Welcome to Batangas, Philippines

OVERVIEW

Mini-Profile
Capital : Batangas City
Area : 316,580 hec.
Population : 1,658,567
Cities : 2
No. Of Municipalities : 32
Special Interest Areas : Adventure, Natural and Cultural

Batangas is the home of sages and the birthplace of the country's notable nationalist. These historical places are the legacies of the old colonial era.

The province is also widely known as the home of baraco coffee (rich, robust-tasting coffee beans) and dedicate embroidery crafts on locally woven jusi and piña fibers.

Nature has endowed Batangas with natural resources and picturesque sceneries. Coconut, orchids and mango trees lie alongside smooth sand beaches and their submarine gardens. Just a few kilometers from the shore will bring you to diverse dive sites - from the ones fit for novices (relatively shallow, constant water current), up to those which can pose a big challenge to experts. Without question, the most popular attraction is the Taal Volcano and Lake.

Batangas used to lie along the route of the Spanish Galleon Trade from Mexico to Manila. The recent discovery of the San Diego Galleon in Nasugbu, Batangas yielded precious artifacts, including Ming dynasty jars which were exhibited in Paris, France during this decade. The San Diego is considered one of the foremost archeological finds of the 90's.

Batangas is the characterized by elevations such as Mt. Makulot where the trainee pilots of the Philippine Air Force Flying School in Lipa City practice their maneuvers. The blue waters of Anilao Beach can prove alluring to swimmers. The well-preserved town of Taal boasts of its old churches, handicrafts, and historical landmarks. Batangas is the home of one of the country's national heroes, Apolinario Mabini who is known as the "Sublime Paralytic".

The proximity of Batangas to Manila and the good quality of most of the main roads make the province very accessible thereby fueling the local tourism industry and the provincial economy.

Batangas' pre-eminence in the area of eco-industrial growth cannot be disputed. It ranks as one of the country's richest provinces for being the producer of high grade coffee varieties among the other agriculture products, which won world acclaim in the past.

There are more possibilities to unravel about Batangas which investments can nurture, with eco-tourism and the controlled use of natural resources as strategies for socio-economic development. To date, the intensified development of Batangas Port as an alternative port to Metro Manila augurs well for the province.

A. Brief History

Founded in 1581, Batangas used to be a bigger province composed of the present Batangas, Mindoro, Marinduque, and the southeastern portion of Laguna. It used to be called Balayan, with this town as the capital. In the beginning of the 17th century, Marinduque and the Mindoro were made into separate provinces. In 1732, the capital was transferred to Taal. Finally, in 1754, the capital was transferred to Batangas and the province was thereafter named after the new capital town.

B. Geography

The province of Batangas is bounded on the north by the provinces of Cavite and Laguna, on the south by the Verde Island Passage, on the east by the provinces of Quezon and Laguna, and on the west by the South China Sea. It has a land area of 316,580 hectares. The terrain is generally rolling. 50% of the total land area has grade of less than 15 degrees. The rest are mountainous and hilly.

C. Political Subdivision

Batangas has two cities: Batangas City, the provincial capital, and the Lipa City. It has 32 municipalities with 1,080 barangays. The province is further divided into four political districts, each having a representative in Congress.

Municipalities of Batangas

Agoncillo Ibaan Sta. Teresita Nasugbu - Alitagtag Laurel Sto. Tomas Padre Garcia -
Balayan Lemery Taal Rosario - Balete` Lian Talisay San Jose - Bauan Lobo Tanauan San Juan - Calaca Mabini Taysan San Luis - Calatagan Malvar Tingloy San Nicolas -
Cuenca Matas na Kahoy Tuy San Pascual

D. Climate

Batangas has a natural cool climate. It experiences two types of seasons: dry from November to April and wet for the rest of the year. Mean annual rainful is at maximum during July at 1.5 to 2.5 meters. March is the driest month. Mean monthly temperature is 82 degrees Fahrenheit. February is the coldest month averaging 69 degrees Fahrenheit while May is the hottest at 96.1 degrees Fahrenheit.

