I mean, for one to truly appreciate a picturesque occurrence, he must know the history or at least a good backgrounder of the place.

Such is the case when the WOWBatangas team went to Taal Volcano Crater. We knew what we had to bring alright, and we were with the local tourism officers so we had no problem in going there, we were guided, as a matter of fact.

But what we lacked is a good backgrounder of the place. We, or at least me, didn’t know what to expect.

Good thing though is that I had James beside me (no homo intended). James is a hinete. A hinete comes as a bonus when you avail of a horse ride to Taal Volcano Crater.

James, as I have found out, is an 18 year old local of Talisay, Batangas.

And being a Batangueno myself, lessened the stranger between us.

James speaks differently though. I mean, he speaks Batangueno, hardcore. And with almost half of his life
spent on the volcano island, he served as my tour guide as well.

If I were to describe James in one word, “Madaldal” would be it.

Madaldal in a good sense, that is.

Our more than fun conversation include (and i quote James):

“Simple lang ang buhay dito, mag- alaga ka lang ng hayop e buhay ka na”

“Are hong si Dyesebel ang pinakamabilis na kabayo”

“Mahigit apat na daan ho kaming mga kabayo dito. Este hinete pala”

“Ser hindi ako yan” (while pointing at his twin)

And you could just imagine how my trip was filled with giggles and interesting topics.

Strange thing about this guy is that he would not put himself to the limelight. His madaldal trait would lean more on the beauty and the simplicity of the place that he is living in rather than his personal take on things.

I mean, he should be a role model of sorts to us, Batanguenos.

James is a proud Taliseno indeed. And we, too, must be proud of what God has given to us.

Thanks to James, his wit and his know hows, our trip, or at least mine, is completed.

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Last Monday, the WOWBatangas team went to Talisay for a project and part of it is that we have to go to Taal Volcano’s crater. WOW! An instant Taal Volcano trip for the rest of the team.

Well, it was my first time to go there and I really don’t have any idea about the place. Good thing our Team Leader advised us to bring things which could protect us from sun’s heat.

Yes, it’s true but, some of us forgot what we have to bring. Like me, who did not bring cap and jacket, poor one, ang init! Miss D also forgot her cap, ayun sunog ang mukha.

If you are to visit a place make sure you have knowledge about the place — the climate, the activities you can do, the specific places you are to visit, etc.

For a Taal Volcano trip, these are the things you should bring:

1. Sun protection gears — if you don’t want to get sunburn or uneven skin tone, you should be protected from the sun’s harmful rays.

a. hat/cap

Ah, ale ganda ng cap mo

b. lotion with SPF or sunscreen protection

c. umbrella

Miss G. deretso lang.. ah walang lingon lingon.. ang kulit

d. sunglasses

King and Queen of Sunglasses, oh ha…

e. arm warmer or long sleeves

Wag malikot..at ay nako sa likod nakakatakot…

2. Drinks — may it be water, juice, or energy drink but not soft drinks.

3. Food – that will not spoil easily or better, light snack since you won’t be staying there for the rest of the day.

4. Extra shirts, towels, comfortable clothes and shoes

Ang girl scout, laging handa yan oh, complete outfit ng lola mo!

5. Money — a necessity everywhere you go. Bring cash so you don’t have to scout the town for ATM or money changer.

6. Cameras with waterproof bags — to capture the wonderful scenery and to collect shots which will serve as your trip’s souvenir

Ano kayang nakunan nya? Tingin nyo?

Catch more stories of this WOWBatangas trip to Taal Volcano.

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Batangas is indeed blessed with scenic, world-class, areas which no amount of money could ever replace.

Such is the case of that etherial top view from the Taal Volcano Crater. Where a whole world of blessings may be felt and seen.

Fresh air, cool breeze, and all the good things nature could provide are effortlessly at hand.

However, Talisay, Batangas, is a tad too far away from the metro.

It might be far alright, but going to the Taal Volcano Crater wouldn’t require one to wear his shirt inside out para hindi maligaw.

It would only take you 3 hours ride max or if you’d be commuting then it would just be an easy – breezy ride. If you’re hailing from Manila, that is.

Here’s how:

If You’re From Manila (commute)

Take any Lipa or Batangas bound bus via Tanauan. Tell manong driver “Bus Stop lang po ng Tanauan”. Upon arriving at the aforementioned stop, there would be jeepneys that would take you straight to Talisay.

If you’re from Manila (self drive)

Use SLEx and Star Toll Way and take Tanauan City exit. Turn right and Talisay would only be 15 to 20 minutes drive away.

