This fund-raising event for JCI Lipa Scholarship Program will be on February 12, Sunday, at 5am. Starting point is at SM City Lipa.

Registration is now open for 3K or 5K run via the event’s official Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/RunForLove2012.

What makes this fun run more exciting is that you can show off your relationship status by wearing the corresponding shirt color:

RED — in love or married
PINK/BLUE — single and looking
WHITE — celibacy
YELLOW — it’s complicated
GREEN — family with kids

So for those who want to get out of singlehood, you might get to meet ‘the one’ in this fun run. Just like Coach Rio.

And oh, do you know Edsel “Iking” Enriquez a.k.a. The Running Pilot and Barefoot Runner? After winning in the recent 42K Condura Skyway Marathon, he will be running for love together with his beautiful wife.

See you there!

Related Posts

1. Love Songs for Different Relationship Status
2. Let’s Run for a Healthy and Peaceful 2012!
3. JCI Lipa Spearheads 3-in-a-row Activities for JCI Week Celebration

Of course, we have world-class destinations here that local and foreign tourists are visiting every now and then.

Batangueño hospitality is another reason why non-natives are fond of staying in our province. Oh, don’t forget the food! Batangas cuisine is definitely one of the bests in the country.

And in Gia Recio’s blog yesterday for FemaleNetwork.com, she included the towns of Nasugbu and Anilao (barangay, actually) in the 30 Must-Visit Philippine Towns and Cities list.

Why visit Nasugbu?

Nasugbu is a 1st class municipality in the province and is popular among travelers who love going to the beach, camping, and trekking.

Mt. Batulao is Nasugbu’s pride. The dramatic slopes and land formations you would see when you reach any of the two peaks is, I bet, one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the natural beauty of Batangas.

Here’s a quick note from our resident mountaineer, Alva:

“Masarap maghalo-halo sa camp 6. P25 lang pero pag madami kayo pede na sa bente tapos pede pa humiling ng asukal.. hehehe.. Masarap din ang picturan doon kaya magdala ng camera.. Nobyembre hanggang Pebrero ay medyo malamig at mahangin kaya kasarapan dun umakyat. Balita ko eh sa mga bandang December 8 ay makikita mula sa baba ng Batulao na duon lumulubog ang araw eksakto sa gitna ng twin peaks. di ko pa nakita pero yun yung sabi ng mga locals. Dabest dun.”

This phenomenon which happens in December was where the name “Batulao” originated from. When the sun sets between the twin peaks, the surrounding rocks appeared to be illuminated hence the phrase “bato sa ilao” which they shortened and eventually became “batulao”.

Nasugbu also cradles the posh resort Terrazas de punta Fuego, the Chapel of Transformation in Caleruega which is a famous option for intimate weddings, Sandari Batulao which is the first residential resort situated on a mountainside, and another residential area which is the Kawayan Cove.

Beach bums and island hoppers should not miss Tali Beach, Twin Island and Fortune Island. Aren’t these enough reasons why you should head to Nasugbu anytime soon?

Photo insert shows the statues of Gen. Douglas MacArthur and two of his men located on this Nasugbu beach to commemorate the start of the liberation of Luzon from the Japanese invasion. The local government celebrates its foundation anniversary every 31st of January (and that’s today), the day of the Nasugbu landing.

Why visit Anilao?

Anilao is paradise for divers. It is such a lovely destination both over and under the sea.

Anilao’s marine sanctuary is one of the most precious gems of the province and we hope people would continue to preserve the magnificence under its waters.

Situated in the town of Mabini, Anilao is also a point to be at for mountain climbers. I love the way I say “Mt. Gulugod Baboy”, which you’d never hear here. Haha.

Here’s what Alva has to say about the “climber-friendly” Mt. Gulugod Baboy:

“Napaka climber-friendly na bundok. Relax lang ang akyat.. di masyadong matarik, di masyadong mahaba. Pede ka magsama ng pamangkin. Tapos ang camp site eh parang malaking playground. Malawak na grassland (na madami din nga lang pupu ng cow) wahihihi.. Pero suabe lang. Halos 360 din ang view at suabe pa sa pagbaba dahil sa nakapilang resorts na may mura lang at meron din namang kainaman. Mas magandang umakyat dun kung malaking grupo dahil ang mahirap doon ay ang sasakyan. Kunwari ay ginabi kaya mas maganda kung sisita kayo ng jeep. Kung madami kayo di syempre madaming maghahati-hati kaya suabeng suabe na.”

