The "Little Things" you should know about Ca-La-Ba (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas)

So you think you already know a lot about Cavite, Laguna and Batangas? Na-ah. There are fun facts that you should know about these wonderful provinces.

The Province of Cavite...

1. Kawit is known to be the "Cradle of the Philippine Independence" and this is where First President Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo first waved the flag of the Republic of the Philippines.

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2. Amadeo is the largest coffee producer in the country that's why it is dubbed as "The Coffee Capital of the Philippines". Pahimis Festival is celebrated in Amadeo in honor of its coffee.

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3. SM Bacoor is the first SM Mall in CALABARZON and also the first one in entire Luzon outside Metro Manila that opened on July 1997.

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4. Cavite City is the oldest city in CALABARZON founded on May 16, 1571.

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5. Bacoor is also the first capital of Former President Gen. Emilio Aguinaildo's revolutionary republic. Malolos is the second.

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While in Laguna...

1. It's original name was La Laguna. La was removed during the US occupation in the Philippines.

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2. The second oldest printing press in the country is in Pila. In 1613, Vocabulario Delengua Tagala was the first book printed here, the first Tagalog-Spanish dictionary. 25 years older than the first book printed in US.

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3. The current ancestral house of Jose Rizal in Calamba is just a replica. It was destroyed during World War II.

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4. In Nagcarlan, there is an underground cemetery (the only kind in the country) built in 18th century. It was also used as a secret meeting place by the Katipuneros during the Spanish occupation.

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5. Calamba is the administrative city of CALABARZON through the Executive Order No. 246, dated October 28, 2003.

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Lastly, in Batangas...

1. The real Taal Volcano is not the iconic volcano that you see in Tagaytay. That volcano-like mountain is Mt. Binitian. The real volcano is actually behind this mountain. 

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2. Lipa is the 3rd coldest city in the Philippines. It is 1,025 above sea level making its climate cold. The 2nd is Tagaytay City while Baguio City is the coldest one. 

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3. Lipa is also dubbed as the "Rome of the Philippines" because it has many religious establishments and cathedrals located in it.

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4. Basilica of St. Martin de Tours in Taal is said to be the biggest church in Asia measuring 291 ft. long and 157 ft. wide. It was built by the Augustinian Missionaries in 1575.

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5. The municipality of San Jose supplies 30% of eggs in the Philippines branding it as the "Egg Basket of the Philippines".  

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"Take-outs" from Cavite, Laguna and Batangas

Ahh, pasalubong. Every Filipinos love pasalubong. Aside from photos, these tangible pasalubongs serve as your souvenirs from the places you visited. So when you travel in Cavite, Laguna and Batangas, make sure you bring home these stuff:

CAVITE

Tahong Chips

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Since Cavite is popular because of their seafood, no wonder why this pasalubong was created. Tahong chips is perfect with vinegar and chili dip. 

Buko Tart

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Buko Tart is one of the favorite pasalubongs from Cavite. Enjoy it's crunchy crust and delicious buko fillings.

Tinapang Salinas

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Tinapang Salinas is a delicious viand most especially with fresh tomato. Yum!

LAGUNA

Slippers and Shoes

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For all the shoe lovers out there, Liliw, Laguna is the best place for you! Bring home beautiful and durable footwears in cheap prices. 

Mer-Nel's Cake

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Whenever I hear Laguna, I always thought of Mer-Nel's Cake. I highly suggest that you guys should take home one of these.

Lambanog

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Beer? How about Lambanog or Coconut Wine? I'm sure no one will not be tipsy with this drink. Cheers!

Buko Pie

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The most favorite pasalubong ever: Buko Pie! Laguna's most popular delicacy. They are actually all over the province. 

BATANGAS

Kapeng Barako

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Known for its strong flavor, Kapeng Barako should not miss the list for pasalubong most especially for the coffee-lovers out there.

Balisong

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Just for pasalubong purposes, Butterfly Knife or Balisong is popular in Batangas. Please handle with care.\

Panutsa

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Batangas' version of Peanut Brittle. Panutsa is made up of peanuts with brown sugar coating that every Filipinos love. 

