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10 Cultural Festivities of Batangas

Batangas is one of the first established provinces in the country as it has been around for more than four
hundred years. Its abundant farmland, bountiful agricultural produce, and rich history led to their
colorful and exciting culture.

Hence, Batanguenos learned to express their gratitude and joy by celebrating their countless blessings.
They organize and prepare festivals so they can share their abundance and blessings with everyone.

Besides the sumptuous food, the province’s cultural festivals are a must-see. Here are ten festivals to
experience once you settle on a house and lot for sale in Sto. Tomas Batangas.

1. Sublian Festival

Sublian Festival is a two-week event that starts on the 2nd of May. It’s a celebration of the town’s
devotion to the Holy Cross in Bauan and Agoncillo, as well as the Sto. Nino icon in Batangas City. The
date of the festival coincides with the city’s founding anniversary.

The celebration features Subli, a dance number performed together with drums and chanting. The
ceremonial worship dance includes prayers and songs.

It also includes traditional Filipino games, serenades or harana, and the Lupakan. The Lupakan is an
event that showcases how to make nilupak along with folk songs and dances.
Lambayok Festival celebrates the founding anniversary of the municipality of San Juan. It also pays
homage to the three growing industry in the area: lambanog (coconut wine), palayok (clay pot) and
karagatan (ocean). The last refers not only to the abundant marine industry but also the beach resorts
that San Juan is usually visited for.

The theme of 2019’s festival is Saing, Sisid, Barik. It featured a handful of activities, including pottery-
making contest, lambanog expo, mural painting contest, cookfest, bartending competition and fun run. A
recognition event called Gabi ng Parangal was also held to acknowledge the outstanding San Juanenos
who are still active in making lambanog and palayok and in fishing.

Balayan, Batangas Parada ng Lechon Festival The Parada ng Lechon (roasted pig parade) a
festival you must see in Balayan Batangas. The celebration is held annually on June 24, and
the feast day of San Juan (Saint John the Baptist).

Lechon is one of Batangas delicacy, and even in other provinces in the Philippines. It’s a
main dish most batagueños have for celebrations or fiestas. According to the old villager,
lechon was served before the Spanish arrived in the Philippines. The dish became a symbol
of Batangas tradition to serve lechon during celebrations. Preparing the Pig for the Parade
The pig is placed on a spit, charcoal placed on the side of the pig, in a roasting pit. The pig
is baked, while wiping the skin with brush made of leaves with water and the pigs own oil or
fat. This procedure makes the skin crispy, and roasting it for at least 5 hours. Now it's time
to dress the lechon. The dress will depend on the theme the social organization has chosen
for the annual event. After dressing the pig, clear plastic is wrapped around the pig to
prevent the lechon to get wet during the parade. When the lechons are ready, they are
brought to the church of Immaculate Conception. Participating lechons or roasted pigs will
line up the church patio while a mass is being celebrated and blessed in honor of St. John
the Baptist. Dousing of water during the festival is to signify the baptism of Jesus by St. John
the Baptist. The festival is a religious ceremony for the villagers of Balayan. It also gives a
place for trade-off to happen. Now, the parade and merry making starts on the streets of
Balayan. While the parade pass by the streets, bystanders will drench the participants with
water. Bystanders are even free to take a piece of the lechon while on parade. These make
the occasion exciting and extraordinary. When the parade is over. It is now time to munch
the lechons, a celebration of drinking and feasting follows all through out the day. But be
extra careful, the lechon is rich with cholesterol and might put your health into trouble.

Every year on June 24, Lian celebrates its town fiesta as with the celebration of the birthdate
of Saint John The Baptist. The Balsa Festival, popularly celebrated every year at
Matabungkay Beach, is an annual festival aimed to help the community restore the identity
of the town. It started on May 2002 and 11 years later, Matabungkay succeeds to become a
tourist destination with the help of this festival. It is filled with different activities like Balsa
Race Competition, Balsa Decor and Cultural Dance Competition, a concert and dance party
by the beach, prominent media personalities and foreign executives to grace the Balsa
Festival. Indeed, Balsa Festival is one that we should look up to while visiting Lian. Like
neighboring beach resorts, Lian offers the same sort of fun without travelling far.

Language
Although much can be said about the way a Batangueño speaks his or her
Tagalog, the high literacy of the locals means English is also widely spoken in
the province. Spanish is also understood up to some extent. In fact, some towns
like Nasugbu, Taal and Lemery still have a significant minority of Spanish
speakers. Visayan is also spoken by a significant minority due to the influx of
migration from the Southern Philippines.

