5 Best Things To Do in Batangas

Ala eh! Batangas is such a wonderful place! Batangas is not just about their beaches because here are some of the things that you shouldn't miss once you're in Batangas:

1. YEAH, BEACHES!

Virgin Beach

When you hear of Batangas, one thing would surely cross your mind—and that is, the beach. Without a doubt, the place is famous for its wide array of beaches, from white sand to diving sites. It has truly become a popular (and nearer) getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. With only a 2-hour drive away from Manila, a day or two in the province during the weekend is truly one to remember. Laiya in San Juan is now famous for its white sand beach resorts. Anilao is a known all over the world as divers’ paradise. There are other great selections in Nasugbu and Calatagan. So whether you are the adventurous type who is game for any water sport or the more laid-back type who just wants to sit back and relax while watching the waves of the sea, then you should visit Batangas beaches.

Source: batangaswedding.com

2. PARTY ON THE STREETS

Mahaguyog Festival

Batangenyos are naturally festive. There are just never too many reasons to celebrate. One great festival to witness is the Parada ng Lechon in Balayan every 24th of June wherein roasted pigs are displayed throughout the whole town. Another exciting one is the Tapusan festival in Alitagtag celebrated during May 31. This festival honors the holy cross, and flowers surround the floats which carries the image of the Virgin Mary. Then, Subli-an sa Batangas, celebrated during city’s Foundation day, shows the original Batangas dance known as subli accompanies by four choral voices. Stay in the province during the month of May and you will witness several fiesta celebrations. That is because it is when the barrio and town fiestas usually take place. It is an event not to miss for the typical Batangueno. In the fiestas, even if you are not invited by the host of the party, but since a friend invites you, you can go.

Source: batangaswedding.com

3. COFFEE BREAK, THE BATANGAS STYLE

Kapeng Barako

Cappuccino? Caffe Latte? Starbucks?! Nah! Set aside those coffees and coffee shop and sip Kapeng Barako. Barako is the Filipino term for a the male stud of an animal, and has become associated with the image of a tough man. The world-class Kapeng Barako is so strong that it can let you stay awake and alert all day! So all you all-nighters out there. If you know what I mean. Haha. 

Source: batangaswedding.com and wikipedia.com

4. READY, SET, BROOOOOOOOM!!!

Batangas Racing Circuit

The Batangas Racing Circuit, the biggest race track in the Philippines has grown into more than a track, but as the biggest organizer of motor sports in the country. Numerous Corporate track days were held in the circuit; the Shell Advance Superbikes added the sub400-cc motorcycle race; the Ducati Cup; Vintage Car Club and other car club races were added. Above all, BRC discovered and developed best Filipino drivers, and continued to nurture motor sports spirit among the Filipino Youth.

Source: www.autoindustriya.com

5. IT'S A BIRD! NO, IT'S A PLANE! OH RIGHT, BIRDS.

Black-Winged Stilt

With its rich fresh saltwater seas coupled with plenty of marine life, the province has become a favorite inhabitant for different species of birds. The towns of Nasugbu, Lemery, Lian, Calatagan, Mataasnakahoy, San Juan are particularly abundant for birds. So explore the nature lover in you.

Source: batangaswedding.com

Batangas caters all types of tourist. There are so many things that you can do in this province. You will never ran out of fun activities. I guarantee you that. 

This is not yet the end so stay posted!

5 Best Things To Do in Laguna

Well, Laguna has it all. This province is the perfect getaway if you want to escape the buzzing city or if you just want to relax. But your trip will be even more perfect if you try these:

1. TRY THE 7 LAKES EXPERIENCE

Sampaloc Lake

Bunot Lake

Pandin Lake

Yambo Lake

Calibato Lake

Palakpakin Lake

Mohicap Lake

These 7 Lakes are all found in San Pablo, Laguna. They were formed because of phreatomagmatic eruptions or a ground water was in contact with a hot magma. No wonder why Laguna is famous for hot springs. You can plunge yourself into the lakes because of its very relaxing waters. San Pablo Lake Tour is offered to anyone and it comes with a tour guide. 

