CALABARZON is one of the regions of the Philippines.

It is also designated as Region IV-A and its regional center is Calamba City in Laguna. The region is composed of five provinces, namely: CAvite, LAguna, BAtangas, Rizal, and QueZON; the region's name is formed from the names of these provinces. The region is in southwestern Luzon, just south and east of Metro Manila and is the second most densely populated region. CALABARZON and MIMAROPA were previously combined together as Southern Tagalog, until they were separated in 2002. Executive Order No. 246, dated October 28, 2003, designated Calamba City as the regional center of CALABARZON. The largest city of CALABARZON Region and the second highly-urbanized city is Antipolo City. Lucena City is the first highly-urbanized city in this region. While the largest metropolis in the region is Laguna West Metropolitan. With 10 provinces in all, Southern Tagalog is the largest and most diverse among all the regions. This province is also the birthplace of many of the country's heroes and martyrs, and includes some of the most famous tourist attractions. Region 4A consists of CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) and Region 4B consists of MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan). Region 4A - CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) Cavite Cavite is the birthplace of General Emilio Aguinaldo. The main attractions include several first class resorts like the Island Cove Resort and Leisure Park. Historical sites include the Aguinaldo Shrine and Museum in Kawit, Andres Bonifacio House in General Trias, Battle of Alapan and Battle of Julian Bridge Markers, Fort San Felipe and the House of Tirona. Churches include the Imus Cathedral, and the Shrines of Our Lady of La Sallette in Silang. Natural sites include Cabag Caves, and Malibedibic and Balite Falls. Tagaytay City Tagaytay City is considered the second summer capital in the nation. Foreign and local visitors are especially attracted to the cool air of the highlands and the magnificent view of the Taal Lake and the Taal Volcano, which features a lake within a volcano within a lake within a volcano. It is also the "Center of Spiritual Retreat" with its many convents, seminaries, and retreat and seminar houses. Flower and vegetable gardens are also prevalent in Tagaytay.

CAVITE
The name "Cavite" comes the Hispanicize form of kawit or it is a corruption of kalawit, Tagalog words for "hook," in reference to the small hook-shaped peninsula jutting into Manila Bay. The name originally only applied to the peninsula (Cavite La Punta, now Cavite City) and the adjacent lowland coastal area (Cavite Viejo, now Kawit). Cavite City used to serve as the capital of the province until 1954, and as with many other provinces organized during the Spanish colonial era, the name of the capital was applied to the whole province. Another theory proposes that the name is a Hispanicize form of kabit, Tagalog for "joined," "connected," or "attached," referring to the peninsula's topographical relation to the mainland.

Agriculture
Cavite is predominantly an agriculture province. Cavite s economy is largely dependent to agriculture. Despite urbanization and industrialization, still, a significant number of Caviteos are engaged into agribusinesses. Data gathered from Office of the Provincial Agriculturist shows that though the province lies in the industrial belt, the agricultural land is about 49.38 percent or 70,466.53 hectares of the total land area of the Province. This is 1,176.5 hectares bigger than that of the declared agricultural lands in 2008 (69,290.03 hectares). The municipality of Maragondon has the biggest area intended for agriculture, accounts for 14.57% of the total provincial agricultural lands while Cavite City has no longer available land for agriculture related activities and industries. If based on total agricultural lands, we may say that the major players in agriculture in the Province are Maragondon, Silang, Indang, Naic and Alfonso. Of the seven districts in the province, the top three with the widest agricultural area are District VII comprising 43,587.01 hectares or 61.85 percent of the total agricultural areas with 27,115 farmers followed by District VI with 17.40 percent or 12,257.71 hectares having 8,701 farmers and District V comprising 10,248.55 hectares with 10,295 farmers. The municipality of Silang has the most number of farmers. The municipality of Maragondon only ranks 3rd in terms of number of farmers. This can be attributed to highly mechanized operation and vast plantation of rice. The same is true with Gen. Trias and Naic, known as the rice producing municipalities in Cavite. The number of farmers increased by 6.5% that corresponds to around 3,097 farmers. The increase in the number of farmers was due to worldwide recession which led to work displacement of some Caviteos. Silang is dominated by pineapple and coffee plantations as well as with cut flower production.

Cavite is named as the Historical Capital of the Philippines. It is the cradle of Philippine Revolution, and the birthplace of Philippine Independence. Cavite got its name from a Tagalog word kawit (which means hook) owing to the hookshaped land on the Old Spanish map. The land was formerly known as "Tangway" where Spanish authorities constructed a fort from which the city of Cavite rose. Archeological evidence in coastal areas shows prehistorical settlements. According to local folklore, the earliest settlers of Cavite came from Sulu or Borneo. In the 17th century, encomiendas or Spanish Royal land grants were given in Cavite and Maragondon. Jesuit priests brought in settlers from Moluccas. These settlers, known as "Mardicas," set other settlements grew and by the turn of the century, Cavite towns were already trading with one another. Traditional industries began to thrive as Manila's commerce grew. In 1872, Filipinos launched their revolt against Spain. Three Filipino priests Jose Burgos, Mariano Gomez and Jacinto Zamora were implicated in the Cavite mutiny when 200 Filipinos staged a rebellion within Spanish garrisons. On August 28, 1896, when the revolution against Spain broke out, Cavite became a bloody theater of war. Led by Emilio Aguinaldo, Caviteos made lightning raids on Spanish headquarters, and soon liberated the entire province. Aguinaldo commanded the Revolution to its successful end: the proclamation of the Republic of the Philippines, on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, the first constitutional republic in Asia, and third established overall, after the Lanfang Republic in 1777, and the Republic of Formosa in 1895. Cavite proudly stands as a place with a glorious past. It s warm and friendly people, whose ancestors came down with a noble cause, manifest industry and patience in various skills and professions, openly receptive to the entry and exchange of culture and technology that are of value to the province. In 1942, the Japanese Imperial forces entered Cavite, which was long the site of a major US naval base serving the United States Asiatic Fleet. The military built of founding general headquarters of the Philippine Commonwealth Army was active on 1942 to 1946 and the 4th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary was active again on 1944 to 1946 and stationed in Cavite during the Japanese Occupation. In 1942 to 1945, Filipino soldiers of the 4th, 41st, 42nd, 43rd, 45th and 46th Infantry Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army was entering the provinces in Cavite with the recognized guerrillas of the Cavite Guerrilla Forces and the Filipino-American Cavite Guerrilla Forces or FACGF under by Colonel Mariano Castaeda of the Philippine Constabulary from the attack the Japanese troops since the battle for the Filipino recaptures in Cavite. After the conflict insurgencies in Cavite on 1944, local Filipino troops of the Philippine Commonwealth Army units and Cavite o resistance was over to retreating by the Japanese forces. Before the liberation in Cavite on 1945 by joint U.S.

