Going to Barangay Balatbat is not hard at all. Though not cemented, the road is decent enough to be trodden by non 4×4 cars.

Our driver and newfound friend, Jerick, said “gumanda na ang daan dito, dati kasi kapag ummuulan parang sapa, at least ngayon nakayod na (pantay na ang daan).”

The WOWBatangas team had the opportunity to interview Mr. Manuel Florenda, a local of Barangay Balatbat and a long time kaing maker.

“Dito naman sa amin, magsipag ka lang, makakakaen ka na” said the man who would not reveal his age and who also tries to tell us that he juggles a lot of jobs.

Mr. Florendo has a handful of jobs which revolves around agriculture including fishing and farming.

Basket making is deemed to be his most stable one as mangoes, rambutans and sugar apples all use kaings as its containers. Kaing is the basket for all seasons, I must say.

The what-I-think-is-a-45-year-old-man could make 6 big kaings max an hour.

The retired Philippine Army personnel has been making baskets since time immemorial and is now teaching the skill to the young ones of Barangay Balatbat. “Biruin mo batang bata pa ang mga yan (while pointing at the children who sit right across the street) pero kumikita na ng pera“, he takes pride.

A kaing would cost around 5-10 pesos depending on the size. Thinking of the fact that Mang Manuel receives hundreds even thousands of orders, it may be concluded that one would not have to conquer the urban grounds to make a decent or even a bountiful living.

The kawayan basket could hold up to 30 kilos. Its low durability (a kaing could only be used two times) plays a good hand for Mr. Florendo for the customers would be forced to buy some more.

The off-season for orders are inevitable, albeit the fact, he makes it a point to make at least 5 everyday and have it on storage. It may not be actual money alright, but the baskets are as good as it. “huwag mo lang hayaang mabasa, mamaya maya, pera na yan (baskets),” he tells us half kiddingly.

Our interview with Mang Manuel also told us a little about what I believe is the secret of Lobo which is to maintain a simple living and to responsibly make use of natural resources is one of the many formulas of living a satisfied life.

Related Posts

1. The Making of a Hero
2. Lobo’s Foundation Anniversary Photo Contest, Logo and Tagline Making Contest Results
3. With Miracle Fruit, nothing is too sour

140 years after, two more significant events occurred on the 27th day of September — the launching of the Agro-Ecotourism Industry of Lobo and the declaration of this town being the Atis Capital of the Philippines.

THE LAUNCHING OF THE AGRO-ECOTOURISM INDUSTRY

The Agro-Ecotourism Industry of Lobo uplifts four components: biodiversity, history and cultural heritage, agricultural products, and beach and resorts.

The event was practically characterized by speeches and stories. But the crowd seemed to be attentive albeit the heavy downpour and strong wind caused by Typhoon Pedring.

Department of Agriculture Regional Director (Region IV-A) Abelardo R. Bragas shared that Lobo earns an average of 2.5M per year from the town’s harvest of the main produce – atis (sugar apple). Being declared as the country’s atis capital will be part of the legacy and history of Lobo.

Through Dir. Bragas, the Office of the President and the Department of Agriculture awarded one unit of shallow tube well (a tube or pipe vertically set into the ground at depth of 20 to 60 feet for the purpose of suction lifting of water from shallow aquifer – bicol.da.gov.ph) to the LGU.

Furthermore, points on Lobo’s Agro-Ecotourism Industry were dissected by DOST Regional Director, Alexander R. Madrigal. One of the good things he pointed out about Lobo is that the resources here are not too commercialized. Lobo beach can keep up with other famous beaches for its natural beauty and the rich marine life underneath.

It was on November 9, 2009 that the proposal for the Agro-Ecotourism Industry of Lobo was presented to the Regional Development Council in Batangas Capitol and was then approved.

“Working together is a success”, according to Dir. Madrigal. This was proven by the public-private partnership established to push for the success of the proposed industry of Lobo.

Afterwards, the heads of the sectors involved in the said public-private partnership signed the Memorandum of Understanding then the Memorandum of Agreement.