E. Population

The population of the province totals 1,658,567 as of 1995 with a density of 524 persons per square kilometer and an average growth rate of 2.20 percent annually. The labor force totals 1,029,000 ninety percent of which are employed. Batagueños are known for being adventurous, business-minded industrious, friendly and hospitable.

F. Language / Dialect

Batangueños are bilingual, with Tagalog and English as the basic languages used in business, government, schools and everyday communication.

G. How to get there?

The province of Batangas is 110 kilometers south of Manila. It is accessible by land transportation from Manila. Commercial buses of BLTB, JAM, Tritan, Batangas Express Liner,Triffman Liner, Biñan Transportation, ALPS and CJC Transit serve the riding public.

Batangas is accessible from neighboring provinces such as Cavite, Laguna and Quezon by land via public buses and jeepneys. Ferryboats and other watercrafts connect the province to Mindoro and other nearby islands. Most of the destinations in the province are accessible by public buses stationed on E. Delos Santos Avenues (EDSA), Pasay City and are about 1 1/2 hours ride away from Manila.

H. Getting around the place

One can ride jeepneys to move one town to another and tricycles are a major means of transport in getting around towns and barangays. Jeepneys and tricycles can be rented to reach specific tourist destinations and bancas when going resort - or island-hopping.

I. Infrastructure and Public Utilities

* Road Network
The ongoing construction of the 42 kilometer South Luzon Expressway Extension connecting Metro Manila and Batangas City is envisioned to enhance the traffic flow and drastically shorten travel time to and from Manila.

* Power
Power is currently sourced from the Luzon grid and distributed through electric cooperatives. The 300 MW Calaca II coal-fired thermal power plant is being constructed and the proposed 400 MW diesel fueled power plant project in Sta. Rita is expected to further enchance the existing power supply.

* Water
In general, household water is supplied by Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA). In some areas, pumps are used to obtain portable water.

* Port
Batangas is blessed with deep harbors such as Batangas Bay, site of the Batangas International Port, the second largest port in the country after the Port of Manila and the gateway port to Palawan, the island of Mindoro, Marinduque and the Visayas.

* Special Economic Zones
The province offers excellent location advantage which accounts for the growing number of economic-zones such as the Batangas Regional Agro Industrial Center Batangas City Industrial Estate; Batangas Provincial Industrial Estate; Provincial Agro-Industrial Parks and Provincial Mini-Industrial Estates. For more information, one can communicate with the Department of Trade & Industry, NACIDA Building, Old City Hall Compound, B. Morada Avenue, Lipa City, Telephone No. 56-2330; 56-1336; FAX (63-43) 56-1336; Provincial Planning and Development Office; Provincial Capitol, Batangas City; Telephone No. and FAX 725-2786.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

A. Historical

Gen. Malvar Museum and Library (National Land Mark)
It serves as memorial to the last Filipino general who surrendered to the American forces. The place, which was donated by the family of the late general houses some of his memorabilia and collection of oil paintings.

Location : Gov. Malvar St., Sto. Tomas (near the municipal Hall)
How to get there : The Museum is easily accessible by car from Manila due to its proximately one hour from Manila.

Mabini Shrine
The Shrine houses the remains and personal belongings of the late revolutionary hero and "Brains of the Katipunan," Apolinario Mabini. Mabini is known as the "Sublime Paralytic" who, despite his physical handicap, fired nationalism in the Filipinos and urged them to unite, with the sheer power of his writings. He wrote fiery articles against Spanish atrocities in revolutionary papers. His wrtings and memorabilia are kept here. His tomb lies at the middle of the site where a replica of the house where he was born also stands.

Location : Barrio Talaga, Tanauan
How to get there : Located about seven kilometers from the town proper of Tanauan and can be reached in an hour and 15 minutes' drive from Manila. Upon reaching the market area, one can turn to A. Mabini avenue laeding to Barangay Talaga. The Shrine is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except during holidays. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
Travel Time : Approximately 15 minutes from the town proper.

Casa de Segunda Katigbak
The ancestral home of prominent Batangas family, the Casa is a typical "Bahay na Bato". It is Spanish Colonial yet tropical in ambiance. It was named after Segunda Katigbak, reputed to be the first love of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippines' national hero. Casa segunda is declared by the National Historical Commission as a heritage house for having harbored generations of artists, poets and persons of learning and distinction.