and Filipino soldiers and aiding the Caviteo resistance groups were liberated the clearing province and defeats Japanese. In January to August 1945, combined Filipino & American troops along with the Caviteo guerrilla fighters liberated in Cavite from the Japanese forces begins the Battle for the Liberation of Cavite at the end of World War II.
Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine It was in this Aguinaldo ancestral home where Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed Philippine Independence from Spain on June 12, 1898. It was also here where the Philippine Flag made by Marcella Agoncillo in Hongkong was officially hoisted for the first time, and the Philippine National Anthem composed by Julian Felipe was played by Banda Malabon. Measuring 1,324 sq. m. with a five-storey tower, this building is actually a mansion renaissance architecture, combining Baroque, Romanesque, and Malayan influences. It stands on a sprawling ground of 4,864 sq.m. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo himself donated the mansion and the lot to the Philippine Government on June 12, 1963, "to perpetuate the spirit of the Philippine Revolution of 1896 that put an end to Spanish colonization of the country". And by virtue of Republic Act No. 4039 dated June 18,1964 issued by then President Diosdado Macapagal, the Aguinaldo Mansion was declared national shrine. Battle of Binakayan Monument The site of a fierce fighting between the Spaniards and the Filipino soldiers that happened on November 9-11, 1896 depicting one of the shining moments of the Philippine struggle for independence. Gen. Baldomero Aguinaldo Shrine This is the residence of Gen. Baldomero Aguinaldo, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo's first cousin and right hand. He was the president of the Magdalo Council which was established in Imus, & the first President of the Associacion de los Veteranos de la Revolucion Filipina. He died on February 14, 1915 Corregidor Island The largest of five islands guarding the entrance of Manila Bay. A tadpole-shaped, Corregidor was once a mere fishing village with a lighthouse and signal station for all ships entering and leaving Manila Bay. American colonizers built full-scale fortifications on the island, complete with long-range tractor guns, anti-aircraft guns, tunnels an underground command center and a hospital for wounded soldiers. In the last Pacific War, Corregidor became a vital combat zone between the Japanese Imperial Army and the allied forces. It was the last stronghold to fall in the hands of the enemy. Today, memorials to peace and to those who died stand alongside the silent cannons and rusting artillery. The island is now a favorite tour destination with a first class hotel and resort facilities. Fort San Felipe Located at the compound of the Phil. Navy, this 16th century fort is dedicated to San Felipe Neri. The place where the Cavite Mutiny 1872 occurred when Filipino workers were implicated in the armed uprising against the Spaniards. This is also the place where the thirteen Martyrs of Cavite were executed. Located at the top of this wall is the Phil. Navy Museum where miniature of Phil. Naval vessels and other memorabilia are placed. Sangley Point This was used by the Chinese pirate Limahong in 1574 as his refuge when he ran away after a failed attempt to take Manila. Sangley point was also used as a military base by the American and Japanese troops. It is now occupied by the Philippine Navy for ship repair & dry docking

Imus Cathedral (Originally part of Cavite El Viejo Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo's revolutionary army laid siege on the Imus Church (now Cathedral) to capture the friars but found to have fled to the recollect Estate House after the capture of the Tribunal of Kawit on August 31, 1896. Isabel Bridge A concrete arch bridge with marker, it signifies the battle that took place during the Philippine - Spanish war. Santa Cruz de Malabon Church This is where, before a huge crucifix, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo took his oath of office as the elected president of the revolutionary government. Bonifacio Trial House The house where Bonifacio and his brother was court martialed and were sentenced to die by musketry. Tejeros Convention Site This was the place where the Filipino Revolutionaries held their 115th convention on March 22, 1897 and approved the establishment of a Revolutionary Government headed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.

Picnic Grove Picnic Grove offers a panoramic view of the Taal Volcano. Most of the visitors bring food with them to have picnic inside. By the way, entrance fee to Picnic Grove is now Php 50 and another Php 50 for vehicle parking. There are lots of cottages available in the picnic park which could be rented for at least Php 150.
Tagaytay Ridge

Tagaytay City is known as the country's second summer capital next to Baguio. Its famous Tagaytay Ridge is actually part of the crater of an ancient volcano that collapsed years ago. Within this collapsed volcano are the Taal Lake and Taal Volcano - renowned as the smallest in the world. The Ridge offers a panoramic vista of this natural wonder, as well as picnic spots, accommodations and other recreational facilities.

Cabag Cave The cave with an underground river that runs 50 meters inward is found amidst lush foliage at the foot of a steep slope. A brook forms a small pool at the mouth of the cave. Mts. Palay Palay & Mataas Na Gulod National Park The lone National Park declared under the National Integrated Protected Areas (NIPAS) Law is located in Ternate & Maragondon. The park covers three (3) peaks, namely Pico de Loro, Mt. Palay Palay and Mt. Mataas Na Gulod. The park is noted for its indigenous and rare species of flora and fauna.

Pico de Loro Highest Peak in Cavite. Has a shape of a sleeping beauty.

Balite Falls Two falls could actually be seen in the area, one of which flows naturally gushing strong clear water while the other one is outfitted with pipes and bamboo tubes to aid the flow of water with a deep part for adults and a shallow part for children. Malibiclibic Falls

A valley borders of Malibiclibic Falls, where boulders cut across the middle of the gushing river waters cascading from the falls. Other rivers flow nearer the falls large pond which could be viewed from atop one of the border hills of the valley. A large pool of water forms of the base of the falls while coconut trees, shrubs and other greenery flank both sides.

Mile-Long Barracks Roofless and skeletal but majestic under a summer sky, Mile-Long Barracks has become a powerful icon that brings to mind haunting images of Corregidor Island and World War II. This 1,520-foot, three-level building is reflective of architectural designs used by the Americans during the late nineteen-twenties and thirties. Buildings and fortifications on the island wear a distinct, almost thematic look that characterizes this bygone era.

The Malinta Tunnel is a tunnel complex built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers on the island of Corregidor in the Philippines. It was initially used as a bomb-proof storage and personnel bunker, but was later equipped as a 1,000-bed hospital. The main tunnel, running east to west, is 831 feet (253 m) long, 24 feet (7.3 m) wide and 18 feet (5.5 m) high. Branching off from this main shaft are 13 lateral tunnels on the north side and 11 lateral tunnels on the south side. Each lateral averaged 160 feet (49 m) in length and 15 feet (4.6 m) in width.
Kalayaan Festival It is a 2 week-long province wide event held annually from May 28 to June 12. As its name suggests, the series of events for the festival are held to celebrate the Independence Day season. The festival was launched in 2005 with a variety of activities such as street dancing, float parade, beauty pageant and trade fair. Regada Festival Also called the "Water Festival", the festival is comprised of games, street dancing, photo exhibit, trade fair, concert and water splashing. The festival is done three days from June 22-24 done in celebration of St. John the Baptist. Sorteo Festival Local festival held every three years to relive the old practice of distributing agricultural lots to deserving farmers through raffle draws. Kawayan Festival Held every 7th day of September wherein a group of street dancers parade in indigenous materials. An exhibit of bamboo products likewise done in the town plaza.

Pahimis Festival Also called the "Coffee Festival" as way of thanksgiving for abundant harvest of coffee in the municipality. Trade fair, street dancing, beauty pageant, coffee convention are the usual activities done during the occasion. Free flowing drinking of coffee is offered to everybody. Wagayway Festival Every household display of Philippine flag is encouraged during the festival, and simultaneous waving of flags in the streets of Cavite. Different activities such as exhibits, trade fair, product display are held. Hijas de Maria A month long celebration held in honor of their patron Saint. Church is decorated with beautiful flowers. Tahong Festival Different cuisines with tahong as main ingredient are on exhibit at the town plaza. Culinary contest are held annually. Various activities are done such as beauty contest. Tahong symposium and seminars are held for culture of Tahong. Maytinis Re-enactment of Christ's birth on midnight of December 24 wherein participants wear colorful costumes in beautifully adorned floats. Usually there is "ama" and "ina" who acts as spouses for the whole event. Tinapa Festival The festival is celebrated to promote and perpetuate the image of Rosario as the place where smoked fish called "Tinapang Salinas" originates.