Present to ink both agreements were Hon. Efren B. Diona (Mayor, Municipality of Lobo), Hon. Renato M. Perez, DMD (Vice Mayor, Municipality of Lobo), Dr. Alexander R. Madrigal (Regional Director, DOST IV-A), Dr. Nora L. Magnaye (President, Batangas State University), Mary Ann R. Luz (President and Chairman, RBL/Lobo Foundation, Inc.), Erlinda A. Macalintal (Lobo Resorts Owners Association), Ruel R. Gonzales (Provincial Director, DTI-Batangas), Dir. Louella C. Jurilla (Regional Director, DOT IV-A), Dr. Marcial C. Amaro, Jr. (Director, ERDB), Oliver B. Viado (Officer-in-Charge – PENRO Batangas), Laudemir S. Salac (officer-in-Charge – CENRO Batangas City), Victor M. Reyes (Head, Batangas Tourism and Cultural Office), Luis A. Awitan (Head, Batangas Environment and Natural Resources Office), Pedrito Martin M. Dijan, Jr. (Head, Batangas Agriculture’s Office).

THE ATIS CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES

Resolution No. 2011-61, this strengthened the move for Lobo to officially become the Atis Capital of the Philippines. SB member, Hon. Mikael II C. Andaya authored the said resolution.

It must have been a sweet journey (as sweet as their sugar apple) for the local government of Lobo to achieve such recognition as this, like what Dir. Bragas uttered, will be a legacy from the present local administration and will be part of the history of Lobo.

Mayor Efren Diona shared the early years of Lobo. He also appealed to the Loboans to become effective part of the achieving more for their town. And with that, he exclaimed a proper statement with confidence and strong will: “Kailanman ay walang inatrasang hamon ang mga anak ng Batangas!”.

And the much awaited person in this event took the stage. Hon. Jejomar Binay, Vice President of the Philippines, seemed to calm the storm. Well, figuratively. The rest of the crowd were all ears to what VP Binay was sharing at that moment (see our video of the Declaration of the Atis Capital for VP’s speech).

Apart from gracing the event, VP Binay gave away P500,000 and a multicab for the senior citizens. He also donated a brand new wheelchair for a PWD.

Then Hon. Mikael II C. Andaya went on stage for the reading of Resolution No. 2011-61 declaring Lobo as the Atis Capital of the Philippines.

Mayor Diona held the mic again, a few minutes before the declaration and said, “Wala nang pwedeng mag-contest, Lobo na ang may hawak ng Atis Capital of the Philippines!”.

At exactly 12 noon, the declaration took place. The back-to-back event ended with the unlimited atis-eating.

From us here in WOWBatangas.com, congratulations to the local government of Lobo and to the rest of the Loboans for a very successful celebration of the 140th Foundation Anniversary. Congratulations, Atis Capital of the Philippines, Lobo!

More of the event photos to be posted on our Facebook page.

Other stories from the 140th Foundation Anniversary of Lobo, Batangas:
(1) Search for Ms. Alay Lakad 2011 and Kasalang Bayan
(2) Photo Contest and Logo and Tagline Making Contest Results
(3) Lobo Got Talent

Related Posts

1. 140th Lobo Foundation Celebration (Schedule of Activities)
2. Lobo’s Foundation Anniversary Photo Contest, Logo and Tagline Making Contest Results
3. Open Photo Contest for 140th Lobo Foundation Anniversary (Mechanics)

LGT has truly brought out the best acts in LOBO.

From singers to dancers to magicians to beatboxers and orators, one is surely guaranteed that Lobo is not only a place of flourishing agriculture but of talented people as well.

Stellar performances never failed to wow the crowd as there are no two performances alike.

Also, no Typhoon Pedring or power outtage could falter a single Loboan as the community plaza, which served as the venue for the show, was filled to the brim from start to finish.

The show started at 9:00 PM of September 26 and ended almost 3:30 AM the following day. Thanks to the awesome performances of the 26 finalists and to the antics of comedic hosts, Gwadings (Gwapong Badings), no one was left bored.

Also, the event was graced with qualified and lauded judges in the names of Jerome Laurel, Amelia Matanguihan-Ilagan, Prima Diva Pili, Bensy Flores and Opal Torres.

The event started with a bang courtesy of the almost 10 minute production number of all the contestants which gave the audience a sneak peak of their performances. The production number was followed by another one which now features the singing and dancing capacities of the event organizers.

