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Showing posts from May, 2025

Traditional Tapang Taal Recipe

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Tapang Taal is a classic Filipino dish originating from Taal, Batangas. It's a flavorful marinated pork dish that's often enjoyed with garlic fried rice and fried egg — a staple in Batangas-style breakfasts. Unlike other tapa (cured meats), Tapang Taal typically uses a sweet and garlicky marinade without soy sauce, making it unique. Traditional Tapang Taal Recipe Ingredients: 1 kg pork (preferably pork loin or pork kasim), sliced thinly 1/2 cup vinegar (sukang puti or cane vinegar) 1/4 cup calamansi juice (or lemon juice as a substitute) 1 head garlic, minced or crushed 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste) 1 tsp ground black pepper Optional: chili flakes or fresh red chili (if you like it spicy) Instructions: Prepare the Meat: Slice pork thinly across the grain. You can ask your butcher for tapa-cut pork. Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix vinegar, calamansi juice, garlic, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir until the...

5 Must Try Coffee Shops In Batangas

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Batangas is home to a vibrant coffee scene, offering a diverse array of cafés that cater to various tastes and preferences. Here are five top coffee shops in Batangas that stand out for their unique offerings and inviting atmospheres: 1 Café de Lipa One of the oldest and most renowned coffee shops in Batangas, Cafe de Lipa specializes in Barako coffee, a local variety known for its strong and bold flavor. With multiple branches, it has become a staple for coffee enthusiasts in the region.  Klook Directions Website 2 Taza Mia Coffee A cozy café offering a wide range of coffee options, from hot brews to sweet iced drinks. Taza Mia also serves an extensive menu of food items, including all-day breakfast, sandwiches, and pastries, making it a perfect spot for casual hangouts.  Klook Directions 3 Arevan Coffee Club A small neighborhood coffee shop known for its cozy and intimate space. Arevan Coffee Club allows patrons to fully enjoy their cup of coffee in a laid-back setting, mak...

Top 5 Beach Resorts in San Juan, Batangas

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  San Juan, Batangas—particularly the Laiya area—is renowned for its pristine beaches and top-tier resorts, making it a favorite weekend getaway for those seeking sun, sand, and relaxation. Here are five of the most highly rated resorts in San Juan, Batangas: Acuatico Beach Resort & Hotel San Juan, Batangas An upscale resort known for its infinity pool, beachfront villas, and family-friendly amenities, including a kids’ club and game room.  Acuaverde Beach Resort & Hotel San Juan, Batangas A pet-friendly resort offering a wide beach, water sports, and a dedicated pet zone, making it ideal for family and pet-inclusive vacations.  Palm Beach Resort San Juan, Batangas A tranquil resort located in Barangay Hugom, featuring infinity pools, beachfront cabanas, and a private beach, perfect for those seeking exclusivity.  Sabangan Beach Resort San Juan, Batangas A self-catering resort with bungalows and cottages, offering direct beach access, a swimming pool, and v...

Things To Do In Rosario, Batangas

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Rosario, Batangas offers a delightful blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and culinary delights. Here's a guide to some must-try experiences in this charming town: 🌄 Top Attractions in Rosario 1. Tombol Hill & Grotto A serene spot for reflection, Tombol Hill features a grotto and a monumental statue of the Risen Christ. The hill offers panoramic views of the town and is especially popular during Holy Week.   2. Batangas Racing Circuit A premier motorsport venue in Barrio Maligaya, this circuit hosts various racing events, including the Philippine Superbike Championship and National Drag Racing Championship.   3. Naambon Falls A hidden gem for nature enthusiasts, Naambon Falls provides a refreshing escape with its cool cascading waters, perfect for a peaceful retreat.   4. Villa Crisanta Garden Resort Ideal for a relaxing staycation, this resort offers lush gardens, swimming pools, and spa services, making it a perfect getaway from the city's hustl...

