#Batangas

[moodboardmix]

Quarry House, Laiya, San Juan, Batangas, Philippines,

SLIC Architecture

[elstreem]

Sorry for inactivity, but rest assured me and my loved ones are safe. We've also had strong wind and rain in our province but nothing too bad, and we all live in places not at risk of flood.

However, this recent storm has badly affected several areas, from what I saw Bicol and Batangas have people in need of help, and probably so many other areas too as the effects of Kristine has been very wide-reaching.

Edit: Added some more calls for donations:

Here is Angat Buhay's relief operations:

Pawssion Project is helping out animal shelters affected:

Plushies for Hope is providing hot meals in various places, including Camarines, Batangas and Bicol:

[rig0]

habibi

[callmerescue]

📍The Farm at San Benito

[jezawitha-z]

May 26, 2024 | Mt. Batulao - Nasugbu, Batangas

We made it!

Hanggang ngayon parang di parin ako makapaniwala kung paano ako nakaakyat at nakababa ng bundok na 'to despite sa weather.

First time ko mag commute pa Manila mag-isa since doon ang pickup point at dito palang nagdadalawang isip na ako kung itutuloy ko pa. I know malayo ang pickup point sa lugar ko pero pinush ko nalang din. Main plan ko talaga, Dau-Cubao terminal then mag grab or angkas/joyride nalang to Greenfield. Mabuti nalang at pinapasabay na ako ni Kuya Jarvs (nakasama ko sa prev hike) from Cubao terminal tas nag MRT papuntang Greenfield at nakatipid pa.

While naghihintay kami dun sa food truck fest, may pa live band or basta accoustic na sobrang napapa chill yung lugar at sobrang natuwa na naman ako tas andami ding food. Then after isang oras ata, biglang may fireworks sa kabila. Hindi ko alam kung yun ba yung sa pyromusical na balak ko din sana puntahan na nagbalak bumili ticket kasi 11pm pa pickup time so mahaba yung paghihintay ko. Para sana masulit yung pag cocommute ko sa Manila hahaha. Pero hindi ko na tinuloy kasi baka matraffic ako at di makabalik ng 11pm sa pickup point. Kaya nung may live band tas fireworks narin, inisip ko nalang if ma cancel man yung hike namin, okay na ako magstay muna dito. Di na rin ako uuwi ng Pampanga na malungkot.

Medyo ambon lang naman the entire night sa Manila hanggang sa pag byahe na at okay naman daw ang weather sa Batangas. Around 4:30am ata kami nag start na ng trekking at medyo umaambon lang. Bumili na ako ng raincoat at gloves sa jump off para ready na. Wala akong headlamp so nakikisingit nalang talaga ako sa mga may flashlight hanggang sa di ko namalayan nauuna na pala ako sa kanila, sumusunod na ako sa tour guide. Hahaha

Noong nasa bundok na talaga kami, as in parang zero visibility at puro fog lang nakikita tapos mahangin lang ng konte. Noong nasa kalagitnaan na, medyo kitang kita na talaga yung fog kapag titingin ka sa baba hanggang sa'min. Sobrang na amaze lang ako dahil kakaiba 'to eh, ang gandang tignan, napapa wow parin talaga ako. Hanggang sa medyo napapalakas na yung hangin dahil pataas na rin kami ng pataas sa bundok. There's a time na talagang nag stop ako sa trail dahil bangin talaga tapos parang hindi ko mabalance sarili ko sa hangin. If tutuloy ko lakad, baka malaglag na ako. So nung kumalma na yung hangin, tuloy na.

Bale may 12 peaks yung Mt. Batulao at start ata ng peak 8 or 10, andun na yung gagapang kana sa medyo mabato, paakyat na talaga, tapos puro lubid na aalalay paakyat lalo na nung malapit na sa summit. Di ko na talaga maisipang mag cellphone, mag picture/video and all dahil as in focus ako sa trail. Yung vid na umaakyat uploaded here ay galing kay beb Riana. Sya din nagpilit sakin na magpicture kami nung pababa na at naka chikahan ko sya since solo joiner din pala sya.