The succeeding events would be the performances of the contestants. I don’t want to beat around the bush, so the following would be the top 5 performers of Lobo.

PYC, Shadow Players, Champion

PYC’s performance is a shadow play reminiscent of Tanauan’s El Gamma Penumbra. The group is composed of 24 members — friends who are not more than 18 years old.

Sir Alan “Bualaw” Carmona, a 40 year old dance choreographer, was more than proud of his group’s achievement as massive amounts of hugs and joyful screams were seen when their group was called and was declared as the Lobo Got Talent Champion.

Their performance centered on the lives of the common Loboan. Simple living, Batangueno culture and the proverbial victory of Saint Michael Archangel (The patron saint of Lobo) over Lucifer was creatively showcased. Indeed, PYC has captured the essence of Lobo and delivered it on such an intricate yet creative method of shadow play.

Jaime Mateo Jr., Singer, 1st runner up

Jaime’s rendition of Open Arms is the best one that I have ever heard. His voice, his diction, heck, the totality of his performance is ethereal.

His rendition is so heartfelt that one could close his eyes and drown in the majesty of his voice. It’s that good. Morever, when one bases his first impressions on the superficial, then he would be surprised of this man’s skills.

His looks might be deceiving alright, but his pipes are better than the Piolo Pascuals and the John LLoyds for sure.

Jeanne Claudine and Lester, Ballroom Dancers, 2nd runner up

Never mind the rough routines and the below perfect dance moves. Jeanne and Lester are very young siblings who braved the stage and performed their best in front of thousands of people. And did well, at that.

These kids have shown tremendous guts and warded off technical difficulties as hindrances to their performance.

Liftings, footwork, and body coordination,is pretty much excellent given the fact that they are only kids below ten years of age.

Super Twins, Dancers, 3rd runner up

Surprisingly, the twins who I thought were European, have no European traces at all. More surprisingly, the twins who I thought were college grads were just grade six students.

Moving on, the European looking twins performed a K-POP dance number. Full of surprises, definitely.

The one thing that is consistent though is their charm. Audience were all eyes on them for they are too cute to ignore. Add to that the equally cute dance moves of K-POP and you’ll see what the beauty of simplicity or the uhmmm… simplicity of beauty is all about.

Dondon Ramirez, singer, 4th runner up

Dondon Ramirez’s full baritone voice gave Air Supply’s Goodbye another dimension. Though the judges did take notice of his poor diction, the quality of his voice seemed to be good enough to receive applause and cheers from the audience.

Here are other performances which also captured the fancy of the audience:

Zion Band did a solemn performance that made them unique from the other bands that joined the contest.Their rendition of Bruno Mars’ “Today My Life Begins” is nothing less than psychedelic.

Sexbomb Kids were also one of the crowd’s favorites because of their graceful moves.

Cristine Delmo did not make it to the top 5 but her voice and beauty is a winner in itself

11-year-old, Seph Arias, captured the hearts of the audience with his pristine voice. His version of Bruno Mar's "Marry You" features his potentials as one great singer in the making

Marcelo Landicho's one of a kind performance ala Balagtas is indeed one of the highlights of the night

********
Lobo really has talent.

But at the end of the day, the true stars of the night would be the whole Loboan community who stayed up until the wee hours of the night. They were there standing amidst in the rain-drenched covered court while supporting their bets all night long.

This is only a proof of what Mayor Diona had said: “Iba na ang Lobo noon sa Lobo ngayon. Ang Lobo ngayon, nagkakaisa!”

Cheers Lobo! and may the good times continue to roll!

Other stories from the 140th Foundation Anniversary of Lobo, Batangas:
(1) Search for Ms. Alay Lakad 2011 and Kasalang Bayan
(2) Photo Contest and Logo and Tagline Making Contest Results
(3) Launching of Agro-Ecotourism Industry and Declaration of Lobo as Atis Capital of the Philippines

Related Posts

1. Anihan Festival and Other Festivities of Lobo, Batangas
2. 140th Lobo Foundation Celebration (Schedule of Activities)
3. Anihan Festival and Other Vacation Spots in Lobo, Batangas

These words were written on the upper part of the tarpaulin which served as backdrop for the exhibit which displayed the Photo Contest entries this year.

