“Batangas, bukal ng kadakilaan. Ang pinakapuso ay Bulkan ng Taal”

Above are the first two lines of Himno ng Batangan (Batangas hymn). Taal Volcano is dubbed as the heart of the province and is one of, if not, the most prominent destination in Batangas.

The smallest active volcano in the world has always been popular among tourists because of its breathtaking beauty. Although you have to go through an exhausting trek, it will all pay off once you reach the crater – a view that’s postcard-worthy.

You will never fully appreciate the beauty of something unless you get to see or experience it yourself. Seeing it in photos or reading about it is only half of what you should experience. See it, feel it, be there.

On August 8, 2011, our team had our first trek to the Volcano Island. We will never forget that day when altogether, we reached the crater of the world famous Taal Volcano.

Have you been planning a trip there? It is always advisable to go there under a very good weather and be informed of volcano alerts from authorities.

READ MORE: How to go to Taal Volcano Crater

You might wonder if getting down to the crater lake is permitted. There are some tourists who dare to go there. Just like Robbie “Robx” Bautista and his group who went there last August 18. Robbie is an illustrator and character designer who share the world’s awesomeness by wandering around and blogging his adventures.

Robx and their ‘gutsy’ Taal Volcano adventure

Editor’s note: Published as written by Robbie Bautista

When most tourists say they’ll spend a weekend admiring Taal Volcano, they usually mean looking at it from afar all the way up in the highlands of Tagaytay. Some who have enough physical strength in them go to the actual volcano, crossing the famous lake and hiking for an hour to reach a stunning view of the crater lake from above.

And then you have the crazies. People looking for more adrenaline rush, the ones who prefer living on the edge, those who are just plain curious, and people going through heartbreak, who are daring enough to go down the crater of an active volcano for a hotter experience.

Getting to Talisay isn’t too troublesome for those who will be taking public transportation. From Manila, buses headed for Lemery will most likely drop off passengers at a stop in Tanauan for a quick breakfast. In Tanauan, there’s a terminal with jeepneys going directly to Talisay’s port for only P23. When planning to trek Taal, it is better to start early and making sure to leave Manila before dawn because the sun will be unforgiving once the hike to the volcano starts, and even hotter in the actual crater with parts of the lake reaching boiling point.

There are many resorts and organised boatmen that could bring a group of any size to the front of the volcanic island where most tourists take to reach the ridge overlooking the crater lake, but very few are willing to go to the far end opposite the regular trail where a so-called ‘secret path’ to the crater waits the thrill-seekers. For this off-the-beaten path, there are a few independent residents willing to take visitors to the back of the island, which they refer to as Calauit Trail.

READ MORE: New Found Friends: The Hinetes of Talisay, Batangas

After a bumpy boat ride that lasted for almost an hour, the trek immediately took place and thirty minutes later we found ourselves at this small hut that sheltered us from the rain. Our group was temporarily stranded as dark clouds showered us while strong winds coming from the crater almost literally blew us away. Half an hour later, the rain finally subsided and the thick fog that surround us faded, giving us a clear view of the lake. It may not be as stunning compared to the view from the other trail, but that’s not what we came for.

The rain came as a blessing in disguise because it made the hike less stressful on the way down to the crater. Any other day we would’ve probably suffered from extreme dehydration. The tour guide informed us that very few people, mostly foreigners, go down the crater because not a lot of information is available about this unique experience. Dangers aside, it is still recommended to look up on the Philippine Institute of Volcanology’s (Philvolcs) advisory regarding the place’s safety. It is still an active volcano, after all.

At the crater, expect minor volcanic activity as thick white fumes can be seen coming out of steam vents nearby. Nothing to be afraid of though! The landscape was completely different from the grey scenery found in Pinatubo, with rocks formations displaying layers of warm, autumn colors that complement the vibrant teal of the lake. The soil was brittle, so being extra cautious with each step is advisable. And though most parts of the lake have temperatures ranging from warm to boiling point, it is still safe to swim there as long as you don’t drink the sulfuric water.

They say that if you can’t take the heat, then better get out of the kitchen. Well, we didn’t just go inside the kitchen. Our gutsy group of six went right for the oven! Sure, it may not be the kind of volcanic experience involving spewing ash and molten lava, but it was an epic and memorable one still. Very few can say that they’ve been to the crater of an active volcano and we were lucky to be part of that short list.

This article was contributed by Marrah Erika Lesaba of Inquirer Southern Luzon and was first published on newsinfo.inquirer.net

Batangas City — It used to take a 45-minute boat ride for people living in Barangay Calawit, Balete town in Batangas to be able to charge their cellular phones in mainland Taal, as well as buy batteries for flashlights and kerosene for lamps to light up their homes.

With their recent acquisition of solar lamps, all the villagers needed to do was to let the sun do all the work to make life easy for them.

The solar lamps were distributed to 80 boatmen, tour guides and horsemen of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano Protected Landscape on Aug. 7 as part of a project of Globe Telecom Inc., Pusod Inc. and Stiftung Solarenergie-Solar Energy Foundation Philippines.

Yolly Crisanto, Corporate Communications head of Globe Telecom Inc., said Calawit was one of the villages identified by Globe Telecom as not part of the main electrical transmission grid so they rely on fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum to provide light in the evening.

It is one of the 13 villages of Balete town and the only barangay from Balete on Taal Volcano Island. It has a population of 1,500, mostly fishermen, tour guides, boatmen and horse guides.

Exposure time

Arnel Landicho, a boatman and village chief of Calawit, said he would expose his solar lamp to sunlight for half a day for it to be fully charged.

Should the solar lamps encounter problems, the recipients have to bring their units to Pusod Taal Lake Conservation Center (TLCC), which will, in turn, hand these over to Stiftung Solarenergie in Makati City for repair or replacement.

Right now, some of the lamps have not been working well so they have to bring the units back to TLCC, Landicho said.

He said tourists going to Taal Volcano visit only during the day so he would use his solar lamp at his home at night. “There are no more guests at night, but if there will be we use the solar lamps to bring them there but guests have to secure a permit from the authorities first.”

Sustainable tourism

Elaine Santillan, Pusod executive director, said the 80 recipients were also beneficiaries of the center’s sustainable tourism project.

Instead of spending on fuel and gas for their light, these recipients would just charge the solar lamps under the sunlight so they could be used at home, for fishing and for guided tours, she said. Rental fee for a boat that can carry six passengers is P2,000. A tour guide and a horse guide receive P300 fee each.

Santillan said the solar lamps needed to be charged regularly and the user need not wait for the battery to be completely drained before charging. Globe and Pusod taught the recipients how to maintain their units.

Settings

“When we go to sleep, we place it on ‘bed’ setting. If we go for a walk, it’s on ‘low’ setting and for bright light for the house, it’s on ‘high’ setting,” Landicho said.

Fernando Esguerra, officer in charge for Globe corporate social responsibility unit, said the solar lamps’ illumination could last up to 100 hours when placed under bed setting, 16 hours under low setting, eight hours under medium setting and four hours under high setting.

They could also be used to charge mobile phones.

“When the solar lamps are not charged properly, there will be fluctuations when they use the units. The battery is one of the best—lithium ferrous—so if they use the solar lamps properly, the battery will last from five to six years,” Santillan said.

Two models—D. Light S300 Dual Function Solar Lamp with a one-year warranty period and Solectric 15 Solar Power System with a two-year warranty—were distributed.

Pusod personnel will return to the island on Sept. 6 to get a feedback on the solar lamps, Santillan said.

Crisanto said that through the solar lamp project, Globe Telecom reinforced its commitment to environmental sustainability by promoting the benefits of using renewable energy among its partner-communities in far-flung places deprived of electricity.