Location : 198 Calle Rizal, Lipa City

Jose P. Laurel Memorial Library
The personal property of the family of the late President Jose P. Laurel, it was donated to the Philippine Government as a historical site and public library. The library is open everyday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location : A. Mabini Ave., Tanauan
How to get there : The place is located in the town proper and can be reached by land. Upon reaching the town , turn to A. Mabini Road. The library is about 100 meters from the national road, jeepneys and tricycles service the area.
Travel time : About 15 to 20 minutes' drive from the town proper.

Marcela N. Agoncillo Historical Landmark (National Landmark)
The birthplace of Marcela N. Agoncillo who was known as the marker of the first official Filipino Flag during the Philippine revolution against the Spanish authorities. The different flags of the revolution are also prominently displayed.

Location : Marcela Agoncillo St., Taal
How to get there : One can take a bus or rented car from Manila to the town of Taal. Once at the town proper, one may take a tricycle to reach the place.
Travel time : About 1 1/2 hours by car from Manila.

Punta de Santiago Lighthouse
Built in 1890, it is one of the earliest lighthouses that still function up to this date. Since it was constructed, no running ship has ever ran aground.

Location : Calatagan
How to get there : The lighthouse can be reached by taking a jeepney from the town proper of Catalagan.
Travel time : 40 minutes through semi-rough road.

B. Cultural

Msgr. Clemente G.Yatco Museum
The museum was built in memory of the late parish priest who started to work for the creation of the museum. It is found within the compound of the basilica located at the city proper.

Location : Basilica Site, Batangas City
How to get there : Buses coming from Manila bound to Batangas City pass near the church. Within the province, the basilica site is also accessible by public utility jeepneys plying the Batangas City route.
Travel time : 2 1/2 hours' drive from Manila.

Ilagan Ancestral House
Buse from Manila bound for Lemery pass by the house. The place can be reached also by taking jeepneys and tricycles which service the town. Visiting the place is only made available by appointtment.

Location : Marcela Agoncillo St., Taal
How to get there : One can take a bus or rented car from Manila to the town of Taal. Once at the town proper, one may take a tricycle to reach the place.
Travel time : About 1 1/2 hours by car from Manila.

Taal Heritage Village
Taal reigns as one of the most culturally preserved sites of the Spanish colonial era. The other is Vigan in Ilocos Sur. The village conforms to the old town layout combining municipal hall-school-church and houses. The consists of the following tourist attractions:

Leon Apacible Historical Landmark (Natural Landmark)
The ancestral house of Leon Apacible with the family collection of relics and memorabilia.

Location : Marcela Agoncillo St., Taal
How to get there : The museum is just walking distance from the town proper. A visitor can walk through the streets of Taal and enjoy the old Spnish ambiance because the area has not changed much since the colonial times.
Travel time : 2 1/2 hours' drive from Manila.

Marcela Mariño Agoncillo Museum and Monument
This ancestral house belonging to Marcela Agoncillo, the distinguished Taaleña matron who helped sew the first Philippine flag is now a public viewing place.

Basilica of San Martin de Tours (Taal Basilica)
San Martin de tours is the Patron Saint of Taal in whose honor a feast is celebrated every November 11. The church was first built by Father Diego Espina in 1575 in San Nicolas. It was destroyed when the volcano erupted in 1754. It was rebuilt at the present site in 1755, but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1849. Construction of the present church was started in 1856 which was supervised by an architect, Lucina Oliver. It was once noted tobe the biggest church in the whole of East Asia.

The church is unique in the sense that it combines patriotic, religious and artistic influences. Writers point to its "theatrical exuberance". Its facade is Baroque and consists of a single mass of stone shaped into rich and complex designs. The church, however is a fusion of styles with arched openings, alternating segmental canopies and arches of asymmetric shapes.

Location : Taal
How to get there : From Manila, the place is accessible by car via the National Road. Buses from Manila bound for Lemery pass by the church.
Travel time : 2 1/2 hours' drive from Manila.

Escuela Pia
This centuries - old Spanish edifice used to be an educational institution in hispanic times. It is now an imposing architectural legacy left standing in the plaza compound.

