public green area
Parish of San Isidro Labrador in Cuenca, Batangas
"But I'll tell you what hermits realize.
If you go off into a far, far forest and get very quiet,
If you go off into a far, far forest and get very quiet,
you'll come to understand that you're connected with everything." - Alan Watts
Batangas, part of the Calabarzon region
and found in the southwestern branch of Luzon, houses quite a few of the
country’s awesome mountains, rich grassland and adorable shoreline. Being
easily reached whether via public or private transfer, it becomes the ideal
destination of people who aim for a nippy weekend escape. Astounding
mountains await those who want to rough up their trip as several scenic peaks
are to be found on site - Mt. Talamitan, Mt. Pico de Loro, Mt. Batulao,
Mt. Manabo, Mt. Daguldol, and of course the most famous second active
volcano in the Philippines, Mt. Taal. Individuals or
groups may also enjoy a meaningful pilgrimage to its ingeniously engineered
churches – St. Benedict Monastery for the Sick, Parish of
San Isidro Labrador, Taal Basilica, Carmel of Our Lady Mary Mediatrix of All
Grace, just to cite a few.
HOW TO GET TO LIPA
There are numerous bus
lines en route from Manila to Batangas that you can choose from; Depending on
your starting point, you can inquire to one of these available transport
companies dispersed accessibly in Metro Manila - DLTBCo,
ALPS, SUPREME Bus Lines, Dela Rosa Transit, JAC Liner, and Batangas
Starexpress.
For this particular
entry, I took Alps Bus Line Co. located along EDSA Southbound facing Nepa
Q-Mart to get to Lipa.
Fare: php 120-130
Travel Time:
Approximately 2 Hours
Route: EDSA Southbound
to Tambo Exit
Upon getting off in Tambo Exit, you
have the option between a tricycle and PUJ en route to Lipa proper (SM/
Palengke) for a minimum fare of eight pesos (php 8) if the latter option has
been selected.
WHERE TO STAY
From Lipa City, you can ask around to
help you get to your preferred accommodation. Common places that Lipa offers
are mainly from basic to meek comfort. I have tried to inquire to at least 2
hostels nearby which ranges from 400-700 for 12 hours.
El Nido
Hotel
Address
: Barangay
San Carlos, Lipa City (near Starbucks and Café de Lipa)
Description
: Basic accommodation; Choice of a fan or A/C room with twin bed and private
toilet.
Rate
: php 400 – 600 for 12 Hours
Kurbada Hotel
Address
: Lodlod, Lipa City, Batangas
Description
: Basic accommodation; A/C room with twin bed and private toilet.
Rate
: php 700 for 12 Hours
Other
available Hotels
Anfa
Royale Hotel
Address
: Barangay
San Carlos, Lipa City, Batangas
Rate
: n/a (unable to inquire)
Hotel
La Corona
Address : 84
Pres. J.P. Laurel Highway Pilahan, Sabang Lipa, Batangas
Rate
: n/a (unable to inquire)
TRANSPORTATION
There are two main modes of transfers in
Lipa City – tricycle and PUJ. A one way tricycle ride may usually charge you
twenty five pesos (php 25) while the regular fare of a jeepney trip is just
eight pesos (php 8). There are no cabs seen in the district but several vans/
SUV’s/ buses are parked in SM Lipa which are bound to different close districts
– San Juan, Taal, Lemery, and even offer
trips daily en route to Manila.
LANGUAGE
The iconic strong accent that
Batangueños possess is somewhat appealing for I find it charming and
contagious. They would always put a different kind of twist in their sentences. They generally start their sentence
with “ala” or “ala eh” and the last word is usually stretched ending it with an
“eh” sound. Words in alphabets are close to Tagalog and it is also notable that
English is widespread during a few exchanges of words with the locals.
PLACES TO VISIT
The central district of Lipa is
suitably situated in an area where travelers are given an option to try all
sorts of Batangas flavours. The
churches of Batangas have stirring settings which can help you get a hold of
inner peace and poise you've always wanted. My original plan was just to see at least three churches
nearby, but surprisingly, I was able to double the number.
