Yes Folks! Dane, a beauty queen from Ibaan and Regine, an adorable chic from Batangas City are our new WOWBatangas Models! With their captivating smiles, you are sure fall for these two certified Batanguena models.

Just this weekend, WOWBatangas team steeled up for Dane and Regine’s preliminary pictorial. For this shoot, the team explored Villa Crisanta Garden Resort’s Pavilion to further define this month’s pictorial theme.

Check out the following photos and see how those antique furniture and the remarkable architecture perfectly blend with the modernity and elegance of our models in their dresses and casual outfits. The last two photos by the way were taken at Villa Crisanta’s pool and garden respectively. It seemed like the weather and the nature were all with us during the photo shoot as they provide the team with just fine sun lighting and colorful flowers on their full blooms for nice backgrounds.

Every month, WOWBatangas feature at least two Batangueno models on models.wowbatangas.com, it just happened that we weren’t able to have photo shoot last September for there were series of events that kept the team busy like WOWBatangas grand EB at SM City Lipa and the Internet Marketing for SMEs and Micro businesses Seminar that WOWBatangas team organized. And so to pay off, we’ll double up the shoot this month and give you the first batch of male models by the end of October.

P.S. To know more about WOWBatangas Models’ gigs, add us up on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Technorati Tags: Models, Batangas Models, Dane, Regine, Villa Crisanta Garden Resort, Rosario Batangas, Batangas, Batangas City, Modelo, Talent, Garden, Photo, Pictorial, Photo Shoot, Batangueno Photographers, Batangas Province

National Disaster Coordinating Council or NDCC declares that Bagyong Ondoy death toll as of September 29, 2009, has risen from 140 yesterday to 240. Meanwhile, 37 are still missing and damages to properties rose to 1.4 billion pesos.

Help Hotlines and contact numbers:
PAGASA- 4338526
Caloocan – 3866568
NDCC – 9122112
Coast Guard -5278487
MMDA-5277481
DSWD-9318101
Meralco- 6311111
PAG-IBIG -7244244
SSS – 9206446
GSIS -4793645
DILG – 9250343
SAGIP Kapamilya – 4132667

Class Suspension – September 29, 2009
From the office of Gov. Vilma Santos – No classes in all levels in the province of Batangas. Classes in all levels both private and public schools in Batangas province will still be suspended tomorrow, September 29, in accordance to DEPED and CHED declaration in Southern Tagalog areas. – acting Batangas Gov. Mark Leviste (0918-888-8732 / 043-7239889) (ABSCBN news)

Technorati Tags: Class suspension, batangas City, Batangas province, schools, universities, BSU, Lyceum, UB, FAITH, AMA, STI, STC, St. Briget College, Batangas State University, DLSL, LCC, LCPC, no classes, Dep ED, CHED, Gov. Vilma Santos, suspended, class, all levels, elementary, college, high school, NDCC contact number, telephone numbers, hotlines, MERALCO, PAGASA

“Our job is not just to be a service provider. it is also my job to be an economic manager. We have to create an environment that is conducive to economic growth and development so that business and industries in our province can flourish. Kung hindi tayo kikilos, sino ang kikilos, kung hindi ngayon, kelan pa?” – Governor Vilma Santos Recto

Watch the following video and see how our Governor aim for a better Batangas.

If you find landscapes truly amazing, then you might as well be awed by the world we have under – under the sea. Here in Batangas, we have one of the most popular diving spots located at Anilao, Mabini, Batangas.

According to reviews from expert divers, the diving conditions in Anilao are ideal for beginners up to advanced divers. The water temperatures are very comfortable year-round, ranging from about 26-28C during summer to 22-26C during the winter, allowing for diving in skin suits or 3mm wetsuits. The visibility is very good, about 60ft. on average, and underwater currents can vary from virtually non-existent to strong, although the surface tends to remain relatively calm. Divers also recommend diving enthusiasts to scuba dive during the months of November to June, (the summer months) – when there is higher visibility as compared to stormy months.

Here is the sneak peak of Anilao‘s greatest treasures under.

This video is from JCDIVER and he said “This video is an underwater shots at various dive site of Anilao, The Philippines. I used to shot by a digital camera. This is my 1st time using a video cam under water. So forgive me for all those shakings and flaws but concentrate on the beauty of nature. And with the greatest thank to my friend i922 for producing this clip for me. Also, the better night shots were filmed by my friend Caminu.”

By the way, if you would like to have a hassle free visit at Anilao, Mabini, Batangas, you may check out this.

Technorati Tags: Anilao, Mabini, Batangas, Best diving spots in the Philippines, batangas, Batangas province, Batangas Philippines, Mabini, Mabini Beach resorts, beach resorts, Balai Anilao, Beaches, Diving, Snorkeling, Water activities at Mabini Beach resort

With Governor Vilma Santos Recto as the highest ruling woman in the province of Batangas, she believes that continuing her advocacies called the H.E.A.R.T.S., will somehow uplift the quality of lives of us Batanguenos.

