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.

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The day also came to be a feast of excellent Pinoy Food.

Philippine cuisine was the highlight of the afternoon as generous servings of Hinornong Isda, Ginataang Manok sa Dilaw, Kalderetang Laguna, Kare Kareng Buntot, Arroz Valenciana, Nilagang Tadyang ng Bakang Batangas and Ensalada were all ours for the munching.

I tried to put all of it on my plate. But the plate was deemed to small and my appetite too big.

When I saw the kare-kare, I almost forgot my name. I’ve been longing for kare-kare for almost two weeks at the least.

I found myself helpless like an impregnated woman who longed for mangga and alamang.

And what a perfect place to find a long-lost joy. I was dearly elated.

Lo and Behold, an alamang was also on site that made the already sumptuous dish an ethereal one.

The samalamig, too, is laudable as it boasted of a taste not so sosyal, not so foreign. Authentic, I must say.

The pang-himagas were turones de lakatan and minatamis na saging sa hielo.

The turones de lakatan, I have to admit, were the best tasting turons to ever land on my tastebuds and trying to elaborate on its flavor would only cause me to froth at the mouth.

The Pinoy ambiance is truly felt as the gathering is replete with a 5 piece rondalla band who serenaded the guests.

More interestingly, the raw ingredients: the greens, the meat and the rekados are bought locally. Even the black, treated palayoks which the chef used for most of the cooking are bought from San Juan, Batangas.

Chef Paul Poblador

“Medyo boring na kasi kapag inuulit-ulit lang kaya medyo nilalagyan natin ng mga olives-olives dyan (among other spices) to give the dish a twist and also a hotely feel,” remarked Chef Paul Poblador in an interview after we filled our tummies.

The chef emphasized that his brand of Pinoy cooking is not a new one. It is rather an “updated” one which delves on twists and innovations with the ingredients but never cancels out the Pinoy taste.

That style made his creations in line with the changing times and the progressing ‘wants’ of the people with their food.

Indeed, Chef Paul’s creations has “innovative” and “classy” spelled all over the Pinoy Buffet he has prepared for guests (bloggers) on that windy afternoon.

“Filipino cuisine is of international standards,” the chef furthered. He also pointed out that the only flaw, if any, of the Pinoy dishes is its lack for the knack of presentation.

True enough, most of the Filipino dishes we know are brown in color making the foreigners generalize that ours is all about the exotic taste. But we all know how far better Filipino dishes are compared to those spicy, uhmmm… exotic food of the Thais and the Indians and the rest of our neighboring countries.

But the dishes he made did not lack a single garnish. My eyes were given a treat seeing those ulams presented the most proper and the most appealing way possible — steaming inside native palayoks.

S.G.B., a salad named after Saturnino G. Belen, Lima Park Hotel Owner

Only Filipinos could perfect Filipino dishes, we were reminded.

“This is not as good as lola’s cooking,” Poblador, who also represented Philippine Cuisine in various international Food Expos, humbly admits.

But after tasting the food, I also conclude that Chef Paul’s cooking would not equate to my Grandma’s recipes.

The humble chef’s creations are almost the same, only better.

*****

Asian Flavours is open to all people who want to experience Asian cuisine at its best. In Asian Flavours, one would not only be provided with scrumptious and delectable food for he is also served with a private and relaxed ambiance which would complete the very essence of fine dining.

And to you out there who is in the hunting for an Octoberfest in Batangas, Lima Park Hotel will have one on October 29, 2011. The event will be graced by all girl rock group General Luna, FHM girls and Cosmo Bachelors.

Tickets cost P500. For reservations, call (043) 881-1555.

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Tingga Falls

This falls measures 30 feet in height. At the bottom is a swimming pool where people can enjoy the water falling from the mountain. This is located in Daang Ibaan, Batangas City.