There are so many pasalubongs that you can choose from here in the Philippines. A proof that travelling is more fun in the Philippines!

"#NoFilter" Picturesque views in Cavite, Laguna and Batangas

Every beautiful place is worth taking a picture. In CALABARZON, you'll ran out of memory because it has so many scenic views! Let me give you some...

CAVITE

PICO DE LORO

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I guess you don't need a filter for this one? Pico de Loro is the highest peak in the whole province of Cavite. Isn't amazing?

BALITE FALLS

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This falls is actually composed of two falls and they merge in the end. And that explains the "natural pool". 

TAGAYTAY RIDGE

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Of course! Tagaytay will always be on the list. It's not just the perfect picnic place but also the place for relaxing and sight-seeing. 

LAGUNA

PAGSANJAN FALLS

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You should not miss this magnificent falls if you visit Laguna! Ready your #s because Pagsanjan Falls will surely fill your eyes with beauty. 

BURUWISAN FALLS

www.lantaw.com

This falls may not be as popular as Pagsanjan Falls but Buruwisan Falls is surely Instagram-worthy. 

DALITIWAN FALLS AND RIVER

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Dalitiwan Falls is really magnificent. No more long sentence construction. Just let the picture tells it all. 

BATANGAS

TAAL VOLCANO AND TAAL LAKE

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Taal Volcano and Taal Lake will always be present in the cameras of every tourist visiting Batangas and Cavite. 

TINGGA FALLS

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Tingga Falls should not miss your camera lens. No need for filters or overlays. Just a plain shot of this beautiful falls and you're all set.  

MT. MACULOT

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Imagine yourself on top of this mountain with your wide-angle lens. Perfect, isn't?

FOODTRIP: The CALABARZON Way

Travelling will never be completed without food tripping. Every destination has their own authentic dishes that tourist MUST try in order for them to experience the whole package. Ready your #FoodPorn because I know you're so on this topic so let's get it on!

FOODS TO DIE FOR IN CAVITE:

BACALAO

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This Cavitenean dish was inherited from the Portuguese way back during the Galleon Trade period (Spanish Era). Bacalao is a salted codfish and is present to the Caviteños' table during Lenten Season, most especially during Good Fridays. 

  

TAMALES

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One of the most popular delicacies in Cavite. Tamales is made of galapong with peanuts, wrapped and steamed in banana leaves. Tamales is perfect with coco jam as its dip. 

PANCIT DE CHOCA

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Filipinos love Pancit but Caviteños made something better. They incorporated squid and squid ink with pancit noodles.  It might look intimidating but it's the taste that matters. 

FOODS TO DIE FOR IN LAGUNA:

BUKO PIE

www.choosephilippines.com

I'm pretty sure that when we say Laguna, the Top-of-the-Mind Food will be Buko Pie, a pastry with coconut fillings. There is really something with Laguna's Buko Pie that's why it is also a popular pasalubong. 

MER-NELS CAKE

www.backpackingphilippines.com

Cake? What's special with a typical cake? Nope, it's not just a cake but a cake to die for! This is one of my favorite cakes. Mer-nels's cake is so moist and its icing is really delicious. 

PUTO BIÑAN

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Made of galapong, sugar syrup, baking powder and with cheese and salted egg on top, Puto Biñan will surely make you drool not just because its cheesy and fluffy but it is also HUGE as plates. 

FOODS TO DIE FOR IN BATANGAS:

BULALO

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Your Batangas roadtrip will not be perfect without Bulalo! A signature dish of Batangas also known as Beef Bone Marrow Soup. Sipping the bone marrow is the best part. 

TAPANG TAAL

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Tapang Taal's other term is Jerked Pork and is derved with garlic rice, sunny side up egg and achara. In Taal, they serve it with hot cocoa chocolate poured in rice. This is a famous breakfast Batangas food. 