2. HAVE FUN IN ENCHANTED KINGDOM

Enchanted Kingdom

Enchanted Kingdom is an amusement park opened in 1995. It is located 10 km north of Calamba at Santa Rosa, which claims to be the country's first and only world-class theme park". Familiar sounding rides like the Space Shuttle, Rialto, Jungle Log Jam, Wheel of Fate, and the 100-foot high Ferris Wheel are complemented by interactive displays, an archaeological dig and much more. 

Source: www.virtualtourist.com

3. FALL IN LOVE WITH PAGSANJAN FALLS

Pagsanjan Falls

The sound of the falls resembles a series of thunder strikes violently piercing the atmosphere and forming a natural static in your ear. Be sure to change into your swimming gear before you ride the balsa (wooden raft) towards the Devil’s Cave behind the falls. More important, be prepared to scream at the top of your lungs as the cold water comes at you from above. Imagine a high-pressure hose pointed at you, only bigger.

Source: thesoultheory.com

4. CLIMB FOR THE PEAK

Mt. Makiling

If you're into mountain climbing, then Laguna is your destination. Be mesmerized with the province's beautiful mountain peaks from tropical rainforest mountains up to rocky ones. Just be sure that you have everything that you need in your backpack for safety and convenience. Once you reached the top, your breath-taking experience starts. 

5. CHECK OUT DR. JOSE RIZAL'S HOUSE

Ancestral House of Dr. Jose Rizal

The Jose Rizal Shrine in Calamba, Laguna, the birthplace of the Philippines' national hero,  is one of the most frequented historical and tourist sites in Laguna. An average of 270,000 tourists visit this shrine annually. According to the National Historical Institute (NHI), "It was in that house that the boy (Jose Rizal) was shaped and molded and who would become the finest expression of his race." 

Source: www.lagunatravelguide.com

Laguna is not just about Laguna de Bay or University of the Philippines - Los Baños. There's more to that! Laguna offers a very diverse activities and attractions that one must experience. These are some of those expeiences, there's plenty more. 

More of Laguna in the upcoming posts!

5 Best Things To Do in Cavite

When you here the word Cavite, what comes to your mind? Nothing much? It's just a province adjacent to Manila. But wait! There's more in Cavite than just what you think. Here are the 5 Best Things that you SHOULD do in Cavite:

1. VISIT THE GENERAL'S SHRINE

Aguinaldo Shrine

Immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of the province. Being the birthplace of Philippine Revolution, Cavite has a handful of historical sites such as the ancestral home of the country's first president, General Emilio Aguinaldo. His house was once used as a headquarters for Filipino katipuneros during the revolutionary era. It has secret passages where weapons and other important documents were concealed. The property has since been transformed into a museum where guided tours are held mainly for students and tourists.

Source: www.castpel.com

2.TRAVEL BACK IN TIME

Corregidor Island

Corregidor island has a significant part in Philippine history, particularly during World War II. Here, Filipino and American soldiers fought as allies against the Imperial Japanese Army. Because of the corrective effect of hard labor on prisoners, the island was named Corregidor, from the Spanish word Corregir meaning "the corrector". Corregidor is also known as "the rock" because of its rocky landscape and heavy fortifications.There are still many ruins and sites found in the island such as weapons arsenal, bomb shelters, heavy artillery, tunnels, and a lighthouse. Aside from the guided tours, Corregidor also has white sand beaches where guests can cool off after a long day. 

Source: www.castpel.com and www.visitph.net

3. GRAB A LUNCH AT TAGAYTAY PICNIC GROVE

Tagaytay Picnic Grove

There are many things you can do here including zip-line, horseback riding, kite flying, biking, and other fun activities. You can find numerous vendors in the area so buying food and souvenirs won't be a problem. If you want cheap and simple fun, this is a place you should check out especially if you are traveling with kids. You can also enjoy the scenic view of Taal Volcano from here. 