Laguna (PSGC: 035400000; ISO: PH-LAG) is a province of the Philippines found in the CALABARZON region in Luzon. Its capital is Santa Cruzand the province is located southeast of Metro Manila, south of the province of Rizal, west of Quezon, north of Batangas and east of Cavite. Laguna almost completely surrounds Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the country. The province acquired its name from the Spanish word lago, which means lake or lagoon. The city with the highest population (based on 2007 census) is Calamba City, while the least population is the Municipality of Famy. Laguna is notable for being the birthplace of Jose Rizal, the country's national hero. Laguna is also famous among tourists for the Pagsanjan Falls, the University of the Philippines campus and the hot spring resorts in Los Baos and Calamba City, on the slopes of Mount Makiling, Pila Town Plaza, Taytay Falls, Majayjay, the wood carvings and papier mache created by the people of Paet, the turumba of Pakil, the Seven Lakes of San Pablo City (San Pablo City is the first city in the province) and Hidden Valley Springs in Calauan.

Laguna Laguna is considered the resort capital of the Philippines for its lakes, hot springs, white water, waterfalls and Mt. Makiling. Among them include Laguna de Bay, Lake Caliraya, Pagsanjan Falls and Hidden Valley. Historical sites include the Rizal Shrine in Calamba. Other points of interest include the National Arts Center in Los Baos that has an auditorium, seminar and convention facilities, a ballet studio and a library. Churches include St. Gregory, Majayjay, San Santiago Apostol, Paete, Mabitac Church and the San Pedro de Alcantara Church, Pakil.

Laguna - Resort Province of the Philippines Aside from being the hometown of the Philippines' National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, Laguna is considered as a resort haven. The province is filled with illustrious bodies of water; examples are Pagsanjan Falls, Seven Lakes, Caliraya Lake, Laguna de Bay, and Hidden Valley Springs. These nature-drawn wonders offer relaxation for those who wants to escape the fast city life and recline to the beauty of Mother Nature. The Province of Laguna was named after Laguna de Bay, the body of water that forms its northern boundary. Laguna de Bay, in turn, was named after the town of Bay (Laguna de Bay is Spanish which means "Lake of Bay"), the first provincial capital. Captain Juan de Salcedo with a band of one hundred Spanish-Mexican soldiers and many Bisayan allies conquered the province and its surrounding regions for Spain in 1571. Seven years later, two Franciscan friars started the work of Christianization. In 1577, the Franciscan missionaries arrived in Manila, and in 1578 they started evangelizing Laguna, Morong (now Rizal), Tayabas (now Quezon) and the Bicol Peninsula. Juan de Plasencia and Diego de Oropesa were the earliest Franciscans sent to these places. From 1580, the towns of Bay, Caliraya, Majayjay, Nagcarln, Liliw, Pila, Santa Cruz, Lumban, Pngil and Siniloan were founded. In 1678, Fray Hernando Cabrera founded San Pablo de los Montes (now San Pablo City) and built a wooden church and convent considered as the best and finest in the province. In 1670, delimitation of borders was made between Lucban, Majayjay and Cavite. The populous town at that time was Bay, the capital of the province until 1688, when the seat of the provincial government was moved to Pagsanjn, and later in 1858, to Santa Cruz. In 1754, the Province of Laguna and Tayabas were divided, with the Malinao River separating the towns of Majayjay and Lucbn. The province became a bloody battle ground for the Chinese during the two instances that they raised in revolt against Spain. In 1603s, the Chinese made their last stand in the mountains of San Pablo, and in 1639, they fortified themselves in the highlands of Cavinti and Lumban, surrendering in Pagsanjan a year later.

The natives of Laguna proved loyal to the Spanish crown during the British invasion (1762 1764) when thousands rallied to its defense. When a detachment of British troops under Captain Thomas Backhouse entered the province in search of the silver cargo of the galleon Filipino, Francisco de San Juan of Pagsanjn led a band of volunteers that fought them in several engagements in and around the town which was then the provincial capital (1688 1858). Backhouse plundered the town and burned its newly reconstructed church but San Juan succeeded in escaping with the precious hoard to Pampanga where the treasure greatly bolstered the defense effort of Simn de Anda, leader of the resistance movement. For his heroism, San Juan was made a brigade commander and alcalde mayor of Tayabas (now Quezon) province. The people's loyalty gradually degenerated into bitter hostility. Grave abuses by the colonizers, especially those of the clergy, caused the resentment of the natives to be fanned into a rising flood of insurrection. In 1840 for instance, religious intolerance led the people of Majayjay, Nagcarlan, Bay, and Bian to join the revolt of Hermano Pule (Apolinario de la Cruz) of Lucban, Tayabas. Laguna was also exposed to the aspirations of its most famous son, Dr. Jos Rizal, who was born in Calamba City. The persecution of the Rizal family, along with their fellow landowners toward the end of the century further aggravated the situation. In 1896, thousands of inhabitants, especially of Bay, Los Baos, Nagcarlan, Magdalena, Santa Cruz, and Pagsanjan had joined the revolutionary Katipunan. Laguna was one of the eight provinces to rise in revolt against the Spanish misrule led by Generals Paciano Rizal of Calamba City, Severino Taino of Pagsanjn, Agueda Kahabagan of Calauan, and Miguel Malvar of Batangas. The ill-equipped revolutionaries fought the well-armed enemy until on August 31, 1898, when the last Spanish garrison surrendered to the victorious patriots in Santa Cruz. The province was cleared of Spaniards. There had been only one respite, the Pact of Biak-na-Bato on December 14 to 15, 1897. Laguna actively supported the first Philippine Republic proclaimed at Malolos on January 23, 1899. Its two delegates to the Malolos Congress were Don Higino Bentez and Don Graciano Cordero, both natives of Pagsanjn. Upon the outbreak of the Filipino-American War (1899 1901), Generals Juan Cailles and Paciano Rizal led the defense of Laguna until June 30, 1901, when surrender became inevitable. Cailles became the first Filipino Governor of Laguna under the American flag. The Province of Laguna progressed rapidly in peace. Roads were built, schools were established, and in 1917, the Manila Railroad Company extended its line to Laguna as far as Pagsanjan.

During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines (1942 1945), Laguna was a center of Filipino resistance despite the presence of Makapili collaborators. The establishment of the military general headquarters and military camp bases of the Philippine Commonwealth Army and the Philippine Constabulary is a military unit organization was founded on 1942 to 1946 in the province of Laguna, and aided of the local military regular units of the Philippine Commonwealth Army 4th and 42nd Infantry Division and the Philippine Constabulary 4th Infantry Regiment. Started the engagements of the Anti-Japanese Military Operations in Southern Luzon, Mindoro and Palawan from 1942 to 1945 against the Japanese Imperial forces. Beginning in 1945, attacks by the Filipino soldiers of the 4th, 41st, 42nd, 43rd, 45th, 46th and 47th Infantry Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, 4th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary and the recognized guerrillas against Japanese forces in Laguna increased in anticipation of the Liberation of the Philippines by joint Filipino & American forces. Present-day Laguna shows a thriving economy. Peopled by 2,473,530 (2009 Population) industrious citizens and possessing a total area of 1760 km of land, Laguna produces millions of pesos worth of coconuts, rice, sugar, citrus fruits, lanzones and other products. Tourists flock to its beauty spots, especially Pagsanjan Falls, Calamba City and Los Banos hotsprings, Makiling National Park, Caliraya Lake and many others. Levels of development vary. The towns near Metro Manila have become industrialized whereas the inner towns continue to engage in agricultural production or pursue agribased industries and cottage and small-scale industries.
Homma-Yamashita Shrine Four years of Japanese occupation destroyed many buildings, roads, and bridges in and around Los Baos. In quick succession, the College of Agriculture became a Japanese camp for prisoners of war, a camp for allied nationals, a target of Kempetai punitive measures, and the headquarters of a secret organization of guerillas. After the dramatic rescue of the American internees by Filipino guerillas and U.S. paratroopers on February 23, 1935, the entire campus was sacked by the Japanese and razed to the ground. Only Baker Hall, the armory-gymnasium, remained standing amidst the rubble. Shortly after the war, Generals Masaharu Homma and Tomoyuki Yamashita, the commanders at the time of the Bataan Death March, were executed in April, 1946. They were both tried for their war crimes and executed near the Economic Garden.