Church of Our Lady of Caysasay
This church is one of the province's distinct cultural artifacts for housing some of the priceless relicts of the Spanish colonial perod. Among these relicts are: the 27-centimeter image of the Virgin which was fished out of the waters in 1603, the Augustinian emblems engraved in the communion rails, the ornately carved holy water receptacle, and the few remaining Baroque motifs which remains on the external frieze. The church has been renovated, but many interesting details of period art can still be appreciated. The original church-sanctuary also connects to an orphanage.

Location : Taal
How to get there : From Manila, the place is accessible by car via the National Road. Buses from Manila bound for Lemery pass b the church.
Travel time : About 2 1/2 hours from Manila.

C. Natural

Gerthel Beach
Gerthel Beach which is located in the town of Lobo is one of the finest beaches of the area. The approximately one kilometer stretch of white sand beach has a gradually sloping ocean floor of up to about two hundred meters before the drop-off.

Location : Lobo
How to get there : The beach can be reached by taking a jeepney towards Lobo. Several tricycles can also be hired upon reaching the town proper. The distance from Batangas City to Lobo is about 37 kilometers.
Travel time : 2 1/2 hours from Manila.

Submarine Garden
The garden consists of living corals near the shore of one of the beaches of Lobo. It can be clearly seen during the early mornings when the water is clear and the tide is low.

Location : Lobo
How to get there : To reach the spot, a banca may be hired either in Batangas City or in Lobo town.
Travel time : Approximately 45 minutes by boat.

Mahabang Buhangin Beach
Located in the town of San Juan, the area has white sand and a living colony of corals.

Location : Laiya, San Juan
How to get there : San Juan town is about 45 kilometers from Batangas City. A bus company (Supreme Bus Co.) offers services from Batangas City to San Juan. Another alternative is via the town of Candelaria in Quezon Province. Upon reaching the town of Candelaria in Quezon Province. Upon reaching the town proper of San Juan, several jeepneys travel to Laiya but only up to a certain point, after which, one has to walk a kilometer before reaching the beach. The strecth of the road from the town to Laiya is 19 kilometers of very rough roads.

Travel time : 2 1/2 hours from Batangas City via the towns of Ibaan and Rosario.

Hugon Beach
The white sands of Hugon Beach is one kilometer long. Some parts of the sea floor have smooth rocks but most are sandy. There is a sudden drop-off about ten meters from the beach. The waters of the beach are also good for snorkelinh.

Location : Barangay Hugon, San Juan
How to get there : Barangay Hugon is about 24 kilometers from the town proper of San Juan. The roads are very rough and can only be reached by high axled vehicles. An alternative is by motor boat from Batangas City.
Travel time : The boat ride takes about 3-5 hours depending on the type of the engine of the boat.

Tingga Falls
The falls is about 30 feet high with a pool made into a swimming area at its base. It is semi-developed with concrete steps built for access.

Location : Daang Ibaan, Batangas City
How to get there : Tingga Falls is accessible by private vehicles from the city proper.
Travel time : About 15 minutes' drive from the city proper.

Munting Buhangin Beach
This small cove has become a favorite haunt with locals and tourists, and offers water enthusiasts with a fine stretch of powerdy white sand beach fringed with foamy blue waters.

Location : Nasugbu
How to get there : Take a banca ride from the coastal barangay of Wawa in the town of Nasugbu. An alternative is a short drive through at the private road in the town proper.
Travel time : The beach can be reached in 10 minutes by car.

Natipuan Beach
Natipuan Beach bears a resemblance to Munting Buhangin, with off-shore sands and refreshing waters. It is located in another cove which is similarly accessible.

Location : Nasugbu
How to get there : Nasugbu can be reached from Manila Via BLTB and Batangas-bound buses. Get off at Nasugbu Port for a brief ride to the point.
Travel time : About 12 minutes by boat from the prier of Nasugbu.

Taal Lake and Volcano
Taal Lake and Volcano in Batangas is Southern Luzon's centerpiece attraction The gateway for most visitors is through Tagaytay CIty from the ridge of which can be seen a panoramic view of volcano island. The volcano is known to be the smallest in the world. Surrounded by a lake, the volcano is situated on an 8.8 kilometer islet, lapped by the 27-kilometer long lake. Both the lake and the volcano are situated on the crater of an extinct volcano. The volcano island is also ideal for trekking.