Must Try When Visiting Taal

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 Taal, Batangas is a beautiful heritage town in the Philippines known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, rich history, and local delicacies. Here are must-try experiences when visiting Taal: 🏛️ Historical & Cultural Sites Taal Basilica (Basilica of St. Martin de Tours) The largest Catholic church in Asia. Stunning architecture and panoramic views from the bell tower. Taal Heritage Village Walk along Calle Marcela Agoncillo and Calle Gliceria Marella for Spanish-era ancestral houses. Casa Villavicencio Beautifully preserved heritage house with a history tied to the Philippine Revolution. Marcela Agoncillo Museum Home of the principal seamstress of the first Philippine flag. Full of historical artifacts. 🛍️ Local Crafts & Shopping Balisong (Butterfly Knife) Shops Taal is the birthplace of the balisong. Visit local artisans to see how they’re crafted. Embroidered Barong Tagalog & Gowns (Taal Terno) T...

Top Camping Destinations in Batangas

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Batangas offers a diverse range of camping spots, from serene beachside retreats to scenic mountain campsites. Here are some top camping destinations in Batangas: Mount Batulao 4.6 (384 reviews) A popular hiking destination with beginner-friendly trails, offering designated campsites for overnight stays. Enjoy panoramic views of rolling hills and starry skies.   batangasphilippines.org Directions 2 Mount Gulugod Baboy 4.5 (51 reviews) Known for its easy hike and stunning sea views. Campers can pitch tents near the summit and enjoy a beautiful sunrise and sunset.   batangasphilippines.org Directions 3 Bituin Cove 3.3 (4 reviews) A secluded beach with turquoise waters, perfect for those looking to camp by the sea. Note that there are no toilet or bath facilities on-site.   batangasphilippines.org Directions 4 Verde Island 4.6 (115 reviews) A tropical paradise with a kilometer-long white sand beach. Offers a tranquil environment for beach camping with basic amenities. ...

Must Try Hiking Spots In Batangas

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  Batangas is a haven for hiking enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of trails suitable for all levels. Here are four top hiking spots in Batangas you might consider: 1 Mount Batulao 4.6 (384 reviews) Known for its rolling hills and grassy terrain, Batulao offers a scenic hike with views of Taal Lake. It's a favorite among beginners and seasoned hikers alike.  Bria Directions 2 Mount Talamitam 5.0 (29 reviews) A beginner-friendly mountain with a gradual ascent. The trail provides expansive views of the surrounding countryside.  batangasphilippines.org Directions 3 Mt. Manabu 4.6 (39 reviews) A serene hike through lush forests leading to a summit marked by a large cross. The trail is shaded and offers a peaceful retreat.  Pueblo De Oro Directions 4 Mount Banoy 4.5 (26 reviews) A less crowded trail with rich biodiversity. The hike offers views of Batangas Bay and the surrounding areas.  Wikipedia Directions Note: Always check local guidelines and trail condi...

Top 5 Snorkeling Spot in Batangas

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  Batangas, just a few hours' drive from Metro Manila, is renowned for its vibrant marine life, making it a top destination for snorkeling enthusiasts. Here are five of the best snorkeling spots in Batangas: Eagle Point Beach and Dive Resort Anilao, Batangas Offers easy-access snorkeling at 'Canyon Land' and exclusive access to nearby Sombrero Island.  Eagle Point Resort Anilao Beach Mabini, Batangas Known for its clear waters and rich marine biodiversity, ideal for both snorkeling and diving.  TripZilla Sombrero Island Tingloy, Batangas A round, hat-shaped island with calm waters and vibrant coral gardens, perfect for snorkeling.  TripZilla Verde Island Batangas City, Batangas Part of the Verde Island Passage, one of the world's richest marine ecosystems, offering exceptional snorkeling experiences.  Wikipedia Masasa Beach Tingloy, Batangas A serene beach with clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and spotting sea turtles.  TripZilla Whether you're a seaso...