Homma

Yamashita Shrine Los Baos

Four years of war occupation destroyed many buildings, roads, and bridges in and around Los Baos. In quick succession, the College of Agriculture becomes a Japanese

camp for prisoners of war, an interment camp for allied nationals, a target of Kempetai punitive measures, and the headquarters of a secret organization of guerillas. Rizal Shrine Location: Calamba, Laguna Tour Days: Tuesday Sunday Tour Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, and 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. The two-storey vintage house is the safe keeper of some of the valuables of Dr. Jose P. Rizal such as his childhood photos and laminated excerpts of his works. The Shrine is a replica of the Rizal Shrine, Calamba City Pride of Calamba, Laguna, where Dr. Jose P. Rizal grew up. is a two-storey building that boasts of a Spanish-vintage architecture where Juan Nakpil was responsible. The Rizal Shrine dedicated to the lifework of Jos Rizal is located on Santa Clara Street, Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Philippines. This is a fortified complex which houses the building the Philippines' national hero spent his last night and where his family later found concealed in an oil lamp, the famous poem Mi ltimo adis (My Last Farewell). The shrine is home to various memorabilia, books, manuscripts and artworks belonging to the prodigious and multifaceted Rizal. Fort Santiago served as barracks for Spanish artillery soldiers during Spain's colonization of the islands. Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery Location: Nagcarlan, Laguna Tour Days: Monday - Sunday Tour Time: 8:00am 5:00pm Built in 1851 by Father Vicente Belloc, a Franciscan Missionary, this underground cemetery is considered by the National Historical Institute as a National Historical Landmark. It was buit to stop the spread of an unknown disease. The crypt is the only underground part of the cemetery. To get there, tourists have to crawl down a plight of stone steps inside the Baroque Spanish Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery

Historical Landmark
The underground cemetery is a circular wall structure, built in 18th century by the Franciscan Missionaries. The intricately designed wrought iron-gate on the red-tiled walk crosses the grounds leading straight to the opposite side, where an altar-like structure is located. The tombstones are embedded on the brick walls of the cemetery. At the crypt of the cemetery, according to history, is where the Katipuneros plotted against Spanish rule. chapel. This baroque structure also served as a secret meeting place of the Katipuneros.

Birth place and ancestral home of the Philippine's National Hero, Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal. Jos Protacio Mercado Rizal y Alonzo Realonda (June 19, 1861 December 30, 1896), variously called the "Pride of the Malay Race," "The Great Malayan," "The First Filipino," "The Messiah of the Revolution," "The Universal Hero" and "The Messiah of the Redemption." He is the national hero of the Philippines. Despite his relatively short life, Rizal's passion as a patriot together with his intelligence as one of the first intellectuals of the post-colonial era have inspired succeeding thinkers and revolutionaries of the centrality of national identity as a social force in the project of nation-building. He is called by Benedict Anderson as one of the best exemplars of nationalist thinking. Rizal was a polyglot. The medium of instruction in various academies in the Philippines and Europe where he studied were Spanish, French, Latin and German. There are facsimiles of letters of his that are in excellent German, and he also had correspondence in Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, English, German and Dutch. He made translations from Arabic, Swedish, Russian, Chinese, Greek, Hebrew, Japanese, Latin, Sanskrit. In addition he had at least some knowledge of Malay, Chavacano, Cebuano, Ilocano, and Subanun besides his native Tagalog. He was a poet. As a polymath, he was also an amateur architect, artist, educator, amateur economist, amateur ethnologist, scientific farmer, historian, inventor, journalist, mythologist, internationalist, naturalist, novelist, ophthalmologist, physician, propagandist, sculptor, martial artist, amateur sociologist and a Freemason. A patriot of the highest order, the anniversary of Rizal's death, December 30, is now celebrated as a holiday in the Philippines, called Rizal Day.

Now they are targeting the historic Alberto House in Bian, Laguna, the house of Teodora Alonzo, mother of Jose Rizal! That foolishness in Bagac, Bataan has got to stop! Shame on you, you greedy developer! Stop poaching our history! The historic Alberto House is significant among Bian houses because of its association with Dr. Jose P. Rizal. This grand bahay na bato with its tile roof still intact, is a cultural treasure to the people of Bian. And anyone who dares take it away for his personal use can only be called greedy! The ancestors of Rizal, both Alonzo and Mercado, are from Bian, Laguna. Rizal's grandfather was Don Lorenzo Alberto Alonzo (1790-1854), municipal captain of Bian in 1844. The Alberto House was thus the ancestral house of Rizal's mother, Teodora Alonzo. Dona Teodora and Jose

Rizal himself, at various periods, lived in the house. Rizal connection aside, the architectural features and date of construction of the Alberto House (approximately constructed in 1765) make it very significant not just to Bian, but the entire province of Laguna. According to sources, about 20 percent of the interior was already dismantled as of this week. It's a good thing the City Government of Bian, Laguna stepped in and has offered to purchase the house. Imagine the gall of this developer! They were demolishing the Alberto House without a demolition permit! And before we forget, R.A. 10066 - The National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 is already in effect. Therefore, demolition of structures at least fifty years old cannot proceed without the permission of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Another good thing is that people in Bian are up in arms! I laud communities who know the value of their heritage and the need to preserve it. The United Artists for Cultural Conservation and Development, City of Binan, Inc. is calling on everyone's support to help them save the Alberto House in Bian, Laguna. They are staging WELGA: Isang Gabi ng Dula, Awitan, Sayawan, Atbp., a cultural protest condemning the demolition and transfer of the Alberto House on June 9, 2010, Wednesday, 7 p.m. at the town plaza of the Bian. Laguna: Heritage town of Pila, Laguna Pila is the heritage town of Laguna. The historic center of the town was declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Institute in 2000. It was known as La Noble Villa de Pila, one of the few towns in the country which was elevated to villa during the Spanish colonial period. The center of town is an elegant collection of colorful colonial period structures located around a spacious plaza. The layout out of the town is very typical of most Spanish colonial towns. On one side of the plaza is the Pila Church dedicated to San Antonio de Padua. On the opposite end of the plaza is the charming Pila Municipal Hall dating back to the American colonial period and painted in brick red. And on the west and east sides are the elegant homes of the town's principalia.

Pila's house colors come in shades of brown, pastels and white. This was how houses were painted during the Spanish and American colonial periods. It was not all white.

The town has a very active heritage conservation group, the Pila Historical Society Foundation, Inc. which has continuously led efforts to preserve the heritage of this genteel town. Here's a map of historic structures in Pila, Laguna if you want a guide while you do a walking tour.

Laguna: Visita iglesia in Pila, Pakil, Paete and more Laguna churches

Laguna has a lot of heritage churches and is a good place for visita iglesia. I found myself on the road again last Palm Sunday in Laguna. After speaking at the Rotaract District Conference 2010 in Bay, Laguna, I decided to explore again the Laguna towns along Laguna de Bay since I was there anyway.