HEALTH

One of Governor Vi’s priorities for Batanguenos is providing health care acess among her people. Part of this are the following: rehabilitation of district hospitals, the buildings, facilities and equipment, in which are all being refurbished and upgraded to be able to meet the constituents’ medical requirements; the release, to the district hospitals in the province; and the issuance and distribution of, to date, 67,185 Philhealth cards to indigent Batanguenos, prudently identified and selected through the Provincial Social Welfare Office. Parallel to this, the Voluntary Service Responders (VSR), composed by, among others, Barangay Health Workers and Barangay Nutrition Scholars, were accorded honorarimus in recognition of their invaluable involvement in the delivery of health services to intended beneficiaries.

In addition to this, last February 10 the Philippine American Medical Mission of Metropolitan Washington, D.C (Mission of Mercy, USA), a group initiated by Filipino- American medical practitioners, conducted medical and dental procedures at the Lipa City District Hospital. A total of 1,169 patients were treated in the 2-day health assistance project. 12 major operations were performed relative to hernia and thyroid disorders, among others. while 62 inor surgeries were done, including cleft palate and cleft lip repair.

EDUCATION

Governor Vi is now on a mission of enhancing our education. One of the agenda is the construction of 84 new classrooms and renovating 24 existing school buildings, as declared in her HEARTS program of governance. Likewise, day care centers in the province are set to be elevated to Montessori level, the method characterized by an emphasis on self- directed activity on the part of the child.

Moreover, Governor Vi’s educational project has launched at Rosario last February 19. on the whole, almost 7,586 Project Vi Workbooks are given at two school district at Rosario Batangas.

AGRICULTURE

Focus of this program is, likewise, set to fortify Farmer Field School for Rice, Corn and Vegetables, which provides technical and hands-on trainin to farmers; and the Provincial Demo Farm Development, showcasing organic/botanical-based agricultural practices and produce. consolidated efforts are similarly being employed to ensure the success of the Pilot Seaweed Production Project in Balayan, and the release of tilapia fingerlings in rivers and creeks, underscoring the cleanliness of most of the province’s natural waterways.

ROADS

H.E.A.R.T.S project includes the concreting and maintenance of all roads spanning the four districts of the province, particularly the farm-to-market thoroughfares.

TOURISM

Mabini Batangas and Bauan are one of the blessing of nature in Batangas. Best diving sites and the popular Taal Volcano, are here in our province. This program aims to develop and enrich tourist in our province.

 SECURITY

H.E.A.R.T.S targets to improve the peacefulness of Batangas. They seek to strengthen the peace and public safety measures that we have in place through regular and explicit interactions with the Philippine National Police and other related agencies. To have a safe community for Batanguenos, and foster an idea haven for tourists ans bussiness people alike.

by: Kimberly Ann P. Catibog

source: batangas.gov.ph

Long before the Spaniards came, large centers of population already thrived in Batangas. Native settlements lined the “Pansipit river”, a major water way. Mr. Robert C. Fox, an American archeologist, revealed that based on archeological findings particularly in Calatagan Peninsula, the province has been trading with the Chinese since Yuan Dynasty until first phase of Ming Dynasty in the 13th to 15th century. Inhabitants of the province were also trading with Japan and India. Historians believed that the present Batangueños were descendants of the Bornean Datus, Datu Dumangsit and Datu Balensusa who sailed from Borneo to Panay Island as far as Taal Lake.

Taal Basilica

Batangas was founded in 1581. Originally, Batangas was composed of the present province of Batangas, Mindoro, Marinduque, Southeast of Laguna and even as far as Camarines. The province was called Bonbon and later renamed as Balayan, the first capital of the province. Twice the capital has been moved in 1732; the capital was transferred to taal in 1752, then moved from Taal to Batangas were it has remained to date.

The named “Batangas” was derived from the word “ Batang “ which the natives called the numerous logs found in the Calumpang river, the body of water that runs through the Northeastern portion of the town and assumes the shape of a Tuning Fork.

Batangas was one of the first eight Philippine provinces to revolt against Spain and also one of the provinces placed under Martial Law by Spanish Governor General Ramon Blanco on August 30, 1896.

The province of Batangas is known as the “Cradle of heroes and Nationalists”. This is supported by the fact that several revolutionary Leaders came from the different towns of the province and half contributed much to the Philippine Libertarian Movement during the latter half of 19th century. Among these Nationalists are Miguel Malavar, Felipe Agoncillo, Marcella M. Agoncillo, General Nicolas Lantin Gonzales, Apolinario Mabini and the Families of the Laurels, Rectos, and Levistes.