We never thought there are still a lot more to discover in the town of Lobo. Shown in the tarpaulin were some of the treasures of Lobo – the terraced rice fields in Jaybanga, mangrove swamp in Lagadlarin, the inuway (native rice) which only grows in this town.

Last year, the team was able to reach two of Lobo’s pride destinations.

The Photo Contest this year was themed according to the launching of Agro-Ecotourism Industry of Lobo. The photo entries depict the components of this industry — biodiversity in Lobo, agriculture, and natural resources which also stand as tourist destinations in the municipality.

The photos unravel the rich natural resources of Lobo. This town may seem so humble and remote for some people but what you should see and experience here are the grandeur creations.

The contest was again headed by the College Dean of Batangas State University – Lobo Campus, Mr. Anacleto “Sir Clet” Caringal. Sir Clet served as ‘the discoverer’ of Lobo’s hidden treasures. His researches on Lobo’s biodiversity reached international audience and had been helpful to the local government of Lobo in pushing for the preservation of these natural resources.

So here are the results of the Agro-Ecotourism Industry of Lobo Photo Contest:

1st Place – “Ang Uhay at Kumpay ng Buhay” by Christian Mark G. Gadia

2nd Place – “Lawa sa Olo-Olo” by Iris T. Asturias

3rd Place – “Dugo’t Pawis sa Bawat Butil” by Joel Delgado

Consolation went to Rizchelle Ann B. Canuel for her entry “Takipsilim” and Alfredo D. Casilihan for his entry “Kastilyo”.

Meanwhile, Mars G. Panganiban won the Logo and Tagline Making Contest.

These contests do not only show how talented Loboans are. Such contests raise awareness, stir local pride, and bring forth the greatness of a town which can be considered as the ‘Last Frontier of South Luzon’.

Other stories from the 140th Foundation Anniversary of Lobo, Batangas:
(1) Search for Ms. Alay Lakad 2011 and Kasalang Bayan
(2) Lobo Got Talent
(3) Launching of Agro-Ecotourism Industry and Declaration of Lobo as Atis Capital of the Philippines

Related Posts

1. Open Photo Contest for 140th Lobo Foundation Anniversary (Mechanics)
2. 140th Lobo Foundation Celebration (Schedule of Activities)
3. Photo Contest Ends on May 15, Sta. Teresita needs an entry

Supposedly, the Alay Lakad 2011 should have commenced the day but an assembly in the municipal gym was held instead due to Typhoon Pedring’s ‘early visit’.

This event was put up to hold the Search for Ms. Alay Lakad 2011 where 26 candidates representing the barangays of Lobo competed for the title. But the more important objective of the event was to raise fund for out-of-school youths and indigent children of Lobo. The search’s prime drive is to give assistance to the underprivileged young members of the society.

And so all eyes were glued on the stage as Ms. Alay Lakad 2011 candidates ramped on stage, donned in an all-white casual pieces of wardrobe. Camera flashes here and there. Cheers and applause filled the venue. The show is officially on.

The 26 candidates were cut down to the Top 5 finalists. They were chosen according to their remittance (50% of the scoring percentage) and beauty (the other 50%).

Before the announcement of the Top 5 finalists, special awards were given. The candidate with the biggest amount of remittance was Candidate #25, Ms. Banalo who remmitted P37,600 and was hailed Ms. Alay Lakad Charity. The three other special awards – Ms. Teen Tourism, Ms. Honey Beach, and Ms. Jollibee – all went to Candidate #15, Ms. Fabrica.

Afterwards, the Top 5 finalists were chosen:
Candidate #7, Ms. Poblacion – Mary Ann G. Borbon
Candidate #9, Ms. Tayuman – Cheryl B. Flores
Candidate #15, Ms. Fabrica – Charmaine D. Macatangay
Candidate #17, Ms. Masaguitsit – Krystel Anne C. Concepcion
Candidate #25, Ms. Banalo – Erika Veneece L. Ilagan

Then the dreaded question and answer portion followed. A few minutes after the last question was answered by Candidate #25, Ms. Banalo, the judges forwarded the results.