Source: www.castpel.com

4. NO AEROPHOBIC ALLOWED

Sky Ranch

Sky Ranch is a relatively new leisure park in Tagaytay that aims to be a complete day destination for families and groups of friends. The leisure park offers activities like horseback riding and a mini-amusement theme park with rides ideal for kids. The main attraction is the Sky Eye, currently the tallest Ferris Wheel in the country, at 63-meters high, with 32 air-conditioned gondolas, from where you can get a great view overlooking Taal Volcano and lake. The second most popular ride is the Super Viking, similar to EK’s “Anchors Away” that will leave your stomach up in the air.

Source: www.traveling-up.com

5. MIND BLOWING MANSION

Puzzle Mansion

When in Tagaytay, it’s hard to miss all the signs pointing to the Puzzle Mansion, the home of the world’s largest collection of jigsaw puzzles. Tagaytay local and jigsaw puzzle aficionado Gina Lacuna converted her family resthouse to a gallery/museum and bed & breakfast after being awarded by the Guinness Book of World Records last November 2012. The mansion houses her extensive and ever-growing collection of solved puzzles (1,028 when she got the record, but much more now).

Source: www.traveling-up.com

Oops! These are just SOME of the best things that you can do in this wonderful province. As what we said a while ago, there's more in Cavite! So now, pack up your things and hit the road. 

Catch my next post soon!  

BATANGAS PROVINCE: Land of Rolling Hills and Wide Shore Lands

                                                        Hamilo Coast

Just 2-3 hours South of the megacity of Manila is Batangas, an unassuming province rich with a lively past, history, folklore, nature and stretches of excellent beaches and the most accessible dive sites teeming with marine life. You can define this province in one word: AMAZING.

Source: tourism-philippines.com

The BA in CALABARZON

Having said that Batangas Province is a “Land of Rolling Hills and Wide Shore Lands”, it will surely mesmerize your minds. Batangas City is the capital of this wonderful province (yes, Batangas City) with Cavite Province in its North, Laguna Province in its Northeast, Quezon Province in its East, Verde Island Passage and Mindoro Island in its South and the West Philippine Sea in its West.

Province of Batangas Map

As for its land area, it comprises 3,120 km2 and its terrain is generally rolling and is elevated down toward the West, South and Southwest coasts and is characterized by highland while the rest of the province are mountainous and hilly.

Source: www.emb.gov.ph

Virgin Beach Resort

San Benito Farm

Batangas was derived from the word Batangan meaning “a raft” which the people used so that they could fish in the nearby Taal Lake. However, its first recorded name wasKumintang. Here in Batangas, you will find excellent diving spots, fresh water and salt water beaches, and island destinations. See? Everything you’re looking for is here! Appreciate its beauty up to its finest.

Source: wikipedia.com

GETTING THERE

There are buses plying to the different parts of Batangas daily from Manila and these usually leave on an hourly basis. Buses like ALPS and Jam Transit have buses leaving every 15-30 minutes from its stations in Cubao, Buendia, Lawton and EDSA-Pasay City Stations. For Nasugbu-bound buses, take the Erjohn & Almark or Crow Transit from Pasay City bus terminal. Alternatively, one can hire a car or a van (with or without a driver) from any of the car rental companies in Manila.

Source: tourism-philippines.com

Find out more interesting things about Batangas Province in the upcoming posts!

LAGUNA PROVINCE: The Resort Capital, Detroit and Silicon Valley of The Philippines

  Laguna de Bay

Looking for your sweet escape? Presenting… LAGUNA! Laguna, a province in the Philippines, is naturally endowed with beautiful sceneries and exciting destinations. The forest of Mount Makiling and the waters of Laguna de Bay are the perfect backdrops for your Laguna vacation. Definitely, you can choose from the many options that Laguna has to offer.

