THE PRIDE OF BATANGAS……
BALISONG
Facts
The word balisong means “broken horn.” Bali means “to break” and sung means “horn.” Balisong is a world-renowned knife also known as Batangas knife, fan knife and butterfly knife which is traditionally made from Taal, Batangas.
It is expertly hand-crafted with the use of wood, bone or animal horn as gilt that are produced by blacksmiths from Barangays Balisong and Pandayan, Taal, Batangas. In Batangas, efforts have been made to promote the balisong as the quality working knife that it is—some have even stated that it is commonly used for circumcision there.
Figures
Today there are several types to choose from different varieties of balisong such as dibuyod, bayonet, double blade, razor, Rambo and the standard blade. The standard balisong can be handled like a western switch blade that can be manipulated as “flipping” or “fanning” to perform as an art or amusement. Blunt versions are made of these knives are for sale to practice tricks with them.
History
The art of Balisong making began in the Philippines around 1905 which was invented as a deadly weapon by Perfecto de Leon. It has become a famous internationally known product of the Philippines. The traditional balisong is said to be called the veinte y nueve because they are 29 centimeters long when opened while another story goes that it is named after a lone Batangueño who fought off 29 assailants using one. Patents for knives that look very much like the butterfly knives produced in Batangas in the Philippines in the early 20th century existed in France as early as the 18th century, and similar knives were also produced in Germany, Italy and Spain in the 19th century.
KAPENG BARAKO
Facts
Kapeng Barako is a Filipino term for the male stud of an animal, and has become associated with the image of a tough man. All coffees grown in Batangas are generically called Barako. Batanguenos use Kapéng Barako as an alternative to soup as part of the rice dish. It is usually combined when eating Tapa or any dry/fried dish. Aside from being a beverage, it is also used as a body scrub in spa treatment.
Figures
Most coffee drinkers prefer Kapeng Barako because of its strong taste, flavor, and distinctively pungent aroma. Due to its irresistible taste, there sprung several brands like Gourmet’s Barako Batangas, Batangas Brew, Cafe de Lipa, Kapeng Barako, Figaro, Kape Amadeo, Siete Barako and Taza Mia Coffee. Likewise, visitors and vacationers in the province do not leave the place without tasting the coffee.
History
The first Barako tree was a cutting from Brazil planted in the 1800s in Barangay Pinagtung-Ulan, Lipa City, Batangas. It belongs to the species Coffea liberica which has the largest leaves and beans of all the coffee varieties.
TAAL VOLCANO
Facts
Taal is one of the lowest volcanoes in the world with its highest elevation at only 311 m (1,020 ft).This 5-kilometre (3.1 mi) island covers an area of about 23 square kilometres (8.9 sq mi) with the center of the island occupied by the 2-kilometre (1.2 mi) Main Crater with a single crater lake formed from the 1911 eruption. The island consists of different overlapping cones and craters of which forty-seven have been identified. Twenty six (26) of these are tuff cones, five are cinder cones and four are maars.
Figures
Taal Volcano is a complex volcano located on the island of Luzon in the province of Batangas where it is the second most active volcano in the Philippines with 33 historical eruptions. The several eruptions in the past cause loss of life in the island and the populated areas surrounding the lake with the death toll estimated at around 5,000 to 6,000. The northern half of Volcano Island falls under the jurisdiction of the lake shore town of Talisay, and the southern half to San Nicolas. The other towns that encircle Taal Lake include Tanauan, Talisay, Laurel, Agoncillo, Santa Teresita, Alitagtag, Cuenca, Lipa, Balete and Mataas na Kahoy.
History
Taal Volcano’s greatest recorded eruption occurred in 1754 which lasted from May 15 to December 1. Alongside with its proximity to populated areas and its eruptive history, the volcano was designated a Decade Volcano. It is one of the 17 Decade Volcanoes in the world which brings pride to the province of Batangas.
TAAL BASILICA
Facts
The Basilica de San Martin de Tours, simply known as Taal Basilica is Asia’s largest church standing 88.6 metres (291 ft) long and 48 metres (157 ft) wide. St. Martin of Tours is the patron saint of Taal whose fiesta is celebrated every November 11. Sitting on top of a hill, the basilica towers over the old heritage town of Taal. In 2011, upon the assignment of Msgr. Alfredo Madlangbayan, the Basilica underwent another renovation as sections wherein the church interiors were repainted to its original ceilings.
Figures
It is a very dominant structure and is visible in most parts of the town proper and even in some parts of the neighboring town Lemery. The stone church had three naves with a grand transept and an elegant facade with Ionic and Doric orders. By Presidential Decree No. 375 on January 16, 1974, the church was declared as a National Shrine. Thus, every year there are tourists locally and internationally who visit the church or what we commonly known as Visita Iglesia.
History
Taal Basilica was constructed on 1755, launched under Fr. Martin Aguirre. Over several decades, new elements and features were added for the beautification of the church. However, on September 16, 1852, tragedy struck again. A massive earthquake hit the province and destroyed the church. Four years after the catastrophe, another church was built at the same site under Fr. Marcos Anton who commissioned architect Luciano Oliver to create the design and run the construction. In 1865, almost a decade later, the newly erected church was inaugurated despite its unfinished state. The construction was finally completed in 1878 with the addition of its gigantic 79 ft altar under the supervision of Fr. Agapito Aparicio. It was a massive church, the biggest at the time and would remain the biggest even centuries later.