Did we give you good reasons to visit Nasugbu and Anilao? Don’t just count on the words that excite you here. Go and explore more of Batangas. We guarantee you the best summer adventure here. Winks.

Related Posts

1. Places to Visit in Mabini, Batangas
2. Nasugbu Folks Save Wounded Whale
3. Underwater Shots and Video at Anilao, Mabini, Batangas ; One of the Greatest Scuba Diving Sites in the Philippines

Below is the schedule of activities for Ibaan’s 180th foundation anniversary.

Related Posts

1. Ibaan’s 179th Founding Anniversary Calendar of Activities
2. Mataasnakahoy Foundation Celebration Schedule of Activities
3. 179th Foundation Day Celebrations of Ibaan, Batangas

The event was dubbed as “New Year, Better Life with JETSET and RC Lipa Academic Competition” with the theme, Sharing our Blessings as We Welcome Better Lives for Others. The event was held at Robinsons Place Lipa’s Activity Area.

Alva chaired the board of judges for the Poster-Making Competition participated by elementary students while I was one of the judges for the Oratorical Competition for high school students.

Although neither of us got the chance to judge Ang Kwento ng Bata (storytelling competition for kindergarten kids), we both had fun and a had express amazement on the kids that joined the contest. Super sharp ng memory nila! Haha.

These are the winners of the said competitions:

Winners for the Ang Kwento ng Bata

CHAMPION – Princess Yvette Fornal – SMKKMS
Coach: Ms. Pricelle Balubar

1st Runner-Up – R-Jay Navarro – Don Leon Dolor Memorial School
Coach: Ms. Cristie Garcia

2nd Runner-Up – Kiella Nazareen L. Adriano – GB Lontoc Memorial School
Coach: Ms. Rea Fajardo

Winners for the Poster-Making Competition

CHAMPION – David Chael Bucal – Inosluban-Marawoy Elementary School
Coach: Mr. Rodel Ortega

1st runner-up – Shaira Yhelen Pabonan – SMKKMS
Coach: Ms. Evelyn Nicol

2nd runner-up- Lynnon Matias – PVMMS
Coach: Ms. Cielito Lozano

Winners for the Oratorical Competition

CHAMPION – Almira Adona – Rizal National High School
Coach: Ms. Roderlyn Libuit

1st Runner-Up – Pauline M. Garcia – San Isidro National High School
Coach: Ms. Mellanie Corachea

2nd runner-Up – Julie Ann Mercado – Bugtongnapulo National High School
Coach: Ms. Roderlyn L. Libuit

Congratulations to JETSET Foundation as headed by its coordinator (and our former OJT) Shane Melu, to Jetbest Multi-Lines Corporation through the leadership of its CEO Mr. Joselito Tapay, and to the members of RC Lipa and Rotaract Lipa who were there to facilitate the event yesterday.

Related Posts

1. LIPA CITY YOUTH SOCIETY SHARES ONE PAST, ONE CULTURE IN ONE CITY THROUGH FIESTALINO 2010
2. It’s an Academic Battle in Karibok ang Tuktok 2009 at St. Bridget’s College, October 28, 2009
3. SM Foundation and SM City Lipa Give Early Christmas Treat for Lipeño Kids

The One Town One Product (OTOP) is a priority program of government to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs. Through OTOP, local chief executives of each city and municipality take the lead in identifying, developing and promoting a specific product or service, which has a competitive advantage.

OTOP Philippines supports micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to manufacture, offer and market distinctive products or services through the use of indigenous raw materials and local skills and talents. (otopphilippines.org)

In the recent Provincial Trade Fair held in Calaca as part of the Ala Eh! Festival, we hopped from one LGU booth to another to see the products each town is known for.

TAYSAN

Passion fruit made into juice, jam, marmalade, puree

Sinamay products

TANAUAN CITY

“Sumang-Yakap”

MALVAR

Nata de coco and other bottled products like peanut butter, coco jam, sweet macapuno

IBAAN

Kulambo, tamales, handwoven beddings, sugarcane juice

BALAYAN

Bagoong (Filipino condiment made of fermented fish or shrimp)

LEMERY

Sinaing na tulingan

Veggies, particularly a mass production of garlic

Watch out for the next batch of our One Town, One Product feature. Learn more of the products you can patronize here in Batangas.