Many Batangueños were born from a family of farmers. This is perhaps where the Batangueños’ trait of being hard-working has rooted from.

Sixty (60) percent of the province’s land area is agricultural. With a land this huge to cultivate, our farmers surely need the government’s support in order to continue making progress for the province’s economy and for them to keep hold of a regular source of living.

Take for example, the town of Lobo. It has 19,268 hectares of land where rice, corn, coconut, fruit-bearing trees, and root crops grow. Despite some limitations for its agricultural potential to completely prosper, commodities from Lobo are blessings to consider every day.

That is why the town folks gather each year, on the last week of September, to celebrate the Anihan Festival. This is the local government’s way of giving importance to their main source of income – the agricultural products they grow and the fruit that put Lobo in the “capital of the Philippines” list, atis (sugar apple).

READ MORE: Top 10 Most Celebrated Festivals in Batangas

Since the aim of Anihan Festival is to showcase the town’s bountiful harvest, festivities include trade fair which, of course, highlights the products of each barangay and street-dancing competition where costume and choreography reflect their agricultural gems.

On September 27, 2011, Lobo was declared as the Atis Capital of the Philippines. It coincided in the town’s 140th foundation anniversary. Lobo earns an average of P2.5 million each year from atis harvest.

It was also on the same day that the agro-ecotourism of Lobo was launched. This is to fortify four components existing in the municipality: biodiversity, history and cultural heritage, agricultural products, and beach and resorts.

READ MORE: The Road to Malabrigo Lighthouse and Peat Forest of Lobo

Anihan Festival 2013 is scheduled for a week-long celebration from Sept. 24 to 29. Activities lined-up for the event are listed below. Visit Lobo and experience Anihan Festival! And don’t forget to taste the sweetest atis in the country!

Other sources:

• www.mediangbayan.ph
• forestforus.weebly.com

Marami ang mga kakatwa na pangalan ng barangay sa Batangas pero para hindi na kayo maliyo sa pagpili ay gumawa na kami ng shortlist.

Sa 28 pangalan ng mga barangay na pinagpilian, 10 ang humakot ng pinakamaraming boto sa listahan. Yan ay base sa survey na ito, kung saan 370 Batangueños ang bumoto at malamang ay napa-umis habang binabasa ang buong listahan. Bumoto ka ga?

Paalala, hindi namin intensyon na pagtawanan ang mga barangay na nakasama sa survey dahil ito naman ay ayon sa English translation nito:

kakatwa adj. 1. strange; 2. eccentric; 3. outlandish; 4. odd but pleasing

At ang sampung (10) napiling pinaka-kakatwang pangalan ng barangay sa Batangas ay ang mga sumusunod.

10. Inicbulan, Bauan (4%, 16 votes)
9. Ping-as, Alitagtag (5%, 18 votes)
8. Galamay-Amo, San Jose (5%, 18 votes)
7. Mataywanac, Tuy (6%, 21 votes)
6. Balakilong, Laurel (6%, 22 votes)
5. Bilog-Bilog, Tanauan (6%, 23 votes)
4. Utod, Nasugbu (8%, 29 votes)
3. Maalas-as, Rosario (8%, 31 votes)
2. Taklang Anak, Calaca (17%, 62 votes)
1. Jaybanga, Lobo (37%, 138 votes)

Press release from First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH) by Kelly Austria

Historians, artists, academicians, teachers, students, and other history lovers gathered to pay homage to one of Batangas’ favorite sons.

In 2014, we will celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Apolinario Mabini y Maranan, who was born on July 23, 1864.

Mabini, referred to as “the sublime paralytic” and the “brains of the revolution”, was a Filipino philosopher and revolutionary.

His life and times will be documented in the coffee table book under the editorship of Ramon Villegas with other esteemed authors Mila Guerrero, Ricardo Jose, Manuel L. Quezon III, Justice Adolfo Azcuna, and Emmanuel Calairo.

This was announced during the soft launch of Mabini@150 held at the discussion library of the First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities in Tanauan City, Batangas.

The event was part of the school’s 13th Foundation Day.

A preview of the sculpture by artist Julie Lluch was also presented.

Aside from Villegas and the other Mabini book authors, the launch was also attended by National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chair, Dr. Maria Serena I. Diokno.

Mr. Frederick Mabini, descendant of Gat Apolinario Mabini, represented the hero’s family.

For information about Mabini@150, visit www.firstasia.edu.ph or send an email to inquiries@firstasia.edu.ph.

***

The Mabini sculpture and coffee table book are through the initiatives of FAITH for the Mabini @ 150 celebration.

After the said soft launch, we were able to interview Mr. Frederick Mabini and learned how he is related to the Batangueño hero.

Having Batangueño blood in his roots, it was a delight to hear and see how Sir Frederick talks about Batangas and its people with such enthusiasm. You can watch our video interview with him in this link.

Images of the Apolinario Mabini sculpture maquette were flashed on screen during the Mabini @ 150 Soft launch at FAITH. The sculpture is by renowned artist Julie Lluch who also did the sculptures of Ninoy Aquino and Carlos P. Romulo.

Mabini Coffee Table book principal author Ramon Villegas gives an overview about the sesquicentennial book project.

Frederick Mabini, descendant of Gat Apolinario Mabini shares his thoughts to the audience.

Dr. Maria Serena I. Diokno, Chair of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines receives a simple token of appreciation from FAITH President Saturnino G. Belen. With them is FAITH Managing Director Mr. Juan Lozano (left).

FAITH officers and the authors behind the Mabini sesquicentennial coffee table book.

(L-R) Jimmy Hilario, book designer, Juan Lozano, FAITH Managing Director, Martin Tinio, author, Mila Guerrero, author, Ramon Villegas, principal author, Saturnino Belen, FAITH President, Atty. Gay Marie Francisco, FAITH Vice President and Deany Bocobo, FAITH Vice President

Photos courtesy of FAITH

It’s very rare to see a major tourist spot of the Philippines be featured in an American MTV. Rarer still is to see such huge and fearsome animals like an elephant and a tiger anywhere near Batangas province. But that’s just what happened when the Director of Katy Perry’s Roar music video (and hopefully Katy Perry herself because apparently she loves the Philippines) decided to include as backdrop the view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano in a plane-wreck storyline where man learns to love animals and appreciate nature.

Here’s the very “controversial” video of Katy Perry’s song Roar.

The biggest animal I saw anywhere near Taal Lake is the Kabayong Tagalog, so obviously they lead viewers to think that the Taal Volcano (if they find it interesting) is somewhere in Africa or other parts of Asia.

But the video itself tells a good story, and puts Taal in a positive light. So we’ll take it. Thanks Katy!

(screenshot courtesy of youtube)

September 13 may have fallen on a Friday but it seemed that blessings in many different forms showered Batangas province particularly its tourism sector.

LGU officials of various municipalities and cities of Batangas, stakeholders of the tourism of the province, business owners, students, and advocates of local and national tourism gathered in the pavilion of LIMA Park Hotel in one momentous event dubbed as the 1st Batangas Province Tourism Conference. The event was spearheaded by the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office in cooperation with the Batangas Tourism Officers Association (BATOA).

CONFERENCE TALKS

With the theme, “Empowering Tourism for Shared Economic Growth”, the gathering would not be a conference without talks from noteworthy resource speakers.

First speaker was Mr. Bienvenido Claravall, University of the Philippines Diliman and Asian Institute of Tourism faculty member and author of the book “Travel Management and Tour Operations in the Philippines”, who talked about Tourism Appreciation. Claravall focused on the appreciation of tourism industry and how it is manifested by dissecting on tourism as a whole, different perspectives of people looking at the industry of tourism (visitors, businessmen, government, and the community), the crimes and social conflict tourism brings in a certain area, and the pros of having a good tourism industry.