VERDE ISLAND PASSAGE
Facts
Verde Island passage can be found in between the provinces of Batangas and Mindoro which is declared as the center of the center of Marine Shorefish biodiversity. This passage which is considered to be one of the busiest sea lanes in the country where the underwater reefs in the Verde Island passage are called home to nearly 60% of the worlds known shore fish. Verde Island in the province of Batangas is the marine counterpart of the Amazon River Basin making this dive site dubbed as center of the center of the most diverse marine ecosystem in the world.
Figures
Moreover, the area has more than 300 species of corals which is considered one of the largest concentrations of corals in the country or even in the whole world. Coral reefs, mangroves, sea grasses, fishes and charismatic marine species in the area confirm this fact. Coral health is generally good though the effects of global warming and increased pollution may still lead to drop in diversity.
High concentration of species per unit area indicates that a number of unique communities in the area support this multitude of species, some of which are endangered and threatened. With this, there are hundreds of tourists locally and internationally who visit the island for varied activities like swimming, diving, boating as well as preservation and conservation of this marine biodiversity.
BATANGAS RESORTS
Facts
The towns of San Juan, Mabini, Calatagan, Lian, Lobo and Nasugbu are the famous beach resorts in Batangas that people all over the country flocked to experience satisfying outdoor activities. Its waters are pure, serene and crystal-clear and most of the resorts have more than a kilometer of pristine white sand beaches. The majestic scenic views serve as a tranquil backdrop to the beautiful beachfronts.
Most of the resorts in the area offer air-conditioned rooms, hot and cold shower. Almost all have mini bar with amenities with lots of choices of Filipino, Oriental, Italian and American foods. Most of the resorts can furnish the needs of the divers. Boats can be hired for island hopping and to transport divers to diving spots. Most of the resorts offer diving lessons with qualified dive instructors especially for beginners. Moreover, Batangas became known for one of the best- vacation destinations in the country.
Figures
The following are the top most Batangas beach resorts where the province is truly proud of:
- Mabini Famed Dive Sites in Batangas such as Eagle Point Resort, Dive Solana Anilao, Eagle Point Resort, Portulano Dive Resort, Anilao Outrigger Resort, Planet Dive, Casita Ysabel, and Vistamar Beach Resort & Hotel.
4. Calatagan Batangas Beach Resorts such as Golden Sunset Resort, Lago de Oro Beach Resort, Rosegold Beach Resort & Hotel, and Sunrise Cove
BATANGAS HEROES
Facts
Batangas is considered to be the home of heroes wherein strength of character and nobility of spirit became its trademark. Among the Batangas heroes are Gen. Miguel Malvar, Felipe Agoncillo, Marcela M. Agoncillo, Gen. Nicolas Lantin Gonzales, Apolinario Mabini, Teodoro M. Kalaw and the families of Recto, Laurel and Leviste.
The doctor and soldier during those unfavorable times uphold the spirit of nationalism whereas they are considered to be the unsung heroes. These unsung heroes from Batangas are enduringly-valuable to civilization who convey love for one’s country necessary for the growth of an individual and nation. They possess special and distinct qualities ranging from bravery, altruism, sacrifice and above all else nobility of spirit. Truly so, their fearless and divergent characteristics represent every Batangueno and Batanguena across the boundaries of time and period in history.
History
The Province of Batangas is known as the “Cradle of Heroes and Nationalists.” It is a title earned through the works of Batangueño revolutionary leaders who contributed much to the Philippine libertarian movement during the latter half of the 19th century. There are numerous unsung heroes ranging from Spanish regime, American and Japanese occupation. The Batangas heroes are considered to be one of the greatest Batanguenos who made names in the country.
BATANGAS INTERNATIONAL PORT
Facts
The Batangas International Port or locally known as the Batangas Pier, is a seaport in Batangas City primarily serving the CALABARZON region of the Philippines. It is located in Sta. Clara Batangas, a 10 minute travel from the city proper. After 53 years of operation, it is now declared as an “International Port of Batangas.” For now, Batangas Port is only operating domestically for its sea travel but its international container ports are in full operation. It is now a gateway for every tourist who wants to experience paradise and discover the amazing underwater experience through diving and snorkeling at Puerto Galera and other nearby islands like the Isla Verde which was recently announced as the center of the center of Marine biodiversity.
Figures
Meanwhile, Batangas Port is rapidly improving when it comes to facilities, services and operation even in their security level for good and safe travel. Sea vessels increased their count as a good sign of tourism and for the locals, franchises of different products appeared in port. Thus, thousands of passengers and travelers go to the port for vacation and other purposes.
