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Batangas: A City to Conquer

Beach resorts and swimming pools can be easily associated with the city of Batangas. But more than being a swimming destination during summer, Batangas is also known for its exotic food and interesting culture. In fact, a 2 ½ hour drive south of Manila can actually lead you to a place where you can be adventurous as you wish. Public transports that pass through the STAR tollway route can even reach Batangas in an hour and a half. Upon reaching the city, jeepneys and tricycles will be available to tour you around.

Places to visit Your Batangas itinerary will actually depend on the kind of fun that you want to experience. Beach resorts and private pools' addresses and rates are available online so it is best to check beforehand so you can spend your time well upon getting to the place.

If you feel like going on a pilgrimage, several shrines and churches are also up to be visited. The Basilica of San Martin de Tours, which boasts of a fusion of styles, was once recognized as the biggest in Southeast Asia. On the other hand, the Church of our Lady of Casaysay features an image of the Virgin that was discovered at sea in 1603.

Food to eat The Batanguenos, or people living in Batangas, have a palatable menu that can be tried by any brave visitor. The city is actually famous for its Kapeng Barako. If you are feeling spontaneous, you may also try the more unusual recipe of the locals like Kilawin, with fresh fish and vinegar as its main ingredients. The natives also have a different way of preparing their goto, which they call gotong batangas. You may be surprised because it does not contain any rice at all. Tawilis, or small fish, which are caught only in the Taal Lake, is also a native delicacy. Hot bulalo is also best eaten here with the city's climate that is usually cold. The beer drinkers can try the Batangas Lambanog from San Juan, which is locally brewed from cane.

Souvenirs to bring home The people in Batangas are known to be brave people. This is usually attributed to their creation of the balisong (or butterfly knife). Sweets like macapuno and peanut brittle are also favorite pasalubongs of the people who visit the city. Batangas is also a good place to purchase a Barong Tagalog, which is the Philippine national costume for men.

A festival to experience The Lechon Parade is among the bizarre festivals that the city celebrates. This is done every 24th of June in honor of St. John the Baptist. During this event, visitors and locales alike are encouraged to witness the parade of lechons that are dressed according to the theme of the fiesta. Later on, everyone would douse each other with water as a way of ending the celebration while feasting over all the roasted pigs.