A HOLISTIC ADVENTURE
Contents
1 A HOLISTIC ADVENTURE
2 HERITAGE TRAIL
3 THE NATURE TRAIL
4 FOOD TRIP
5 LOCAL FINDS
6 BOARD AND LODGING
7 GETTING AROUND
Batangas has been an established weekend warrior outpost for many years. But soon, on our way to the beaches of Anilao and Laiya, we would surely take a side trip to a Marian shrine never-before-seen in the country. Fr. Fernando Suarez known as the healing priest, is spearheading the construction of Monte Maria. He aims to build this 33—storey monument of Mother Mary of the Poor in a site in Barangay Amuyong in Alfonso; Cavite to Become a haven for pilgrims. The Batangas native priest also intends to build a retreat houses, infirmaries, and hostels in the area so that guests can appreciate the peaceful and picturesque surroundings. Once completed, Fr. Suarez will offer healing masses and retreats so that visitors can completely take a break from their fast-paced lives.
HERITAGE TRAIL
After Tagaytay, driving less than an hour more, we couldn’t resist the urge to stop and take photos. With all the old churches and stone houses dotting the road, l wandering tourists resist? This then hecame the highlight of our weekend road trip -now a Visita lglesia road trip!
Our first major stop was the Balayan Church. Nestled in one of Batangas’ oldest towns, there’s nothing much to see inside this church except for its unique brick walls; I'll have to admit that it was amazing "to know that the interiors have not been changed much since it was turned over to the Recoletos priests in the late 1800s.
We took a quick side trip to the nearby town of Calaca; and I must say it was well Worth the stop. Calaca Church is a picture perfect preserved structure—unspoilt and beautifully aged. From Calaca,
We Visited an old friend in Lemery for a free late breakfast before heading to the Very picturesque town of Taal. The first time I’ve seen this town Was 10 years ago, and I vividly remember narrow roads and old stone houses.
First of the must-Visits in this town is the largest church in Asia--the Taal Basilica. The structure was built by the Augustinians but was destroyed when Taal Volcano erupted in 1754. There are still ruins though, if you want to see the original walls.
We also checked out the religious relics housed in the nearby church of Our Lady of Casaysay. Giving—in to our curiosity, we went to the ruins of Sta. Lucia, which is perhaps the oldest church in Batangas. What is left of the church’s structure is the upper portion of the facade, now covered with moss and cadena de amor. Probably, what interests most visitors here is the well, which they say has miraculous waters.
Other sites worth visiting are the art—deco inspired Leon Apacible house and the famous Marcella Agoncillo house. Towards the afternoon, we still had enough time to explore the rest of the town.
We dropped by stores selling embroidered piña cloth made into traditional clothes and barong, amazingly detailed and well- crafted. An equally well-known souvenir is the balisong—a unique knife that hides its blade when folded. Stores selling these knives can be easily spotted around Taal. It was a belt of more churches after Taal.
Along the way is Bauan Church, the tree—lined Basilica of Batangas; then off to the east is Ibaan Church. We followed the road to the south again going to the coastal town of San Juan. We visited San Juan Nepomuceno Church before exiting to Quezon.
THE NATURE TRAIL
More than the churches and heritage sites, it seems that Batangas had more in store for us. On separate occasions, I had come across other interesting activities in this province, probably because of its proximity to the city.
One weekend, I was invited by my cousins to stay at La Luz Resort in San Juan. I have heard many good things about this place and I have decided to check if they’re all true. To get to San Juan, I took the new tollway that goes all the way to Batangas City via Exit 93 (Malainin) and through the towns of Ibaan and Rosario. This way is faster than going through the STAR Tollway in Lipa. The town proper of San Juan is actually lined with numerous ancestral houses that also makes for a good walk around town.
La Luz, being the last resort, entailed passing by a series of other well—maintained resorts like Virgin Beach and Balai sa Laiya.
