The first recorded name of the Province was Kumintang, after the Datu who inherited the dominion from Datu Balensusa. Its centre, the present day Balayan (from balay, the old Tagalog term for houses), was the most progressive town of the Province and the traditional centre of governance. Later, as the eruption of the Taal Volcano destroyed a significant portion of the town, the provincial centre was transferred to Taal, which was then called Bonbon (meaning a group of anything that is tied or piled together) and the name of the province was changed after that of the town.
The term batangan means a raft, the people used so that they could fish in 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.
Way of Life
Maria Kalaw Katigbak, a Filipino historian, was quoted to call the Batangueños the Super-Tagalogs. This is because these group of people belonging to the Tagalog stock is the paramount example of what one can expect from this ethnolinguistic group. And indeed, when you ask someone to overact a Tagalog, they would imitate the Batangueños.
One particular custom in the Batangan culture is the so called Matanda sa Dugo (lit. older by blood) practice wherein one gives respect not because of age but of consanguinity. During the early times, the custom of having very large families are very common. Thus, it may be expected that the someone's uncle could be of the same age, or even younger than himself. In this case, the older one would call the younger one in an honorary title (such as tiyo or simply kuya if they can no longer establish the relationship), not the other way around. This often draws confusion to those from other provinces who are not accustomed to such practices.
Batangueños are very regionalistic. When one learns that a person in the room is also from Batangas, expect them to be together until the end of the event. It is also expected that those in office would favour their fellow Batangueños as long as the rules could allow it. Thus the running joke, the Batangas Mafia came to existence.
They also tend to live in a large extended family. It is but common that a piece of land remains undivided until the family connection becomes to far-off related. Marriages between relatives of the fifth generation is still restrained in the Batangan culture even if Philippine laws allow it.
Batangueños are heavy drinkers. Men, and sometimes women, could spend long hours of drinking sessions as if there would be no more work the next day. This is specially true if you are to visit the far-flung barangays.
One particular custom in the Batangan culture is the so called Matanda sa Dugo (lit. older by blood) practice wherein one gives respect not because of age but of consanguinity. During the early times, the custom of having very large families are very common. Thus, it may be expected that the someone's uncle could be of the same age, or even younger than himself. In this case, the older one would call the younger one in an honorary title (such as tiyo or simply kuya if they can no longer establish the relationship), not the other way around. This often draws confusion to those from other provinces who are not accustomed to such practices.
Batangueños are very regionalistic. When one learns that a person in the room is also from Batangas, expect them to be together until the end of the event. It is also expected that those in office would favour their fellow Batangueños as long as the rules could allow it. Thus the running joke, the Batangas Mafia came to existence.
They also tend to live in a large extended family. It is but common that a piece of land remains undivided until the family connection becomes to far-off related. Marriages between relatives of the fifth generation is still restrained in the Batangan culture even if Philippine laws allow it.
Batangueños are heavy drinkers. Men, and sometimes women, could spend long hours of drinking sessions as if there would be no more work the next day. This is specially true if you are to visit the far-flung barangays.
What to Do in Batangas
Swim. The reef is carved to create small swimming areas at the foot of the ladders.
Kick back, relax, and soak up the tropical ambiance. That's what this place is all about!
St. Martin de Tours Church, located in the Taal section of Batangasa, one of the biggest catholic churches in all of southeast asia.
Lots of beaches, resorts with swimming pools, and restaurants.
Swimming and snorkeling around Sobrero island to see the corals. Beautiful colors!
Explore the mountains on a mountain bike with the Batangas Mountain Bikers, a group of local cyclists based in Batangas City.
Kick back, relax, and soak up the tropical ambiance. That's what this place is all about!
St. Martin de Tours Church, located in the Taal section of Batangasa, one of the biggest catholic churches in all of southeast asia.
Lots of beaches, resorts with swimming pools, and restaurants.
Swimming and snorkeling around Sobrero island to see the corals. Beautiful colors!
Explore the mountains on a mountain bike with the Batangas Mountain Bikers, a group of local cyclists based in Batangas City.
What to Buy in Batangas
The Barong Tagalog, one of philippines trademarks, as it is worn during special occasions.