MALIPUTO

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Maliputo fish can only be found in Taal Lake, no wonder it's a very authentic Batangas dish. Batangueños love to cook it whether fried or steamed and partner it with Bagoong Balayan. 

ADOBO SA DILAW

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Adobo is a very famous Filipino dish  but in Batangas, their Adobo is quite different. It's main ingredient, aside to pork or chicken, is turmeric or "Luyang Dilaw" that makes the food yellow.

So whenever you go to CALABARZON, be sure to ready your cameras or camera phones for your Instagram food posts. And oh! Your tummies as well. See you for my next blog!

All Natural CALABARZON

In tourism, the natural attractions of the place is one of the reasons why people, the tourist, go there. When we say natural attractions, these are tourist attractions that are naturally-made. Yup, 100% Natural! So let me tour you to the some of the best known natural attractions of Cavite, Laguna and Batangas.

Let's take a look at Cavite's natural attractions!

PICO DE LORO (Maragondon)

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Picture yourself reaching for the clouds. Located in Maragondon, Pico de Loro is the highest peak in the province of Cavite. 

BALITE FALLS (Amadeo)

thekidonabudget.blogspot.com

Don't worry, this doesn't mean that the Balite tree is falling. This is actually composed of two falls, one is naturally flowing while the other one is aided with a bamboo pipe. These two meets at a naturally made swimming pool. Imagine when two people meets and creates something deep. Aww... Pool of Love. 

Now, let's move to our next destination: Laguna!

PAGSANJAN FALLS (Cavinti)

thesoultheory.com

The most popular tourist attraction in Laguna, Pagsanjan falls is dazzling with its crystal waters and get a grip in your raft when you pass over 14 rapids back down to your jumping-off point.

BURUWISAN FALLS (Siniloan)

www.lantaw.com

Buruwisan Falls is one of the five falls that can be foound in Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges and it is also the most popular because it's the most accessible one.

DALITIWAN FALLS AND RIVER (Majayjay)

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Basically, this body of water will enchant you with its natural beauty for its fresh cold spring waters come from Mt. Banahaw.

HIDDEN VALLEY SPRINGS (Calauan)

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7 LAKES (San Pablo)

The city of San Pablo is so blessed with these magnificent lakes namely Sampaloc Lake, Bunot Lake, Pandin Lake, Yambo Lake, Calibato Lake, Palakpakin Lake and Mohicap Lake. Don't forget your swimwear!

MT. MAKILING (Los Baños)

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An inactive volcano filled with beauty and mystery. According to legends, Mariang Makiling, a goddess, dwells here. From afar, its contours is like her body reclining down. 

Okay! For out last stop, be ready for Batangas...

TAAL VOLCANO AND LAKE (Taal)

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I'm sure this one is very famous. Taal Lake is the third largest lake in country while Taal Volcano is the smallest volcano in the country. Yes, sadly, it's no longer the smallest one in the world. But still, it's one of the most unique geological masterpiece in the world.

ANILAO DIVING SPOTS (Anilao)

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This is not Photoshop-ed! Anilao boasts their magnificent underwater beauty. From different colors to sizes, diving in Anilao is a must!

VERDE ISLAND PASSAGE (Verde Island)

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Hailed as the "Center of the Center of Marine Biodiversity, Verde Island Passage will surely stoke scuba divers out there. Is this photo not enough?

TINGGA FALLS (Daang Ibaan)

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A 30-ft. high waterfalls with a natural pool at its base. For sure your cameras will run out of space because of its picturesque beauty, you cannot resist to take a lot of photos. 

MT. MACULOT (Cuenca)

tours.wowbatangas.com

It is said that Mt. Maculot was the last stronghold of the Japanese in Batangas before they were defetead. Maculot means "kinky" and the mountain's name was inspired from the curly-haired aborigines living in the area 

KAWAYAN COVE (Nasugbu)

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White sand, crystal blue waters, green mountains. In short, paradise. Just let the picture tells it all. 

Again, these are not just the best known natural attractions of these provinces. There are still plenty more wonderful places that you guys must visit. See? It's really more fun in the Philippines!

More posts soon!