Upon reaching La Luz and settling down in one of the two—floor cottages (Php 4,300 overnight cost, good ten people), we decided to rent a kayak (Php 200 per hour). It was a workout activity for me.
It was a good thing that the buffet lunch was already prepared when we finished. The meals at La Luz are priced at Php 950 per head but this is already inclusive of four meals —- lunch, snacks, dinner and breakfast.
We went snorkeling the next day and saw fishes _ swimming among corals. I also had a chance to try diving in Anilao, Batangas but it was an intro dive because I did not have a license yet. To get to the dive site, we had to pass by Tagaytay, Lemery, Taal and San Luis.
Travel time is 2.5 hours to get to the pick —up area. A pump boat took us to one of the dive resorts - Dive and Trek Resort (tel. no. 0910-9364556, www.diveandtrek.com). intro drive, which was the one I did, the dive master leads you across the dive site for 30 minutes and you will just enjoy the view — a colorful combination offish, corals and other marine creatures. After my intro dive, I rested for a little while and then enjoyed a sumptuous lunch with the group.
As I have discovered, Batangas does not only play host to numerous beach and dive sites. I had the chance to hike Mt. Maculot in the town of Cuenca, right after Lipa. The weather during the hike was quite sunny but I would have preferred some clouds, especially in parts of the trail where trees are absent. The hike itself was pretty straightforward, with trees and grass ever present along the trail. Upon reaching the campsite, I was afforded a spectacular view of the surrounding islands and seascape. I was also delighted to see a sari—sari store selling halo-halo, a welcome treat for hikers like me.
FOOD TRIP
Whenever I am in Batangas, I would always try having Bulalo. This is usually served in most of the restaurants in the province. A trip to Batangas will not be complete without trying their Bulalo.
Most, if not all, of the dining places in this province offer this local food fare — try the one Almarius Grill (in Lipa City. Also try Lutong Bahay sa Sawali Restaurant (Tolentino St.) in Batangas City for seafood courses.
For a taste of hacienda dining, Visit Charley’s in Lipa and enjoy a feast with purebred horses grazing about in the background. Try their tomato—potato soup with basil to start a good meal.
LOCAL FINDS
The Batangas—crafted balisong knife still makes one good souvenir from this province. A good cup of Kapeng Barako should not be missed. Make sure to get a bag of this Liberica variety of coffee from the local Wet market.
There’s also macapuno, pastillas and ube from Malvar that you can take home. From Balayan, apart from a sampling of their lechon. bring home a bottle of their Bagoong Balayan.
BOARD AND LODGING
If you’re looking for a truly relaxing vacation, The Farm at San Benito, Lipa (tel. no. O26-96-3795)‘ is one great escape that perfectly fits this description. It is actually a wellness resort that offers guests with health and wellness programs.
The Balinese— inspired cottages are also part of its charm, a bit pricey but nevertheless an experience worth trying. In Batangas City, the capital of the province, there are also a number of available hotels to choose from.
For budget—conscious travelers, you may opt to book a room at Mac—Ro Lodge or Alpa Hotel. There is also Day’s Hotel (tel. no. 02—895—3297)and Hotel Pontefino (tel. no. 02~63S—9364) for a little bit of luxury.
If you’re staying in Anilao, try the Crystal Blue Resort (tel. no. (043) 300— 1169). It provides you a good view of the surrounding islands - Sombrero and Maricaban.
GETTING AROUND
Major bus terminals around Metro Manila regularly ply the Batangas route, especially those going directly to Batangas pier. Terminals found in Cubao, Buendia, Lawton and EDSA-Pasay usually charge an average of Php 150 for one—way ticket.
Typical travel time is two hours. Once in Batangas, local jeepneys and tricycles are common modes of transportation.
For island hopping, boats can be easily arranged with boat owners or with the resorts in the area.
Should you opt to follow our road trip, we took South Luzon Expressway (SLEX); exited in Sta. Rosa immediately turning right. It was a 40-minute uphill drive before reaching the concrete arch marker of Tagaytay going to Batangas.
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