Around 7am or so nasa summit na kami at solid bigla yung lakas ng hangin at buhos ng ulan. Although pabugso bugso yung ulan pero yung hangin tapos sobrang foggy parin ay solid talaga. Hinintay nalang namin yung iba maka akyat tapos group picture tas bumaba na rin. Sa pagbaba doon na talaga sobrang maulan tapos ang hirap sa part ko na nagsasalamin dahil basang basa at hirap na ako makakita. Kung tatanggalin ko naman, mas lalo akong mahirapan. Hahaha. Pero push parin talaga. Sobrang dulas na nung pababa namin at dun na ako talaga nadulas sa may lubid na part.

Nag side trip lang kami sa Tagaytay for early lunch at deserve na deserve namin ng bulalo after hike. Hahahaha sobrang pawi na yung pagod. Mga 3:30pm nakabalik na ng Manila so nag book nalang ako ng grab pa Cubao terminal since umuulan na rin. Another 2+ hours byahe pa hanggang makauwi pero noong nakita ko na yung singnage na Dau terminal, hayyyy ang saya dahil sa wakas ito na. Hahahaha. Ikaw parin ang aking pahinga Pampanga after sa nakakapagod na pahinga! 😆

Sobrang thankful ako sa experience na 'to dahil sobrang nag enjoy parin ako. Yung challenges talaga kasi na akala ko di ko kaya lagpasan ay nagawa ko. Kung noong sa Benguet hike ako nasabi ko ay "Mas masakit pa pala 'to sa breakup", kahapon naman ang nasabi ko while pababa kami ay "Feeling ko after neto, parang kayang kaya ko na lagpasan lahat ng dadating na problema". ✨

[bongserrano]

Batangas: My Sky and Earth—An Intimate Recollection and Reflection of My Childhood in the Philippines

To celebrate the first anniversary of Batangas: My Sky and Earth, the author is thrilled to present a special Second Edition! The eBook and hardcover editions feature high-resolution photographs in both monochrome and color, while the paperback offers enhanced black-and-white images from the original release. This unique Second Edition is a heartfelt gesture of gratitude from the author to thank readers and commemorate this significant milestone.

About the Book

When Bong Serrano learned that his older brother, Boying, had cancer, the notes he had jotted down about his childhood took on new meaning. Memories of his time with his family in the Philippines came rushing back. At the center of those memories were the precious moments he'd spent with his Kuya.   Faced with his brother's impending death, Bong asked himself: "What if one day I lose my memories? Who will remember us?" Thus began Bong's yearslong journey of immortalizing not only his childhood but also his country's history and traditions.   Bong grew up in the southern province of Batangas, on Luzon Island. Batangas: My Sky and Earth is a celebration of that childhood. This memoir takes you into a world made rich by the intricate descriptions of life in the Philippines in the 1970s and '80s, where the family unit is close, and many households are multigenerational. From family dynamics to church duties to delicious food and the inevitable annual typhoons, Bong invites you to experience his culture from the inside.   Throughout this memoir, Bong honors his childhood home and country and the memory of his beloved brother. The choice to interweave Tagalog throughout this book's pages helps to steep the story in Filipino culture further. A whole village raised this boy, and as Bong looks back on his childhood, the lessons he learned come to the foreground: clarity, forgiveness, tradition, and love.

About the Author

Bong Serrano is a proud Batangueño, hailing from the picturesque and historic province of Batangas, Philippines. His debut memoir, Batangas: My Sky and Earth, not only pays homage to his roots but also takes readers on a nostalgic journey into the heart of Filipino heritage.

Bong completed his undergraduate studies with an academic scholarship at Ateneo de Manila University and was subsequently awarded a student exchange scholarship at International Christian University in Tokyo. After dedicating several years as an international flight attendant and Japanese speaker for American Airlines, immersing himself in diverse cultures around the world, he transitioned to roles as Digital Marketing Director at both a digital marketing agency and a not-for-profit organization for men’s health in Vancouver, contributing his expertise to both organizations over a twenty-seven-year career in digital marketing.

Though Bong has called Canada home for many years, his heart remains deeply connected to Batangas, where he frequently returns to visit family and friends. He cherishes the bonds he holds dear and finds joy in sharing stories, listening to music, taking long walks along the seawall, mastering the art of cooking adobo, indulging in Asian dramas during his leisure hours, and, naturally, pursuing his passion for writing and storytelling. Bong resides in Vancouver with his life partner of over thirty years.

