Top 7 things to do in Santo Tomas, Batangas

Talon Falls

San Vicente

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The Philippines is one of two nations in Asia with Roman Catholicism as the predominant religion. It is no question that the country abound with so many church structures each with their own unique history and structure. Padre Pio National Shrine, however is a unique experience all by itself. Not only is it a religious structure but its architecture is also beyond amazing. The entire building is built with eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, stone and sasa. Its roof also resembles a salakot, (add brief description of salakot). Located at Barangay San Pedro, Santo Tomas, It is home for many pilgrims seeking the blessing of Saint Pio and for many non-Catholic tourists to marvel at and appreciate.

Mt. Makiling Recreation Center 

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Primarily designed as a Christian activities center, Mt. Makiling Recreational Center has all of the amenities (pls. enumerate the all the amenities) your local resort can only dream of. Don’t be intimidated by the exclusivity of this place, it is open for everybody to enjoy. This place has everything from comfortable rooms to eat-all-you-can buffets which will make your stay ever so worth the while. Did I mention that it’s also right by the magnificent Mt. Makiling itself?

Mt. Manabu

Sta. Cruz

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Want to experience nature and the thrill of hiking but still a novice hiker? This mountain peak is ideal for you. Rated as a “Beginners’ trail”, Mt. Manabu has a short travel distance from the base to the summit which makes it ideal for starting hikers. With a budget of around 1,600 pesos, your hiking plans can now push through.

Gen. Malvar Shrine

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General Miguel Malvar or “The Great Batangueño” was the last general to surrender to the Americans. Born in September 27, 1865 in San Miguel, Santo Tomas, Batangas, the brave general was also the unofficial president of the first Philippine Republic after President Aguinaldo’s exile. A shrine was erected in his honor in 1956. This historical landmark is located at the municipal compound of Santo Tomas. It houses pictures, documents and paintings that depict the life of the former general. Plan your trips on the 27th of September to experience the festivities of Malvar Day which is celebrated at the shrine.

Ecofarm Resort

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Ecofarm Resort is a resort located at Barangay Santa Maria, Santo Tomas, Batangas. It was once a family-owned property with houses strewn across the 5,000 square meter hacienda-like landscape complemented by a private pool available for your regular occasions. What makes this haven stand out among other resorts is the serenity of having the whole place for you and your family. The majestic view of Mt. Makiling will take your breath awayI

Mt. Makiling

San Miguel

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Pls. also mention that the mountain is shaped like a woman, as popularly observed by many.

Who would want to miss such a marvel? Mt. Makiling is an inactive volcano which spans from Laguna to Batangas. Its name orginated from the Filpino folklore character named Maria Makiling. A diwata as so called by Filipinos, Maria Makiling is the fictional guardian of the woods around the mountain which makes it a great subject for countless myths and urban legends. Even though it is a tough travel, this place is a great point for thrill seeking adventurers looking for a place to spend their energy on. Wouldn’t you want to buy a house and lot for sale in Batangas just to be closer to that view?

Grabbing that house and lot for sale in Batangas, an area filled with invigorating sights and leisure activities, is an ideal move for you and your family.

5 Satisfying Reasons Why You Should Consider Buying a Property For Sale in Batangas

Forget mundane living and start thriving! The myth about the “probinsya life” has been long debunked. There were notions that living in provinces is “boring” and that urban developments are scarce. This isn’t the case anymore. You can definitely have the best of both worlds by simply purchasing a property for sale in Batangas.

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Batangas is first and foremost, a tourist attraction

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Spanish ministers first set foot in Batangas in 1572. Several years after that, it was founded and was called “Batangan” because of the big logs that were surrounding the Calumpang River. The natives, who were called “Batangan” called the logs as “batang.” The name of the province was later modified in 1601 and became Batangas.

Aside from the origin of the province, there are also heritage sites such as the Mabini Shrine, Casa de Segunda and Punta de Santiago.

