WOWBatangas.com Your Source of Great News and Stories from the Province of Batangas, Philippines
Related Articles
Here’s another contribution from Disayrey Sayat. I must agree that Brgy. Pinagkilatan (where the Monte Maria Shrine was supposed to rise) in Batangas City is an underrated paradise. I was also mesmerized with the view from the hilltop and immediately claimed that it was the most serene place I’d ever been to.
Check out Disay’s adventures around Batangas with her travel buddies.
Super Tour with Super People in Super Batangas
Batangas Province is truly a cradle of marvels that Batanguenos have to be thankful for. I was invited by the MassComm students of Lyceum of the Philippines University Batangas to host their “telemag” which they described as really adventure-filled and exhilarating.
To feel the very essence of the trip we had to take jeepneys, tricycles or just walk. There were hurdles like the unpredictably unfriendly weather, unavailability of the destination and delays, but these challenges served as blessings for they made the journey realistic, fun and extraordinary.
I imagined our voyage as an enigmatic riddle that we had to unravel and while we were on our way to unfolding the answers we were much more surprised because with each answers being given, more adventures were revealed. The stories that completed our expedition are worth sharing.
On the first day we headed to Taal, Batangas. We felt like we infiltrated a portal and traveled back in time. St Martin de Tours church, the biggest in South East Asia, is truly magnificent. It has never lost its beauty after triumphing over numerous catastrophes in the past. The more it fights against natural destructions, the more it illustrates how strong we, Batanguenos, are.
The old houses were tremendously stunning after having survived the influential whip of modernization; it is admirable to see those standing until today and the same one which served as witnesses of our glorious past.
We also visited some of the shops that offer gowns and barong rentals. I fell in love with a blue, intricately designed gown that can be rented for surprisingly, only P2,500. I almost brought it home. Of course, we thought that going home wouldn’t be complete without bringing Tapa. The sumptuous viand made of pork that costs P240. Oh! I’ve been including tapa as the main dish on our dinner table since then.
On the second day we went to Recidencia Acosta Pastor in Batangas City. I laud how the Pastors preserved the ancient house. The atmosphere was oddly idyllic and as we stepped on the old ladder to get inside the house the whiff of yesterday’s air, enticed attentions and reminiscence of the distant past comprise our initial reaction.
The capiz window, floorings, furniture, and decorations sing different melodies that one would love to hear upon entering a house. It undoubtedly highlights cultural and historical tourism amidst the urbanization of the city where it rests.
The following day our feet wore the slippers of zeal and strolled to Mabini, Batangas. It was my first visit, the kind of visit that needs to be sufficed by another. Accessibility is always the first factor to consider when traveling, but whether getting there was smooth or not didn’t really matter because it was all worth it.
We walked on the stony shore of Solo, Mabini, met several sea creatures on the ebony sand and stepped on shells that collectors would love to keep. When we arrived at the spot where we executed the shoot, I was speechless and I had to ask much time to finalize my desired description of the destination. I chose not to write a script so I could naturally blurt out what my heart says during each moment when the emotion is still fresh and vibrant. It was indescribable or it just deserved to be described in the best way possible. The huge walls made of stones separate it from the rest of the world. In my vision, it was like they were protecting the natural marvels from any inconsiderate intrusion.
We dedicated the last day of the shoot to Pagkilatan, Batangas City. It is a potential tourist destination that needs more promotion. We landed in a chapel that replicates the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague in Czech Republic. We also said hello to the huge statue of Monte Maria where we were hospitably welcomed by the unsullied zephyr and pious setting that is ideal for meditation and relaxation.
The last spot where we tossed our last shoot was a challenge, we descended to a stone ladder with 180 steps to reach the Pagkilatan beach. We also vanquished some rough and elevated stones, passed a cave with a shallow door and subdued the heat of the fervid sun. When we found the most remarkable site, we almost shouted with delight. The billowing waves were sources of consolation and vitality after the tiresome quest.
As the sun bid goodbye we also swayed our sweet farewell to each other with smiles of beaming satisfaction and we made a pact that we’ll discover more of Batangas together again, soon.