Related Posts

1. Batangas Province OTOP (Part II)
2. Agri Fair Showcased Homegrown Batangueño Products
3. Tinapayan Festival; The Big Bread Parade at Cuenca, Batangas

Taon-taon, sumisikip ang mga kalye sa town proper ilang linggo bago ang fiesta (January 20th). Okay, sabihin na nating hassle ito sa mga may sasakyan na araw-araw dumadaan doon. Pero sa mga mamimiling mahilig sa presyong Divisoria, shopping haven ang tiangge!

Anong hanap mo?

Gamit sa kusina?

Kurtina? Punda? Tuwalya?

Damit? Undergarments?

At iba pa?

Accessories? Bags? Tsinelas? Panglinis sa banyo? Hahay, available ang mga yan sa tiangge. Mas maganda kung pakyaw kang bibili.

Tuwing may tianggi-an o bazaar sa Lipa, dinadayo talaga ito ng mga mamimili kasi nga naman, murang-mura ang mga paninda. Yun nga lang, kelangan expert ka pa rin sa pagtawad. Oh, alam na alam ito ng mga suki ng Divisoria.

Hindi pa rin maiiwasan ang may magsamantala sa dami ng mga taong nagsisiksikan sa tiangge. Ingat pa rin sa mga napakababait na mga snatchers. Pardon the pictures, kuha kasi ang mga yan gamit ang cellphone camera ko na hindi ko alam kung paanong ingat ang gagawin ko kasi baka bigla na lang mahablot. Haha. Syempre, iba pa rin ang nag-iingat. Mas madaling mag-ingat kesa manghabol ng snatcher o kaya mawalan ng walang kamalay-malay.

Ang tiangge, para sa akin, ay hindi lamang lugar pamilihan. Ito ay sumasalamin sa isang makulay na kultura ng mga Pilipino. Kahit kelan, hindi kacheap-an ang mamili at makipagtawaran sa mga tindero at tindera sa tiangge. Ang saya kaya, try mo!

Maraming tao ang umiikot ang buhay sa tiangge. Maraming tao ang nakakahanap ng kaligayahan sa pamimili dito. At maraming bibig ang napapakain at pangarap na pinagiipunang marating dahil sa mga taong tumatangkilik sa mga samu’t saring kung anu-ano sa shopping haven ng mga nagtitipid.

Related Posts

1. To date or not to Date? Ano ang gagawin mo kapag buling buling ang araw ng mga puso?
2. Ang mga Bumidang Pagkain sa Fiesta ng Lipa
3. Nag-Rest in Peace na Kaya ang Tradisyon ng Pangangaluluwa?

Perhaps we know Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, Henry Ford, and Benjamin Franklin as world-renown inventors. But did you know that Batangas boasts of famous inventors, too?

Yes. And we should be proud of them. Batanguenos are also brilliant thinkers of new things which is said to be very beneficial for our own advancement.

Two of the recognized Filipino inventors hails from Batangas. These were Gregorio Zara and Maria Orosa.

Gregorio Zara (March 8, 1902 – October 15, 1978) was born in Lipa City Batangas. Gregorio Zara became famous for his two-way television telephone or videophone, Law of Electrical Kinetic Resistance or the so-called “Zara Effect”, propeller-cutting machine and many more.

He was a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Among his recognitions were the Distinguished Service Medal for his works and achievements in solar energy research aeronautics and television (1959) and Cultural Heritage Award for Science Education and Aero Engineering.

If you want to know who’s behind the invention of banana ketchup, that’s Maria Orosa (1893-1945). She was a food technologist who was known for her invention, the Calamansi Nip (a powdered form of calamansi which one can be made into juice) and Soyalac (powdered soya beans) and Orosa palayok oven. Maria Oroza was born in Taal Batangas. She also invented delis like kasuy and guava Wines, guava jelly, and rice cookies.

The inventions of these two amazing Batanguenos became a strong foundation of a lot of innovations today. Batangas is looking forward for more inventions and people with the minds of Zara and Oroza to come up and make everyone proud.