Some of Claravall’s notable lines were: “No matter how good your facilities are, if the service is weak, you’ll have a weak product.”; “The real Tourism Appreciation is when you have a reflective culture of tourism.”

Second speaker, award-winning broadcaster and journalist Ms. Thelma Dumpit-Murillo, shared valuable insights on Tourism Marketing and Branding and Public and Media Relations. In her talk, she highlighted Destination Branding, which is combining all attributes associated with a place. Furthermore, Murillo also emphasized the importance of knowing who you are and what you have in order to know what you can give. And from her discussion, I jotted down this thought she imparted: “You cannot be all things to all people.”

Ms. Ricamela S. Palis, Director of the Culture and Arts Department of Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Calamba, conferred the third conference topic which was Festival Management. She opened the discussion with an energizer for the crowd then segued to introducing what a festival is and the many categories of it.

Palis mentioned that the availability of local resources contribute in how a town or city sustain the existence of their particular festival. She also noted that tourism thrives on culture and each festival conveys a story. This story branches out to things to be considered in planning and materializing a festival – what story should be conveyed, to whom the story should be told, and how it should be told.

Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Deputy Administrator for Planning, Atty. Nicasio A. Conti, discussed the significant connection between the tourism and transportation industries in his topic, Transportation Management. Atty. Conti stressed on how the connectivity of transportation on land, air, and sea can be instrumental in developing further the tourism of the province and the country in general.

Going further into the day is Tony Reyes, Marketing Manager of STAR Tollway Corporation, who talked about Strengthening of Public-Private Partnership. Reyes compared tourism trends in the recent decades and the evolution of the public’s preferences in choosing a destination to go to.

He made one striking suggestion on how we could boost Batangas tourism – compete where we can compete. Frequency of a tourist’s visit to Batangas is one, drawing in permanent tourists (people who acquire properties in the province) is another.

The last topic in the conference was about Solid Waste Management and its link to the tourism industry as discussed by Laudemir S. Salac, OIC DENR – CENRO, Batangas City. The rush of tourists coming in to the province affects the local environment with all the solid wastes created and left behind in the community. The LGU play a key role in maintaining their locality an attractive tourist destination by keeping it clutter-free.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

We guess all of you would agree that our beloved Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto is a tourist attraction herself. You’ve probably heard how people from even the farthest places in the country travel all the way to Batangas for their Lakbay Aral and to take photos with our Governor.

In her speech, Gov. Vi suggested that all cities and municipalities of Batangas should have their own tourism programs to make the tourism efforts of the province simpler. Furthermore, the Governor reminded everyone that tourism is part of her HEARTS program and that her passion for boosting Batangas tourism will always be there.

On the other hand, Vice Governor Mark Leviste mentioned that “beautiful Batangas” is not just a slogan. Being a known advocate of the local tourism, Vice Gov. Leviste emphasized on the accessibility of Batangas and the industriousness of the Batangueño family as contributing factors to our province being a premiere attraction and world-class tourist destination.

This is one remarkable event for the promotion and fortification of Batangas tourism. May this open more doors of opportunity for the industry that makes Batangas one of the most well-rounded tourist destinations in the Philippines. And as we always say, IT’S ALL HERE, IT’S SO NEAR!

See more of the 1st Batangas Province Tourism Conference photos here.

Apart from Christmas and Holy Week, ‘Undas’ (All Souls Day / Day of the Dead) is one event Filipinos look forward to each year. These three events reunite family members and give them the chance to catch up on the lost times and commemorate something of tradition.

All Saints Day and All Souls Day are observed around the world in different ways and here in the Philippines, it has always been an interesting gathering.

Undas, or Undras for us Batangueños, is synonymous to reunion for us Pinoys. Altogether we remember our loved ones who passed away by spending some time to visit their tombs. Wait, Filipinos spend hours and even overnight in the cemetery like it’s a 24-hour camping. And if it’s camping, there has to be food (lots of it), others even play music (but some cemetery ban it), a marathon of card games (tong its, pusoy dos), and some, although prohibited, bring alcoholic beverages.

Undas also brings nostalgia to most of us. Because we’re raised to be part of this annual tradition, we have collected lots of memories from it since we were kids. And every Undas is a chance to recall all of them.

READ MORE: Halloween, Batangueño Style

Are you fond of making balls of melted candles? We were back then! I can still imagine how my cousins and I try to ignore how hot and hurting the melting wax feels to touch. Then our mothers would warn us with the eternal line: “Sige kayo, babalisawsawin kayo nyan!”

And there’s kalamay, sinukmani, malagkit na kanin with kibal, tamalis, and suman FTW! Hahaha. Every year, my parents are the one who patiently make tamalis to be shared to our relatives. Ever wonder why kakanin is a staple merienda for Undas? I do, too.

READ MORE: Usapang Kakanin

One thing that also hits a nostalgic note is how we all try to scare each other of ghost stories we know. My cousins, my brother, and I would oftentimes ask our parents to bring us home before the defunct ‘Magandang Gabi Bayan’ would start, since they want to stay longer in the cemetery. We always look forward to its Halloween special for some hair-raising, scary Pinoy urban legends and ghost stories.

READ MORE: Scary Movies to Watch

Despite this event being turned into a happy reunion among Filipino families, we never forget why it is an important day. It’s a day to pray for all of our departed family members and friends and to extend our love and thoughts to them.

The post ‘Undras’: Tradition, Reunion for Filipinos appeared first on WOWBatangas.com.

Have you ever wondered how is it like to be working behind everything that you see in WOWBatangas.com?

This 5-year-old website had gone a lot of changes in the past. Moreover, our team had welcomed quite a long list of people who were given the chance to be part of the WOWBatangas Team, even for a short period of time.

Like a school semester!

This is through our On-the-Job Training Program where students from the fields of Communication, Marketing, Computer Science, IT, Multimedia, and other related courses, spend their internship with us.

Now if you want to experience working with us, this is your chance! We are currently looking for competent, diligent, and fun-loving trainees to join our OJT Program for 2nd Semester SY 2013-2014.

Slots for this coming semester are open for students from the following fields/courses:
- Mass Communication
- Marketing Management
- Multimedia

Interested? Send your resume at jobs@wowbatangas.com and wait for us to contact you so keep your communication lines open.

The post We Want You: OJTs for 2nd Sem SY 2013-2014 appeared first on WOWBatangas.com.

Editor’s note: The writer did not disclose the full identity of the person interviewed as requested by the latter.

“My day begins when somebody died.”

In the midst of grieving and a day fueled with emotions, they are the people who remain calm to coordinate with the ones who lost a loved one.

Their job might be odd and takes a lot of courage, expertise, and respect. If there will be the last one to make a cadaver smile, not literally though, credits will be given to them. They are the embalmers.

Respect, presence of mind and a lot of courage: the first time embalmer who I had the chance to interview remembers her first encounter with a corpse. Yes, HER. She’s a woman in her 30s, who happened to manage their first family-owned business — a memorial home.

“For the information of other people, we are also required to have license and we attend seminars about embalming which are accredited by the Department of Health. Hindi lang kami basta-basta nagpeperform ng embalming. Alam namin kung pano gawin yon at lisensyado kami.”

It’s hard to make people look good when they passed away more so when they had suffered from so much pain battling an illness or a gruesome accident.

“Nakakatuwa pagka umaalis yung pamilya tapos sasabihin nila na “Ay ang ganda ng Nanay o ng Tatay. Parang natutulog lang.” We get inspiration dun sa mga naririnig naming ganon.”