My first stop was Pila, which is Laguna's heritage town and a National Historical Landmark. I'll showcase more of Pila's old houses in another post. Pila Church is dedicated to San Antonio de Padua. Lumban is a town known for its embroidery. It's a good place to purchase de calado barong and dresses. You could also check out the Lumban Church which has a very interesting exterior and convento. But the interior has been renovated as well.

After Lumban is the town of Kalayaan. Look for Barangay Longos which used to be the town proper and you'll find the centuries-old Longos Church. It's quite austere compared to its neighbors. But at least the interior is relatively intact.

Paete, known for its woodcarving and paper mache, has one of the better churches of Laguna. The Paete Church has ornate retablos and several centuries-old paintings near the entrance. The church is dedicated to Santiago Mayor.

Close to Paete is the town of Pakil, home of the Turumba. Pakil Church is my personal favorite among Laguna churches, with its grand white and gold retablos and very interesting convent. This church deserves to be declared a National Cultural Treasure!

Anyway, the Turumba commemorates the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary with seven pistang lupi. The first pistang lupi is held on the Friday before Palm Sunday (the first of two feasts of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary) and the seventh is done on Pentecost Sunday. During these days, the image of the Nuestra Seora de Dolores de Turumba is borne on an anda and brought around the streets of Pakil in a procession amidst dancing. Other processions are also held aside from the seven pistang lupi, the last being on the third Sunday of September, the second feast of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin May.
The Japanese Garden along Lake Caliraya (in Laguna) is a memorial park built by the Japanese government in the 1970s in order to commemorate the Japanese soldiers who died during the Second World War. According to some locals/legends, it is also the burial site of General Yamashita of the Yamshita treasure fame. An altar located at an elevated portion of the garden

is usually visited by the Japanese; in this shrine/altar, they offer prayers and gifts to the spririts of the dead soldiers. According to the Laguna government website, the main altar/shrine is made up of marble and located in an elevated part of the garden. But I was not sure if I found the right one The Japanese Garden may be a memorial park but it is open to the public as playground and picnic area at a minimal fee of PhP 10 per person. Tourists and guests can take leisurely strolls among its gardens (reportedly covering 11 hectares of land!); rest and eat at the picnic huts on the lower level of the park; or just appreciate the amazing scenery of Lake Caliraya and Sierra Madre mountain range. We have been to Japanese Garden countless of times already. We especially apprecitate the fresh air/gentle breeze that seems to be in short supply in the lowlands. Kids and adults alike will enjoy having a race along the one hundred steps going up to the topmost elevation where you will be rewarded by an amazing sight of Lake Caliraya with a mountain as a backdrop. When we went to Japanese Garden last October 2009, the ponds were muddy due to the recent storms that ravaged the region. However, aside from muddy ponds, almost all structures were intact as were the trees and plants.If you plan to visit Japanese Garden, make sure that you have snacks/meals and drinks with you. There is a small store at the park but it is better if you bring your own just in case supply is short at the store (you won't find convenience stores nearby).As Japanese Garden is located along Lake Caliraya at Bgy. Talaongan, Cavinti, Laguna (near Lagos del Sol Resort), it is better if you bring your own means of transportation (car, jeep, etc.) since there are few public vehicles that pass along the area; if a jeepney passes by, it is most probably already full of passengers. On the other hand, it's best if you stay overnight in a resort or campsite in Lake Caliraya so you can better appreciate its surroundings.

Japanese Garden, Caliraya, Cavinti

A shrine created by the Japanese Government in memory of the many Japanese soldiers who died during the bloody encounter between the Japanese troops and the Filipino-American troops at the close of World War II.
Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery is the only cemetery in the country that works as a meeting place for the rebel leaders of Laguna. Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery is located at an irregular terrain north of Mount San Cristobal. The cemetery facing the road has a vaulted entrance about 18 feet and two iron-grill gates. Father Vicente Belloc, a Franciscan missionary, built the underground cemetery in 1851. Today, the new Nagcarlan partially restored was acknowledged as a national historical shrine, and the only one in the Philippines. Its baroque structure is being converted into a cultural enter where cultural, historical and religious presentation can be held.

Pila Heritage Town Location: Pila, Laguna The whole town of Pila is one of the few places in the country where tourists can see an example of a typical Spanish colonial community. The plaza, church, town hall, and principalia are located near each other. The 35 ancestral houses and the Diocesan Shrine of St. Anthony de Padua have been preserved. A museum is located at the town proper which contains documents and artifacts dating back as far as the 12th century. Historical Emilio Jacinto Shrine Location: St. Mary Magdalene Church, Magdalena, Laguna The church erected a shrine and served as the keeper of the authentic blood-stained bolo and hut of General Emilio Jacinto. The Brains of the Katipunan was gravely injured during the Battle of Maimpis. A small obelisk was erected at the exact spot where he left the bolo and hut. Emilio Jacinto (December 15, 1875 - April 16, 1899) was a hero who fought gallantly during the Philippine Revolution. He was an educated man, having studied law at the San Juan de Letran College. He was not able to complete his course as he joined the Katipunan, a secret society of Filipino revolutionaries. He was known to possess a brilliant, tactical mind earning him the moniker Brains of the Katipunan and as such, the leader of the Katipunan Andres Bonifacio kept him as his secretary. He wrote the Katipunan s newsletter called Kalayaan (Freedom) under the pseudonym Dimasilaw . Jacinto was also known to have drafted the Kartilya , the code of the Revolutionaries. In the end days of the Revolution, Jacinto proved his loyalty to Bonifacio by refusing to side to Emilio Aguinaldo which was known to have tried to wrest control of the Katipunan from Bonifacio. He died of malaria in Majayjay, Laguna but was buried in a secluded spot in Sta.Cruz, Laguna. The Emilio Jacinto Shrine and Burial Site is situated in Brgy. San Juan in Sta. Cruz. The shrine was erected in 1999 through the efforts of the National Historical Institute. It resembles a small plaza complete with its own flagpole, lights, resting shed and comfort rooms. A commemorative plaque is fixed at the middle of the shrine which tells the story of Emilio Jacinto in his days as one of the Revolutionary leaders. Emilio Jacinto s remains however has long been transferred since 1976 at the Himlayang Pilipino in Quezon City. Battle of Mabitac Mural Location: Mabitac, Laguna The historic Battle of Mabitac happened on September 17, 1900 between the forces of

Fillipino General Juan Cailles and American Colonel Benjamin Cheatham. The Americans lost the battle and in honor of this victory, a mural was erected depicting a scene in this hard-fought battle.
The Battle of Mabitac is considered to be one of the first successful battles fought against the American Regime during the Filipino-American War that happened on September 17, 1900. In the said encounter,

Battle of Mabitac Mural

Battle of Mabitac is considered to be one of the first successful battles fought against the American Regime during the Filipino-American War that happened on September 17, 1900. In the said encounter, the Filipino Forces headed by General Juan Cailles killed the US Commanding General Cheatam.
the Filipino Forces headed by General Juan Cailles killed the US Commanding General Cheatam.

Trece Martires Monument Location: Sampalok Lake, San Pablo City, Laguna The monument, located at the south side of the lake was built through the efforts of Association of Deaconesses of the Philippine Independent Church back in 1927. Demographics 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Population 2, 473, 530 (as of 2007 Census) Land Area 1,759.7 sq. km Capital Santa Cruz Language/Dialect Tagalog, Ilokano, Bicolano, Waray, English and Filipino Divisions

Pagsanjan Falls This is one of the most famous falls in the Philippines. The trip to the falls and the location of this natural wonder are what makes tourists go back to Laguna.
Pagsanjan Falls (indigenous name: Magdapio Falls) are one of the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines. Located in the province of Laguna, the falls are one of the major tourist attractions in the region. The falls are reached by a river trip on dugout canoe known locally as shooting the rapids, originating from the municipality of Pagsanjan.[1][2] The town itself dates from early Spanish times and Pagsanjan Falls

Location: Cavinti - Pagsanjan, Laguna The real name of the falls is Magdapio Falls. It gained its popular name because the trip towards the falls starts from Pagsanjan River. Tourists will enjoy the two-hour boat ride called shooting the rapids for it involves intense boat ride across several rapids.
lies at the confluence of two rivers, the Balanac and the Bumbungan.