Batangas Bulalo Recipe

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 Here's a traditional Batangas Bulalo recipe — a rich, beefy Filipino soup known for its clear broth, tender beef shanks, and flavorful bone marrow. The Batangas version is simpler than others, usually not adding vegetables like corn or pechay (bok choy). Batangas Bulalo (Traditional Style) 🕑 Cooking Time: 3–4 hours 🍽️ Servings: 4–6 Ingredients: 1.5 to 2 kg beef shank (with bone marrow) 12 cups water 1 large onion , peeled and halved 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or to taste) Salt to taste 2–3 pieces green onions (optional, for garnish) Optional: Cabbage (optional if you want a slightly modern touch) Instructions: Prepare the beef shank: Rinse the beef shank pieces in cold water. You can blanch them first: boil briefly for 5–10 minutes, then discard the water to remove scum and impurities. Rinse again. Boil the beef: In a large pot, add beef shanks and 12 cups of water. Bring to a boil ...

Traditional Batangas Lomi Recipe

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 Here's a traditional Batangas Lomi recipe — thick, hearty, and perfect for a comforting Filipino meal. Batangas Lomi is known for its thick soup, rich meat toppings, and simple, bold flavors. 🍜 Batangas Lomi Recipe (Good for 4 servings) Ingredients: For the broth & noodles: 500g fresh lomi noodles (egg noodles) 1 liter water (or more as needed) 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional) 1 small onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon oil 250g pork belly or pork shoulder, sliced thinly 100g pork liver, sliced thinly (optional but traditional) 1 piece chicken cube or pork bouillon (optional) Salt and pepper to taste For thickening: 1/2 cup cornstarch dissolved in 1 cup water (adjust for thickness) Optional toppings (highly recommended for authentic Batangas style): Kikiam, fried and sliced Fish balls or squid balls Chicharon (crushed) Boiled egg, sliced Hard-boiled quail eggs Fried garl...

Top 5 Must Try Food in Batangas

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 Batangas, a province in the Philippines, is known for its rich culinary heritage. Here are Top 5 Must-Try Foods in Batangas : 1. Lomi Batangueño What it is: A thick noodle soup with rich, flavorful broth made with egg noodles, pork, liver, kikiam, fish balls, and egg. Why try it: Hearty and comforting, especially popular in colder months or after a long trip. Best places: Lipa and Batangas City are famous for their Lomi eateries. 2. Bulalo What it is: A beef shank soup slow-cooked with bone marrow, corn, cabbage, and other vegetables. Why try it: A warm, savory soup perfect for the Tagaytay-Batangas cool climate, especially around Taal Lake. Best places: Mahogany Market near Tagaytay or roadside eateries in Talisay. 3. Tapang Taal What it is: Cured and marinated pork (or sometimes beef) with a sweet and garlicky flavor, served with rice and egg. Why try it: A local twist on the traditional Filipino tapa — uniquely sweet-savory and satisfyi...

5 of the top beaches in Batangas, Philippines

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Here are 5 of the top beaches in Batangas, Philippines , known for their beauty, accessibility from Manila, and variety of activities: 1. Laiya Beach (San Juan, Batangas) Why it's great : Long stretch of white-ish sand, clear waters, and a wide selection of resorts. Activities : Swimming, banana boat, snorkeling, kayaking, beach volleyball. Best for : Families and casual beachgoers. 2. Nasugbu Beaches Famous spots : Calayo Beach, Canyon Cove, and Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club. Why it's great : Scenic coves, luxury resort options, and mountain-sea views. Activities : Boating, diving, luxury getaways. Best for : Couples, barkadas (groups), and upscale travelers. 3. Anilao (Mabini, Batangas) Why it's great : World-class diving and snorkeling spot with vibrant marine biodiversity. Activities : Scuba diving, snorkeling, underwater photography. Best for : Divers, snorkelers, marine enthusiasts. 4. Masasa Beach (Tingloy Island) ...