She narrated that it was hard to overcome fear in doing what she does and of course in reassuring that the whole process will be performed well and with full of respect. Her first time encounter with a corpse made her shiver but eventually got used to it. But making the family of the dead person know that their loved one is in good hands, that somehow eases her job.

“Risky ang embalming kung hindi ka marunong. Pero nung natapos ko ‘yung process, ay, kaya ko naman pala.”

The delight in her eyes expressed how happy she is with her job. She mentioned that it’s a noble profession and people must treat all embalmers with respect for they perform a duty that somehow tries to erase the sadness of the family left behind.

“Hindi natin masasabi kung saan at kailan tayo mamatay. Ako, ina-assure ko na magiging maganda o gwapo sya. Parang kung gagalangin mo yung patay magkakaron ka ng good karma.”

When asked about her career, she said that hers is a busy one because memorial homes and funeral parlors, like hospitals, don’t have regular working hours. She said her job is like a doctor on-call.

“There are times na papasok na kami sa [mall] for family day, andun na kami sa entrance ng mall tapos may tatawag, service daw. So wala kang choice. Either ako o yung mister ko ang uuwi pabalik para magtrabaho.”

At the end of the day, she and her family remain intact while adjusting to the nature of their work. She said her profession as an embalmer goes beyond making the body look good as showing empathy to the mourning family is always part of the job.

I believe we have to admire these people. As embalmers, theirs is not an easy job. Most people find it scary and even gross. As individuals, they have to live well, too, and because of what they have to perform everyday, they have deeper understanding about living and dying.

Before our conversation ended, she left me with a thought that whenever and wherever I go, I should pray and be thankful for the gift of life. Death shouldn’t be feared if you’ve lived well. Lastly, always pay respect to whoever we encounter: be it a living man or a dead one.

The post Dissecting the Life of an Embalmer appeared first on WOWBatangas.com.

We have had a lot of trips along the way and it surely does not end there. Those trips were made memorable because of the hospitality shown to us by our fellow Batangueños in every place we’ve been to.

What you will see here are the resorts we have featured in the past four years of discovering Batangas. The good thing about these Batangas resorts is that apart from letting people experience their facilities and services, they also try to showcase the beauty of province in different ways.

BEACH RESORTS

Dive Solana (Anilao, Mabini)

If you prefer the kind of relaxation where beauty of nature is focused right before your very eyes, beach resorts in Anilao will surely give you that. We had the best time during our stay in Dive Solana back in March 2010. We did kayaking, snorkeling, and had delightful meals in between.

READ MORE: A Sweet Escape to Paradise: The Dive Solana Experience

Butterfly Beach House (Brgy. Fabrica, Lobo)

Butterfly Beach House is a humble beach accommodation in Lobo. It’s a decent place to accommodate you and your group after a day of swimming and sunbathing. There are lesser beach activities you can do here but we tell you, summer is better spent here than in other crowded beaches in the country.

READ MORE: Butterfly Beach House: Another Reason to Stay in Lobo

Eagle Point Resort (Anilao, Mabini)

Eagle Point Resort is among the diving resorts in Anilao where one can experience world-class Filipino hospitality. Being a known destination for expats and foreign divers, Eagle Point Resort offers high standard facilities and finest service to ensure every guest gets the best of Batangas.

READ MORE: Eagle Point Resort, a First-Class Destination for Divers and Weekenders in Batangas

La Sueña Brisa Resort (Brgy. Nonong Casto, Lemery)

Do you still remember the days when Matabungkay beach in Lian and the black sand beach of Lemery were the most frequented summer destinations in Batangas? For everyone’s information, these beaches are still drawing in thousands of people every year. And if you haven’t been back to Lemery, there’s this one lovely resort there called La Sueña Brisa that’s becoming popular among visitors from various places such as Manila.

READ MORE: An Early Refreshing Visit to La Sueña Brisa Resort in Lemery

Llamar Beach Resort (Laiya, San Juan)

You know how Laiya is so popular among beachgoers during the summer season. But we are yet to feature the long list of resorts lined up along the infamous stretch of San Juan, Batangas beach. However, during one random road trip to Laiya, we were welcomed by the staff of Llamar Beach Resort. I forgot how we were able to contact the owner but it was a good short trip we had there.

READ MORE: Discovering Llamar Beach Resort in Laiya, San Juan

LAKESHORE RESORTS

Galilee Place Resort and Spa (Brgy. Sala, Balete)

Balete is where you can capture the best sunset shot (at least for us). Galilee Place Resort and Spa is a typical Filipino resort with nipa huts and cottages strategically located on the site. No deluxe rooms as everything is designed to give you that very Pinoy accommodation and so that you can indulge yourselves more on the beauty of what’s outdoor.

READ MORE: Galilee Place Resort and Spa : Harboring a Great Deal of Leisure and Nature’s Best

Club Balai Isabel (Brgy. Banga, Talisay)

This resort in Talisay, Batangas is a well-known destination for weddings. Because of the picturesque view of Taal Lake and Mt. Binintian (the cone-shaped mountain people mistaken as Taal Volcano), this location of this lakeshore resort injects more drama and romance to a couple’s significant event. Celebrity couple Kristine Hermosa and Oyo Boy Sotto tied the knot here in 2011.

READ MORE: Club Balai Isabel, a Recreation Haven in Batangas

Villa Khristalene Resort (Brgy. Leynes, Talisay)

You know that “feeling at home” vibe you get on a place that’s situated far away from your own home? We had that when we were at Villa Khristalene Resort in Talisay. It’s another resort by the shore of Taal Lake which gives you quite a closer view of the volcano across the water. Villa Khristalene feels much like of a vacation house where familiarity is so comforting you would want to stay for longer.

READ MORE: Villa Khristalene Resort in Talisay: Relaxing Destination Away from Home

GARDEN AND SWIMMING POOL RESORTS

Abby’s Garden Resort (Aroma Beach, Butong, Taal)

When it comes to finding a resort to book, there are people who don’t look for anything fancy. And a resort, we believe, does not have to be hectares-wide to be beautiful. Abby’s Garden Resort has the kind of appeal that is not overwhelming, just right. It’s a recommended place to stay for tourists who want to spend a day or two wandering around Taal, the Heritage Town.

READ MORE: Abby’s Garden Resort: Another Installment to Taal’s Must-Visit Places

La Virginia (Brgy. Manggahan, Mataasnakahoy)

La Virginia Leisure Park and Amusement resort is probably one of the most popular Batangas resorts. This resort screams of random features from superhero statues to giant animal figures and many more. Your kids will definitely have the best time here. Plus, an overlooking view of Taal Lake and the volcano island will guarantee you of the perfect selfie background.

P.S. Don’t forget to ride the zipline!

READ MORE: Top La Virginia Resort Attractions You’ll Love

Casa Corazon (Boundary of Lemery and Calaca)

You will have an overlooking view of the beach from where Casa Corazon is located. This resort, they claim, is one of it’s kind because of all the resorts in Batangas, this is the only one which has a motorcycle and vintage car museum in it. Tho owner has a very impressive collection of motorcycles which left us in awe.

READ MORE: Casa Corazon’s Motorcycle Museum, First in the Philippines

Shercon Resort and Ecology Park (Bo. San Sebastian, Mataasnakahoy)

Can you count now how many resorts give you a generous view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano? There are many of them actually and we have just started counting. Adding to the list is Shercon Resort and Ecology Park which is a popular events place (for weddings and team-buildings in particular). If you want to be surrounded by the goodness of nature and have fun at the same time with your favorite company, this resort is where you should be at.

READ MORE: Another Look at Shercon Resort and Ecology Park’s Best Features

Cintai Corito’s Garden, (Brgy. Malabanan, Balete)

If you are not yet convinced that Batangas boasts of many world-class destinations, then probably a visit to Cintai – Corito’s Garden will alter your perception. We tagged the resort as “Bali in Balete” because it will remind you so much of Bali, Indonesia (on wishful thinking, perhaps a passage to a secluded beach would authenticate this tag). Structures big and small depict a strong influence of Indonesian architecture.