This year’s Ambassadress of Youth is Candidate #15, Ms. Fabrica – Charmaine D. Macatangay. And the title of Ms. Alay Lakad 2011 was awarded to Candidate #25, Ms. Banalo – Erika Veneece L. Ilagan.

Congratulations to these two lovely ladies! To the MSWDO, we would like to say kudos to you as well for the success of this charitable event.

***

A part of the celebration of the 140th foundation day of Lobo is the Kasalang Bayan (Mass Wedding).

28 couples, replete with wedding gowns and barongs, were happily married by Mayor Efren Diona at the covered court in Lobo, Batangas. Families and godparents of the newlyweds were also in attendance.

Town councilors and officers of Philippine Statistics Office gave advices on how to attain a happy married life, the importance of family planning, and securing of personal documents such as birth and marriage certificates.

The PSO officer of Occidental Mindoro, Charito Armonia, who was supposed to be the guest speaker for the gathering, was not able to attend due to schedule of conflicts.

However, she did manage to send a speech which furthered on the importance of civil documents and reminded the newlyweds that registration of birth and marriages is a mandate of the government. Her speech was delivered by Ms. Rosenda Bagay, PSO Head of Batangas.

“Baka naman kasi mahirapan kayo makakuha ng death certificate kasi wala pa kayong birth certificate,” half joked Councilor Sulit in his speech.

Fortunately, the couples would no longer find a hard time in fixing their documents as employees of the local statistics office are on site.

To the newlyweds, may you have a blissful married life ahead of you. Love well, folks!

Click here to view more photos of the Search for Ms. Alay Lakad and Kasalang Bayan in our Facebook page.

Other stories from the 140th Foundation Anniversary of Lobo, Batangas:
(1) Photo Contest and Logo and Tagline Making Contest Results
(2) Lobo Got Talent
(3) Launching of Agro-Ecotourism Industry and Declaration of Lobo as Atis Capital of the Philippines

Related Posts

1. Batangas City Alay Lakad Committee Embarks Own Scholarship Program
2. 140th Lobo Foundation Celebration (Schedule of Activities)
3. Lobo’s Foundation Anniversary Photo Contest, Logo and Tagline Making Contest Results

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
Day 1 – September 26, 2011 (Monday)
7:00 AM – ALAY LAKAD
9:00 AM – KASALANG BAYAN
7:00 PM – LOBO GOT TALENT (GRAND FINALS)

Day 2 – September 27, 2011 (Tuesday)
7:00 AM – THANKS GIVING MASS
8:30 AM – FLAG RAISING CEREMONY
9:00 AM – LAUNCHING ACTIVITIES: Agro-EcoTourism Industry of Lobo an LOBO as ATIS CAPITAL of the PHILIPPINES

There will also be some competitions like OPEN PHOTO CONTEST and LOGO & TAGLINE MAKING CONTEST.

For the complete details of the photo contest, please click here. For the Logo and Tagline making competition, here’s the complete mechanics:

MECHANICS FOR LOGO AND TAGLINE MAKING CONTEST

1. The contest is open to all Loboans, except for employees of Municipal Government of Lobo. Loboans are: (1) natural inhabitants/residents of Lobo (2) those who have resided in Lobo for at least six (6) months or (3) those whose grandparents are from Lobo
2. Interested Loboans must accomplish and submit this entry form to the Committee’s Secretariat (Ms. Annielyn Adarme at the Mayor’s Office).
3. The Logo and Tagline shall encapsulate what Lobo is and what it has to offer as a municipality promoting agro-ecotourism industry. A contestant may submit more than one entry.
4. Tagline should be in Tagalog and shall be around seven syllables
5. Entries must be printed in 8.5” x 11” bond paper
6. Only one entry will be chosen as winner. The winning design will be used as the official logo and tagline of Lobo agro-ecotourism industry and will be exhibited on the occasion of 140th Lobo Foundation Day
7. Deadline for submission of entry is on 15 September 2011.
8. The decision of judges on 27 September 2011 is final.
9. All entries will become property of the LGU of Lobo, Batangas, and the LGU reserves the right to introduce improvements thereon

.

CRITERIA
RELEVANCE TO THE THEME - 35%
ORIGINALITY - 35%
CLARITY - 30%

PRIZE
The winner will receive a cash prize of P5,000.00

To download the entry form please click here.

