City of Sto. Tomas, Batangas Mayor starts the ball rolling for NJLA-LGU English Proficiency through Literature project

MOA Signing of NJLA-City of Sto. Tomas Batangas English Proficiency through Literature project. (L-R) Loida S. Virtudazo, Executive Vice President-General Manager, Philippines Graphic; Vice Mayor Catherine Jaurigue-Perez, City of Sto. Tomas, Batangas; Mayor Arth Jhun A. Marasigan, City of Sto. Tomas, Batangas; and Leah Caling-Bonotan, Special Projects Officer, NJLA-LGU Project

The City of Sto. Tomas, Batangas is the first local government partner of the Nick Joaquin Literary Awards (NJLA)-Local Government Unit (LGU) Advocacy for English Proficiency through Literature project.

The NJLA-LGU project is the brainchild of Philippines Graphic, initiator of the NJLA and the Philippines Graphic Reader, the only monthly magazine completely devoted to publishing the short stories and poems written in English by budding and veteran Filipino writers and poets.  

At the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement here between City of Sto. Tomas, Batangas Mayor Arth Jhun A. Marasigan and Philippines Graphic Executive Vice President-General Manager Loida S. Virtudazo, city officials said that the project will benefit Grade 9 and Grade 10 students in the city’s five public high schools.

Periveo By Golden Home Realty Brings Premium Living In Lipa City

Investing in real estate especially in the province is indeed a great choice especially when one would like to retire in a strategic location that has that province ambiance yet also near essential centers like the market, hospitals, and town centers. Golden Home Realty, an HG-III Construction & Development Corp. affiliate, recently unveiled their flagship project located in the City of Lipa called Periveo. It's located along Lipa-Ibaan Rd and has a scenic view of Mount Malarayat and Mount Makulot and its high elevation brings a colder climate compared to surrounding towns in the province.

They revealed three primary units and have them blessed which will also serve as showroom units for clients. The development spans up to 42 hectares and will have both residential and commercial spaces. The property is also filled with a wide array of resort-style amenities, and future commercial features, and amazing nature of Batangas. 

Indulge in luxury seaside living at Freia in Hamilo Coast

Nestled in the picturesque Pico De Loro Cove in
Hamilo Coast is Freia, a premier leisure resort
community in Nasugbu, Batangas,

Do images of ‘sand, sea, and surf’ dance inside your heads as you and your family pine for a beach getaway? Does everyday life in charming and elegantly appointed beachfront homes appeal to you? Do you envision looking out, at any time of the day, on calming vistas of placid sea and verdant mountains? 

This idyllic environment—of serenity and natural beauty—is a priceless indulgence that affluent Filipinos can look forward to at Freia, the most luxurious condominium development to date in the sprawling seaside estate of Costa Del Hamilo, Inc., a duly recognized company under SM Prime. 

Eastern Communications, Newisland Media Vision Inc. seal partnership to provide reliable connectivity solutions in Batangas

From right to left seated, Ruel Juan the Operations Manager, Eusebio “Boy” Magnaye the President & Chairman of Newisland Media Vision, Inc. For Eastern Anthony Co Head of Regional Sales, Tonie Casas Head of Strategic Marketing. Right to left standing, Jhonas De Claro Executive Account Manager and Edmar Alday Head of Luzon Regional Operations.

Eastern Communications, one of the premier telecommunications companies in the country, continues its goal of democratizing technology across the country as it sealed a partnership with Batangas-based CATV operator, Newisland Media Vision, Inc.

Hamilo Coast fosters New Open Living with Sola at Pico De Loro Cove

Artist’s Illustration. Sola, developed by Costa Del Hamilo Inc.
(CDHI), is redefining primary living in the new normal:
 its gated 2.7-hectare enclave offers the prospect of living
 with nature while within arm’s reach of modern conveniences.

If there was a silver lining to this pandemic, it would be people realizing that there is more to life than what was previously dreamt of in their work-life philosophy — intruded upon by nightmare phrases such as “cramped cubicles,” “daily commute,” and “corporate rat race.”

When most of us had to adjust to working remotely, attending on-line classes, and managing day-to-day activities at home during a strict lockdown, it made us aware how spending more time with family and taking care of our health are crucial in overcoming the current situation. The need to reassess our lifestyle and admit the urgency of stepping back, taking stock, and taking a breather arose.

FREIA at Pico de Loro Cove: A seaside condo that refreshes you daily

(Artist’s perspective) The contemporary tropical architecture
 captures the expansive views of the sea, mountains and
 man-made Pico Lagoon. FREIA’s distinctive three-step roofline 
mimics the rugged hillside terrain.

COVID fears and quarantine restrictions have driven Filipinos to seek refuge outside of the city.  Closeness to nature, a healthier environ, and the avoidance of curtailed freedom are the main reasons.  Likewise, advance technology has made remote working easier, thus setting the trend towards relocation. 