Source: www.lagunatravelguide.com

The LA in CALABARZON

Boasting a lot of beautiful tourist spots, Laguna is the best place to be! Its capital is Santa Cruz Municipality and is bounded by Laguna de Bay to the North, Province of Quezon to the East, Province of Batangas to the South and West Philippine Sea to the West. Because of its location and likeness to Detroit and Silicon Valley of USA, no wonder why Laguna is branded as “The Resort Capital, Detroit and Silicon Valley of the Philippines”.

Province of Laguna Map

It’s land area is 1,759, km2  while its terrain is characterized by a series of dormant volcanoes alternating with gently rolling and level plains. There are several mountains here, most famous of which are Mt. Makiling, and Mt. Banahaw.

Source: www.emb.gov.ph

Pagsanjan Falls

Enchanted Kingdom

The province got its name from the Spanish word lago, which means “lake”. So whether you’re looking for cultural, roadtrip or simply relaxation, Laguna will surely give these to you! Fall in love with its rich culture and tradition, not to mention its hidden beauties.

Sources: lagunaphilippines.weebly.com and www.laguna-destinations.com

GETTING THERE

From Manila, take a bus (Jack Liner, HM Transport, Lucena Lines, Saint Rose or Green Transit) to Calamba, Laguna. Bus stations are located in Cubao (infront of Ali Mall), Kamias (Near Cubao, QC), and Buendia corner Taft Avenue (in Manila). It will pass through SLEX and will take 1-2 hours to get to Calamba.

Source: lagunaphilippines.weebly.com

Many more information about Laguna will be posted soon!

CAVITE PROVINCE: The Historical Land of the Philippines

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                                                            Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine

Region IV-A, or known as the CALABARZON region, might just be an hour or two away, but the diverse topography and varied natural attractions make this region interesting. Beaches and dive spots. Forests and caves. Mountains and hills. Waterfalls and hot springs. It’s all here. This is the home of Laguna de Bay – the country’s largest freshwater lake. It also boasts of Taal Lake, which contains the world’s smallest active volcano.

Source: itsmorefuninthephilippines.com

The CA in CALABARZON

The Province of Cavite is tagged as “The Historical Land of the Philippines” with Imus City as its capital. It is bounded by Manila Bay in the North, Metro Manila to the Northeast, Province of Laguna to the East, West Philippine Sea to the West and Province of Batangas to the South. Oops! Don’t be confused with Cavite Province and Cavite City. Cavite City is obviously a city in Cavite Province. It is like the chicken foot that you see in the picture below.

  Province of Cavite Map

With a land area of 1,426.06 km2, its terrain is characterized by rolling hinterlands punctuated by hills where upland crops grow in abundance. The shoreline fronting Manila Bay is at sea level while the only rugged portion of the province is at the boundary of Batangas where the Dos Picos Mountains are located.

Source: www.emb.gov.ph

Corregidor Island

Tagaytay

A theory proposes that the name Cavite is a Hispanicized form of Kabit, Tagalog for “joined”, “connected”, or “attached”, referring to the peninsula’s topographical relation to the mainland. Edmund Roberts in his 1821 memoir, stated that the natives called it Caveit due to the “crooked point of land extending into the sea.” With its balanced mix of urbanity, natural beauty and history it is considered as the most accessible vacation getaway and refuge for those seeking a quiet life far from the bustling Manila metropolis.

Sources: wikipedia.com and tourism-philippines.com 

GETTING THERE

Bacoor town in Cavite is just 15-20 minutes drive from Alabang (via Daang Hari) or from Manila via Coastal Highway. Tagaytay City, Ternate and Maragondon are an hour and half drive from the city. It is best to travel here if you have your own vehicle. For commuters, bus companies such as Saulog Bus Lines, Erjohn and Almark, and San Agustin can take you to many parts of Cavite from Liwasang Bonifacio (Plaza Lawton). Fares should be around Php 25-60. Jeepneys and vans can also take you to Bacoor or Imus from Baclaran in Pasay for P35-50. There is also a ferry service from the Manila Ferry Port (near the Manila Yacht Club) and to Sangley Point in Cavite City.

Source: tourism-philippines.com

Interesting? More things about Cavite Province will be posted soon!