Mount Makiling Popularized because of its myth and the legend written by Dr. Jose Rizal, this lush mountain is a favorite among campers and mountain climbers.
Mount Makiling, also rarely Mount Maquiling, is a potentially active volcano in Laguna province on the island of Luzon, Philippines. It rises to 1,090 m above mean sea level.

Mount Makiling Shaped like a woman lying on her back, this extinct volcano towers 1,090 m above sea level is now an eco-tourism site where nature-loving tourists can engage in mountainclimbing, hiking, camping, mountain biking and bird watching. Mount Banahaw This mystical mountain is famous as a pilgrimage site for many Filipinos because it is said that the mountain possesses mythical powers and psychic energy Mount Banahaw (alternative spelling: Banahao or Banjao) is an active volcano on Luzon Island in the Republic of the Philippines. The three-peaked volcano complex is located between the provinces of Laguna and Quezon and is the tallest mountain in the CALABARZON region dominating the landscape for miles around.[2] The mountain is considered by many as a "Holy mountain" and is popular among pilgrims along with mountain climbers. Banahaw is a national park and a protected area in the Philippines since 1941, and is now called Mts. Banahaw-San Cristobal Protected Landscape covering 10,901 hectares (26,940 acres) of land Natural Hidden Valley Springs Location: Alaminos, Laguna This hot springs is a secluded private resort situated near the old crater of Mount Makiling. It offers first class facilities for leisure and recreation purposes. Its main attractions include the Lovers Pool and the Soda Pool, similar to the Vicki and Fuji Waters of Japan. Taytay Falls / Imelda Falls Location: Brgy. Gagalot, Majayjay, Laguna The cold, clear-flowing water from this falls is from Mount Banahaw. Nature-loving tourists can build campsites near the falls. A 30-minute hike is the only way to reach this place. Crocodile Lake Location: Laguna de Bay, Laguna It is a lake within a lake . It got its name because the Crater Lake is shaped like a crocodile.

Dalitiwan River located at Botocan, Majayjay, . This river is noted for its cool and crystal water and panoramic beauty, ideal for swimming and fishing. The terrain is rugged as mountain lands go, and the cool water of the river gushes through the rocks and boulders along the watercourse in sweeping currents.

Seven Lakes Location: San Pablo City, Laguna The city of San Pablo is popularly known as the City of Seven Lakes because of the seven interconnected lakes that surrounds the whole city. The lakes pass through Mt. Cristobal, Tayak Hill, Mt. Kalisungan, and Mt. Mabilog. The lakes originated from craters of ancient volcanoes, thus the area is known as San Pablo Volcanic Field .

Paete Wood Carrving and Paper Mache Paete is the home of the best wood sculptors and mache artists in the country. The practice has been passed on from generations. Here, tourists can find artistically crafted religious and non-religious items with various sizes at a very affordable price. Lumban Barong Embroidery Hand-embroidered barong is the main specialty of the residents of Lumban. This art is passed on from generation to generation. Using either jusi or Santana fabric, workers diligently embroider detailed designs on the barong, making one stand out among the rest. Footwear from Liliw Dubbed as the Footwear Capital or Tsinelas Capital, the main industry in this 4th class municipality is shoes and slipper making. The most prominent area for shoe-holics is at Gat. Tayao Street. Delectable foods Laguna has a series of mouth-watering concoction to offer its visitors that would make them come back to the province. 1. Buko pie, espasol, and cassava cake from Los Baos and Calamba 2. Puto Bian (special rice cake) from Bian 3. Uraro cookies (arrow root) from Liliw 4. Pineapples from Calauan 5. Native sweets and preserved delicacies from San Pablo and Calauan 6. Lanzones and rambutan fruits from Pakil and Paete 7. Kesong Puti (native white cheese) from Sta. Cruz and UP Los Baos 8. Lambanog (coconut wine) from Liliw, Luisiana and Majayjay

Barong Tagalog Festival / Burdang Lumban Festival Place: Lumban, Laguna Date: Third week of September In honor of the long tradition of Barong Tagalog-making in Lumban, the locals celebrate it by exhibiting their best work. Also, locals cook their notable dishes such as kesong puti (white cheese) and ginataang hipon (shrimp saut in coconut milk). Other cottage industries are exhibited and sold during the event. Liliw Gat Tayaw Festival (Tsinelas Festival) Place: Liliw, Laguna Date: Last week of April first week of May. First held in April 2002, the Gat Tayaw Tsinelas Festival is celebrated yearly for the continued growth of the slippers and shoe industry of Liliw, which has made the town popular as the Footwear Capital of Laguna . Named after the local hero of Liliw, Gat Tayaw, the festival is filled with cultural dance presentation, street dancing, competitions, and the search for Mutya ng Liliw. Also, the infamous native delicacies uraro (arrow root) and lambanog (coconut wine) is served for everyone to enjoy. Bangkero Festival Place: Pagsanjan, Laguna Date: Last Saturday and Sunday of May This is a yearly event for the boatmen or bangkeros of the province. Events such as boat racing, tug-of-war, and singing competition are held during the festival. The highlight is the bantillan and gantungan, a boat and float decoration spectacle. Coconut Festival Place: San Pablo City, Laguna Date: January 11 15 (Second Sunday of January) The feast is a joint celebration of the city s patron saint, St. Paul the First Hermit and the bountiful harvest of the city s main product, coconut. Participants dressed in coconut-inspired costumes dance around the city followed by floats designed using coconut materials. There are concerts, exhibits, games, and other activities throughout the day. Turumba Festival / Pistang Lupi Place: Pakil, Laguna Date: Friday before Palm Sunday to Pentecost Sunday The Turumba Festival is in honor of the Our Lady of Sorrows, or the Nuestra Seora de los Dolores de Turumba. It is celebrated seven times during the Lenten Season; each corresponds to the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary. This is considered as the longest feast here in the country.

