Located  37.28 miles south of Manila, Taal Lake  is considered as the  deepest lake in the Philippines, with a depth of 564 feet. It also cradles one of the world’s smallest and most active volcanoes, yet stunningly beautiful- Taal Volcano. This attraction was included in  Patricia Schultz best selling travel book, 1,000 places to visit before you die, where it was listed in the 593rd spot.

It also serves as home to endemic species such as the maliputo and the tawilis fish.

Technorati Tags: Taal Volcano, 12 most beautiful lakes in the world, 1, 000 places to visit before you die, Taal Lake, Batangas, featured

The crispy tawilis

Aside from the beautiful attractions, Batangas offers a wide range of  gastronomic delights that are being showcased in town/barrio fiestas and other special festivities. Certain delicacies such as: panutsa, kapeng barako, sinaing na tulingan, lomi, and pritong tawilis became synonymous or associated with the name of the province.

Let’s discover some of these famous specialties.

1. Tawilis - is a freshwater fish that can only be found in Taal Lake. It only grows in a maximum size of 15 centimeters.  There are several ways of preparing this tasty fish but the most common way is by  frying. The fried  tawilis is usually dipped into vinegar eaten from head down to its  tail. It is best served with rice , sliced tomatoes with onions and unriped mangoes plunged into Bagoong Balayan.

2. Tapa (jerked pork)- is truly the pride of Taal. It has been one of  the popular choices of Filipino breakfast which later became known as TAPSILOG – the Filipino slang for Tapa, Sinangag (fried rice) and itlog (egg). The basic recipe for this enormous delicacy is composed of  pork leg  soaked  into marinated sauce –  kalamansi (a small citrus fruit), soy sauce, garlic, black pepper and other mysterious seasonings.

Loming Lipa

3. Lomi - is a Chinese-Filipino noodle dish made with a thick variety of fresh egg noodles, sautéed with small pieces of pork or chicken meat, liver and select vegetables, added with tasty broth, thickened by cassava flour and beaten eggs and then topped with Kikiam or meatballs.  The best and original lomi can only be found in Lipa City.

4. Maliputo- just like the tawilis, it also lives in the waters of Taal Lake. A rare fish, it has a very smooth flesh and milky taste. It is prepared with unripe tamarind and assorted vegetables then cooked by slow fire heat.

5. Sinaing na Tulingan –  it is a native Batangueño dish in which the fish is seasoned with dried kamias and salt. It is cooked in an earthenware pot  for at least  four hours. Once cooked the fish would not easily spoil and can last for days without refrigeration.

Goto

6. Nilupak – this  favorite merienda is made of yucca root or cassava (locally known as kamoteng kahoy) or  sometimes sweet potato (kamote), at other times saba. When the main ingredient is mashed and already smooth, it is now blended with sugar or sometimes milk. The finished product is spread with butter or margarine and served with a banana leaf.

7.  Bulalo - or  beef-bone marrow soup is a comfort to every Batangueño during the rainy season. The main ingredients of this bulalo are the beef shanks, bone marrow, and select vegetables such as cabbage, potato, string beans, pechay, and corn. It is best complemented by the marrow (locally called utak) that is removed out of the bone.

8.  Goto – Among the other delicacies mentioned, Goto is a bit exotic. It is somehow similar with bulalo however it is a soup with either innards of beef or plain meat. Gotohan sa Barangay in Lipa City only offers this unique treat.

Famous Batangueno food delights

9. Panutsa - is Batangas’ version of peanut brittle – made of caramelized brown sugar and whole peanuts. Taal is known for making this simple yet very pleasing snack. This flat disc-shaped snack has been a long time sweet treat favorite among Filipinos. And this bond between the nuts and the sugar even reached the farthest places in the country.

10. Empanada- The empanada in Taal, as opposed to the traditional one filled with ground pork, is stuffed with vermicelli (upo) and sotanghon.

Technorati Tags: batangas food, emapanada, maliputo, bulalo, goto, lomi, tawilis, panutsa, nilupak, tapa, batangas delicacies, featured

Summer never stops with Cebu Pacific, the leading Philippine budget carrier, as it tries to extend summer adventure despite the rainy weather with its “the Beach is yet to come!” promo. Travel period must be from  August 1 – September 30, 2011.