Batangas is Proud of its Historico- Cultural heritage and the most significant of them are the Talaga Mabini Shrine, the site of the replica of Mabin’s house and the mausoleum which keeps the publication of and about the hero. The Spanish – Filipino heritage among Batangueños is the Best Reflected in the vicinities of Taal. The town is not only famous in Historical Leaders but also in Historic sites and Structures, depicting centuries of Hispano-Filipino civilization as well as American and post American periods.

source: Calabarzon Magazine, 2006

By: Ferlyn C. Pagkaliwagan

“Batangas – Ang napakagandang bayan ng mga magigiting”

The beautifull province of Batangas is located on the southwestern part of Luzon (Philippines). The province has a total land area of 316,581 hectares, of which 70 percent is devoted to agriculture – the main economic activity. This province has three major cities, Batangas City where the provincial capitol is located, Lipa City, situated at the heart of the province and its youngest city, Tanauan. 

Batangas was formerly known as Kumintang, which was after the Datu who inherited the dominion from Datu Balensusa. Its used-to-be center, the present day known as Balayan (from balay, the old Tagalog term for houses), was the most progressive town of the Province and the traditional center of governance. Later, as the eruption of the Taal Volcano destroyed a significant portion of the town, the provincial center was then transferred to Taal, which was then called Bonbon (bunch) and the name of the province was changed after that of the town.

Moreover, the term batangan a popular Batangueno term means a raft, the people use this so that they could fish on the nearby Taal Lake. It also meant the numerous logs found in the Calumpang River, the body of water that runs through the northeastern portion of the town and assumes the shape of a tuning fork.

On the other hand, Batangas is considered to be a home of heroes. Miguel Malvar, Apolinario Mabini, Marcela Agoncillo are only some of the names of great heroes and heroines from this province. Jose P. Laurel. Claro M. Recto and Ramon Diokno are also considered to be one of the greatest Batanguenos who made names in the country. 

Batanguenos are known to be brave and strong. With voices so loud even during usual conversations, Batangas folks are often mistaken to be always raging with anger whenever they speak. With they’re “alah eh” and “are ga”  one might feel afraid conversing with Batanguenos. But this is just how Batanguenos show their leaping joy and hospitality whenever they deal with people and strangers. 

When it comes to climate, the province has a Type I climate with two pronounced seasons; dry season from November to April and wet season from May to October. The coldest temperature is felt during the month of February while the warmest is in May. The maximum rainfall occurs in July while the minimum falls in March. The province is seldom visited by violent typhoons because Banahaw, Makiling and Malaraya Mountains protect it on the southeastern part, and by Mindoro on the southern part.

Batangas is also blessed with breathe taking beaches which are becoming popular among tourists. Some of these notable swimming sites are found in Anilao, Laiya, Balayan, Calaca, Lemery and Nasugbu
 At Anilao, one may also enjoy snokelling and diving. The underwater world of Anilao is ideal for observing marine life, and provides outstanding subjects for macro photography. Located only 110 kilometers south of Metropolitan Manila, it is very accessible by land or by sea.

Moreover, Batangas is where Taal Volcano is, the said to be smallest volcano in the world. The volcano has a water-filled crater and sits on an island in the center of Taal Lake, which geologists believe to be an ancient caldera.

The town of Taal on the other hand, is famous for its hand embroideries, butterfly knives or better known as balisong, and sausages. Taal, Batangas is one of the two most culturally preserved sites of the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines.

There are so many things about Batangas that are left unexplored. Don’t be an alien to your own land. Explore and experience Batangas and be wowed by its greatness!

Technorati Tags: Batangas, history, places to visit, Taal, Lipa, Tanauan, Batangas City, Capitol, Beaches, heroes, Resorts, delicacies, Laiya, Balayan, Festivities, Festivals, Parada ng Lechon, Sinuam Festival, San Jose, Mataasnakahoy, Taal Volcano, Mabini, Laurel, Recto, Diokno, Kalaw, Agoncillo, Malvar, Batanguenos, Batangas Province, Batangas Philippines, tourism, WOWBatangas

A lechon on a table during fiestas is already a big wow for the visitors. How much more of this: a whole parade about 100 of these mouth watering, roasted pigs! This is what we could witness every 24th of June at Balayan, Batangas. Local Balayan folks do this tradition in commemoration of their patron, St. John the Baptist.

Institutions and different social organizations in Balayan participate in this event. They decorate and dress their respective lechon — sometimes, in wigs, sunglasses, raincoats, or whatever the Balayan locals want — and at the end of the day, the best-looking lechon takes home the bacon. Nice isn’t it?

Here are videos of the annual fiesta from Youtube.

Feature on QTV, Channel 11
 

Parada ng Lechon 2007

But guys, this is the best part. After the lechon parade, everybody is invited to have a taste of these crispy lechon.  Certainly, a great way of celebrating fiesta right?  Wow lechon. Wow Balayan!

Technorati Tags: Parada ng Lechon, History, Balayan, Balayan Batangas, Parada ng Lechon 2009, Parada ng lechon 2010, WOWBatangas, Batangas province, Batangas, Roasted Pig parade, parade, Photos, pictures, Lechon, Festivals, Fiesta, St. John de Baptist, Festival batangas