History
On Oct. 19, 1990 President Corazon Aquino issued Executive Order No. 431 which called for the privatization, expansion and delineation of the territorial jurisdiction of the port. Phases I-IV of the expansion project covered the whole of Sta. Clara, the villages of Calicanto, Bolbok, Sta. Rita Kalsada, Sta. Rita Aplaya, Sico and Wawa. Without a court order, however, the PPA forcibly evicted 1,568 families from Sta. Clara on June 26 and 27, 1994.
The modernization was in line with the government’s Calabarzon (for Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon provinces) industrial enclave project, according to the official website of the PPA. The P1.21-billion ($25,049,166) first phase started in 1992 and completed in 1997. The second phase, began in 1998, was funded with P27.09 million ($560,811). It was declared as a national port in 1956. It serves as an alternate port to the Port of Manila. In the 90’s it was the second biggest port in the Philippines in terms of revenue just behind the Port of Manila. Its sub-port of entry are Puerto Princesa, Palawan and Siain (Plaridel), Quezon and Aurora.
MALABRIGO LIGHTHOUSE
Facts
Faro de Punta de Malabrigo, is one of the 24 lighthouses erected in the Philippines during the course of the Spanish Colonial period. The century old lighthouse can be spotted at the top of a cliff in the town of Lobo, Batangas. It is overlooking Verde Island and Mindoro from afar. Malabrigo means “salty” to the locals, associated with the waters of the sea surrounding it.
Built in 1896, it has a modern aluminum lantern and double gallery rising from a one-story keeper’s quarters. Also called by the names Faro de Punta Malabrigo and Cape Malabrigo, its buildings overlook the Verde Island Passage, and its operational light has three white flashes every 15 seconds. A famous steel-hulled, Naval gunboat, Villalobos I, patrolled Malabrigo Point in 1896 until 1902 before going to Yangtze River service.
Figures
Every third Saturday of April yearly, swimming and sailing competitions are held in the lighthouse for the youth in celebration of the fiesta, a festival or religious holiday. Future activities are the expansion of the marine reserve coverage area, dolphin and whale watching, camping, mountain-trekking, tree-planting, and leadership training. Ecotourism and youth development projects invite people to come in the place to see its historic structures and sites in the province that date back to the Spanish period.
History
It was built by Jose Garcia and designed by Guillermo Brockman and construction was finished in 1896. Its architecture was Victorian inspired, with tower, pavilion and service buildings, were incorporated to accommodate the lights as well as the caretakers who would operate the lighthouse.
PASTOR ANCESTRAL HOUSE
Facts
Ancestral houses of the Philippines are homes owned and preserved by the same family for several generations as part of the Filipino family culture. In line with this, The Pastor Ancestral House became points of interest in Batangas because of its cultural, architectural and historical significance. This Heritage House is one of the ancestral houses in the country which is located in C. Tirona Street, Batangas City. William Howard Taft, the Governor General assigned in the Philippines during the American Occupation, visited this house and during his visit, his assassination was attempted by the sniper. To this day, the bullet that would have ended his life is still lodged in one of the doors of the house.
Figures
Each piece of stone and marble slab, low-anchored chandelier, long narra dining table, chinaware and silver cutlery of yesteryear paints a bygone era of history and culture. Thus, major television stations in the country like ABS-CBN and GMA-7 sometimes had commercial and television shoots in the ancestral house. It is also featured in architecture and interior design magazines for its undeniable warm beauty and immemorial intricate design. Hence, numerous people from all over the country visit this site for educational trip, fun and pleasure everytime they go to Batangas.
History
The Pastor Ancestral House is situated along C. Tirona Street which is a turn of the century residence formerly owned by Don Alejo Acosta, the Captain del Barrio in the community in 1883. Today, it is owned by the children of Concha Acosta and husband Dr. Juan Pastor headed by Atty. Antonia Acosta Pastor.
SUBLIAN FESTIVAL
Facts
The Sublian festival, a two week long celebration which culminates every year on the 23rd of July, is rooted in the Batangueños devotion to the town’s patron: the Holy Cross in Bauan and Agoncillo, and the Sto. Niño in Batangas City. The Sublian Festival is included in the Department of Tourism’s Calendar of Events. A subli is presented during a feast, as ceremonial worship dance in honor to the Holy Cross. The image of the Holy Cross was found during the Spanish rule in the town of Alitagtag. It is made up of lengthy prayers, songs and dances in predetermined arrangement. The dancers are made up of one, two or eight couples. The male dancers shuffle in intense fashion and hit the ground using a bamboo stick while the female, dance with a sophisticated wrist and finger movement.
Figures
The parade usually starts in morning on the 23rd of July after the floral offering. It is commonly participated by the city government employees, non-government organization, schools and socio-civic organization. Participants come in native attire with adorned subli hats to symbolize Batangueño attributes and customs.
There are around a thousand students who join and perform a street dancing subli. The parade usually takes at least an hour or more to complete. Annually, media men witnessed the significant event and featured the festival in television shows and magazine articles.
History
Sublian Festival was started by the city Mayor Eduardo Dimacuha on July 23, 1988 on the annual observation of the city hood of Batangas City. The objective is to renew the practice of the subli. The best bit of the event is the Foundation Day and the Sublian sa Kalye (in the street) where partakers will march and dance the subli on the streets.
Turning Point 