Batangas
Pride, Palate and Paradise

Batangas province bears one of the major facets that make up what is quintessentially Filipino, in terms of culture. It acts as an expansive cradle of South Luzon’s boundless grace, boasting a wealth of natural resources.

Batangas’ very history is a celebration of the Filipino soul, offering a glimpse into the heart of the nation’s evolution and character. It is the land of those proud of the earth. It is where volcanic soils nurture both the coffee bushes that produce the famed Kapeng Barako, as well as the very the spirit of a people known for their resilience and warmth. It is a land where the past and present dance in harmony.

The province of Batangas first emerged under the name Kumintáng, its meaning encoded in a traditional dance that depicts a forgotten story of love, courtship, war and tragedy.

Its current name, Batangas, was drawn from the term ‘batangan’, a word fated to bear a dual legacy in these parts. On one hand, it refers to the logs that once graced the Calumpang River, a testament to the province's rich natural resources. On the other, it signifies the multitudes of rafts that once dotted Taal Lake and became emblematic of the enduring relationship between the people of Batangas and their aquatic bounty..

Batangas is rated as a first class province, and is the second richest province in the Philippines. It also has the second largest international seaport in the Philippines after Manila, as its location is commercially strategic. It’s in the southwestern part of Luzon, bordered by the provinces of Cavite, Laguna and Quezon. Its coasts face Mindoro, across the rich waters of Verde Island Passage and, further out, the South China Sea.

The province’s ideal location is one the reasons it has quickly prospered as an industrial growth center in the Calabarzon region, with commercial and industrial hubs significantly increasing every year. It is also why tourism is one of the province’s strong suit.

For Manileños (Metro Manila residents), the allure of Batangas lies not just in its proximity but in its promise of an escape to paradisiacal landscapes, where volcanoes, rolling hills, vast green fields and sun-kissed beaches serve as the perfect antidote to the stress incurred from urban living.

The spectacular Taal Volcano and Taal Lake is in Batangas. This lake, within a volcano that is within a lake, is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Metro Manila. The towns around Taal also feature ancestral houses, churches and other architecture of antiquity. This single feature alone drives hordes of tourist to visit the province every weekend.

The province's coastline is an array of hidden gems, beautiful beaches where azure waters caress golden sands under the watchful eye of the sun. From the serene shores of Nasugbu to the vibrant marine life of Anilao, Batangas offers a plethora of experiences for the sun-worshipper, the adventure-seeker, and the serenity-chaser. Sombrero Island, Verde Island, Ligpo Island, Sampaguita Beach, Laiya, Matabungkay Beach, Calatagan and Punta Fuego draw in crowds of tourists every weekend, bolstering revenues for the province. Batangas truly amazes as a place where every sunset paints a new masterpiece, and every wave tells a story of fun, adventure and relaxation.

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Beyond the beaches, Batangas is a bastion of Philippine heritage. Embedded in its traditions and local industries is the pride that established its towns and nurtured its people. Its industries––from the famed coffee plantations, the cattle ranches, fish farms and fruit markets, to the artisanal crafts and eclectic knife makers––showcase the exuberance of its people.

Meanwhile, the province's culinary landscape reflects the rich cultural mosaic it has espoused in its growth. Batangas food has become a considerable array of flavors that are bold and complex as its history. From the tangy zest of sinigang na maliputo to the comforting warmth of a bowl of lomi, or goto, Batangas invites visitors to a feast for the senses.

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A probe into the province will reveal that Batangas is more than just a destination for those seeking the sun; it is a vibrant, living museum that beckons one to see facets of Philippine culture. And it beckons proudly.