Products
Batangas also has other industries. Batangas is known for its fan knife, called
balisong by the natives. This industry has become so famous that an urban
legend exists about every Batangueño carrying a balisong everywhere they go.

Pineapples are also common in the province. Aside from the fruit, the leaves are
also useful that it becomes an industry of its own. In the Municipality of Taal,
pineapple leaves are being processed to be a kind of cloth known as thegusi.
This is further processed to become the Barong Tagalog, the National Costume
of the Philippines. In fact, the Barong Tagalog that was used by the heads of
states in the last Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation in 1995 was from Batangas.
Princess Diana Spencer was also known to possess a scarf made of gusi.

Batangas is also known for its livestock industry. Cattle from Batangas is widely
sought throughout the country. In fact, the term BakangBatangas (Batangas
Cow) is actually synonymous to the country’s best species of cattle. Indeed, the
cattle industry in Batangas is so famous, that every Saturday is an auction day
in the Municipalities of San Juan, Bauan and widely-known and famous Padre
Garcia every Thursday and Friday.

Being near the sea, it is only expected that fishing plays a very important part of
the Batangan Economy. Although the tuna industry in the country is mainly
centered in General Santos, Batangas is also known for the smaller species of
the said fish. The locals even have their own names for the said fish. Some of
them include the term, Tambakol, yellow-finned Berberabe, tambakulis, Tulingan,
Bonito and another species also called Bonito but actually the Gymnosarda
unicolor. There is also an important industry for the Tanigue. Aside from the
South China Sea, Taal Lake also provides a source of fresh water fishes to the
country. The lake is home to Sardinellatawilis or simply tawilis, a species of
freshwater sardine that is endemic to the lake. Taal Lake also provides farmed
Chanoschanos or bangus. There is also a good volume of
Oreochromisniloticusniloticus and Oreochromisaureus, both locally called tilapia.
It is ecologically important to note that neither bangus nor tilapia are native to
the lake. Thus they are considered invasive species to the lake.

As mentioned in the section of culture, Batangueños are indeed fond of drinking.

This is of no surprise as it lies in what is called the coconut belt that is the raw
material for the local liqueurs, the lambanog (with 90% proof) and the
tuba(which is made of 5.68% alcohol and 13% sugar). Sugar is also a major
industry. As a matter of fact, after the Hacienda Luisita, the country’s former
largest sugar producer, was broken-up for land reform, the Municipality of
Nasugbu has been the home of the current largest sugar producing company,
the Central Azucarera Don Pedro. This also means that Batangas is also a home
for a wide industry of sweets. Rice cakes are also a strong industry. Although
Batangas has already lost its distinction as Asia’s largest producer of coffee, this
industry is still thriving, especially with the boost of coffee shops all over the
country, one of which is Caf

Although Batangas has already lost its distinction as Asia’s largest producer of
coffee, this industry is still thriving, especially with the boost of coffee shops all
over the country, one of which is Cafe de Lipa. Blankets and mosquito nets are
also widely available anywhere in the province. If you are lucky enough, you can
buy it from peddlers. Saplot Batangenyo, Batangas novelty shirts, “For the first
time, the Batangueños had something they can wear and show off a shirt that
they can show the world who they are, that they are Batangueños through and
through, and they are proud of it, That’s because we define the message
ourselves. The goal was to have religious, intelligent ridiculous, and gross
message presented with class and style.(likhangsiningng Emmanuel’s tatakan
@ibp.)
Just across Anilao lies Maricaban Island under the township of Tingloy, also popularly
referred to as “Tingloy Island”. One of its fast-rising stars is Masasa Beach, which caters best
to those more game for a roughing-it-out kind of beach trip. A public beach, Masasa is
devoid of the usual string of resorts, save for some nipa huts loosely strewn in the area for
rent by enterprising locals. Tourists are encouraged to patronize the small inns and local
homestays that are slowly sprouting up inland if you wish to stay a night or two.

Malabrigo Lighthouse Lobo The Malabrigo Lighthouse, or Faro de Punta Malabrigo or

simply parola to the locals, is one of two Batangas lighthouses constructed in 1891 to guide
seafaring vessels voyaging through the eastern side of the Verde Island Passage and
Tayabas Bay. This historic lighthouse has stood the test of time and is remarkably still in use
with updated solar-powered lamps. It has also been declared a National Historical Landmark
in 2006 by the National Historical Commission

Taal Volcano is the second most active volcano found in the province of Batangas. A
complex volcano in the middle of Taal Lake and is often called an island within a lake, that is
an island within a lake that is on an island as well as one of the lowest volcano in the world
having 311 meters elevation. It offers a very a spectacular view seen from Tagaytay Ridge.
Taal volcano is located around 50 kilometers away from Manila, capital of the Philippines.
The main Vulcan point situated in the main crater lake, which is on the volcano island that is
in Taal lake, which is in the main island of the Philippines (Luzon).
Resorts in Laiya Batangas | Acuatico Beach Resort