Location : Taal
How to get there : It is accessible by boat from at least seven lakeshore towns surrounding the lake. Several buses servicing the province can lead to any town encircling the lake. The preferred towns where there are support facilities like accomodation and bancas for hire are Talisay, Agoncillo, Laurel, Balete, and San Nicolas.
Travel time : Approximately 2-3 hours from Metro Manila.

Mabuhay Beach
It is a two-kilometer long white sand beach situated in the town of Lian facing the China Sea. The are is deal for water sports, such as swimming, boating, yachting, fishing, and skin diving. Dotting the shoreline are several summer cottages.

Location : Matabungkay, Lian
How to get there : From Manila, the place can reached by car through Tagaytay City.
Travel time : About 2 to 3 hours' drive passing Tagaytay City.

Mt. Maculot
One of the highest and prominent mountains in the province, Mt. Maculot is one of the favorite sites of mountain trekker. It is said that the mountain was the last stronghold of the Japanese in the province before they were defeated. Several tunnels built by the Japanese soldiers are present in the area. The name "Maculot" (meaning "kinky") derived inspiration from the curly-haired aborigines of the place.

Location : Cuenca
How to get there : Buses bound for the town of by taking tricycles from the town proper.
Travel time : By car, Cuenca is about 1 1/2 hours away from Manila.

Calicon Falls
The attraction consists of two major falls and two smaller ones. One of the bigger falls is about 10 feet high with a great volume of clear gushing down to a shallow pool. The other one (also about 10 feet high) resembles a bridal gown. One of the two smaller falls is shower-like, while the other one forms a series of small caswcade. All the falls are located in an area of about 300 square meters.

Location : Barangay Calijon, Malavar
How to get there : The spot is accessible from Manila by buses bound for Batangas City or Lemery Pass by Malvar town. Although jeepneys service Barangay Calijon from the town proper, it is better to ride a private vehicle. Also, most parts of the about five-kilometers strech of road is rough. Upon reaching the area, a series of concrete steps (300 steps) will have to be taken.

Mainit Hot Spring
Mainit Hot Spring offers therapeutic waters and a refreshing dip for bathers. The spot is ideally located at the foot of a huge mountain with thick vegetation.
Location : Barangay Pulang Bato, San Juan
How to get there : Mainit hot spring is about 15 kilometers of very rough road from the town proper. It can
be reached by private vehicles with high axles.
Travel time : About 10 kilometers south of San Juan town.

Mahabang Buhangin
Locate on the island of Isla Verde, Mahabang Buhangin has an extensive of shoreline with a vast ribbon of fine white sand.

Location : Isla Verde
How to get there : Mahabang Buhangin is accessible by boat from the port of Batangas City. It is only calm and most accessible during the months of March to September when the wind is not flowing from the east. The months of October to February bring strong winds from the east which make the s ea very rough.
Travel time : Travel takes about i hour.

Tinalunan
This is a spot where wind-tossed waves surge and slam against the rocky cliff supporting a long plateau. From atop the plateu, one can catch a breath taking view of the seascape especially when the weather is calm.

Location : Isla Verde

Cueva Sitio
The site is an ideal place for picnics. Its main attraction is rock shelter that has always provided cool shade for visitors.

Location : Isla Verde

Ilijan Falls
Ilijan is a unique waterfalss with water coming from a big spring at the top of a mountain gracefully flowing from one bowl to another. It has seven huge stone bowls carved naturally out of the mountainsides and beatifully arranged like a fl flight of stairs.

Location : Barangay Ilijan, Batangas City
How to get there : It is best to travel by boat from Batangas City port to reach the place.
Travel time : The trip takes about an hour. Upon arrival at the beach of Ilijan, a three- kilometer hike will have to be taken.

Sepok Point
Located on the south western part of Maricaban Island, Sepok Point has white sand and shores typical cove. A good place for swimming and snorkeling

Location : Maricaban/Tingloy Island
How to get there : Bancas which can be hired for the travel to this Island are found in Batangas City.
Travel time : 30 minutes' boat ride.