READ MORE: Cintai – Corito’s Garden (There’s Bali in Balete)

La Leona Resort (Brgy. Sampaguita, Lipa City)

Most of the time, we look for a resort where we can maximize our budget and squeeze in the rest of the gang to a day tour or overnight accommodation. That you can do in La Leona Resort. No matter how big or small your barkada is, there’s a room where you can fit in at very affordable rates. Although it’s located in Lipa City, you will be far from the busy streets of the city proper yet still have an easy access to where the resort is situated.

READ MORE: La Leona Resort, Lipa City: Simplicity Redefined

Residencia de Riego (Muzon II, Alitagtag)

Located in a semi-secluded area in the town of Alitagtag, Residencia de Riego has gained popularity since it started its operations a couple of years back. If you’re a fan of swimming pool with logic lights, they’ve got that there. And if partying by the pool is your kind of fun, wait until the night sets in and a band will play your song requests which you can hear all over the resort.

READ MORE: Residencia de Riego & Resort Mixes Urban Entertainment and Rural Relaxation

Villa Crisanta Garden Resort (Brgy. Sta Cruz, Rosario)

Have you ever dreamed how it’s like to own a huge piece of land where you can always spend your vacation? Well, you won’t be getting closer to owning Villa Crisanta (unless you can afford and the current owners would give you the chance to!) but good news is, you can always have your vacation there anytime you want. Villa Crisanta has that rustic beauty enough to make you feel like a haciendero/haciendera for a day.

READ MORE: Unfolding the Exquisiteness of Villa Crisanta Garden Resort, Rosario, Batangas

Having a hard time selecting your next destination? Take your time and don’t be in a hurry. These Batangas resorts will always wait for you.

Editor’s Note: This is not a sponsored post.

The post Where To Go: Batangas Resorts Showcase the Province’s Beauty in Various Forms appeared first on WOWBatangas.com.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Batangas issued a memo regarding preparedness/response for Typhoon ‘Yolanda’.

The typhoon, with the international name ‘Haiyan’, is expected to make landfall on Friday, November 8, over Eastern Visayas and Southern Bicol. PAGASA had announced storm signals in the affected provinces which consequently raised red alerts status.

In a report via newsinfo.inquirer.net, Typhoon ‘Yolanda’, which is now inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), is said to be “the most powerful tropical cyclone of 2013 anywhere on earth” according to US-based, The Weather Channel.

According to reports, Southern Luzon will also be affected while Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

‘Yolanda’, which is considered a super typhoon is expected to stay inside PAR until early Sunday.

Batangas PDRRMC calls for everyone to “untiringly aim for ZERO casualty” on occurrences of disaster and emergency.

Meanwhile, we’d like you to share this infographic we made as we prepare for the intensity of Typhoon ‘Yolanda’.

The post Batangueños Prepare for Super Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ appeared first on WOWBatangas.com.

Buong mundo na ang nagpahatid ng dasal, pag-aalala, at pagmamahal para sa mga Pilipino. Nakaalis na ng Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) ang pinakamalakas na bagyong naitala sa kasaysayan ng buong mundo. Umalis na si ‘Yolanda’. Ngayon, babangon na ang Pilipinas.

Thousands of Filipinos try to bounce back from the harrowing nightmare brought by super typhoon ‘Yolanda’. Days before typhoon ‘Haiyan’ (the typhoon’s international name) enters the PAR, the entire country responded to the warnings and preventive measures announced by NDRRMC and PAGASA. Provinces in Visayas where the strongest typhoon in history was expected to hit raised red alerts.

Friday, November 8, at around 4am, Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ started smashing Visayas and pounded Tacloban City and the neighboring provinces. Sa morning news program na ‘Umagang Kay Ganda’ nakita ang mga unang oras ng hagupit ni ‘Yolanda’. Samantala, dito sa Batangas, nagsimulang humangin ng malakas na may kasamang pag-ulan mga bandang 9am hanggang bago magtanghalian.

Lahat nakatutok sa magiging direksyon ni ‘Yolanda’ at kung saang lugar at anong oras ito magla-landfall. Napabalita na sa pagitan ng bandang alas-dos at alas-tres magsisimulang hagupitin ni ‘Yolanda’ ang CALABARZON region, kabilang ang Batangas. Around 4pm bumuhos ang pinakamalakas na ulan noong Friday – maaga pa noong nagbaha sa uptown Lipa. Pag-uwi namin galing meeting, sinuong namin ang malakas na ulan at baha.

Humupa ang ulan pagkatapos ng isang oras. Mga bandang 5:30pm nawala ang ulan. Tumahimik hanggang sa sumunod na oras. Tapos nawalan na kami ng kuryente bandang 6:30pm. Hindi bumalik ang ulan hanggang sa mga sumunod na oras, ganun din ang kuryente.

Pero habang lumalalim ang gabi, nagsimulang umihip ng sobrang lakas ang hangin. Nakakatakot. Umuugong na parang may eroplanong paparating. Akala namin madadala ang bubong ng bahay namin. Akala ko may buhawi.

Nagtagal na walang kuryente dito sa amin hanggang sa bumalik ang power supply around 2:30pm kahapon, Sabado. Natapos ng late ang “It’s Showtime”, sumunod ang 2-hour special report at telethon ng ABS-CBN. Doon ko unang nakita ang aftermath ni ‘Yolanda’ sa Tacloban City. Nakakapanghina. Nakaka-iyak. Ang sakit sa kalooban na makita ang lupit na ginawa ni ‘Yolanda’.

Ang hirap isipin kung paano maibabalik ang itsura ng Tacloban City bago dumating si ‘Yolanda’. The strongest typhoon ever recorded in history did not spare other areas in Leyte, Samar, Roxas City, and other parts of Eastern Visayas.

Rappler did an aftermath update as of 11:00am today, Nov. 10.

It is disheartening to see photos and videos of the wrath of Typhoon ‘Yolanda’. It is in such unfortunate events like this that I wish I were a millionaire so I can easily donate to Red Cross and extend my help to our fellow Filipinos. But it is also during this time that our faith should not falter. And offering prayers for them could do miracles for all the victims.

Bounce back, Visayas. God bless the Philippines.

The post Paalam, ‘Yolanda’, Babangon na ang Pilipinas appeared first on WOWBatangas.com.

We have all seen the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas region. Every day since the typhoon left the Philippine area of responsibility, we see the heartbreaking damages and losses brought by the strongest typhoon in history.

Last night, President Noynoy Aquino had declared the Philippines under state of national calamity. Countries all over the world started pouring out their support. Celebrities and important people across the globe shared their prayers and plans to extend help to the Filipino people.

Namaalam na tayo sa bangis ng Bagyong Yolanda. Ngayon, panahon na para unti-unti tayong bumangon. At bawat Pilipino, pwedeng makibahagi sa pagbangong ito.

We collated donation drives spearheaded by various organizations and institutions from regional, national, and international levels. Please take time to read further below and choose the most fitting means for you to donate and help the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

You may drop off/send your donations to any of the following:

For students:
- Batangas Society of Industrial Engineering Students
- De La Salle Lipa
- First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities
- La Consolacion College – Tanauan
- Lipa City Colleges
- Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas
- STI College

If you are from Lipa City and nearby areas:
- JCI Lipa
- Rotary Club of Metro Lipa

If you are from Batangas City:
- ABS CBN Southern Tagalog Station

If you are from Malvar and nearby areas:
- CDO Foodsphere Inc.