The Rizal Shrine is a reproduction of the original two-story, Spanish-Colonial

style house in Calamba, Laguna where José Rizal was born on June 19, 1861.
Rizal is regarded as one of the greatest national heroes of the Philippines. The
house is designated as a National Shrine (Level 1) by the National Historical
Commission of the Philippines. Rizal Shrine, Calamba, Laguna Rizal Shrine,
Calamba, Laguna Rizal Shrine, Calamba, Laguna Rizal Shrine, Calamba, Laguna
The Rizal Shrine is a typical rectangular Bahay na Bato, reminiscent of upper-
class Filipino homes built during the Spanish Colonial era. The lower portion is
made of adobe stone and brick, while the upper portion consists of hardwood.
The original interior flooring of the house was discovered during reconstruction
and utilized. It has sliding windows made of capiz shells, the exterior walls are
painted green (originally white) and the roof is constructed of red ceramic tile. In
June 2009, the National Historical Institute (now National Historical Commission
of the Philippines) ordered the shrine’s repainting to highlight the meaning of
Rizal’s surname. Rizal Shrine, Calamba, Laguna Iconic image with his signature
(Rizal Shrine, Calamba, Laguna) Mount Banahaw This volcano in the Philippines
is believed to have miraculous healing powers.
SUGGEST AN EDIT ADD PHOTO VIEW ALL PHOTOS Mount Banahaw. KATE
MOXHAY (ATLAS OBSCURA USER) BEEN HERE? WANT TO VISIT?

Mount Banahaw, an old volcano, is considered a holy

mountain; a keeper of secrets, stories, and cults. Filipinos make the journey to
Banahaw’s slopes in an effort to restore their vitality and spiritual health. Belief
in its powers draws pilgrims from all over the country year-round, culminating in
huge gatherings and en masse rituals during Holy Week (Easter). Myths and
stories of visions and miracles have sprung forth from Banahaw for many years,
ever since a local man proclaimed to have heard “holy voices” that led him to
numerous natural springs. It’s said that those who bathe in the water from the
springs will have good fortune and, in some cases, the ability to see their future.
The many caves that run deep into the rock are said to also hold their own kind
of spiritual power. According to the lore, the Cave of Judgement is a spot to head
to if you’ve lost count of your sins and need a guilt-inducing reminder of just
how badly you’ve behaved in the past. It’s said that entering the cave will strike
a scar for every sin you’ve committed, but if you manage to leave its murky
depths unscathed, then you’re doing well and your sins are few. The Rizalista
cult has long resided at the foot of Banahaw. They’re a peaceful group who hold
folk Catholic beliefs regarding the national hero, Jose Rizal, who they revere as
God. The Rizalista temples found in the villages around the mountain are
colorful monuments to their beliefs and a physical reminder of the mountain’s
spiritual power. Because Mount Banahaw is the tallest mountain in the region,
it’s also quite popular with climbers. Those who visit the mountain to hike and
climb are encouraged to respect the natural environment and not litter.

Mount Makiling, or Mount Maquiling, is a dormant volcano

located on the border of Laguna province and Batangas on the island of Luzon,
Philippines. The mountain rises to an elevation of 1,090 m (3,580 ft) above
mean sea level and is the highest feature of the Laguna Volcanic Field. The
volcano has no recorded historic eruption but volcanism is still evident through
geothermal features like mud spring and hot springs. South of the mountain is
the Makiling-Banahaw Geothermal Plant. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology
and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) classifies the volcano as "potentially active".[2]

Taal Lake LAKE, PHILIPPINES WRITTEN BY: The Editors of Encyclopaedia

Britannica LAST UPDATED: Jan 14, 2020 See Article History Taal Lake, lake in
southwestern Luzon, Philippines, occupying a volcanic crater with a maximum
width of 15 miles (24 km), at less than 10 feet (3 metres) above sea level. It has
an area of 94 square miles (244 square km) and is the country’s third largest
lake. Within the lake rises Volcano Island (984 feet [300 metres]), which itself
contains another small crater (Yellow Lake). Volcano Island, called Taal Volcano,
has erupted more than 34 times since 1572, most recently in 2020. Taal Lake,
Philippines Taal Lake, Philippines Taal Lake, with Volcano Island (also called Taal
Volcano), Philippines. Ian Fortuno The outer flanks of the old caldera rise gently
to cliffs that reach a high point in the southeast at Mount Macalod (3,107 feet
[947 metres]). Taal Lake lies within a national park and is a major tourist
attraction; it is most commonly viewed from Tagaytay Ridge in the north.