Online Source: inventors.about.com

Photo Source: instructables.com, dreamcatcherrye.blogspot.com

http://www.filipinoinventorssocietyinc.com/members-inventions6.html

http://www.nhi.gov.ph/downloads/sm0029.pdf

http://inventors.about.com/od/filipinoscientists/a/Gregorio_Zara.htm

Related Posts

1. 10-Year-Old Filipina Maria Aragon Moved Lady Gaga to Tears
2. Monte Maria Shrine: Hindi Na Sa Brgy. Pagkilatan, Batangas City Itatayo
3. Batanguenos, Have You Heard About The Great Pacific Garbage Patch or the Plastic Soup?

Article contributed by Ken Michael Escamillas

Batanguenos are really clever! We are fond of creating unique yet ingenious things which will surely create a mark to everyone. As I have searched about festivities here in the province, I have discovered one unique festival which reflects Batangueño creativity. And that comes from Tuy – the Salagubang Pestebal.

A Festival with Purpose

Sugarcane farmers from Tuy thought that having this festival is the best way of killing the pest – the June bee or locally known as the Salagubang. The sand colored, thumb-sized winged insect is small but is the terrible enemy of farmers that damage of all their crops being produced. The white grubs or the larvae bites the roots of sugarcane while the beetles eat up the leaves and stems.

Imagine, they can make 97 million-peso damage every year. The towns of Balayan and Calaca had also experienced 66 million-peso loss on crops due to salagubang infestation.

And with this, Salagubang Pestebal existed which pursued to have an economic and environment-friendly way of controlling the salagubang infestation.

Tuyused to celebrate the Salagubang Pestebal in June 15 and 16 of every year which I assumed to be filled with unusual yet exciting activities.

What’s in the festival?

Well, you never heard of the word “Ug-og” right?

Primarily, one of the aims of Salagubang Pestebal is the massive collection of salagubang which is their own way of controlling the infestation. This is done by doing ug-og. People shake the trees, catch and put the fallen salagubangs in the sack. The one who collected the most number of salagubang wins a cash prize.

To add up zing, Salagubang Pestebal begins with parade of floats and Salagubang mascots. There are also games like salagubang race and wrestling and “That’s my Salagubang” where contestants were dressed up with Salagubang costumes. Another one was the Salagubang Fear Factor Challenge, which dares the contestants to do challenges like eating a live salagubang or lie on a bed of salagubang for the longest time possible.

The much awaited event of the festival was the Langhap Sarap Cooking Challenge. The prime ingredient, of course salagubang. Participants were allowed to create their own dishes but it should highlight the salagubang.

Salagubang is actually edible. It is said to be rich in protein and contains vitamins and minerals found in sugarcanes.

Now, I can say that Salagubang Pestebal is purely strategic and fun. It is so amazing to know that Batanguenos are also good thinkers of feasible solutions. Yet, above all, they see to it that there’s teamwork among the people showed in the most festive way.

I shall say that Salagubang Pestebal is one of the strongest trademarks of Tuy. And I hope this mark will be remembered for years.

Source: newsflash.org, batanggenyo.net

Photo credit: pilya.deviantart.com, batanggenyo.net, kabeetmaps.com

Related Posts

1. TUY Fiesta Celebration (Calendar of Activities)
2. Show Us What You’ve Got Tuy!
3. Tuy Policemen Undergo Retraining Course

Over-all, it was a good competition. All the girls were at their loveliest last night which made all their stage appearances the much-anticipated parts of the event.

Aside from the Talent and the Creative Costume Competitions (see photos in this link) which was held last Dec. 30, the candidates also competed in the Sexy Outfit and Modern Filipiniana Gown competitions last night.

The girls were given gift packages from Mary Kay and Hershey’s courtesy of Jerome Ticatic.

The first question and answer portion was for the rest of the candidates. They handpicked the questions, some trivial, some very pageant-ish.

Shortly before the announcement of the TOP 7 finalists, the girls paraded on stage clad in red, black, and white evening gowns courtesy of Janine Fashion Collection.

It was the final Q&A that helped the judges to conclude the pageant’s results. This was where Vanessa answered the question in stride. She was asked what and when her best moment is. Vanessa replied that it was joining the Miss Mataasnakahoy 2012 pageant that she considered her best moment where she was given the chance to represent her barangay and the opportunity to prove herself deserving the slot and and the title.

