BATANGAS CITY
Batangas City is a beautiful city. It is strategically located some 112 kilometers south of Metro Manila. This city is a first class, partially urbanized city and considered one of the top recreational and industrial center in the province of Batangas. It has a total population of 278,884 according to 2007 population census, and has a total land area of about 28,542 hectares which is politically subdivided into 105 poblacion and rural barangays.
Batangas became a city on July 23, 1969. It is famous for its historical landmarks like the Plaza Mabini where most people stay during the nights and the Basilica of the Immaculate Concepcion, first Catholic church of Batangas. They are are both located at the heart of this city. This fast urbanizing city is known for its local products and delicacies like the “kapeng barako” (locally brewed coffee), “Balisong Knife”, “Calderetang Batangas”, (an original meat recipe of Batanguenos), sweet macapuno, pastillas of different flavors and panutsa (peanut brittle) and of course the famous “Barong Tagalog”
a mostly hand-embroidered formal wear usually made from pineapple and banana leaves, which can be bought from nearby municipality, Taal in particular.
Batanguenos are very hospitable and peace-loving people in general and one need not be afraid of visiting this nice place. If you want to get here, you can just ride buses from Manila. It will take you less than two hours from there and if you are lucky enough, even less if you pass by the newly constructed highways and with no traffic. While in here, you can visit modern commercial establishments like SM City Batangas, Bay City Mall and other business establishments where you can buy cheaper products. Beautiful beaches and resorts are waiting for you and are located at nearby barangays and municipalities. You can stay in so many hotels here too like Hotel Fonte Fino, Days Hotel and Alpa Hotel to name a few. You can also visit and pray at the Holy Trinity church located at Pallocan West and very near the SM City. The Shrine of Monte Maria (Mama Mary Mother of the Poor Church), a perfect sanctuary for pilgrims and devotees, which overlook the Batangas Bay and the Verde Island Passage will soon be constructed in barangay Pagkilatan, this City.
Batangas City caters high quality education with these modern educational establishments: University of Batangas, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Batangas State University, Saint Bridget College, Golden Gate Colleges and a lot of science schools, computer-learning institutions, and montessories for pre-elementary, elementary and high school pupils.
Several high-class hospitals and health establishments are also available in this city like the Saint Patrick Hospital, Golden Gate Hospital, Batangas Regional Hospital, and the Jesus of Nazareth Medical Center to name some. Jeepneys and tricycles are all over this place and with just a few pesos, one can travel around the city proper, do shopping, visit friend s and see some interesting places.