Bulalacao Falls
The area has about three small falls enclosed in a canyon, the highest of which is about 10 feet hugh with water coming out of the mouth of a small cave.

Location : Bulaklakan, Lipa City
How to get there : To reach the spot, from the main highway and coming from Manila, turn right (which leads to the town of Cuenca) at the junction in Lipa City After about 500 meters, turn right again to the road which leads to Barangay Bulaklakan.
Travel time : The distance covers two kilometers of rough road plus another kilometer from Barangay Bulaklakan.

D. Religious

Church of San Juan
This church was built by the Augustinian friars around 1788. It has single-aisled interior which offers an unobstructed view of the large main altar. The altar is
is massive, with six rounded columns encircling the image of St. Joseph. Outside a multi-tierred bellfry stands which was built in the later 19th century; a bridge offers passage to the church over the Malaquing Tubig River.

Location : San Jose, Batangas City

Tanauan Church
This church was built in 1881 along the Romanesque lines of churches in Europe, but local builders have incorporated neo-classic lines especially along the external sides of the church. Rounded arches tapering down to the strong pillars harmonize with uncluttered lines of the central ceilings. The church is remarkable
for its wide open central nave and circular niches.

Location : Tanauan, Batangas
How to get there : From Manila, take BLTB or Batangas City bound buses and alight at Tanauan, then take a tricycle to the church.
Travel time : 1 1/2 to 2 hours' drive from Manila.

Church of the Guillermo of Talisay
The construction of the church was begun by Spanish friars in 1892 but it suffered a heavy damage in 1898. Restorations have enabled the structure to be functional until today.

Location : Talisay

Church of Imaculate Concepcion of Bauan
Church of the Imaculate Concepcion of Bauan was first constructed in 1700. It was built around neo-classical lines and its walls are broken by Gothic lancet
windows. The altar has tri-centered arch with the niche containing the statue of the Virgin. The facade of the church features both geometric and circular forms. It has a bell tower which is hexagonal, and rests in a base decorated with coupled colums, topped by a campanile. The church is arcade with capiz shell windows on the upper level.

Location : Bauan
How to get there : From Manila, take Batangas-bound for Bauan or Lemery.
Travel tiime : 1 1/2 to 2 drive hours' from Manila.

Church of Our Lady of Caysasay
This church is one of the province's distinct cultural artifacts, for housing some of the priceless relics of the Spanish colonial period. Among these is the 27- centimeter image of the Virgin which was finished out of the waters in 1603, the Augustinian emblems engraved in the communion rails, the ornately carved holy water receptacle, and the few reamaining Baroque motifs which remain on the extenal friege. The church has been renovated,but many interesting details of period art can still be appreciated. The original church-sanctuary also connects to an orphanage.

Location : Taal
How to get there : Take Manila buses or hired car bound for Taal, Batangas. From the Taal basilica one can hire a tricycle towards the site. An alternative is form the San Lorenzo Ruiz arch and steps, popularly known as "hagdan hagdan", a 125-step staircase leading from the town proper t to the sanctuary.
Travel time : Approximately 2 1/2 hours from Manila.

Carmelite Convent of Lipa
This convent of the contemplative order of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel was the site of a mysterious "Shower of Petals" to a visionary nun afetr World War II.

Location : Lipa City
How to get there : The place is accessible by car from Manila.
Travel time : 1 1/2 hours' drive from Manila.

Lipa Cathedral
Built in the Romanesque tradition with circular dome, massive walls and balconies the cathedral is the center of Sunday workship in the historic town of Lipa,
Batangas. Lipa Cathedral was originally built to honor St. Sebastian. Its first
grand transept was completed in 1865 but after the war, it underwent massive reconstruction. This beautiful church has an architecture which used columns and arches in an ascending and descending order, creating the effect of a shadow
and-light play. The domes of the church and bell tower have intricate moldings and arched stained-glass windows. The nave or body of the church is barrel- vaulted and now illuminated by modern chandeliers. The church also features a winding stairway to the choir loft.