From Talisay Batangas to Taal Volcano Crater
Turn left once you reach the Municipal Hall of Talisay. One may park his vehicle on Talisay Public Market. From the public market, you will see boats which are docked near the sea wall.

Different resorts in Talisay (mainland) also offers trek and boat ride. From there, they can rent boats which will ferry them to the volcano island.

Those boats would take you on a 10 to 15-minute ride to the Volcano island. Boat fare (to and fro) would cost Php 1,500 which is good for six persons.

Upon arriving, you would be required to log in at the Talisay Tourist Reception Center and would be asked to pay environment/tourist fee of P50 for adults and P30 for students or children below 7 years old.

From Taal Tourist Reception Center to Taal Volcano Crater
You may either ride a horse (P450 each, to and fro) or tread the island volcano by foot. I say ride the horse since there are rough parts on your way up. Plus, the hinetes/guides are very accommodating.

The journey to Taal Volcano Crater would never be boring since the sceneries found along the road alone are laudable in itself.

One might spend a few bucks to arrive at the top of the world renowned Taal Volcano for there are souvenir items for sale and fresh buko jucie and other refreshments on the view deck. But believe me, even your lifetime’s worth of savings would not equate on this place which I believe is God’s masterpiece.

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August 8, 2011, Talisay, Batangas — The team had to start the day early for a scheduled commitment in Talisay. Okay, I won’t be delving on that commitment but rather on what made our day extra exciting.

We will never forget this day when altogether, we reached the crater of the world famous Taal Volcano. Yesssum!

How to go to the Taal Volcano crater?

From the Municipal Hall, you can either walk to the port area (where the public market is also located) or ride a tricycle, minimum fare. Take a boat ride which lasts from 10-15 minutes depending on the strength of the waves. For group of 6 persons, P1,500.

By the way, resorts in Talisay (mainland) also offers boat ride and trek to the crater so if you’re staying on one of these resorts, avail this trip for a complete Talisay and Taal Volcano experience.

Upon reaching the Volcano Island, you have to pay P50 (adults) or P30 ( for students and children below 7 y/o) then a horseback ride to the crater for 30 minutes or so which costs P450/person. A tour guide fee for the whole group costs P500.

We’ve got hundreds of pictures taken from this trip but I’ll tell you the story through some of the unforgettable photos I’ve picked.

Since we were told na pwedeng lakarin, we walked from the Municipal Hall down to the Public Market where the port area is also located.

Syempre, bago ang lahat, picture muna. One of the important things to bring for a Taal Volcano trip is your camera. Click.

The official boat of the Municipality of Talisay Tourism carried us to the Volcano Island.

We all experienced horseback riding while going up to the crater. It was super fun ride and we’re glad safe ang lahat. Pero ito ang pinaka-maeksena sa lahat (bukod pala sa Brokeback Mountain na hindi nakunan ng picture, haha).

Sosyal ang pangalan ng mga kabayo dun. Sa mga nasakyan ng team, itong kay Gerlie ang pinakamayaman pakinggan — Margarette.

After about 30 minutes, finally, we reached the crater of the world famous Taal Volcano.

We’re just glad we were given the chance to have this trip. Oh, don’t forget the things you should bring when going to Taal Volcano.

The boys were just so excited to do planking again. And the ultimate WOWBatangas planker did it again! Go Papa Alvs!

Paul was supposed to do planking, kaya lang nagmukha syang ibon na parang sumang-it sa sanga. Haha.

The Taal Volcano trip is better shared with people you love. ♥

Off we go to the highest point of the crater (or the mouth of the crater, that is) and the red path you see in this picture is what they call “daang pula”.

Kind of scary. Bawal ang malilikot dito! Haha.

Sinabing bawal nga ang malilikot dito eh. Si Reinier ay nakarinig ng walang sawang pagsaway ni Gerlie dahil panay ang punta sa dead end.

(Singing) Kay tagal mo mang nawala, babalik ka rin. Babalik ka rin.

Ito pa isang pasaway, si Joel, na hindi nakalimot sa plano nyang mag-planking dito.

Our resident mountaineer, Alva.

This Taal Volcano trip would not be possible without Ms. Len Barba, Ms. Tina, Ms. Jill, and the rest of the people from Talisay Tourism Office. Thank you po!

Overlooking Mt. Binintian (the inverted cone-like mountain often mistaken as the Taal Volcano)

Back to mainland, after the Taal Volcano trip, ito ang ganap.

If you plan to have this trip, you have to be prepared physically, at pati na rin yung ibang aspect ng personality mo. Be spiritually prepared, pray for a safe trip. Be mentally prepared, bawal ang lutang ang isip at baka mahulog sa bangin. Be emotionally prepared, seize the day and embrace the goodness of God’s creation.