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS:

Manila – Naga: P 488

Manila – Boracay (Caticlan),  Busuanga (Coron), Dumaguete, Laoag, Puerto Princesa or Tagbilaran: P688

Cebu – Boracay (Caticlan), Puerto Princesa or Siargao: P688

Another promo of Cebu Pacific is its Taekwon-go – a seat sale promo going to Korea and other destinations! with sale period from July 1, 2011 or until seats last.

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS:

Manila – Cagayan de Oro, Ozamis, Pagadian, or Surigao: P 888  (Travel Period: Aug. 1 – Sep. 30, 2011)

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS:

Manila – Kota Kinabalu: P 499  (Travel Period: Aug 1 – December 31, 2011)

Manila or Cebu – Busan or Incheon: P 2,099 (Travel Period: Sep. 1 – Nov. 30, 2011)

For more details: visit cebupacificair.com and Cebu Pacific Air official Facebook page.

Technorati Tags: cheap airfares, airline promo, cebupacific promo, philippine beach destinations, cheap korea airfare, kota kinabalu airfare

Faro de Punta de Santiago

Calatagan, a  first class municpality in Batangas, is located 125 kilometers southeast of Manila. It has a land area of approximately 10,548 hectares and is divided into 25 component barangays. Efforts are now in progress to develop the town’s potential as a tourist destination.

The town boasts of its pristine beaches, rustic charm, and rural appeal.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Before the colonial years, Calatagan was considered as an active trading port .  As a matter of fact, the  American archaeologist, Dr. Robert Fox had proven the town’s prominence  when in 1958-1961, he unearthed a wealth of artifacts and relics such as: 14th and 15th century ceramics, including glass bracelets, bowls, and vessels from the Ming Dynasty (China), Celadon and Sawankhalok vessels (Thailand and Indo-China), as well as Annamese vessels (Vietnam).  Another important artifact was an earthenware burial jar with ancient Philippine script called Baybayin.

Santo Domingo de Silos Parish

During the Spanish conquest, the town was known as Hacienda de Calatagan and was owned by Don Pedro Roxas y de Castro and Doña Carmen de Ayala y Roxas. In 1912, it became an independent municipality. In 1931, the hacienda was sold to the renowned Familia Zobel. The hacienda then became known as Central Azucarera de Calatagan. To this day, sugarcane remains one of the major crops of Calatagan. In 1957, the Land Tenure Administration bought the hacienda land from the Zobel Clan and apportioned the land among the inhabitants. Presently, the Zobel de Ayalas are still the landed gentry of Calatagan –owning vast tracts of estates in the town.

A  visit  in Calatagan would not be complete without passing through its historical landmarks such as the old Santo Domingo de Silos Church built in 1913 and the Faro de Punta de Santiago built in 1890 and is the oldest lighthouse in the country and is operational to this day, lighting the Verde Passage between the island of Luzon and Mindoro’s western entrance.

LEISURE SITES

Stilts Beach Resort

Calatagan is a renowned spot for relaxation and relief from the heavy weekdays work. The peninsula’s long stretch of white sand beaches are very popular for vacationers.  There are several beach resorts including the art-filled guesthouse called Banak House Calatagan, others like the Ronco Beach Resort in Brgy. Bagong Silang, Playa Calatagan in Brgy. Sta. Ana, the Golden Sunset Resort in Brgy Uno, and Lago de Oro Resort where one can go wakeboarding, Villa Agustina, Nacua, and Stilts Calatagan Beach Resort - unique for its eight cottages suspended on stilts above water.

ECO-TOURISM DESTINATION

Ang Pulo Mangrove Eco-Park

Calatagan is also home to  different environmental sites. One of which is Ang Pulo. It is a lush protected eco-park, home to different species of mangroves including the Avicennia, Rhizophora, Bruguiera and Ceriops which significantly play a very crucial role in maintaining the balance of biodiversity in the area. The forest park was recently established last January 2010 through the efforts of Conservation International, Sangguniang Barangay and the Local Government of Calatagan.