Location : Lipa City
How to get there : Take a bus from Manila for Batangas City Travel time : 1 1/2 hours' from Manila

San Jose Church
This church was built by the Augustinian friar Fr. Manuel Blanco in 1812. It has a large one-aisle interior and is remarkable for its restored main altar, geometrical
decorations and flowery capitals on the columns. The church is a paragon of Baroque architecture in the Philippines, and combines this with the neo-classical
lines of an adjacent convent. The pulpit and canopy is study in intricate carvings of local flora.

Location : San Jose Batangas

E. Festival

Parada ng mga Lechon
A celebration the coincides with the feast of St. John the Baptist is being observed by the townfolks of Balayan town. It is called "Parada ng mga Lechon" (Roast Pig) and is celebrated every June 24 at Balayan town. Lechons coming from each barangay of the town are paraded and capped with a grand viewing of the Lechons at the plaza. After the parade, the townspeople and guests partake in the fete. The roasted pigs are dressed in accordance with the theme for the fiesta, while the townspeople engage in water-dousing.

Location : Balayan Town
How to get there : Bus companies travel direct to the town from M Manila terminals.
Travel time : About 3 hours and 45 minutes' drive from Manila

Subli-an sa Batangas
Held every July 23 is the Subli-an sa Batangas. The festival, originally started as a religious devotion to the Holy Cross, which later developed into a dance form calledthe Subli, a dance indigenous to Batangas. Subli is danced to the accompaniment of a song in four voices:the first voice is sung by the performer, t the second voice extolls the Holy Cross of Bauan and narrates the history of Batangas, the third voice is the "Subli" proper which combines poetry, dance and music, while the fourth voice features the observer in his search for the lost self.

The Subli is therefore an art form the culls the insights of the townsfolk and congeals this into the musical structure so designed that it is regarded as a "lesson in grace." The Subli tradition, however, has lately expanded into a festival featuring street dancing and involving the town of bauan and Batangas City, and
was lately held to coincide with the province's Foundation Day.

Location : Batangas City
How to get there : Take BLTB or any Batangas-bound bus from Manila.
Travel time : Approximately 2 1/2 hours from Manila.

Tapusan Festival
Tapusan honors the Holy Cross. It is a whole day activity which starts at about
7:00 a.m. on the first day of May. Floral offerings are laid down during the afternoon ceremonies before an old cross in the town church. The observance peaks on the 31st of May with a colorful procession. The cross is mounted on a gaily decorated float together with other floats with flowers carrying other Marian images. All the floats are radiantly and are drawn along the principal streets of the town by the participants.

Locations : Alitagtag Town

F. Special Interest

Diving

Ligpo Island
Corals of different types and huge gorgonians in the area. The locations is on the west side of the island.

Cathedral
Approximately 75 feet south of the Dive 7000 Resort area and about 450 feet, lies a giant rock formation that looks like an underwater amphitheater. Originally virtually barren, the cathedral has been seeded with coral from other sites. Throngs of eager fish around visiting divers waiting to be fed.

Caban Cove
This dive site is fairly sheltered. There are exotic coral formations, plenty of small tropical fish and an interesting small drop-off that goes down in graduated "steps." This is a good choice for shallow dives.

Layag-Layag Point
There are coral heads teeming with life and the water is usually crystal clear. There are also enough things to see to keep snorkelers interested.

Sombrero Island
The island's external shape resembles the shape of a hat. However, underwater, its profile makes its name "sombrero" even more appropriate In certain areas, diving is fairly shallows on the rim down to about 50 feet

Sepok
The rim of the drop-off southwest of Sepok Point is a very good dive site with many varieties of marine life.

Batalan
This area breaks the surface and then drops down to about 80 feet. This is a marvelous area for both wide-angle and macro-photography because of the abundant and varied coral formations and fish life.

Merriel's Rock
There are types of coral numerous enough to fascinate even a marine biologist.

Papaya Point
There is a drop-off topped by a wide variety of coral and inhabited by plenty of small reef fish.

Verde Island
The two most popular dive sites here are the Drop-off (0-300 feet) and the Spanish galleon which ran aground in 1620.

Maricaban / Tingloy
The island contains a cave at 125 feet, accessed by a tunnel, which makes for a challenging adventure.