See more Taal Volcano trip photos on our Facebook page.

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The team was able to go there last February 8 for the Karakol Festival. We may not be able to spend the rest of the day there but roaming around the area for an hour to see the facilities and the resort features was one elating experience.

Check out our photos below from our first trip to Club Balai Isabel.

About Club Balai

Club Balai Isabel is a resort in Talisay, Batangas that boasts of a picturesque view of the Taal Lake and the world’s smallest volcano. As the resort was built around a century-old mango plantation, guests are welcomed with lush greenery giving the sense of escape and serenity.

The resort is a haven for families, friends, couples, and corporate groups for business and pleasure and everything in between. The 10-hectare wonder that encompasses numerous amenities such as swimming pools, function rooms, kayaking, tennis, billiards, surf biking, obstacle courses and many more make it ideal for all enthusiasts.

Not to mention that the resort is just 45 minutes from Manila or 15 minutes from Tagaytay, its aim is to be the premium oasis and getaway offering something different for everyone.

Going green and getting well!

With its aim to be an eco-tourism spot on the map, the resort advocates greenery and the importance of cleanliness. Guests enter a litter-free zone and recognize the sense of being one with nature and immediately instill a concern for the environment. Club Balai Isabel also takes pride in its wellness directive, having a spa hub with signature therapeutic massages. Also developing is the detoxification center and fish doctor. These will be the newest additions of the wellness center set to be completed soon.

The Balai Experience

Armed with an unmatched need for customer satisfaction, employees of Club Balai Isabel strive to provide excellent service to all guests. The resort is ideal for weddings and receptions and all social gatherings for friends and families. Guests are treated with an experience of solemnity and romance when they hold their events at the clubhouse Pantalan or at the mobideep pantalan which are wharfs on the Taal Lake shores.

Team building venues are also grabbing the attention of the corporate world. The Balikatan obstacle course offers safe and challenging activities that are surely aimed to bond and strengthen groups and organizations. Our menu selections and signature dishes such as the tawilis and the maliputo (a must-try) will entice all guests and satisfy every taste bud.

Club Balai Isabel continues to gain the attention of the media through events and television programs. And as the resort puts together an attractive calendar of events which will appeal to all travelers and corporate groups, Club Balai Isabel will be the charm of Batangas.

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There are a number of resorts in Talisay and if you belong on the field of hospitality management, you can find employment in this town.

Check out the latest job vacancies in Talisay, Batangas. Who knows, your future employer may just be looking out for you!

View job opportunities in other towns in Batangas at jobs.wowbatangas.com.

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We traveled all the way to Talisay, first, to witness the Karakol – a religious event held annually to commemorate San Guillermo – the patron saint of the town.

Karakol, as described by the locals is a “sayaw sa patron” (dance to the patron). The elders of Talisay would dance on the streets around town to show their devotion to San Guillermo. The karakol was originally participated by the elder people of Talisay. Later on, women federation from different barangays joined the senior citizens in this religious street dancing.

They have this “daang prusisyon”, or the way where the street dancers would go around. The karakol participants dance to folk and foreign novelty music. Talisay Councilor Eddie Panghulan even composed a Tagalog lyrics of the song Dayang-Dayang whose lines are all in praise of the patron saint and called it “Alay kay San Guillermo”.

Devotees from neighboring towns and even from Cavite have been joining the karakol in Talisay and treat it as their “panata”. There were around 20 groups representing different barangays and organizations of Talisay and non-Talisayeños wherein the largest group was composed of 60 members.

San Guillermo was told to be a son of a duke. He was a believed to be a spoiled brat who did harm to other people. Until he decided to live inside a cave, clad himself with metal wardrobe and there he had his repentance. He came out as a new person since then. The icon of San Guillermo shows a skull on top of a bible. The skull represents the death of his old self.

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We had our first encounter with this seemed to be mysterious fruit last December 2010, during the Ala Eh Festival Trade Fair at SM Lipa. We were so eager to try it’s magical effect so when we’re set to cover the event, we first searched for Talisay booth. Unfortunately, there was no miracle fruit to be tried, only the miracle shrubs. Ms. Len of Talisay Tourism office promised to give us some fruits, some other day, anyway.

Ms. Len did not forget what she promised. During the Karakollast February, she handed us a bunch of miracle fruits. Excited to try it’s effect, we grab a bottle of beer, some kalamansi and Tanauan’s best suka, sukang Santor. And so then we tried the miracle fruit, totoo nga ang balita, lahat ng maasim at mapait ay tumatamis.