Related Posts

1. Open Photo Contest for 140th Lobo Foundation Anniversary (Mechanics)
2. Mataasnakahoy Foundation Celebration Schedule of Activities
3. Search for Ms. Alay Lakad, Kasalang Bayan Opened First Day of Lobo Foundation Day Celebration

1. Ang tema ng patimpalak ay “AGRO-ECOTOURISM SA LOBO, BATANGAS”.

a. Agro-ecotourism attraction b. Agro-ecotourism activities

2. Ang mga kalahok ay dapat magsumite ng mga larawan sa mga kaganapan at panoorin sa kahit anong lugar sa Lobo na naaayon sa tema.

3. Ang patimpalak ay bukas para sa lahat.

4. Ang bawat photographer ay maaring magpasok ng hanggang dalawang (2) photo entries lamang.

5. Ang photo entries ay dapat kinunan ng kamerang gumagamit ng 135 film o kaya ay “digital”ngayong 2011.

6. Ang laki ng larawan o photo entries ay 8″ x 12″ at walang border.

7. Ang mga photo entries ay dapat isumite kay Mr. Ariel Silang ng Municipal Budget Office bago mag alas 5:00 ng hapon, September 15, 2011 para sa screening. Kasama ng entry form na ito ang larawan at ang negative o ang CD (soft copy) ng mga larawan.

8. Ang mga entry forms ay makukuha rin kay Mr. Ariel Silang ng Municipal Budget Office o i-download sa website ng Lobo: http://www.lobo.gov.ph at sa http://www.wowbatangas.com

9. Ang entry form ang magpapatunay na ang mga photo entries ay sariling kuha ng naglahok na photographer.

10. Ang manipulation na pina-hihintulutan ng Committee on Agro-Ecotourism Industry Launching ay cropping lamang at walang iba pang editing procedures. Sa screening ay maaaring i-diskwalipika ang edited na mga larawan at ang mga larawan na ginamitan ng Photoshop effects.

11. Ang mga photo entries ay isasama sa exhibit na magsisimula sa ika-25 ng September 2011.

12. Ang pagpili ng mga nag-wagi ay sa ika-27 ng September 2011 at and desisyong ito ay FINAL.

13. Ang mga photo entries na inilahok ay magiging pag-aari na ng Local Government ng Lobo, Batangas.

14. Ang mga sumusunod ang mga premyo sa mga mananalo:

1st Prize – P10,000.00 Consolation Prizes: Two (2) P1,000.00

2nd Prize – P 5,000.00

3rd Prize – P 3,000.00

15. Ang mga photo entries ay kailangang di pa nai-sumite upang maging kalahok sa ibang patimpalak.

16. Ang mga empleyado ng Lobo LGU ay di pinahihintulutang sumali sa patimpalak na ito.

CRITERIA: Composition – 40% Technical Aspect – 30% Relevance to theme – 30%

____________________________________________________________________________________

ENTRY FORM

PANGALAN NG PHOTOGRAPHER: _________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________________________________

PAMAGAT/TITLE NG LARAWAN: __________________________________________________________

************************************************************************************

SERTIPIKASYON

Sa aking paglahok sa Open Photo Contest ng Lokal na Pamahalaan ng Lobo, Batangas, aking sinasaad na nabasa ko at tinatanggap ang mga alituntunin ng patimpalak. Akin ring pinatutunayan na ang aking larawan/ mga larawang inilahok na pinamagatan kong

____________________________________________________________________________________

Ay aking sariling kuha. Gayun din pinatutunayan kong hindi ako naglahok ng higit sa dalawang larawan, naglahok ng ano mang larawang kuha ko sa ngalan ng ibang tao sa ano mang alias.

______________________________________________

PRINTED NAME AND SIGNATURE

IN THE PRESENCE OF:

________________________________________ _ _________________________________________

Republic of the Philippines

______________________) S.S.

BEFORE ME, A Notary Public for and in the ___________________________________________ personally appeared __________________________ with Res. Cert. No. __________ issued at ___________ on _____________________ known to me and known to be the same person who executed the foregoing instrument and he acknowledged to me the same is the product of his own voluntary act and deed.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hands this ____ day of ___________ 2011 at _____________, Philippines.