Photos of Church and Punta de Santiago Lighthouse courtesy of: Mr. Cesar C. Cambay

Credits to: stiltscalataganbeachresort.net and wikipedia.org

Technorati Tags: Calatagan History, Calatagan Excavations, Santo Domingo de Silos Church, Ang Pulo Mangrove Eco-Park, Paro de Santiago Lighthouse, Stilts Beach Resort, Lago de Oro, Golden Sunset, featured

1. Read travel warnings and public announcements for countries you plan to visit.

2. Familiarize yourself with country’s laws and customs.

3. Leave copies of  your itinerary, passport, visa papers, with people at home

4. Make sure that you have purchased a travel insurance

5. Only deal with authorized Money Changers

6. Do not wear expensive jewelry and clothing

7. Just bring enough money to spend while on tour

8. Again, have FUN!

A local lore tells that the name Balayan was derived  from the word “balai” which means house. In the 13-15th century, it was inhabited by the scattered descendants of the Royal Bornean Datu Balensusa. The town was believed to be the center of the ancient and powerful Kingdom of Mai. Long before the Spaniards arrived in Balayan, it was already a prosperous community. Unfortunately, the ancient manuscripts that could prove the preeminence of the town were burned by the Spanish friars who taught that these documents were of Pagan content.

Balayan claims the title of being the first town and the province in  Southern Tagalog.  It was officially organized as a municipality under the Spanish rule in 1578 covering  the coastal areas of Nasugbu, Lian, Calaca, Calatagan and Tuy. From 1581 until 1732, the town reigned as the capitol of the province for 151 years.  The province was not yet known as Batangas but it was then referred to as Balayan.  Its jurisdiction extended from Marinduque, Mindoro, southern parts of Laguna and Quezon, and up to Camarines. It was one of the most progressive towns in the country because it was a former trading port.

The town also holds the appellation of being the cradle of Christianity in Southern Tagalog.  According to the history of  the town, it was in the year 1572 when  the Spanish Friars planted the first cross somewhere in Barangay Lanatan and built a church out of frail materials. But it was destroyed because of barbaric invasion.  In 1575, another church was erected  in Brgy. Ibabao. Its ruins and stone altar are still present up to now.

The Cultural Treasure

the centuries old Immaculate Conception Parish

The  Immaculate Conception Parish Church traces its origin  from the church built out of light materials by the Franciscan Friars in 1579. The present stone church began to be constructed in 1749 under the supervision of the Jesuit Fathers and was completed in 1759. In 1876, the administration of the parish was transferred to the Secular clergy of Filipinos. It is now listed as a cultural heritage site in the country.

According to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, ”It must be noted that by the 19th century, the seculars were already largely indio priests, hence, Balayan is one of a few examples of churches built under direction of the indio clergy. The interior has not changed much since the 1870s when a print showing the church interior was made, despite several superficial additions.”

Aside from the church, Balayan also features a number of wonderful bahay na batos, reminiscent of its dramatical past.

Home of  heroes

Balayan is home to two famous patriots: Don Galicano Apacible y Castillo and Don Sixto Lopez y Castelo. Galicano Apacible was a  politician.  Together with Jose Rizal, he co-founded the La Solidaridad and Nacionalista Party. He held the office of Governor of Batangas and was the representative of the first District of Batangas from 1909 to 1916. He was known for his piece “To the American People, an Appeal”, in which he tries to plead with the people of the United States to pressure its government not to invade his newly independent country.

Famous Nationalists from Balayan

Sixto Lopez was another confidant of Dr. Rizal. Unknown to many, he was the one who privately gave personal and  financial aid to his (Rizal) works. When Rizal was arrested, he was also hunted down for incarceration on the ground that he was  the latter’s most active agent in overthrowing the Spanish regime. However he escaped and fled to different countries.   During the American colonization, Don Sixto showed his love for the country by not taking the pledge of allegiance to the United States. For this, he was deported in his own country  and for many years remained exiled. To commemorate his heroism, the Lopez Family of Balayan  in cooperation with the National Historical Commission, will open the Ancestral House of Don Sixto to the public which is scheduled this year.

Wet and Wild yet a religious celebration

Balayan hits the limelight every 24th of June for its festivity of the Parada ng Lechon - a parade of golden-red and crispy roasted pigs that grace every table during town fiestas.

What makes the merriment unique is that the roasted pigs being paraded are fashionably dressed according to the theme of the participating social institutions.

Since it commemorates the feast of St. John the Baptist, be prepared to get wet as people repeats the ritual of baptism by -splashing water to tourists and bystanders in the area. It is believed that by becoming drenched with water, you will receive blessings.

Photos of Balayan Church and Marker courtesy of: Mr. Cesar C. Cambay

Technorati Tags: Balayan History, Balayan, Parada ng Lechon, Immaculate Conception Parish of Balayan, Feast of San Juan Bautista, wet and wild in Balayan, lechon, Sixto Lopez, Galicano Apacible, Lopez Ancestral House, featured

(http://cheapairbooking.com)

Below are some tips you need to know for booking an international flight.

