Biñan

Biñan is mostly recognized as a major economic center of Laguna for its industrial parks, as well as a suburb of Metro Manila. Despite local economic growth, it remains a vast bedroom community. The city is also home to growing mixed-use developments. Biñan is starting to see high-rise developments in the Southwoods Ecocentrum development in barangay San Francisco. Industrial parks are found to the southwest.

History

===Climate===
Biñan has a savanna climate, with long dry seasons and short wet seasons. Heavy rainfall occurs during the monsoon period between June and September

Orientation

Biñan is divided into 24 barangays, and a city center, Poblacion, a barangay by itself. The city is traversed by the National Highway (Route 1) and South Luzon Expressway (E2/AH26), where most developments are concentrated. The interior of most barangays are largely residential, with exceptions on areas occupied by industrial parks and mixed-use developments.

By bus

Buses operated by Jam Transit and Jac Liner operates services to Biñan from Metro Manila. The Southwoods development in barangay San Francisco is regularly served by buses operated by BBL Transport bound for Pacita in nearby San Pedro. Those companies have terminals found near the downtown. Buses to and from Biñan are generally commuter services, so, expect crowding on rush hours.

By car

The South Luzon Expressway provides three exits that lead to Biñan: Southwoods, Carmona, and Greenfield City/LIIP. The National Highway (N1) runs through the east, but it is generally congested, especially in the Olivarez Plaza intersection. Traffic in Biñan is generally chaotic during the day and the evening, so, it is advisable to take the bus than to bring in a car.

By train

Philippine National Railways provide service to Biñan, but they only operate in the evening and early morning. There are two stations: Golden City I and Biñan, with the former being a stopover (halt) with no platform and personnel, and alighting requires you to jump off the train. There are ongoing plans to modernize the existing railway so Biñan will become more accessible by rail for most of the day.

Jeepneys and tricycles are the common modes of transport in the city. The former mostly ply the main thoroughfares, National Highway and General Malvar Street; a handful few enter the old city center. Tricycles serve the other nooks and crannies not served by jeepneys.

Just like its northern neighbor, San Pedro, Biñan has a few destinations worthy of importance, and most areas of the city are residential or industrial zones.

• Alberto Mansion

  address: A. Bonifacio Street, Poblacion
  Historic location of Jose Rizal's first formal schooling. It collapsed in 2012, and is in a state of disrepair. It remains uncertain whether the national government will restore the original house.

• Biñan Old Municipal BuildingThe former location of the local government offices before it moved to a larger complex in barangay Zapote. It houses a museum and archives

• School of Rizal Site and Museum

  address: M. Capinpin Street
  Preserved Spanish-era schoolhouse, where Jose Rizal did his formal education between 1869 and 1871. Declared a National Historical Site, it used to be a private residence, until it was expropriated by the city government and turned into a museum.

• Splash Island

  address: Southwoods Avenue, San Francisco
  Prime water park with long, winding slides and an artificial wave pool. It is frequented by Manila locals, and was once a common filming location for some Filipino movies. Outside food and drinks are not allowed, and you are required to buy them in-park, albeit at extortionate prices. This water park will be closed from August 19 till October 19 in 2019 for planned renovation.

Festivals

• Biñan DayFebruary 2-4 - A three-day festival to commemorate Biñan's cityhood, liberation from the Japanese, and its original founding.

• Puto Latik FestivalHeld every May 15-23 from 2017 (originally every first week of February), it showcases Biñan's local delicacy, Puto Biñan (or Putong Latik)

• Pavillion Mall

  address: National Highway, San Antonio
  Managed by the retail arm of real estate giant, Ayala Corporation, it has fast food and some upmarket chain restaurants, various shops, and a Puregold supermarket.

• Ranchotel

  address: National Highway, Canlalay

• Santa Rosa, a developing industrial and residential city, just south via SLEX