The Balisong, butterfly knives, one of Batangueno's trademark, as shown by Dencio Padilla in his movies. Theres a lot of imitations of Balisong, but the authentic ones are made in Barangay Balisong, in Taal town, Batangas, hence the name balisong...
Batangas is famous for its panutsa (Peanut Brittle), Sinaing na Tulingan (small tuna in vinegar), suman (rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves), and the longganisa and tapa made in Taal Town, the achara of Calaca, and Bagoong of Balayan towns.
Sweets like macapuno, ube and pastillas are famous in the town of Malvar, particularly the Elsa's Sweet Candies in San Gregorio Malvar Batangas.
For Batangas Souvenirs and products, you may get in touch with the Batangas Province Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Saplot Batangenyo,Batangas novelty shirts, “For the first time, the Batangueños had something they can wear and show off a shirt that they can show the world who they are, that they a
re Batangueños through and through, and they are proud of it, That’s because we define the message ourselves. The goal was to have religious, intelligent ridiculous, and gross message presented with class and style.(likhang sining ng Emmanuel's tatakan @ibp.)
The Balisong, butterfly knives, one of Batangueno's trademark, as shown by Dencio Padilla in his movies. Theres a lot of imitations of Balisong, but the authentic ones are made in Barangay Balisong, in Taal town, Batangas, hence the name balisong...
Batangas is famous for its panutsa (Peanut Brittle), Sinaing na Tulingan (small tuna in vinegar), suman (rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves), and the longganisa and tapa made in Taal Town, the achara of Calaca, and Bagoong of Balayan towns.
Sweets like macapuno, ube and pastillas are famous in the town of Malvar, particularly the Elsa's Sweet Candies in San Gregorio Malvar Batangas.
For Batangas Souvenirs and products, you may get in touch with the Batangas Province Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Saplot Batangenyo,Batangas novelty shirts, “For the first time, the Batangueños had something they can wear and show off a shirt that they can show the world who they are, that they a
re Batangueños through and through, and they are proud of it, That’s because we define the message ourselves. The goal was to have religious, intelligent ridiculous, and gross message presented with class and style.(likhang sining ng Emmanuel's tatakan @ibp.)
Batangas Food
About Batangas Food:
Ask the locals about their "kilawin", it is fresh fish soaked in vinegar and acidic juices like lemon, lime, or the local kalamansi, with lots of tiny chopped onions, fresh garlic, and hot peppers, its really good when the fish is still very fresh, as in just caught and straight ahead to the chopping board.
Fried longganisa and Tapang Taal with Atchara.
Beef Kaldereta and Beef Tadyang at the A & M Restaurant.
Hamburger at the Hungry Hippo in Batangas City.
Crispy Pata at The Only Place / The Other Place Restaurants.
Pritong Tilapia caught fresh from Taal Lake.
Maliputo is a delicious fish found only at Taal Lake.
Tawilis is another delicacy - small fishes caught only in Taal Lake.
Pancit Tikyano (red stir-fried noodles) from Letty's in Batangas City.
Hot Chocolate in a roadside stand en route to Mabini and Anilao.
Kapeng Barako, the coffee that made the province famous.
Lomi in Pangao Ibaan is the best and try their original mouth-watering Tamales.
Ask the locals about their "kilawin", it is fresh fish soaked in vinegar and acidic juices like lemon, lime, or the local kalamansi, with lots of tiny chopped onions, fresh garlic, and hot peppers, its really good when the fish is still very fresh, as in just caught and straight ahead to the chopping board.
Fried longganisa and Tapang Taal with Atchara.
Beef Kaldereta and Beef Tadyang at the A & M Restaurant.
Hamburger at the Hungry Hippo in Batangas City.
Crispy Pata at The Only Place / The Other Place Restaurants.
Pritong Tilapia caught fresh from Taal Lake.
Maliputo is a delicious fish found only at Taal Lake.
Tawilis is another delicacy - small fishes caught only in Taal Lake.
Pancit Tikyano (red stir-fried noodles) from Letty's in Batangas City.
Hot Chocolate in a roadside stand en route to Mabini and Anilao.
Kapeng Barako, the coffee that made the province famous.
Lomi in Pangao Ibaan is the best and try their original mouth-watering Tamales.
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