_______________________________________________

NOTARY PUBLIC

Doc. No. _______ Until December 31, _______

Page No. _______ PTR No. _________________

Book No. _______ Issued at ________________

Series No. ______

Para sa mga nais sumali, i-download ang entry form dito.

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2. 140th Lobo Foundation Celebration (Schedule of Activities)
3. Welcome the New Year with WOW 2010 Photo Contest!

As promised, this is our separate post for the beach house we stayed at for the WOWBatangas Team Building last week, May 16 in Lobo. This is Butterfly Beach House.

The Butterfly Beach House is owned by Ms. Mary Ann Luz, Renz’s (our WOWBatangas Tours Marketing Associate) tita. We were able to avail of the free accommodation because of him and Ms. Mary Ann’s generosity.

It used to be a private beach house until Ms. Mary Ann decided to open the modest facilities to the public.

Butterfly Beach House Accommodations

Ventilated rooms furnished with fans (two rooms). Available for each rooms are beddings, toiletries, water heater, and WiFi connection (printing and mailing services are also provided).

The rooms cost from Php3000.00 to Php4000.00 overnight, maximum of four persons to a room. Rate for additional persons is Php250.00 each.

The open huts cost Php1,500 overnight for three people. Additional persons @ Php250.00 each.

Beach tables and tents cost Php 250.00 per day for four people, Php150.00 for additional persons

Other Amenities and Services

When you head to a beach, one of the things you would take time to do is to collect shells and stones, bring them home and instantly, you have souvenirs of your trip! In Butterfly Beach House, you will be provided with baskets for stone/shell collection. With the serenity of the Lobo beach, meditating or reading a good book are two more activities you can do here. They have a meditation and library corner by the way.

Free coffee and continental breakfast are served for the guests. And if you’re into organic diet, meals of such kind are also available upon request.

If you don’t know how to cook or you don’t feel like cooking, you can actually ask the staff to do the cooking for you. Each meal per person will be charged at Php50.00. For group of 15, a meal is charged at Php300.00.

You can also pay for laundry and grocery service. So tinatamad ka? Haha.

How to get to Butterfly Beach House

Via Batangas City At the STAR Toll-way take the Batangas City exit. Right after the tollbooth plaza take a left turn towards Batangas City. At this point follow the signboard that leads to Ponte Fino Hotel. After hitting the Ponte Fino Hotel just go straight and follow the main road. When you see the Fortune Cement Plant on your left side stay on the right. Taking the left road will lead to Taysan.

After taking a right just follow the road, and you are around 20 kilometers away from Lobo. You will hit a scenic winding narrow road – with approximately 183 curves. Upon reaching the town proper of Lobo, take the road leading to Fabrica.

You will go past the Rural Bank of Lobo (ATM machine available), the Lobo Municipal Hospital and then you see a chapel on the right, on the left you will see signs that say Gertel Beach. Take dirtroad and go all the way past Gertel Beach. If the road is blocked by a kawayan post, you may let yourself in and put the post down later. Go straight until you see an aqua colored fence with red bouganvillas and a white gate with BUTTERFLIES.

Here’s the backstory from Ms. Mary Ann Luz on how she acquired the property.

With no street number and no street name, I thought it practical to make the address Butterfly, Fabrica, Lobo.

Someone said it was about time I bought property there. As fate would
have it, Dra. Lita Sanchez took me to Fabrica. At that time, the only thing standing was the gate with butterflies and the perimeter walls and the owner’s name Felicitas Ginhawa. I liked the owner’s name and the butterflies.

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1. WOWBatangas Team Goes to Lobo, Batangas!
2. Butterfly Knives a.k.a. Batangas BALISONG
3. La Sueña Brisa Beach Resort and Events Place: Lemery’s New Gem

We embraced the day as early as 5am. It was the day of our team building in Lobo, a paradise which took us this long to experience. In case you’re wondering, ang dami na namin. Yes, our team has grown in number and we are thankful for this transition.

The team stayed at Butterfly Beach House owned by Renz’s (our Marketing Associate for WOWBatangas Tours) aunt. Such an adorable beach house. Simple lang pero rock. Haha. I’ll tell a separate story about the beach house tomorrow.

