Time Travelling

                Batangas is a province in the Philippines located in the Calabarzon region in the island of Luzon. Its capital is the city of Batangas and is bordered by the provinces of Cavite and Laguna to the north and Quezon to the east. Batangas is often referred to by its ancient name Kumintáng.

Batangas is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Metro Manila. It is home to the well-known Taal Volcano, one of the Decade Volcanoes, and Taal Heritage town, a small picturesque town that has ancestral houses and structures dating back to the 19th century.

Just see how beautiful batangas is!

Batangas is one historical places in the Philippines because during Spanish colonization, batangas is among the first eight Philippine provinces to revolt against Spain and one of the provinces placed under Martial Law by Spanish Governor-General Ramon Blanco on August 30, 1896. This event was given distinction when Marcela Agoncillo, also a native of the province, made the Philippine Flag, which bears a sun with eight rays to represent these eight provinces.

A Must-Visit places in Batangas

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, also in Lipa City. The church is also known for the miraculous shower of petals were Mary Mediatrix of all Grace appeared on top of a vine on September 12, 1948. The vine beside our lady is the original vine.

And Here are some beaches in Batangas worth the TRY!

LAIYA, SAN JUAN

Laiya in San Juan, Batangas.

Laiya is one of the most developed beaches in Batangas. And it’s not hard to see why. Its long and wide stretch of fine sand attracts thousands and thousands of tourists especially during summer. Countless resorts, both high-end and budget, have mushroomed along the coast over the past years, making this a great option for those who want to just relax and be comfortable. Laiya is also a favorite for corporate events.

NASUGBU BEACHES

The beaches of Nasugbu are among the first in the province to undergo major development. There are resorts everywhere, many of which have their own cove: Hamilo Coast and Punta Fuego, to name a few. I believe there are still public beaches, but you would still have to go through private subdivisions to access some of them.

Some of the most popular beaches here include: Tali Beach, Munting Buhangin, Kawayan Cove, Sunset Beach, and Secret Beach.

Where to Stay?

Acuatico Beach Resort in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas

An exclusive escape from the daily grind is only a few hours away at Acuatico Beach Resort in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas, Philippines. Opened in 2008, it is the perfect destination for travelers who seek solace and a different kind of relaxation that no other resort in the area can provide. Then it continues throughout this Batangas beach resort by treating guests to top-notch amenities, facilities, and services. From the infinity pool that seems to meet the sapphire sea, a range of activities for both the young and young-at-heart, to the heartfelt service offered by the staff.

Club Balai Isabel

Right on the shores of the world-famous Taal Lake and across from its volcano is a place where you can relax, connect and be with nature. Club Balai Isabel is an option for an active lifestyle with all the comforts of city living in case you want to forget the stressful life in the urban sace. Club Balai Isabel’s amenities and facilities make it an excellent choice for holidays, corporate events, and special occasions.

Cultural Background

One particular custom in the Batangas culture is the so-called Matanda sa Dugo (lit. older by blood) practice wherein one expresses respect not because of age but because of consanguinity. During the early times, the custom of having very large families were very common. Batangueños are very "regionalistic". When one learns that another in the room is also from Batangas, the two would be together until the end of the event. In workplace settings, a Batangueno may also express preference for another Batangueno as long as the workplace regulations allow.

Every Journey is not complete without….. FOOD!

Notable Foods and delicacies worth the taste in Batangas:

1. Kapeng Barako

Considered as the most popular Batangas product, kapeng barako is a local brew from the Liberica coffee variety. It is prepared using a coffee-maker or by simply pouring hot water unto the beans and straining the mixture using a piece of cloth. Kapeng barako is usually sweetened with brown sugar or honey. Commonly served black, this world-class brew can be used to make espresso-based drinks.

2. Bulalo

Aside from coffee, Batangas is known for its bulalo. Regarded as the signature dish of the province, bulalong Batangas (or bone marrow soup) has beef shank boiled in water with garlic, black pepper, onions, and salt. It also has some vegetables, like cabbage and potatoes.

3. Loming Batangas

Trips in Batangas will never be complete without having a taste of the well-known Batangas lomi. This savory noodle dish has different versions on various places of the province. So better not miss Anilao’s recipe when you visit this part of Batangas.

4. Panutsa

For those who love sweets, this delicacy is a must-buy. Known as the province’s own version of peanut brittle, panutsa is made of caramelized brown sugar and whole peanuts. You can easily purchase this flat disc-shaped snack for it is available in all pasalubong centers and bus terminals in Batangas.

5. Bagoong Balayan

Just like any other bagoong, this Balayan specialty is a saline product achieved by partial fermentation. Made from the best tasting fish in town, most bagoong Balayan are made from dilis (Stolephorus commersonii) or galunggong (Decapterus macrosoma). It is brownish in color and smells funny, but it tastes like cheese. This delicacy is a common sauce for fish and a salt substitute in Balayan Caesar salad dressing and other vegetables.

Just Remember: “Difficult roads lead to beautiful Destinations”

-Matthew Magalong