Ilijan Falls

I was able to visit this one in 2008. With friends, we trekked our way in search of the seven falls of Ilijan, Batangas City. Unfortunately, we were only able to see the first one, the one at the bottom of this stair-like natural wonder. The water goes down on the seven big bowls of stone from a huge spring on the top of the mountain.

Calejon Falls

Calejon Falls is actually composed of four waterfalls: two big ones and two small ones. Both of the bigger falls are 10 feet high. The first of these two big falls has great volume of water streaming down to a shallow pool. The other big falls appears like a bridal gown with its narrow top and a wide base.

The two smaller falls also have their own distinctions. The water from the first one gushes down like a shower while the other one produces small torrents. Calejon Falls (sometimes Calijon) is located in Brgy. San Gregorio, Malvar.

Bulalacao Falls

Located in Brgy. Bulaklakan in Lipa City, Bulalacao Falls has three small falls coming out from a cave. This falls is frequented by small groups for a day tour.

Himamawo Falls

This one is located in Brgy. Malainin, Ibaan. The local government are making ways to turn this natural wonder into a tourist attraction.

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Expect that for the next couple of days I would be coming up with Valentine-related articles. Where can you have a romantic Valentine dinner date around Batangas?

Business establishments, particularly restaurants and hotels, have their own Valentine promos. Regardless of these promos, here are some restaurants here in Batangas where you could dine at on Valentine’s Day.

The Ever-Romantic Valentine Dinner

Reserve a table for you and your special someone in a romantic restaurant. You can even ask the restaurant staff if you have a Valentine surprise prepared for your woman/man. Ladies love this kind of dinner date, no matter how she refused your offer to have one.

You could have your Valentine dinner over at Aristeo’s (043-757-5298) and Ala Fiesta Restaurant (043-703-1063) in Lipa City, The Chef’s Plate in Batangas City, Asian Flavours Restaurant (043-981-1555) in Lima Park Hotel in Malvar, Casa Rap in San Jose (you have to make reservations beyond 5pm).

Contact your favored restaurant as early as now so you would know if they have special promos or if they already received maximum number of reservations for V-Day. After securing a table for you and your significant other, move on to the next task – your Valentine gimmick. Is there something new and special that you want to do? Do you already have a gift but don’t know how to give it to him/her?

Like what I’ve said earlier, you can ask for the restaurant or hotel staff to help you out with your gimmick. If the restaurant has a resident singer for that night, you can request the singer/band to perform your partner’s favorite song. Or if you can, sing it yourself.

Whatever’s written above are old ideas, it’s up to you how you can make things new and even more romantic. Guys, don’t forget the flowers. Taken from my favorite book series, Vince’s Life: “No matter what a woman says she wants, she wants flowers.”

ALSO: You can still join our Valentine contest Ang Pag-Ibig Kong Are, the Search for Inspiring Batangueño couples.

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 Malvar National High School (Poblacion)
 Don Julio Leviste Memorial Vocational High School (San Andres)
 San Isidro National High School (San Isidro)
 Santiago National High School (Santiago)
 Batangas State University (Poblacion)
 Malvar Central School (Poblacion)
 Payapa Elementary School (Payapa)
 Bulihan Elementary School (Bulihan)
 San Pedro Elementary School (San Pedro)
 Bilucao Elementary School (Bilucao)
 Immaculate Conception Montessori School (Poblacion)
 Miguel L. Aranda Memorial Elementary School (San Andres)
 San Pedro 1 Primary school
 Southgate Institute Of Malvar

Online Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malvar,_Batangas

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Calejon Falls, a natural attraction consists of two major water falls and two smaller ones. One of the bigger falls is about 10 feet (3.0 m) high with a great volume of clear water gushing down to a shallow pool. The other one (also about 10 feet (3.0 m) high) resembles a bridal gown. One of the two smaller falls is shower-like, while the other one forms a series of small cascades. All the falls are located in an area of about 300 square meters.