Okay, game na sa kwento? Below are 22 of the 800+ shots taken from our Lobo trip. Click to enlarge photos. Haha. As in 800+ photos! Hindi halatang adik kami sa pictures.

We were 12: Renz, Jacky, Me, Anna, Aris, Joel, Alva, Paul, Reinier, JR, Gerlie, and Dayne who took this photo. Isang dosenang saya!

Each time we have team bondings and we’ll take some photos, jump shots will never be forgotten. Gaya nito.

Eto pa.

Matapos ang jump shot, napagod kaming apat. Haha. That’s Alva, Me, Gerlie, and JR, habang may namamato ng buhangin mula sa kalawakan. Haha.

WOWBatangas Team’s ultimate love team. Yihee! <3

Oops, this ain’t a Rated PG photo ha. Alva and I just want to see who’s got the longer hair.

Lobo has fine sand. Aliw kaming humiga, umupo, magtabon sa sarili. Haha. Just look at Gerlie while all of us smiled for this shot.

Another proof how we enjoyed the sand. Reinier.

We have a very lovely view of the mountain range. Ganda!

This one reminds me of my childhood. My cousins and I used to do this everytime we head to a beach — burrying our feet on the shore.

Our Marketing Associates Dayne and Renz for WOWBatangas Models and WOWBatangas Tours respectively, doing our favorite pose. Uhm, alam nyo na.

At syempre, hindi magpapahuli ang aming Admin Assistant na si Anna (in red). With of course, Master Alva.

Kapag nasa beach, masarap mag-emote.

At syempre, masarap magpapicture kapag may mga chikas. Haha.

Obvious bang nag-eenjoy kami sa Lobo beach?

Hawak ni Anna ang isdang inihaw namin para sa tanghalian + BBQ and adobo ni Daddy Mags (my dad) na sobrang bumusog sa amin. Yum!

Nadidiri, naaawa, o nagagalit? Ano ang reaksyon ni Gerlie nang walang awa n’yang hiniwa ang isda?

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Lobo Version). Haha. Alva and I usually do this, mag-away sa ere.

Maybe a lot of you are wondering how we are in the office. We’re like family. We’re like a huge barkada doing business. And we mean serious business. But we know how to have fun. We are just one bunch of happy people.

This photo was taken at around 1:30pm. Yes, super sikat ng araw pero swerte kami at ang lakas din ng hangin. So presko pa rin. Kami ni Alva ang pasimuno sa pagpapapicture sa tanghaling kay init. Nagsunudan naman sila and yes, nag-enjoy din, in fairness. Haha.

Si Jhong Hilario! Ay, si Papa Alvs pala! Haha. Ganito kami kakulit. Masaya ba maging part ng WOWBatangas Team? I suppose you already know the answer.

Lobo beach brought us so many reasons to be happy during our trip. The beach house, the clean water, the view of the mountain range on the side, the sand, everything! And yes, the company. It’s the right company that will make any trip memorable and happy.

See more of our Lobo trip photos on our WOWBatangas.com Facebook Page. As promised, coming next is our post about the Butterfly Beach House and how wonderful Lobo beach is.

Related Posts

1. Butterfly Beach House: Another Reason to Stay in Lobo
2. WOWBatangas Team Receives Recognition from Provincial Government
3. WOWBatangas Team Goes to Puerto Galera!

Another is the Anihan Festival, which is part of the festivities during the municipal foundation day celebrated every month of September. This year, the Anihan Festival will be held on September 27. The Anihan Festival features street dancing and the parade of carts and sleds bearing agricultural crops produced locally.

Sublian, Juego de Anillo, Kundiman Fiesta and parade of muses participated in by different barangays and civic organiztions are also some of the highlights of the festival. The Anihan Festival is first and foremost a thanksgiving celebration for the people’s bountiful harvest. It is likewise a tribute to the farmers whose efforts are a significant factor in the succes of agricultural development in Lobo.

Online Reference: www.lobo.gov.ph

Related Posts

1. Anihan Festival and Other Vacation Spots in Lobo, Batangas
2. Witness the 2010 ANIHAN Festival in Lobo! (Festival Activities)
3. Anihan Festival 2010 Highlights and Lobo-Makati Sisterhood Signing Ceremony