Ana Kalang Festival Place: Nagcarlan, Laguna Date: Third Wednesday of October The feast is derived from the myth of Ana Kalang, a beautiful, wealthy, generous woman, who saw the Virgin of Santa Ana picked the lanzones, removed its poison and made it edible. It was named after Ana Kalang in honor of the bountiful harvest of lanzones, Nagcarlan s main product and their agro-industrial products. Locals create kalang-kalang , a giant statue made from different fruits, vegetables, and other indigenous products, and dance on the street together with their creations. Pinya Festival Place: Calauan, Laguna Date; First Second week of May Started in 2003, the Pinya (Pineapple) Festival is celebrated together with the feast of San Isidro Labrador (May 15). Events such as trade exhibit, culinary contest, and float parade showcase products made from this home-grown product. Batangas is a first class province of the Philippines located on the southwestern part of Luzon in the CALABARZON region. Its capital is Batangas City and it is bordered by the provinces of Cavite and Laguna to the north and Quezon to the east. Across the Verde Island Passages to the south is the island of Mindoro and to the west lies the South China Sea. Poetically, Batangas is often referred to by its ancient name Kumintang. Batangas is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Metro Manila. The province has many beaches and is famous for excellent diving spots including Anilao in Mabini, Sombrero Island in Tingloy, Ligpo Island in Bauan, these areas more popularly known as Anilao. Matabungkay in Lian, Punta Fuego in Nasugbu, Calatagan and Laiya in San Juan. Batangas is also where Taal Volcano, one of the Decade Volcanoes is located. It is also where the Taal Heritage town lies, a small picturesque town that has ancestral houses and structures dating back to the 1800s. Batangas Batangas is known as the birthplace of many leading nationalists in the country, thus many historical attractions are found there including the General Malvar Museum and Library in Santo Tomas, the Apolinario Mabini Shrine in Tanauan and the Jose P. Laurel Memorial Library in Tanauan. Beautiful churches include the Basilica of San Martin de Tours, the Church of Our Lady of Caysasay, Lipa Cathedral, and the Church of San Jose, built in 1788 by Augustinian Friars. Batangas is also home to the Taal Volcano, believed to be the smallest active volcano in the world. Beaches include the Gerthel Hugon, Matabungkay and Nasugbu beaches, while Anilao is best known for its dive spots.

Etymology
The first recorded name of the Province was Kumintang, after the Datu who inherited the dominion from Datu Balensusa. Its centre, the present day Balayan, was the most progressive town of the Province and the traditional centre of governance. Later, as the eruption of the Taal Volcano destroyed a significant portion of the town, the provincial centre was transferred to Taal, which was then called Bonbon and the name of the province was changed after that of the town. The term batangan means a raft, the people used so that they could fish in the nearby Taal Lake. It also meant the numerous logs found in the Calumpang River, the body of water that runs through the northeastern portion of the town and assumes the shape of a tuning fork.

Products
Batangas also has other industries that makes it famous not only in the country but also in the world. More than anything else, 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 Batangueo carrying a balisong everywhere they go. This is also the reason why most Filipinos would warn never to mess with a Batangueo. 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 the gusi. 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 Bakang Batangas (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 City, 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 Sardinella tawilis or simply tawilis, a species of freshwater sardine that is endemic to the lake. Taal Lake also provides farmed Chanos chanos or bangus. There is also a good volume of Oreochromis niloticus niloticus and Oreochromis aureus, 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, Batangueos 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 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 Batangueos had something they can wear and show off a shirt that they can show the world who they are, that they are Batangueos 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.(likhang sining ng Emmanuel's tatakan @ibp.) And as the mythology of the Philippines say that from the bamboo came men and women, Batangueos learned to make a living out of it. Some towns (those that are adjacent to Laguna) have a very prosperous bamboo based industry. Here, you can see houses that are made of bamboo, furniture made of bamboo, and even food cooked in bamboo. Natives say that food cooked in bamboo has an added scent and flavour. But if the locals cook in bamboos, some also eat bamboos. Baby bamboos to be exact. In these towns also, labong or the baby bamboo is cooked with coconut milk or even with other ingredients to make a truly Batangas delicacy.

One must also remember that the Capital City of Batangas hosts the second most important international seaport in the Island of Luzon. Next only to that of Manila International Port, Batangas International Port is a primary entry point of goods not only coming from the Southern part of the country but from everywhere in the world.

Culture

Way of life
Maria Kalaw Katigbak, a Filipino historian, was quoted to call the Batangueos the Super-Tagalogs. One particular custom in the Batangan culture is the so called Matanda sa Dugo (lit. older by blood) practice wherein one gives respect not because of age but of consanguinity. During the early times, the custom of having very large families are very common. Thus, it may be expected that the someone's uncle could be of the same age, or even younger than himself. In this case, the older one would call the younger one in an honorary title (such as tiyo or simply kuya if they can no longer establish the relationship), not the other way around. This often draws confusion to those from other provinces who are not accustomed to such practices. Batangueos are very regionalistic. When one learns that a person in the room is also from Batangas, expect them to be together until the end of the event. It is also expected that those in office would favour their fellow Batangueos as long as the rules could allow it. Thus the running joke, the Batangas Mafia came to existence. They also tend to live in a large extended family. It is but common that a piece of land remains undivided until the family connection becomes to far-off related. Marriages between relatives of the fifth generation is still restrained in the Batangan culture even if Philippine laws allow it. Most Batangueos are either farmers or fishers who sell their own products in the market. Although most of them have also finished a degree, a lot of the people prefer to not use what they have studied and put up their own small businesses instead. This is perhaps due to the subconscious idea that he who has no land to cultivate or trade to make is a lazy person. Batangueos are known for being religious,where devotees pay respect in such way that they make rituals,like dances and chants(Luwa) to please them,one of these is the Passion in which it is a common sight to hear these chants during the Lenten season ,a religious act still practice today. During the month of May the people of Bauan and Alitagtag celebrate the feast day of the Mahal na Poon ng Sta. Cruz ,a ritual dance called the Subli is made to repect to the Poon .In the town of Taal they celebrate the feast day of the Our Lady of Caysasay and San Martin de Tours a two day celebration where procession from the shine of the Virgin towards the Pansipit River where the fluvial procession and another procession towards the Basilica are made in honored of

the Virgin Mary.Fiestas in other towns usually start in the month of May and last up to the first day of June, usually the plaza near the church becomes the center of attraction. Since Batangas has long been declared a tourism area by late President Ferdinand Marcos, people from other places could find a very hospitable culture in the Batangueos. They will feed you more than the usual with the food they eat. Actually, these folks would appreciate it greatly if they see that you are trying to be one of them. Historical Tourist Attractions
Leon Apacible Historical Landmark (National Landmark). Located at Marcela Agoncillo St., Taal Town. An ancestral house of Leon Apacible with family collection of relics and memorabilia. Showcases Taal s glorious past, relics of the turn-of-thecentury life, a 400 year old galinera, an 18th century chandelier, gilded mirrors, diggings and artifacts. Ilagan Ancestral House. Located on Marcela Agoncillo St., Taal. Buses from Manila bound for Lemery pass by the house. Jeepneys and tricycles that service the town can also be availed of.

Batangas City Basilica Of the Immaculate Conception & Infant Jesus Built in 1857. The present church began in 1851 due to the increased population. Father Pedro Cuesta, the parish priest undertook the construction after having the torn down the old church. It was granted Basilica status by Pope Pius XII. Given in Rome, at St. Peters, with the seal of the Fisherman, on the 13th day of February in the year 1948, the tenth of our Pontificate -1948. Text from a copy of the actual letter written in Rome to grant the Batangas Catholic Church its appointment as Basilica. Sketch of the baptismal book of Batangas Catholic Basilica. The first name entered on Feb. 19, 1635 is Francisco Magtibay

Sixto Lopez Ancestral House Typical fo the several Spanish Era Houses constructed in Balayan. Don Sixto Lopez, the Grand Old Man of Balayan was a comtemporary of Genral Malva who never recognized the American Sovereignty until his death. Basilica de San Martin de Tours Reputed to be the largest in Asia. Taal church stand 95 meters long and 45 meters wide on a plateau in the heart of Taal. The Augustinian missionaries started the construction in 1756 and took a century to achieve its present form. The facade resemble St. Peter s Basilica in Rome. Its tabernacle is the only one of its kind in the Philippines.

Apolinario Mabini Shrine The national shrine is a memorial to the nationalism of Philippine hero Apolinario Mabini, known as the Sublime Paralytic, whose moral convictions and political principles illuminated the Filipinos in their search for national identity. It houses the remains and personal belongings of the late revolutionary hero who is also considered as the Brains of the Katipunan, the 1896 Filipino revolutionary movement against Spain. The shrine is located in Barrio Talaga, Tanauan, Batangas.