If you are from Nasugbu, Batangas City, or Lipa City:
- Philippine Red Cross Batangas Chapter

If you are from Metro Manila:
- ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya
- GMA Kapuso Foundation

If you are abroad:
- UNICEF

SCHOOLS IN BATANGAS

Batangas Society of Industrial Engineering Students

General Guidelines
1. BSIES will set up donation centers to all institutions affiliated to the organization. Donation centers will be provided and will be facilitated by BSIES officers and representatives in their respective schools.
2. No cash donations will be accepted. All donations must be strictly in the forms of food and water only.
3. All collected items will be consolidated and will be distributed to the victims of the said calamity through the ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation Inc.
4. BSIES will also be allotting P10,000 worth of goods which will be taken from its existing fund.
5. This conserted effort is still in line with the organization’s commitment to providing opportunities that will develop individuals to have high sense of values, leadership, and responsibilities.
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De La Salle Lipa

De La Salle Lipa is now accepting donations in kind for the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda. They only accept CANNED GOODS, RICE, and NOODLES. You may bring your donations at LIRD Office (ground floor of Sen. Diokno Building).

Monetary donations are also accepted. Please proceed to College Student Activities Office (MB 3rd floor), CSO Office (MB612) and SG Office (MB511).

They are also in need of volunteers for repacking. Please send a private message on the DLSL CSO Facebook page if you are interested.

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First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities
2 Pres. Laurel Highway, Tanauan City, Batangas
(63 43) 778 0656/4136

Rotaract Club of FAITH, FAITH Student Council and First Asia Institute Alumni Organization are initiating a relief op for the Typhoon Yolanda victims.

For relief goods (Urgent needs: rice, noodles, canned goods, bottled water, coffee, sugar, biscuits, medicines like paracetamol for adults and children), clothes, blankets, mats, mosquito nets, you may bring the goods to the Makiling Conference Room B, Mabini Building.

Rotaract members and FSC officers will be receiving your goods. Please take note of the following schedule:

Wednesday (Nov. 13) to Friday (Nov. 15), 9am to 4pm

The goods will be brought to ABS CBN Southern Tagalog Office (Sagip Kapamilya center) on Saturday (Nov. 16).

For cash donations and check of more than P500, please bring directly to the FAITH Cashier. Please just advise that it is for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. The FAITH business office will be the one to deposit all collected cash donations to ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya to make it easier for those who are willing to donate. A small donation box will be also made available by the organizers at the Typhoon Yolanda victims relief op table at the Atrium for students/employees who would like to drop their cash donations there.

As you may have heard in the news, there is already scarcity of food and water in the typhoon-stricken areas particularly in Tacloban. Thus, the sooner we send our help to them, the better.
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La Consolacion College – Tanauan

LCCT is accepting water and food as donation until today, Nov. 14. The campus is beside St. John Evangelist Parish Church. All donations will be forwarded to Lipa Archdiocese Social Action Commission.
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Lipa City Colleges

Canned goods, noodles, rice packs, biscuits, bottled water, clothes, blankets, and mats may be sent to the Office of the Director for Community Extension and Alumni Affairs or CSG Office until November 14, 2013.

Repacking shall be on November 15. Students are most welcome to help in repacking.

Coordinate with your Department Representatives.
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Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas

WHAT WE NEED:
-rice
-bottled water
-canned goods
-noodles
-hygiene kits (soaps, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste)

Kindly drop-off your donations (in – kind or cash) to the following:

College of Nursing Office 2/F SHL Building LPU – Batangas
Office of Student Services 2/F JPL Building LPU – Laguna and Batangas
Office of Student Affairs – FAITH and DLSP
Red Cross Youth Council Office, 2/F JPL Building – LPU Batangas

For inquiries please contact: 0917.974.4359
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STI College

Donations will be accepted from Nov. 12 – 20 (12nn). All donations will be shipped to Tacloban City by Nov. 21, Thursday morning.
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REGIONAL

CDO Foodsphere Inc.

CDO Foodsphere Inc. in Brgy. Bulihan, Malvar, Batangas is accepting donations which can be in cash or in kind.

For in kind donations, these can be: old clothes, foods and blankets. For donations in cash, you may also bring it personally to their plant site.

All donations will be accepted until Nov. 16 only. Look for Ms. Karen Rayos (0909.372.5777). Donations will be forwarded to ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation Inc. and GMA Kapuso Foundation.
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JCI Lipa

Junior Chamber International (JCI) Lipa is now accepting cash and in kind donations for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

For in kind donation, this can be:

Rice
Coffee
Sardines
Corned Beef
Noodles
Flashlight
Candles
Banig
Blankets
Tarp
Laminated plastic or sacks
Mosquito nets
Towels
Cadaver bags
Water

Drop off your donations at Vincentian Security Office, JR Bldg., #3 C.M. Recto Ave., Lipa City, Batangas and look for JCI Lipa Past President Noel Dimaculangan (0917.504.6635).

For cash donation, deposit at:

Philippine Bank of Communication-Lipa
G/F, ATDRMAM Laguna Corp. Bldg. Ayala Highway, Mataas na Lupa, Lipa City, Batangas
Account No: 279-10-001246-9

All donations will be forwarded to Junior Chamber International (JCI) – Philippines Oplan Aagapay
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Rotary Club of Metro Lipa

Rotary Club of Metro Lipa (R.I. District 3820) District Governor, Danilo ‘Danny’ Ona, is personally asking all the members and friends of the District for cash donation in any amount which will be sent directly/immediately to the most affected areas like Tacloban City and Northern Cebu.

You may arrange to deposit your donation to the account details below and your deposit slips have to be emailed directly to Mr. Ona at danny.ona@rotarymetrolipa.org the same day you deposited your cash donation.

Account name: DANILO C. ONA
Account No. 3845 0000 41
Depository Bank: BPI Malvar, Batangas
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ABS CBN Southern Tagalog Station

Now accepting donations, cash and in kind, for our Kapamilyas in Tacloban who are suffering due to Typhoon Yolanda.

For in kind donation

Food, water, medicine, toiletries; clothes currently on hold

ABS CBN Southern Tagalog
Batangas Station
G/F PhilAm Life Bldg, Hilltop Ave.
Kumintang Ibaba, Batangas City
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Philippine Red Cross Batangas Chapter

We are now accepting in kind and in cash donations. Just drop by at any nearest office to you:

- Capitol Site , Kumintang Ibaba, Batangas City
- P. Laygo St. Sabang, Lipa City
- Concepcion cor. Escalera St., Brgy. 4, Nasugbu, Batangas

All donations will be forwarded to the Philippine Red Cross.
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NATIONAL

Sagip Kapamilya

Sagip Kapamilya accepts donations in cash or in-kind.

CASH DONATIONS

PESO ACCOUNT

Bank Name: BANCO DE ORO
Bank Account No: 393- 011-4199
Bank Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. – Sagip Kapamilya
Branch: Sct. Albano, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City
Swift Code: BNORPHMM

Bank Name: BANK OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
Bank Account No: 305-111-2775
Bank Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. – Sagip Kapamilya
Branch: West Triangle, Quezon City
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

Bank Name: PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK
Bank Account No: 419-539-5000-13
Bank Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. – Sagip Kapamilya
Branch: Timog, Quezon City
Swift Code: PNBMPHMM

Bank Name: METROBANK
Account Number: 636-3-636-08808-1
Account Name: ABS – CBN Foundation, Inc. – Sagip Kapamilya
Branch: Examiner Quezon Ave. Branch
Swift Code: MBTCPHMM

DOLLAR ACCOUNT

Bank Name: BANCO DE ORO
Bank Account No: 393-008-1622
Bank Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. – Sagip Kapamilya
Branch: Sct. Albano, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City
Swift Code: BNORPHMM

Bank Name: BANK OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
Bank Account No: 3054-0270-35
Bank Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. – Sagip Kapamilya
Branch: West Triangle, Quezon City
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

Bank Name: PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK
Account Number: 419-539-5000-21
Account Name: ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Branch: Timog, Quezon City
Swift Code: PNBMPHMM

* For confirmation of donation, please fax (+632)411-4995 or email sagip@abs-cbn.com copy of transmittal/transaction slip with complete donor’s information.