The Pansipit River drains the lake into Balayan Bay of the South China
Sea through a breach in the cliffs to the southwest.Mabini, Batangas,
Philippines) The province of Batangas is just a few hours south of Manila, so it
has become a popular weekend getaway destination for urban dwellers from the
metro. Its alluring quaint atmosphere, its cool breeze, and its naturally endowed
territory make Batangas the perfect monthly stopover for those seeking a little
doze of fresh seaside air and sunshine. Some of the best dive resorts in Anilao
Batangas are listed below: Dive Resorts in Anilao, Batangas Dive Resorts in
Anilao, Batangas The province is divided into several municipalities, most of
notable of which is the peninsular municipality of Mabini. Its location at the edge
of Batangas gives it a tranquil, small-town vibe, and one of its barangays,
Anilao, is riddled with dive spots and beaches comparable to those in La Union
and Siargao. Dive Philippines Dive Philippines Anilao is the catchphrase term
that refers to the two barangays Anilao Proper and East Anilao in the
municipality of Mabini. Anilao is located along the coast of the peninsula, which
translates to beaches, dive spots, and beach resorts aplenty. There are several
establishments along the shore of and near these seaside barangays.

Pagsanjan Falls is a well-known attraction in Laguna. One reason why it

became popular is that it’s usually part of History textbooks in schools in the
Philippines. It is actually found at the town of Cavinti and not in Pagsanjan, but
some say that the name stuck because Pagsanjan is the most popular way to
reach the said falls. Locals of Cavinti call it Magdapio Falls which is its indigenous
name. Two routes (Cavinti and Pagsanjan) can be used to access the falls.
Through Pagsanjan, a 1-hour boat ride is needed to reach the falls to the pool
which is called “shooting the rapids.” Licensed boatmen will accompany tourists
and after the falls experience, a thrill ride ensues downstream. Mango-Tours-
sightseeing-day-tours-Pagsanjan-Falls-img12 Bamboo rafts through the river
When going the Cavinti route, a trek/rappel is needed through a 90-degree steel
ladder to reach the falls and a raft at the bottom shall take the tourists to the
main part of the cascading falls. If you wish for an adventurous journey, this is
the best way to go although you really have to be physically fit as the trek may
be challenging. However tough the trekking might be, as you descend the
ladder you will be able to see a picturesque view of the ravishing river and
multi-colored canoes drifting through the waters. Take note that there are no
vendors around the area so you need to buy your food and drinks in town. Be
ready to get wet so wear clothes that are fit for the outdoors. To go to the Falls,
you need to ride a bus going to Sta. Cruz and alight at Cavinti. Ride a jeep going
to Cavinti then take a tricycle to Pueblo El Salvador. You need to pay boat ride
fees per passenger, entrance fee, and rental of lifejackets (compulsory) so make
sure to bring enough money. As you go to Pagsanjan Falls, you’ll realize that
there are plenty of paradises in the Philippines that you can discover. Have a
great travel in the South!
attractions/Explora PH logo Bonifacio Trial House Share Share Save Cavite
Maragondon • 234 Now converted into a museum, this antique house was where
Andres Bonifacio, leader of the Philippine Revolution, and his brother Procopio
were tried for execution in 1897. Built in 1889, the house is made of wood and
adobe, patterned after Filipino-Spanish architecture. The first floor displays
tarpaulins that tell the story of Andres Bonifacio, the Katipunan, and the
Philippine-Spanish Revolution. The second floor has several rooms displaying a
diorama of the trial court, framed flags used by the Katipunan, and Katipunan-
related paintings by amateurs. Two other rooms house a library and secret
letters sent and received by Andres Bonifacio. The house was turned into a
museum in 1999 by the National Historical Institute. Bonifacio trial house

The Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo’s collection covers a variety of

museum objects. The ground level of the house is a permanent exhibit on the
role of Cavite during the revolution. It presents the life of the general, Cavite
during the Spanish colonial period, and the revolution against Spain until the
proclamation of independence on June 12, 1898. It also covers the aftermath of
the revolution until the Philippines’ war against the United States. The second
level is the living space of the house. Similar to the traditional bahay na bato
structure of the 19th century; the living room, the bedrooms, dining area and
kitchen can all be found in this level. These rooms house 19th century and early
20th century furniture and details of the art nouveau and art deco period of the
past. Notable are the mesa altar, large dining table, Ah Tay bed and secret
compartments oblivious to regular guests.

delicacies
 Menudong Gulay (Vegetable Menudo) - starting off with this dish because I've never been to
any place in the Philippines other than than our home town Nagcarlan that serves this, it's made
of various vegetables and tripe cooked in a peanut based sauce.