Malahibong Manok Island
This dive site is 50-70 with a flat bottom and moderate to severe current. The major attraction is a hoyt spring in a haloow bed measuring 60-70 ft in depth. A round this area are excellent coral formations.

Golf

Evercrest Banyan Tree Resort
Designed using indigenous materials, this golf club and resort features a deluxe hotel lavished with world-calss amenities including stylish shops and fine restaurants.

Punta Baluarte, Calatagan
A nature resort set on the rolling hills of Hacienda Bigaa, Punta Baluarte offers first-rate accomodations, world-calss golf course and facilities.

Calatagan Golf Club
Lauded as one of the best international championship courses in Southeast Asia, this golf club holds another unique distinction: it is located in an arboretum where over 3,000 trees of local and foreign tree species are planted.

Mountain Climbing / Volcano Trekking

Mt. Maculot
One of the highest mountains in Batangas, Mt. Maculot has always been a favorie among mountaineers and trekkers alike. The name of the place was derived from the people with kinky hair who lived in the mountains.

Taal Volcano
The lowest volcano in the world is surrounded by a lake. It is accessible by boat from at least seven towns surrounding tha lake. Tour agencies as well as some Tagaytay rresorts offer tour packages to the lake. Jump off point is Agoncillo, Batangas.

Shopping
Department stores in the heart of the Batangas City offer a myriad of goods ranging from kitchen ware and household appliances to fruits and handicrafts. The shops that litter the province showcase the artistry of Batangueños. In Taal town, the Barong Tagalog (local embroidered dress shirts for men made from jusi and piña or pineapple fibers) features intricate cutwork and crochet insertions. Balisong (Philippine Hand-made fan-knife) as well as rattan, bamboo and wood crafts are also excellent buys.

Night life
In Lipa and Batangas City, business establishment open after sundown offering an array of activities to include dining, ballroom dancing, live shows, piano bar and karaoke singing and other forms of after-dinner entertainment.

Aquasports
The many Barradas Air Strip is the official jump-off point of the Parachutist
Association of the Philippines. The air field features a parachuting field
measuring a length of 1,800 feet, width of 45 meters, a field elevation of 300 feet, and heading of 105 degrees to 23 degrees. Facilities include: 11 Single Engine Airplanes, 4 Crop Sprayers, 2 flying schools, and 5 charter planes. Airplane types include 6 Cessna 206, 2 Beechcraft Sundowners, and 3 Pipers.

Location : Barrio Santolan, Tanauan
How to get there : From the town proper, take a turn to A. Mabini road that leads to the town of Talisay. The distance is about three to four kilometers before reaching the rail road (about 200 meters) that leads to the site.

Travel time : Approximately 1 1/2 hours from Manila by car.

G. Museum

* Apolinario Shrine * Marcela Agoncillo Historical
Talaga, Tanauan, Batangas Landmark, Taal, Batanags

* Miguel Malvar Hospital * Leon Apacible Historical
Landmark Landmark, Sto. Tomas, Batangas Taal, Batanags

* Museo ng Batangas at Aklatang
Panlalawigan * Dr. Jose P. Laurel Library, Batangas City Tanauan, Batangas

Tourist Information and Assistance

* Batangas Tourism Office
Batangas Museum and Provincial Library Bldg.,
Batangas City 4200, Tel. No.: (63-43) 723-0130

* Office of the Governor
2nd Floor, Provincial Capitol Bldg., Batangas City 4200
Tel. No.: (63-43) 723-1905, Fax (63-43) 723-1338

Communication Services

The Philippine long distance Telephone Company connects Batangas to the rest of the country. New digital exchanges and more remote subscriber units are consistently in the rise. Public calling offices can be found in most areas. There are several telegraph operators in the province. All major national and local newspaper are widely-available. Local and foreign television broadcasts are aired or transmitted through satelite and cable networks.

Security Services

The headquarters Batangas Provincial Police Office provide peace and security services with the support of the provincial, city and municipal administration. Police stations and checkpoints network by radio are spread in strategic locations in all municipalities and cities of Batangas. Emergency police station number (043) 725-3008.  

AVL-Country-Sight-Travel, Inc
Contact : VIOLY, RITA
Tel. (632) 372-4865, 371-1492, 371-1493