St. Benedict Monastery for The Sick
Address : Pinagtung-ulan,
Lipa City, Batangas
inviting lawn leading to the monastery of St. Benedict
front view of St. Benedict's Monastery
inside the monastery
Parish of San Isidro Labrador/ Saint Isidore The Laborer
Address : Poblacion 3, Cuenca,
Batangas
Feast Day : May 15
front view of the church
St. Isidore "The Laborer"
inside St. Isidro's Church
Taal Basilica/ Basilica Menor de San Martin de Tours
Address : Calle Marcela M. Agoncillo, Poblacion, Taal,
Batangas
Feast Day :
November 11
you know that you're on the right track if you see this
old and still groovy
what's inside
Redemptorist Shrine
Address : M. K. Lina St., Lipa
City, Batangas
Lipa Cathedral, Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian
Address : CM Recto Ave., Poblacion, Lipa City, Batangas
Feast Day : January 20
strong and proud built of Lipa Cathedral
beautifully painted
Carmel of Our Lady Mary Mediatrix of All Grace
Address : P. Torres St. Brgy.
Antipolo Del Norte, Lipa City, Batangas
sirene. just immaculate
WHERE TO EAT
Batangas Lomi
Lomi, one of the main reasons to
the town’s popularity, is a staple food found in almost every corner in
Batangas. Filipino’s taste buds have adjusted well to different kinds of
cuisines particularly those we inherited from our close by countries like China.
Lomi, just like Chinese Pancit, consists of several different kinds of
ingredients that will surely make you grab and share a bowl. The main
ingredient is fresh egg noodles lathered in a thick sauce and topped with
nothing but just mouth-watering elements – pork cracklings (chicharon), liver, fish
balls, boiled egg, Chinese kikiam, slices of pork and chicken; all depending on
the restaurant’s own version. It is always served with condiments of chopped red or
white onion, calamansi, soy sauce and chillies. And the ultimate rule of eating
this is to consume everything while it’s hot.
Renfel Fastfood offers diners batangas style lomi
cooked in several varieties. I was advised to try the house specialty for just
a minimum cost of fifty five pesos (php 55)/ bowl. The serving was pretty big
and it can be shared. Without doubt, I was satisfied and even promised to come
back on my next visit.
Kape Barako
Coffee has always been linked to recreation,
social meetings, and being used nowadays as a form of pick up line to catch a
date. Not only the coffee shops but even cafeterias already included coffee in
their set of choices to attract more consumers. But just like any other commerce,
one needs to boast something incomparable to anyone so as to make a mark. This statement
is just exact to what Batangueños carry out. Kape Barako, predominantly grown in Batangas and Cavite, is widely used in the district for
personal consumption and for profit. For evident reason, Kape Barako is almost
always available in the area.
Cafe de Lipa is one of
the famous depictions of Batangueños
pride. The aroma of their coffee is accurately fragrant and just as strong as
to what its name implies – Barako. For those people who want to boost up their
regular coffee experience then, Cafe de Lipa is a must-try. They even offer
consumers the choice on how strong or light their coffees should be. Price
range is a little less compare to famous shops (Starbucks, Figaro, and Coffee
Bean) but the quality is absolutely superb!
kape barako moist brownie (php 55)
salted caramel butterscotch (php 60)
caramel frappuccino in barako mood (php 130/ venti)
dark mocha in barako mood (php 135/ venti)
caramel macchiato in barako mood (php 95/ short)
I had no fixed plan on this trip and was anxious during the
first part of my day one due to some unforeseeable incidents. But that is mainly
the reason why I named this blog – blankitineraries. It gives me optimism
steadfastly and the force to be always, always flexible. This trip perfectly sums
up a few things I learned from the past; that mishaps are like shadowy tunnels
that lead us to great things to become better. Life, indeed, is full of amazing
surprises. Awesome!
No comments:
Post a Comment