Marcela N. Agoncillio Historical Landmark The site marks the birthplace of Marcela Agoncilio, who made the first official Philippine Flag during the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish authorities. The different flags of the revolution are also prominently displayed on-site. Casa de Segunda Katigbak The ancestral home of the Katigbaks, a prominent Batangas family, the Casa is a typical Bahay na Bato. It is Spanish colonial yet tropical in style. It was named after Segunda Katigbak, reputed to be the first love of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippine national hero. The Casa has been declared by the National Historical Commission as a heritage house for having harbored generations of artists, poets, and persons of learning and distinction. Punta de Santiago Lighthouse Built in 1890, it is one of the earliest lighthouses that still functions to date. Natural Attractions in Batangas-beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes, hot springs Gerthel Beach Located in the town of Lobo, it is one of the finest beaches of the area. The approximately one kilometer stretch of white sand beach has gradually sloping ocean floor to about two hundred meters before the drop-off. A beach resort that also serves as an accommodation facility also exists. How to get there: The beach can be reached by taking a jeepney towards Lobo. Several tricycles can also be hired upon reaching the town proper. The distance from Batangas City to Lobo is about 37 kilometers. Travel time: 2 1/2 hours from Manila. Submarine Garden Also located in the town of Lobo. The garden consists of living corals near the shore and is one of the beaches of Lobo. It can be clearly seen during the early mornings when the water is clear and the tide is low.

How to get there: To reach the spot, a banca (motorized outrigger) may be hired either in Batangas City or in Lobo town. Travel time: Approximately 45 minutes by boat. Mahabang Buhangin Beach Located in the town of San Juan, the area has white sand and a living colony of corals. It lies in a cave that is a prerequisite for a fine beach. A cave nearby adds to the attraction of the beach. How to get there: San Juan town is about 45 kilometers from Batangas City. A bus company (Supreme Bus Co.) offers services from Batangas City to San Juan. Another alternative is via the town of Candelaria in Quezon Province. Upon reaching the town of Candelaria in Quezon Province. Upon reaching the town proper of San Juan, several jeepneys travel to Laiya but only up to a certain point, after which, one has to walk a kilometer before reaching the beach. The strecth of the road from the town to Laiya is 19 kilometers of very rough roads. Travel time: 2 1/2 hours from Batangas City via the towns of Ibaan and Rosario. Tingga Falls Located in Daang Ibaan, Batangas City. The falls is about 30ft. high with a pool made into a swimming area at its base. It is semi-developed with concrete steps built for access. Munting Buhangin Beach Located in Nasugbu, the area is located in a cove and offers a fine, white sand beach. Taal Lake and Volcano Fresh water beach, also known as the lowest volcano in the world. Surrounded by a lake, the volcano is situated on an 8.8 Km. isled lapped by the 27 km long lake. Both the lake and the volcano are situated on the crater of an extinct volcano. The Volcano Island is also ideal for trekking. The volcano is the smallest in the world. The lake holds four interesting features: two smaller lakes of hot water, one green and the other almost red: a gas vent; and a triangular obelisk of hard rock. It is a focal point of the province! A must see!! Matabungkay Beach A two-kilometer long white sand beach situated in the town of Lian facing the China Sea. The area is ideal for water sports such as swimming, boating, yachting, fishing and skin diving. Dotting the shoreline are several summer cottages. Mt. Maculot Located in Cuenca, one of the highest and prominent mountains in the province, it is one of the favorite sites of mountain trekkers. It is said that the mountain was the last stronghold of the Japanese in the province before they were defeated. Several tunnels

built by the Japanese soldiers still exist in the area. The name Mt. Maculot was derived from the people who lived in the mountain whose hairs are kinky. Calijon Falls Located in Barangay Calijon, Malvar. The attraction consists of two major falls and two smaller ones. One of the bigger falls is about ten feet high with a great volume clear water gushing down to a shallow pool, while the other one (also about ten feet high) braces the rock where the water flows look like a bridal gown. One of the two smaller falls is located in front of a cave, while the other one forms a series of small cascades. All the falls are located in an area of about 300 sq. meters. Mainit Hot Springs Located in Baronage Pulang Bato, San Juan. About 10 km south of San Juan, it is ideally located at the foot of a huge mountain lush with thick vegetation. How to get there: Mainit hot spring is about 15 kilometers of very rough road from the town proper. It can be reached by private vehicles with high axles. Travel time: About 10 kilometers south of San Juan town. Tinalunan Also located on the Island of Isla Verde. This is a spot where wind-tossed waves surge and beat against the rocky cliff supporting a long plateau. From atop the plateau, one commands a scenic sight specially when the sea is calm. Cueva Sitio Also located on the island of Isla Verde. An ideal place for picnics. Its main attraction is a rockshelter that has always provided cool shade to the visitors. Ilijan Falls Located in Barangay Ilijan. A unique waterfall with water coming from a big spring at the top of a mountain, gracefully from one bowl to another. It has seven huge stone bowls carved naturally out of the mountainsides and beautifully arranged like a flight of stairs.

Feasts and Festivals

Foundation Day of Batangas Province A program and the selection of Mutya ng Batangas City are the main activities during the celebration.

Carera de Paso It is held during Lent, on Holy Wednesday, in the poblacion at Calaca, Batangas. It is different from the province s other racing competitions because only local horses from the different barangays of Calaca may join the competition.

Tapusan Festival (May; Alitatag, Batangas). It is an impressive festival during which the Holy Cross is honored on the last of May. Flowers are offered during the afternoon ceremonies, before an old cross in the town church. The observance peaks on the 31st of May with a colorful procession, during which the cross is mounted on a gaily decorated float, together with other floats bedecked with flowers carrying other Marian images. All the floats are radiantly lighted and drawn along the principal streets of the town. Parada ng Lechon (June 24; Balayan town, Batangas). The celebration coincides with the feast of St. John the Baptist. Lechons, or roast suckling pigs, coming from each barangay of the town are paraded, dressed in accordance with the theme of the fiesta. The parade is capped with a grand viewing of the lechons at the plaza. After the parade, the townspeople and guests partake of the fare as well as engage in water dousing.

Subli-an sa Batangas (July 23; Batangas City, Batangas). It is held in line with the city s Foundation Day. The festival, a brainchild of the Batangas City Cultural Affairs Board, aims to revive the centuries-old tradition of dancing the Subli, a dance indigenous to Batangas. The festival has evolved to include street dancing. Anihan Festival The festival showcases the various products of the different barangays in the town of Lobo. The barangay representatives go street dancing, dressed in beautiful costumes made out of the products harvested. A search for the best costume is mounted, with fabulous prizes at stake for the winner. . Fluvial Procession at Pansipit River (December 8-9). The Taaleos begin the celebration of their two-day town fiesta by converging at the bank of Pansipit River, where several bancas are anchored. The image of Our Lady of Caysasay is carried by the devotees in a fluvial procession on the river, through the streets of Taal, and finally, to the Basilica of Taal. On the following day, the images of Our Lady of Caysasay and St. Martin de Porres, the patron of the basilica, join the evening-long procession. During the procession, girls dressed in white stop at street

corners and hail the Virgin Mary by reciting luwa, or praises, until the procession rends at the basilica, where it is welcomed by spectacular fireworks and different bands. Coffee Festival The festival was conceived to showcase the long reign of Lipa as the coffee granary of the Philippines. It includes a trade fair and tiangge, the Karera ng Tiburin, a search for the Barako ng Bayan, and parlor games.