2. Pinaniki (Offal in Coconut milk) - there are various version of Bopis around the archipelago of the
Philippines and this is the version we have in Nagcarlan. It's made out of various offal like heart and lungs
and cooked in coconut milk and green chili and a town favorite to pair with alcoholic beverages.

3. Adobo sa Gatang Kalabaw (Water Buffalo stew in Coconut milk and vinegar) - really trying hard to
translate the name to be understood by English speakers and somehow doing so makes it less
appetizing, but, not minding the translation, this dish is really, really good. The buffalo is cooked for at
least 5 hours using coal making it tender and gives that smokey taste in every bite.
4. Batchoy (Pork Intestines Soup) - this particular version of this dish is made without noodles and is
meant as a viand. It's a soup dish made out of intestines not just offal mixed with chili leaves and chayote.
A must have on rainy days which in Nagcarlan is every other day.

5. Kalinawan (Sour Pork Intestine Soup) - like the 1st on the list, I've never seen any provinces that
servers a similar dish, it might simply be a derivative of Kilawin another Filipino dish and just got lost in
translation. It's not pungent in anyway though you know what goes there and the banana flower adds a
unique flavor profile to this exotic dish, really juicy and best eaten with steaming rice.
6. Ukoy na Biya (Poisonous Goby fish patty) - while doing research on what's the translation of the fish
called Biya, I just found out that it's a poisonous fish called goby that doesn't have any antidote for. So,
yeah definitely a part of this list for being a hardcore dish that everyone eats from my hometown.

7. Ginataang Langka (Jackfruit Coconut Milk Stew) - it might look like tuna flakes at first sight but it's
actually a dish made out of fruit, it's an unripened jackfruit cooked in coconut milk with lots of garlic, more
of a side dish than a main one.
8. Kilawin (Pork Liver Sour Stew) - this is a very unique take on kilawin because while most are cooked
with the acidity of the vinegar, this is prepared with liver sauce, radish, more pork liver, and roasted pork
making it a cross between kilawin and paksiw. It's a special made to order dish so don't expect to see it
on normal food stalls.

9. Dinuguang Baboy (Pork Blood Stew) - a controversial dish depending on your belief but this one is
something I definitely recommend to try at least once. If you are willing to, make sure to get one in
Nagcarlan because the blood used in cooking is still warm since it's from the the fresh meat market that
butchers live pigs every day. Green chili and mustard leaves are mixed in to balance the flavor.

10. Lenchong Kawali (Crispy Pan Fried Pork Cutlets)- as mentioned on the image above, pork meat are
freshly sold every day because frozen meat is not a thing in our province since it's cheaper to transport a
pig than to have it frozen in freezers. These are boiled first then air dried and afterwards fried in high heat
to make the skin crispy and the meat juicy.
 10. Lugaw Pata (Pork Hock Porridge) with Bonete (Pan Bread) - this is a combination you shouldn't
miss, it's carbs on carbs action, the buttery pan bread perfectly matches the porridge with every bite you
take and a spoon of pork in between to refresh the pallet to get you going for more. It sounds weird, but it
works.
 12. Bulanglang na Kabute (Wild Mushroom Soup) - this is available in Nagcarlan as well but this one in
particular was taken in Lipa, Batangas. I included the raw mushroom image because it looks like one of
those poisonous things you see in TV but in reality it's really tasty. The mushroom and other vegetables
are boiled with salt and pepper to taste and that's it, it's ready to eat.

13. Sinawsaw (Sweet Sticky Rice) - I'm speculating that the origin of this dish is due to lazy workers who
didn't bother packing another version of this called Suman. It's sticky rice boiled in coconut milk topped
with coconut jam. Sounds bland but it's really tasty.
 14. Halo-Halo (Shaved Ice with Preserved Fruits) - this one you have to look for, it's found in Pagsanjan,
Laguna specifically at the restaurant of Aling Taleng's. You can tell the quality of this dessert having it
named after the restaurant. It's all sorts of locally preserved fruits in syrup, under a shaved ice with milk,
topped by a chunk of sweetened Tubo (Coconut Cotyledon) which is a very unique ingredient of this
dessert, since most top theirs with flan.

15. Sponge Bread (Square Pants) - this is more of a personal preference, this is simply a locally made
sponge cake in the bakeries situated in our town, you have chocolate, caramel, and taro flavored once
and you can't go wrong buying a dozen of these at a time.