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The ancestral house is located in Parian Street near Colon Street, the oldest street in Cebu. The street was named after Spanish navigator Christopher Columbus (or Cristobal Colon in Spanish).

This classical real estate property in Cebu was originally built by Chinese merchants in the 17th century before being inhabited by Don Juan Yap and Doña Maria Florido. Fun fact: the ancestral house is the oldest Chinese house outside of China.

The couple had three children namely Maria, Eleuterio and Consolacion. Maria Yap, the eldest daughter married Don Mariano Sandiego, Parian’s barangay head at the time. Thus became the Yap-Sandiego ancestral house.

The house, which has been standing for more than 300 years, is still preserved with its original structure. The current caretaker, Val Mancao-Sandiego, is the fifth generation descendant of the owners. He is also known as a heritage advocate, a cultural choreographer and an art enthusiast. He put the heritage under his supervision and claimed that the house is a heritage spot. He refurbished the place by adding coral stones imbued with molave, balayong and terracotta. This real estate property in Cebu is filled with family heirlooms, antique pieces and ancient furniture.

Ever since its restoration, the house has been open to the public and is now a tourist attraction. It is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with an entrance fee of P50.

The Yap-Sandiego ancestral house is not only a heritage site but is also an integral part of Cebu’s history.

BATANGAS: MORE THAN A RAY IN THE FLAG

Batangas is one of the first eight provinces that participated in the 1896 Philippine revolution alongside Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Cavite, Nueva Ecija, and Laguna which are represented by the eight rays of sun in the Philippine flag. But aside from being the home of kapeng barako, balisong, the Taal Volcano, and its well-renowned governor, Vilma Santos, Batangas is more than just a tourist destination and a name represented in our flag.

Aside from Batangas being famous for its beaches as a hot spot for retreats, team buildings, family outings, and vacations Houses and lots for sale in Batangas are also in high demand because of its close proximity to the metro which is just a 2- hour drive away . Factor in the cool weather and Batangas quickly becomes a refreshing escape from the Manila hustle.

But behind the comforting image of Batangas is a history that is worthy of a tale.

Batangas is home to some of the most influential and unforgettable icons of our time. The Brain of the Revolution, Apolinario Mabini, is from Batangas; Marcella Agoncillo, one of the women who made the Philppine Flag, is also from Batangas and so is Miguel Malvar, a young general during the American war; Jose P. Laurel, the third president of the Republic of the Philippines; Segunda Katigbak, the alleged first love of our national hero; Ogie Alcasid, an award winning singer/composer/comedian; Renee Salud, one of the most celebrated fashion designer in the country; Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera, national artist for literature; and other stars like Ai-ai delas Alas, Ryan Agoncillo, and Leo Martinez are all from the esteemed province.

Batangas is also known for its magnificent and well-preserved churches. Taal Church was even chosen as a location to shoot the famous “chicken vendor scene” in the recent critically-acclaimed movie, Heneral Luna. Another scene, wherein Luna kneeled and his men prayed before going out to war was inside the same church.

You can also find the Mabini Shrine in Batangas. This shrine houses the remains and belongings of Apolinario Mabini. The General Malvar Museum and Library can also be found in Batangas to commemorate the last general who surrendered to the American forces. The Punta de Santiago Lighthouse, the oldest functioning lighthouse that has guided ships since 1890, can also be found in Calatagan, Batangas.

Those seeking for a slice of culture won’t be disappointed too. The Taal Heritage Village is one of the preserved cultural sites that datesd back to theSpanish colonial era which conforms to the hall-school-church and houses layout. Basilica of San Martin de Tours, a church that has withstood the calm and rage of the Taal volcano, was once hailed to be the biggest church in the whole of East Asia.

These are just some of the things that make Batangas more than just a ray in our flag. And if you’re not yet convinced, then take a tour and see how Batangas will tell youits tale and maybe you can join the hunt for house and lot for sale in Batangas too.