Calejon Falls is located in Barangay San Gregorio, (formerly called Calejon). The spot is easily accessible via STAR Tollway Bulihan Exit. From Manila, take a bus bound for Batangas City or Lipa City then drop at town of Malvar. Jeepneys and tricycle service Barangay San Gregorio from the town proper. The 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) stretch of road is well-paved and smooth even for small cars. Upon reaching the area, a series of 300 concrete steps going down the river will have to be taken. Going back up is a challenge.

Online Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malvar,_Batangas

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 Mayor: Dr. Carlito P. Reyes

 Vice-Mayor: Alberto C. Lat

 Councilors:
1. Benedicto “Ben” Villegas
2. Jovito Dela Peña
3. Nibong Lat
4. Voltaire Kalaw
5. Celia Dimaandal
6. Rosanna Cabello
7. Zaldy Lantin
8. Edna Pitogo
9. Aileen SAludo – ABC President
10. Ralph Julius Leo Morcilla – SK Federation President

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Malvar is a 2nd class municipality in the Province of Batangas, Philippines. As of 2009, the population of Malvar was 41,270 and the total number of households was 8,678. The municipality was named after General Miguel Malvar, the last Filipino General to surrender to the American Government in the Philippines in 1902.

It is located 68 kilometers south of Manila and easily accessible via the STAR Tollway. Malvar is bounded on the north by Tanauan City, on the east bySanto Tomas, Batangas on the south by Lipa City and on the west by Balete, Batangas.

With the continuous expansion of Metro Manila, the town is now conurbated with Manila, whose built-up area now reaches Lipa City.

Online Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malvar,_Batangas

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Run for Wellness was organized to urge the members of the community to lead an active and healthy life.

There are three categories for the fun run: 3K, 5K, and 10K. The registration fee is P150 which includes a race packet and certificate of finish (for all finishers). The Top 5 finishers for the 3K and 5K as well as the top 3 finishers for the 10K will receive medals and tokens.

Around 1,000 participants are expected to participate in the fun run which is for the benefit of Cancer Warriors Foundation Inc – Batangas Chapter.

Pre-registration starts on February 1, 2011 and ends on February 4, 2011 at 12 noon. Those who will register on the day itself will pay the registration fee of P200. On-site registration will be accepted only until 6:00 am on February 6, subject to availability of slots.

The event is in partnership with Lima Land Inc.

For inquiries, please contact Ms. Mary Ann Suarez at e-mail: suarez.meann@yahoo.com /telefax: (043) 405 2326

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Here are the Official Candidates of Mutya ng Batangan 2010:

AGONCILLO – MICCA MASANGKAY ROSAL
ALITAGTAG – MARIANNE KRISTINE ABUTAR
BALAYAN – JULIANA KAPEUNDL
BALETE – ROSABIANCA MAILA RAZON
BATANGAS CITY – CLAIRE UNTALAN
BAUAN – ANJELINE FLORENCE GARCHITORENA
CUENCA – DIANNE EILEEN MAGSOMBOL
IBAAN – MARIA TERESA BATHAN
LAUREL – JANEEN MIKEE CALINISAN
LEMERY – YVETTE ARMAINE HERNANDEZ
LIPA CITY – CZSHEVINAH HAE ALEJANDRO
LOBO – SUMAYA MCEVOY
MABINI – JOSEPHINE MARIE UNTALAN
MALVAR – JOAN KAY HERNANDEZ
ROSARIO – KHRYZIALYN CIAR
SAN JOSE – MINKY AVEL ILAGAN
SAN JUAN – OLEIN JAIRA SOPHIA ONA
SAN NICOLAS – AREAN ARENAS
TAAL – AIMEE GARILAO
TALISAY – RIKKA MARIE MENDOZA
TANAUAN CITY – DARA PRINCESS PLATON

To vote for your favorite candidate, visit and LIKE the WOWBatangas Facebook Page. Then go to the MUTYA ng BATANGAN 2010 album and LIKE the profile of your candidate.

Witness the most prestigious pageant of Batangas live at SM City Lipa Parking Area on December 4, 6:30PM.

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