MISS MATAASNAKAHOY 2012 PAGEANT NIGHT RESULTS

Miss Mataasnakahoy 2012 – Candidate No. 9 – HONEY VANESSA RAMIREZ – Brgy. IV
1st Runner-Up – Candidate No. 11 – ELYSSAH JANNE VENEGAS – Brgy. Calingatan
2nd Runner-Up – Candidate No. 7 – MARIA LUISA SILVA – Brgy. Calingatan
3rd Runner-Up – Candidate No. 10 – PRINCESS ACAR – Brgy. Manggahan
4th Runner-Up – Candidate No. 8 – PAULA JANE GUTIERREZ – Brgy. Bayorbor

Two other candidates who made it to the TOP 7:
Candidate No. 14 – ALELI CARINGAL – Brgy. II
Candidate No. 13 – JULIE KEITH CLAVERIA – Brgy. III

Miss Talent – Candidate No. 14 – ALELI CARINGAL – Brgy. II
1st Runner-Up – Candidate No. 7 – MARIA LUISA SILVA – Brgy. Calingatan
2nd Runner-Up – Candidate No. 12 – MARIA GUILKA SENARLO – Brgy. Lumanglipa

Best in Creative Costume – Candidate No. 13 – JULIE KEITH CLAVERIA – Brgy. III
1st Runner-Up – Candidate No. 12 – MARIA GUILKA SENARLO – Brgy. Lumanglipa
2nd Runner-Up – Candidate No. 3 – MYRA JO VERGARA – Brgy. II-A

Ms. Photogenic – Candidate No. 7 – MARIA LUISA SILVA – Brgy. Calingatan
Ms. Congeniality – Candidate No. 9 – HONEY VANESSA RAMIREZ – Brgy. IV
Best in Production Outfit – Candidate No. 13 – JULIE KEITH CLAVERIA – Brgy. III
Best in Sexy Wear – Candidate No. 13 – JULIE KEITH CLAVERIA – Brgy. III
Best in Modern Filipiniana – Candidate No. 13 – JULIE KEITH CLAVERIA – Brgy. III

Ms. Placenta – Candidate No. 12 – MARIA GUILKA SENARLO – Brgy. Lumanglipa
Ms. Magical Glutathione – Candidate No. 6 – LAIDEN FAYE CARABLE – Brgy. Upa
People’s Choice – Candidate No. 14 – ALELI CARINGAL – Brgy. II
Ms. Avon – Candidate No. 7 – MARIA LUISA SILVA – Brgy. Calingatan
Ms. Dove – Candidate No. 9 – HONEY VANESSA RAMIREZ – Brgy. IV
Ms. Hershey’s – Candidate No. 14 – ALELI CARINGAL – Brgy. II
Ms. Colgate – Candidate No. 13 – JULIE KEITH CLAVERIA – Brgy. III
Ms. Palmolive – Candidate No. 1 – HAZEL MAE FACALARIN – Brgy. Nangkaan

Miss Mataasnakahoy 2012 was hosted by our very own Gerlie Katimbang and Drix Hernandez.

Congratulations to the candidates, the organizers, and the sponsors who made Miss Mataasnakahoy 2012 pageant a very successful one!

Related Posts

1. Meet the 14 Candidates of the Search for Miss Mataasnakahoy 2012
2. Mr. and Miss Lyceum 2010 Pageant Night
3. Miss Lipa Tourism 2010 Pageant Night Results

We don’t want to give out too much information this early but sentences after this are spoiler alerts. Laughs. In our interview with sisters Ms. Ces and Ms. Cathy (of Cintai), they shared the beginning of Cesca’s Kitchen, their signature dishes, and the events they cater.

Cesca, by the way, is the combination of the monikers of the Maralit sisters : Ces from Celeste then -Ca from Carol, Carla and Catherine. Get to know Cesca’s Kitchen and why you should book them as caterer for your next event.

Related Posts

1. For the Love of Good Food (The Birth of Ala Fiesta Restaurant)
2. The Best of Batangas Food Trip (Part 1: Lomi)
3. Filipino Cuisine Targets Global Taste Buds and Thumbs Up