonya’s Secret Garden mentioned above, Luntiang Republika is a sustainable and eco-friendly farm. This farm offers guided tours, workshops, and other activities to educate visitors about the importance of sustainability and the benefits of organic farming.
Another agri-tourism site that you can visit and take ideas from when you want to create your own agri-tourism complex is Preziosa Farms. Previously known as “Preziosa Botanical Park and Farm Resort,” it is located in Brgy. Sulsugin, Alfonso, Cavite. It has 3 main features in all – The Farm, The Akela Campsite and The Villas.
And, another agri-tourism site located in Brgy. Palumlum is The Coffee Farmhouse. It is a farm that is all about coffee. But, it also has Bed-and-Breakfast accommodations and several recreational facilities where activities like biking, strolling, swimming, basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, billiards, darts, camping, and relaxing on a hammock under coffee trees are available to do in the Farmhouse complex.
The final agri-tourism site that comes to mind is probably one of my favorite due to its proximity to our home in Indang, Cavite. Camp Benjamin is situated in Brgy. Taywanak Ilaya, Alfonso, Cavite. It is an all-inclusive resort with a Hotel and Restaurant, Event Center, Farm, and other indoor and outdoor amenities.
With the 10-year moratorium on building residential housing projects in Alfonso, Cavite, the best investment opportunities here are agri-tourism projects and farm lot development projects. As you can see, Alfonso is an agricultural treasure trove. The municipality is known for its fertile lands suitable for various crops such as coffee, pineapple, and other agricultural products (vegetables and high-value commercial crops).
Plus, the potential for agri-tourism is quite significant. Real properties can be developed for agri-tourism projects, catering to the growing interest in sustainable and experiential lifestyles of Filipino urban dwellers. And there are numerous opportunities in properties that can be good candidates for such projects.
In conclusion, the Municipality of Alfonso presents a mosaic of opportunities and considerations for those involved and interested in real estate. From its history, climate excellence, and a place of culinary distinction to its agricultural richness and agri-tourism potential coupled with the infrastructure development sprouting in and around it, this municipality could be your perfect area of investment in the near or medium term.
If you want to know more about the opportunities for real estate investments in Alfonso, and other parts of the Metro Tagaytay area, feel free to contact us. We would be happy to assist you in determining whether your project is best suited to be located in Alfonso. Hope to hear from you soon.
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Atty. Jojo is a real estate attorney, an estate planning attorney, a licensed real estate broker, and a PRC-accredited Lecturer/ Speaker for Training Programs in Real Estate. He is committed to helping new and veteran real estate service practitioners be well-informed of the latest laws, rules, regulations, and information relevant to the real estate service sector.