According to an article written by Prof. Domingo E. Angeles Ph.D of UPLB, this miracle fruit, with scientific name,Synsepalum dulcificum produces a magical effect on the palate a minute after it is ingested. It has a chemical called glycoprotein that coats sour taste buds for like an hour. Once you tasted this fruit, everything you eat will be sweet.

Now, what are the potential uses of this fruit? According to researches, this could help in reducing sugar intake for diabetic persons and calorie intake for health conscious folks.

So if you want everything to be sweet, try miracle fruit.

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But there is no reason for us not to enjoy this season especially the young ones who would take a rest from school. Check the best resorts in Batangas through this list:

Residencia de Riego Resort, Alitagtag

Although it would be a bit crowded on weekends, it’s still the best time of the week to visit this one-of-a-kind resort in Alitagtag. Residencia de Riego has great facilities and we’d have to give plus points on the cool vibe flourishing all over the resort. Get to enjoy the 12 color logic lights on the three swimming pools. Enjoy backstroke or freestyle as the water changes its reflection from red to violet to green and so on.

To learn more about what Residencia de Riego has to offer, click resort in Alitagtag, Batangas.

Galilee Place Resort and Spa, Balete

When the team visited Galilee Place in Balete a year ago, (the first Galilee Place is in Brgy. San Sebastian, Mataasnakahoy) it was still under construction and whatever will rise on the location, aside from the already existing huts and rooms, were all shared to us through our interview with the resort owners.

Galilee Place Resort and Spa is located along the shoreline of the vast Taal Lake. Do you want a serene summer destination along a majestic natural wonder? Galilee Resort and Spa in Balete will give you the serenity and recreation your overworked body needs to have.

For a complete feature on this Balete, Batangas resort, click Galilee Place Resort and Spa.

Villa Khristalene, Talisay

It’s the ‘poshness’ of luxury resorts squeezed in this property. By land area, it’s not as vast as other beach resorts you frequently visit. But Villa Khristalene has something really special.

One, it’s also sharing the lovely view of Taal Lake and the Mt. Binintian across. Two, guests must try the food in the restaurant, particularly the Pinoy dishes. Three, it’s a pool resort, you can enjoy a swim, or try their other activities – billiards, boating, fishing, or singing out loud in their videoke room. If you want a treat for your tiring muscles, their have massage chairs there.

Read our Villa Khristalene experience by clicking affordable resort in Talisay, Batangas.

La Virginia Resort and Hotel, Mataasnakahoy

When you get here, it’s like you’re setting foot to a couple of different resorts with the extensive land area that cradles many resort features to enjoy.

Take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool; take pictures on The Buddha View-Deck and feel like you’re in Thailand; have a massage in the spa village; ride on the La Virginia Zipline! Whatever you want to do – roam around and take pictures, eat at the restaurant, or take a snooze in their hotel rooms – a day wont be enough.

You can visit their site to check on the rates and other important details: www.lavirginiaresort.com

Club Balai Isabel, Talisay

When I did the “wedding venue of the stars” article, this resort sits perfectly on the earlier part of the post as it has only been a few days ago before that article was written, when celebrity couple Kristine Hermosa and Oyo Sotto got married in Balai Isabel.

This 10-hectare resort reflects Filipino hospitality matching the global standard in the industry. People might think that this is owned by a foreign business tycoon when in fact, this is owned by a family who hailed from this side of Batangas.

It’s among the numerous resorts in Batangas which shares the captivating view of Taal Lake and the ‘often mistaken to be the Taal Volcano’, Mt. Binintian. Club Balai Isabel’s infinity pool is one of the largest swimming pools I’ve seen so far. Just like any other resorts, Club Balai Isabel has a lot of fun activities available for every guest’s satisfaction. (Photo Credit: www.tripadvisor.com)

La Sueña Brisa Beach Resort & Events Place, Lemery

This one you should check out if you’re heading to Lemery. La Sueña Brisa is located along the shoreline of the Lemery beach. The resort boasts of its two main attractions – the infinity pool with color logic lights and the butterfly garden which adds the ‘close to nature’ experience.

La Sueña Brisa has an in-house catering service and the Bien Cocido Restaurant to satisfy your cravings for sumptuous dishes while on vacation.

A few more resorts coming up!

Have the best summer vacation! Either sunny or rainy, just enjoy the trip. If a stay in any of the resorts mentioned above won’t be enough, check out other things you can do in Batangas.

Don’t forget to LIKE us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/wowbatangas

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Watch our video below of the Karakol Festival of Talisay.

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