DROP-OFF POINTS FOR IN KIND DONATIONS

1. 13 Examiner St., West Triangle, QC
Telephone Number: 411-4995

2. Visayas
a. ABS-CBN CEBU, North Road Jagobiao, Mandaue City
b. ABS-CBN Bacolod, 26 Lacson St., Barangay 1, Bacolod City
c. ABS-CBN Iloilo, Luna St., La Paz, Iloilo City

3. Mindanao
a. ABS-CBN Cagayan de Oro, Greenhills Road, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City
b. ABS-CBN Davao, Broadcast Avenue, Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City
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GMA Kapuso Foundation

Ang GMA Kapuso Foundation ay magsasagawa ng malawakang Operation Bayanihan (relief operation) upang damayan ang mga kababayan nating nasalanta ng Super Typhoon Yolanda.

Kailangan po ang mga sumusunod:

Bigas
Noodles
Bottled water
Damit
Gamot
Kumot
Banig
Sabong panligo at panlaba
Toothbrush at toothpaste
Bagong underwear
Tuwalya
Tsinelas

Maaari pong dalhin ang inyong mga donasyon sa mga sumusunod na drop-off centers:

GMA Kapuso Foundation 2nd Floor Kapuso Center, GMA Network Drive corner Samar Streets, Diliman, Quezon City | Tel. no. 928-4299/ 928-9351

GMA Kapuso Foundation Warehouse # 366 GMA Compound Tandang Sora Avenue, Brgy. Culiat, Quezon City | Tel. no. 931-7013

Para sa cash donation, maaari po ninyong ideposito sa anumang branch ng METROBANK, UCPB, PNB at CEBUANA LHUILLIER. Wala pong service fee na ibabawas sa inyong mga donasyon at tax deductible po ang inyong mga donasyon.
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OVERSEAS

UNICEF

For donors residing outside the Philippines and would like to send help through UNICEF, please visit this link: Help save the lives of children in the Philippines

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The post Compilation: Ways on How to Help the Victims of Typhoon Yolanda appeared first on WOWBatangas.com.

Since 2009, we have documented countless moments of the province’s most celebrated event, the Ala Eh! Festival. We have shared an archive of stories since our first Ala Eh! Festival coverage, albums of captured photos, and videos to watch over and over.

Scrolling down, you will see some of the most unforgettable faces captured by the lenses of our cameras. Ala Eh! Festival stirs a couple of strong emotions among the participants, the VIPs, and even the crowd.

These faces show passion, joy, pride, and other emotions brought about by the festivities. Despite being an intensely cheerful event, Ala Eh! Festival triumphs in moving people to tears particularly during the court dance competition. The kind of tears brimming on the eyes of spectators left in awe after every groundbreaking performance from the contingents.

Apart from the faces that show tears of joy and pride, there are also a lot of comical expressions captured by our cameras. We do not intend to make fun of them. They make us smile and we just can’t keep them only for our eyes to see!

So here, we’re presenting you some of the most unforgettable faces of Ala Eh! Festival in this special photo blog.

The post Photo Blog : Some Unforgettable Faces of Ala Eh! Festival appeared first on WOWBatangas.com.

I’m sure most us have a childhood story to tell about a tree. But did you know that more than benefiting us with so many things, we also have quite a list of stories of origins from trees?

Well, to look beyond their existence, they are among God’s amazing creations. My friend once told me: “you can make things happen, c’mon, you’re not a tree.” She’s just pointing out that I’m not stiff and I have a choice and capability to move on my own. But amazing enough, if trees are not stiff, they might not protect us from harm especially when storms come in our way.

We, at WOWBatangas.com, extend our sympathies and prayers to the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda. This typhoon’s strength brought massive destruction which caused a continuing heartbreak to all of us. And we will never stop praying that the Filipino spirit will still prevail.

READ MORE: Ways on how to help the victims of typhoon Yolanda

Going back to trees, here in Batangas, did you know that some towns and a city in the province was named after trees? Let me tell you the stories behind the names of Talisay, Ibaan, Lipa, Balete and Mataasnakahoy.

The first on the list is Talisay. Long before Balai Isabel was established in the municipality, older than the tale of monster lurking around the Taal Lake, Talisay is but a happy town mostly religious and very humble. They wished for a kapilya for them to have a house of prayer. Generous people contributed and the town had a simple parish. Yet they still long for a bell tower where they can put their beautiful church bell. There grew a Talisay tree.

The Talisay tree with some branches stiff enough to handle a heavy church bell. The bell became instrument for people to be notified when the mass is about to start. Hanging in a Talisay tree, the church bell sways back and forth calling people from different parts of the town to come and hear the mass.

One curious person who wondered where the bell sound is coming from got an answer from a woman who responded, “Ayun. Doon sa may Talisay.” Then each time there were visitors coming, asking of the same thing, they tell that under the Talisay tree is a church bell that calls the people. That’s the birth of the town’s name, Talisay.

Second on the line is Ibaan. Iba, a fruit-bearing tree similar with a kamias tree (except for the former’s fruit is round and yellow), is abundant on the area. Then as settlers begin to multiply in the area, close to establishment of a town, they would tell people where they are from “sa may Iba-an”.

Next is the home of kapeng barako, Lipa. I am a Lipeña at heart. When I was a kid, my classmates are fond of joking about the name of Lipa.

Once there was a Spanish soldier who just tinkled around and unfortunately, he grabbed the itchy Lipa leaf and had it as a tissue paper. Few seconds later and he’s jumping, running and crying out loud for itchiness. Well, that’s just our grade school object of laughter.

The real foretold story about Lipa goes when settlers near the Taal Lake (then Bombon Lake) moved because of the devastating eruption of Taal Volcano. As they go along the way evacuating from the devastated area, they carry the image of San Sebastian. When they arrived at their settlement, they had to put down Patron San Sebastian. The next morning, everyone turned anxious because the Patron was missing. They searched for three long days and found the Patron on a Lipa tree. They interpreted the “message” that the Patron wanted to name their new settlement after that Lipa tree.

The story of how Balete got its name, is just like Ibaan’s history. A certain area near the Taal Lake is very abundant in Balete trees, take note, no white ladies included. Back then, there were really few settlers in the town. Time passed by and they named the town Balete.

The last on the list is Mataasnakahoy!

I’m really fascinated with the name of this town. It’s literally very witty how the name came to be and when I had the chance to research for its history, it directed me to two young boys.

Once there was a town where two young boys and their mother lived in a makeshift house. They were really problematic about their mom who can’t even eat on her own because of her severe illness. All of their known medicines were given to her to make her well, yet, they still can’t cure their mother’s illness. Then there came a night when the mother dreamt of a very tall tree somewhere in the forest. The fruit, according to her dream, will cure her.

The next morning, the two young boys went to the direction their mother told them to find the tree that will cure her. When they arrived at the area, they found a very tall tree. They climbed the tree, got the fruit, and gave it to their mother. Soon after, their mother became well.

Because of the miraculous thing that happened to the ill woman, the town was named after the tall tree which in Tagalog is “mataas na [punong]kahoy”.

Batangas has a lot of stories to share to us — a proof that we have interesting history that is anchored on humble beginnings and.