1. Check your Passport’s Validity

When you plan to travel abroad it is a requirement that your passport should be valid at least 6 months before the intended date of travel or otherwise it would be subject for renewal. So make sure you apply early for your DFA appearance.

2. Compare Fares

Inquire with several travel/tour agencies of their airline fares, or search for multiple travel or airline sites to get an idea of an average price for your desired trip.

3. Purchase early but do not book too early

One of the tactics of airlines is to offer the lowest prices on 21-day advance tickets. However, advance purchase fares can often be secured in as little as 14 or 7 days before your intended departure date. If you wait for less than 7 days, you’re likely to find a higher rate.

If you are trying to book months in advance and you can’t find the fare you want, be patient. Airfares fluctuate, and a lower fare may come up at a later date. Always be alert with airline promos on the net or from newspapers.

4.  Use the name written in your passport

If you have chosen already the best deal, it’s now time to book your flight. When putting your name on the ticket make sure you indicated the name written in your passport. This is also a requirement when you book with travel agencies.

Technorati Tags: tips on booking international flights, travel tips, passport validity, airline tickets, cheap airline tickets

the centuries old St. Raphael Parish (calaca.gov.ph)

According to the town’s history, there were two theories on how the name Calaca, was derived. First, the word Kalaka meant fellow tribesmen. The term was then used by ancient Calaqueños to greet each other. The traditional salutation was passed down from generation to generation until it became the official name of the town. Another account also tells that it was derived from laka which means a bamboo split into two . (calaca.gov.ph)

Calaca was officially recognized as a separate municipality from Balayan on May 10, 1835. It’s first gobernadorcillo was a certain Don Rufino Punongbayan.

POINTS OF INTEREST

De Leon - Marella Ancestral House in Calaca

Among all the churches in Batangas, the centuries old Parish Church of Calaca is probably the most intact and unspoiled by renovations. The church is under the patronage of Saint Raphael, the Archangel whose miraculous image is being venerated by the town’s devotees as he is believed to be the saint of healing. His feast day originally falls on September 29, however in Calaca it is being celebrated every 15th of October with the devotional tradition of the Caracol de San Rafael.

Along the town square are numerous heritage houses built during the

the Antique Convent of Calaca (calaca.gov.ph)

Spanish period. Among these ancestral houses  are that of: Dr. Mariano Marella, Colonel Timoteo Marella, Captain Ireneo  Arriola and the De Leon and  Ilagan families. Other historical edifices are the old Convent and the old Municipal Hall of Calaca.

Resorts can also be found  in various areas in the town such as in Brgy. Quisumbing, Brgy Camastilisan , and in Brgy. Puting Bato. The town also boasts of a picturesque view of the scenic Mt. Batulao.

THE CALACATCHARA DELICACY

Atcharang-Calaca

Calaca is known for its  Atchara – an appetizer  made of pickled papaya,  usually combined with carrot or bell pepper strips and raisins. Because of the product’s fame, the town formulated the Calacatchara Festival – an annual and colorful festivity held every 24th of October. Last December 8, 2010, it was hailed as the champion of the  Ala-eh Festival held in Lipa City and bagged the 4th place in the recently concluded Aliwan Fiesta 2011 ( a competition that showcases the best festivals in the Philippines) held in the Quirino Grandstand, Manila on April 16.

Technorati Tags: calacatchara festival, saint raphael the archangel parish, pilgrim churches of batangas, ancestral houses of calaca, calaca tourism, aliwan fiesta 2011

The Diocesan Shrine of St. Anthony of Padua

Lovely, phenomenal, and enchanting – these are the three words to describe the town square of Pila, Laguna.

Setting foot in the town, one sees houses from the Spanish and early American Period lining up the streets and surrounding the plaza-church complex . Such scenery brings you back to the town’s dramatic past.

Historical Background and Trivia

Archaeologists consider Pila as one of the oldest settlements in the Philippines.

This was proven with some certain facts: first, the excavation of artifacts and potteries in Pinagbayanan which dated back to the Late Tang Dynasty; second, the recovery of  ancient horse bones that ended the debate on whether the Spaniards brought them or not; and lastly, the discovery of the  Philippines’ oldest crematorium in the same area. Even the  oldest Philippine document, the 900 A.D. Laguna Copperplate Inscription, mentioned Pila twice.