Bong is currently immersed in his next project, which involves writing a historical fiction. Connect with him and explore more of his work on his website at bongserrano.com.

Watch the Video Trailer

The full-length video montage of my debut memoir, premiering on YouTube for the first book signing event at Indigo on Robson Street, Vancouver, on March 3, 2024.

Second Edition Now Available in Hardcover, Paperback, and eBook

Bong Serrano Media

Amazon.ca

Amazon.com

Barnes & Noble

[sushiberry]

Turtle Encounter

This is my 3rd time doing freediving at Batangas, Philipines. Someone came to sa hi! :)

[chrisjjscit]

Is The Nautilus the Best-Kept Secret in Philippine Condo Living?

You've worked hard all your life. Isn’t it time to reward yourself with something extraordinary?

✨ Picture this: You wake up to the soothing sound of waves. Step onto your balcony and take in the breathtaking view of Calatagan’s endless blue horizon. Your morning? A peaceful stroll along the beachfront or a refreshing dip in the infinity pool.

🌊 The Nautilus isn’t just another condominium—it’s a 10-story luxury haven in Batangas that redefines living. With world-class amenities like a speakeasy, fitness center, and even a gameroom, every corner is designed for both relaxation and enjoyment.

But here’s what makes it truly special: it’s a lifestyle upgrade AND a smart investment.

Passive income: Rent out your unit when you're not there.

Growing demand: Beachfront properties like this are only becoming more valuable.

Think about it. A place where you can enjoy life at your own pace while securing your future.

So, is The Nautilus the best-kept secret in Philippine luxury condo living? Maybe. But it doesn’t have to be a secret to you.

🌴 Discover more and start imagining yourself here.

[elriz]

Let's go beachin'!

San Juan, Batangas, PH

[jeremiethrough]

I'd say I'm in the midst of moving phase. Teardrops of sadness and joy were so usual for me nowadays- in my apartment, at work (which I usually have to learn on my own), eating, and having fun on my own. I'm in a phase where I go to the supermarket alone, eat alone, go to laundry alone, and buy everything I want by myself. Lonely yet flourishing.

Being an engineer in my field is a huge accomplishment for me. Most of the time, I need to be smart and knowledgeable, which is thrilling. More to the point where my co-engineers really have a kind of life where they go to the bar (which I refer to them as bar boys and bar girls cuz they were from i think an elite class). I’m having fun here tho and most of the time I’m going with them.

Again, i’m moving forward towards growth but I miss you.

[foodiefootprints]

📍Lipa city, batangas

4/5 ⭐️

Travel to Old Grove, a secret gastronomic gem hidden away in the middle of nature, in Lipa cityBatangas and bask in its charming warmth. Enjoy every delicious bite of their dishes as you immerse yourself in the charming farm-like ambiance. Their menu is an authentic example of the culinary arts, with farm-fresh ingredients and expertly prepared flavors. What's best? The journey doesn't end there! You can enjoy a terrific day tour and a wonderful meal together for the low cost of 899 pesos. In Old Grove, the finest delights of gourmet cuisine are combined with the rural rustic charm to provide a unique experience that you won't want to miss.

Curious to know where our next adventure will take us? Stay tuned to find out where we'll leave our footprints next!

[candiesmarj]

[sirjohnmarinblog]

Batangas, Philippines

[djminte2000]

I LOVE MY COUNTRY, HATE THE CONDITIONS RN.

Chat why is the PH SO FCKING WARM RN HOLY FAK. literally today i set my shower on cold, first few seconds, cold, next 20 minutes of showering, STEAMING WATER. SIR I WANTED COLD WATER. ITS HOT. IN THE PH. IM SO FAKING DONE. 😔 bros im going insane, naol mga nasa canada (Im jealous of people in canada) ITS LITERALLY 35°C (95°F) IN SOME OF THE PLACES IN THE PH IM SO DONE WITH MY COUNTRY. pray for us filipinos pls guys 🙏😔‼️

[leche-flandom]

I haven't had a moment alone in 4 weeks until today.

No longer than 5 minutes in the bathroom, anyway. But I did have this nice night view of the beach at one point of my nightmare family trip.

[badjsarchive]

Banana Boat ride + Sunset = chef's kiss 🤌🏻✨ // Laiya, Batangas (February 2024)