With all the stories we’ve shared, we hope they could all be simple reminder of how important trees are. In times when typhoon hit the country, we know that trees help prevent massive flooding. May this remind us that as we do our best in protecting ourselves, conscientious effort to protect the environment as well.

The post These Batangas Towns Got Their Names from a Tree appeared first on WOWBatangas.com.

Mutya ng Batangas 2013 Candidates
Jessa Kristine Platon Talisay
Jeanne Delgado Batangas City
Krissandra Marie Abel Lobo
Aziel Joy De Sagun Agoncillo
Kia Credito San Pascual
Maria Kriselda Gomez Ibaan
Frances Deanne Paglinawan Laurel
Mary Grace Jumarang Cuenca
Janna Erra Perez Padre Garcia
Vivian Aquino Calaca
Patricia Inciong Mataas na Kahoy
Joanna Marie Rombana Calatagan
Camille Laylay Sto. Tomas
Noriedel Francisco Bauan
Monique Mallari Malvar
Eloisa Panaligan Balayan
Lyza Dianne Hernandez Taal
Shekinah Grumo Balete
Melody Joy Lizardo Tanauan City
Marlene Eudora Gonda San Jose
Rhonalyn Dalisay Mabini
Michaela Mae Manalo San Nicolas
Louisa Mae Laylo Lipa City

The post Mutya ng Batangas 2013 Swimsuit Competition (Photos) appeared first on WOWBatangas.com.

*Contributed by Steph Dote, AB Comm, De La Salle Lipa

Batangueños are known as one of the bravest and sometimes even described as irascible people in the country. Hence, the ‘barako’ image. Nonetheless, we, Batangueños, also have a tender heart.

Typhoon Haiyan, locally known as “Yolanda”, hit the Visayas region the hardest two weeks ago (November 8). As Jessica Zafra had put it, “We in the Philippines consider ourselves natural-disaster veterans.” It’s no longer a surprise if floods keep running in and out of the city. Our country is practically surrounded by water. What really shocked everyone is the devastation that this terrible typhoon left.

This is why Batangueños, hand-in-hand, made great efforts and showed exemplary compassion to help our brothers and sisters in need. TV Patrol Southern Tagalog paused in receiving donations and relief goods for the meantime due to lack of sufficient storage in the station. It has already been two weeks when Super Typhoon Haiyan struck the country but donations from all over Batangas continue to overflow. They even announced that they need volunteers to help with repacking the relief goods.

The CDO Foodsphere Inc. also initiated donation and fund-raising drives which already raised the amount worth 750,000PHP and 12,000USD. They had committed to donating canned goods for the Yolanda victims and are ready to send more. They are still accepting donations of clothes, medicines, etc. Those who still want to donate are free to drop by at Foodsphere Inc., Malvar, Batangas branch.

Even students are participating in reaching out to the victims. The Batangas Society of Industrial Engineering Students, First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities, La Consolacion College – Tanauan, Lipa City Colleges, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas, and STI College are just a few of the many schools who initiated their own donation drives.

One of the active schools in raising funds is the De La Salle Lipa community. They have created fundraising campaigns to encourage students to give and lend a hand. They organized a “Concert for a Cause” and collaborated with SM Lipa to sell tickets of “Catching Fire”, the “Hunger Games” sequel. Lastly, the Lavoxa Publications, who handles the school newspaper, created the “#SelPHI” movement. Their goal is to take a photo of every student who will donate money and post it on their Facebook page.

“What my country is going through as a result of this extreme climate event is madness,” Naderev Sano, Philippine representative, said in his speech in the U.N. Climate Change Conference.

We really can’t deny that this is really the result of global warming and climate change. A lingering problem that not only Filipinos should be acting for solutions, but the rest of us living in this world.

With this very tragic disaster, Filipinos unite to help one another. In such horrible darkness, the world become one to shine light of hope among our people.

Photos from: TV Patrol Southern Tagalog’s Angelique Atienza’s Twitter account, cdo.com.ph, Lavoxa Group of Publications and Student Government & Council of Student Organizations of DLSL Facebook pages

Editor’s note: This is not a paid article.

Carefully follow the instructions below on how to vote for your Mutya ng Batangas 2013 – People’s Choice Awardee.

This voting contest is hosted by WOWBatangas.com – Ang Official Website ng Batangueño. We’d like to thank the Batangas Provincial Goverment, the Provincial Tourism Office, the LGUs and their Tourism Office, BPCC, the candidates and their family, and all the sponsors for making this event possible.

Instructions:

1. Login to Facebook using a desktop or laptop. Your Facebook Profile A) must be unique (no dummy and duplicate accounts) B) must be created at least 1 month before the voting started C) must have at least 100 friends. If your profile fails these tests, your vote will not be counted upon audit.
2. Upon login, click the Gear Icon on the upper right of your profile, then choose Account Settings->Security. Enable Secure Browsing.
3. Go to http://www.facebook.com/wowbatangas. Like the page.
4. Click on the red Mutya ng Batangas 2013 icon below the cover page.
5. Allow the Pinoy Contest Mutya ng Batangas 2013 app to access your profile. They have a privacy policy and your personal details are safe.
6. Go to the Mutya ng Batangas 2013 Contest. Choose Candidates. Browse through all the candidates and hit Vote. Once you have voted, you cannot vote for other candidates anymore. However, you may choose to unvote if you changed your mind and give that to another candidate.
7. Congrats! You just properly voted for the Mutya ng Batangas 2013 – People’s Choice Award. Remember, this voting is meant to promote the pageant and the beauty of Batanguenas and our province. Patunayan natin na ang mga Batangueño ay marangal sa ating isip, salita at gawa.

Voting Ends : December 4, 2013 at 12 Midnight (may be extended)

Terms and Conditions:

• For security purposes, the Pinoy Contest app is not available on iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod) and Android (Phone and Tablet) devices.
  Use the latest version of Google Chrome/Internet Explorer/Firefox and make sure you have a fast Internet connection when voting.
• Yes you have to follow the instructions to vote. (Sadya pong mahirap bumoto dahil ayaw nating lahat na magkaroon ng dayaan.)
• You may leave encouraging words of support at the bottom part of your candidate’s entry. Don’t abuse the comment section with inappropriate words, and never bash on another candidate. We don’t want to turn the comments section off.
• The unofficial tally seen on the bottom of the app is NOT FINAL. Unauthorized votes from accounts mentioned in the rules will not be included in the final counting. Again, no dummy/duplicate accounts, newly-created accounts, and accounts with less than 100 friends. You’ll just waste your time trying to cheat the app and you’ll be giving false hopes to your candidate and municipality.
• The final tally for the Top 5 vote-getters will be revealed on Pageant Night on December 6, 2013. Results will be final and binding. Highest vote-getter takes home the WOWBatangas People’s Choice Award.

Check out our coverage photos of the Mutya ng Batangas 2013 Swimsuit Competition held at Batangas City Convention Center last November 15, 2013.

Email us at help@wowbatangas.com for any immediate concerns and questions. You may also leave your comments below this post.

One of the reasons why people take time to drive down to the streets of a busy city is to dine out and basically satisfy a craving. For better reasoning, dining out is an option for an intimate celebration or for a lunch meeting.

But whatever else pushes you to go to your favorite restaurant, it’s all about one thing – the food. And if it’s good food, then that’s truly an awesome find!

Lipa City is one of the busiest areas of Batangas province. With all the commercial establishments and businesses sprouting here and there, it’s one city in Southern Luzon where a huge number of people go to everyday to work, study, or meet.

And if in case you aren’t familiar with the city, there is a substantial list of restaurants in Lipa depending on your appetite and your budget. But here, we’re putting the spotlight on their specialties – the answers to every what’s-your-best-seller query.