The  Spanish Franciscan Friars arrived in 1578 to evangelize the people of Pila and soon afterwards built a church in honor of St. Anthony of Padua which was considered as the first Antonine house of worship in the Philippines and even in Asia. With  the nobleness, mildness of the character of its inhabitants and the well kept traditions, the Spanish crown conferred the town with an exceptional title La Noble Villa de Pila, one of the five villas named by the Spaniards in the 16th and 17th century in the Philippines.

The Franciscans established in Pila the second printing press in the Philippines and printed in 1613, Philippines’ oldest dictionary and the first book printed using the movable type, the Vocabulario de Lengua Tagala. The book was written and compiled by Fray Pedro de San Buenaventura and printed by Tomas Pinpin, the Prince of Filipino printers. The book is twenty seven years older than the Bay Psalm Book, the first book printed in the United States in 1640.

At the early stage of the 19th century the town was transferred from Pagalangan to the present site of Santa Clara because of the continuous flooding.

A Heritage Town

The National Historical Institute of the Philippines declared the town plaza and surrounding ancestral houses a National Historical Landmark on May 17, 2000. Two years later, on July 9, 2002, the Diocese of San Pablo proclaimed the parish church of San Antonio de Padua de Pila as the Diocesan Shrine of St. Anthony. According to Philippine historian, Dr. Luciano Santiago, it is the only town in the Philippines that is formally recognized as a historical site by both the church and the state.

Credits to: Wikipedia.org

Technorati Tags: the Heritage Town of Pila, Pila Laguna, Pila Ancestral Houses, Laguna Copperplate, Colonial Churches of the Philippines, Diocesan Shrine of St. Anthony de Padua

The Scenic view of the 183 curves of Lobo

A perfect place to realize the importance of nature and to keep us aware of our environment is the charming town of Lobo. It is one of the emerging potential eco-tourist destinations here in the province of Batangas.

There are three theories why the town was called Lobo: first, the Tagalog term for wolf, which is “lobo”, second, the River Lobo, which is in Lobo itself, and last, the name called to a group of early inhabitants as Lolobos.

When Batangueños speak of  Lobo, no one would ever forget to mention the famous fruits such as atis (sugar apple) and sampaloc (tamarind). Furthermore the town is also a famous venue for beach hopping and nature tripping.

Getting there

Going to Lobo is a three hour drive from Manila. From SLEX take Startollway straight to  Batangas City exit. Right after the tollbooth plaza take a left turn towards Batangas City. At this point follow the signboard that leads to Ponte Fino Hotel. After reaching the Ponte Fino Hotel just go straight and follow the main road. When you see the Fortune Cement Plant on your left side stay on the right. (taking the left road will lead to Taysan). After taking the right just follow the road, and you are around 20 kilometers away from Lobo. You will find a scenic winding narrow road (with the vista of the mountains) – with approximately 183 curves which will lead you to the town. (from: Butterfly Beach Resort FB group page)

The Beacon of Light

Faro de Punta de Malabrigo

Aside from the beaches, Lobo features a one-of-a kind heritage attraction. The  turn of the century, 56 feet tall Malabrigo Lighthouse, (Spanish: Faro de Punta de Malabrigo) is one of the twenty-four light houses that were built during the Spanish Colonization. In 1891,  Guillermo Brockman  designed the lighthouse as a cylindrical brick tower with metal staircase, adjacent pavilion and a machine room. It was inspired by the Victorian style of design. A Chinese contractor by the name Jose Garcia built the lighthouse. The construction was finally completed in 1896. From then on, it has served as a beacon to sea vessels at the Verde Island Passage. In  November 27, 2006, it was declared as a National Historical Landmark.

Nature Loving

Boating at the Mangrove Eco-Park in Lobo

Lobo’s main attraction of course is her beaches but there’s more to that. Doing an eco-trip is an exciting and adventurous activity in the town. You could go boating at the Mangrove Swamp Forest in Batangas State University-Lobo Lagadlarin Site . View the picturesque sceneries of:  Tulay na Busog, gealogical peaks and limestone formations along Lobo River separating the villages of Bignay and Nagtoctoc and Simbahang Bato, a natural geologic formation along the coastline of Balibago. Lastly, Set foot to Barangay Biga to visit: Bitaog – Lobo’s oldest living tree and the Bat cave facing the sea.

Truly Lobo is a perfect place to unwind and discover the wonders of nature.

Technorati Tags: Lobo Tour, Lobo eco-tour, malabrigo lighthouse, Butterfly Beach Resort, Lobo Beach, Lobo Batangas,