FREIA is the newest gem within Pico de Loro Cove at Hamilo Coast, the prime leisure resort community located in Nasugbu, Batangas. A fitting apex and the most luxurious after eight mid-rise residential condominium developments in the sprawling 40-hectare estate, FREIA at Pico de Loro Cove offers prime units with panoramic views of the West Philippine Sea and Mount Pico. The whole of Pico de Loro Cove (developed by SM Prime’s Costa Del Hamilo Incorporated) guarantees the seclusion, security and serenity required for a quick recharge or remote business supervision.  Yet, it is a mere half-hour drive to Nasugbu town proper and an hour and a half commute to Metro Manila. 

BRIA Homes offers modern communities in progressive Batangas

The BRIA Lipa and BRIA Balayan projects in Batangas
are a top draw for Filipinos—both locals and migrants—who
 see the province as an idyllic place to live or work in. 

Batangas, a province that is famous for its old churches, heritage sites, affordable beach resorts and dive spots, and adventure sports, is currently on the rise as a prime location for business and residential communities. Less than two hours’ drive south of Metro-Manila, Batangas has, in fact, become a top draw for Filipinos—both locals and migrants—who see the province as an idyllic place to live or retire in. 

In a move to bolster mobility for travelers, the government’s bold infrastructure programs are currently in place. Once fully completed, the new road networks will make life easier for Filipinos in terms of traveling to Batangas from any point in Luzon. 

Kapuso star Bianca Umali visits children affected by Taal Volcano eruption

Kapuso star Bianca Umali joined child-focused NGO World Vision in Laurel, Batangas last February 7 to visit and help distribute learners’ kits to about 400 school-aged children from Grade 1 to 7. Each kit contains a school bag, school supplies, and art materials to help hundreds of children who temporarily stopped schooling due to the eruption.

As World Vision’s Youth Ambassador for Education, Bianca Umali hoped to inspire the children with a message of hope amidst difficult times brought by Taal Volcano eruption. 

Shawarma Shack Provides Relief To Taal Volcano Victims

The effects of the volcanic eruption of Taal has indeed affected a lot of lives in the Batangas and Cavite provinces, particularly those within the range around the Taal Lake. Many families has been displaced and many properties has been destroyed by the volcanic earthquakes and ashfall on homes, livestock, and farms. 

Shawarma Shack was one of those companies who made their own initiative in bringing aid to affected areas. Some of the areas they went was the town of Tanauan, Batangas wherein they brought in trucks of relief items to over 1000 families in different barangays and evacuation centers.

Experience Fluffy Goodness in Every Bite

Nippon Premium Bakery Inc. launched a variety of breads under the brand Fuwa Fuwa at their plant in Lot 10 Block 2 First Philippine Industrial Park, 2, Santo Tomas, Batangas last June 26, 2019. Fuwa Fuwa means “fluffy” in Nihongo which perfectly describes these bread variants and are sure to bring the exciting taste of Japan in every bite!

Established in 2017, Nippon Premium Bakery Inc. was formed with the combined strength of Sojitz Corporation (with more than 150 years in general trading business), Ryoyu Baking Co. Ltd. (with more than 70 years of experience in the Japanese bakery industry manufacturing different bread products that are sold wholesale and they also have 95 bakeries in Japan) and JR&R Distributors Inc. (one of the biggest distributors in the Philippines). 

HISTORIA, CULINARIA, Y CULTURA: A Celebration of Philippine Independence Day Through Food, Fashion & Culture

Experience a celebration of Philippine Independence Day like no other when HISTORIA, CULINARIA, Y CULTURA kicks off on June 8, 2019. The 2-day festival celebrates 121 years of Philippine Independence through a showcase of heritage food, fashion and culture in Taal Heritage Town, Taal, Batangas.

The Historia aspect aims to educate visitors on interesting and little known facts about Philippine significant segments in Philippine history, particularly on the aspects of art and architecture. There will be talks by experts on Philippine History Art and Architecture, and guided tours to historical places in Taal—especially the houses of illustrious Filipino families that have helped achieve Filipino nationhood.

"Banca Ni DV" Project of Oplan Pamamalakaya Provides Boats For Fishermen of Batangas

Fishermen of Batangas were the beneficiaries of the special project of Oplan Pamamalakaya which aims to provide new fishing boats or bancas to poor communities in the country. Dubbed as "Banca Ni DV," the boats were donated by DV Boer Farm International Corporation (DVBFI), headed by its CEO Dexter Villamin. The beneficiaries came from the coastal areas around Matabungkay in the town of Lian.

Oplan Pamamalakaya is a DVBFI initiative intended to offer profitable and sustainable livelihood opportunities for the members of Magsasaka Inc., a legitimate non-governmental organization (NGO), with the purpose to contribute to the country's overall agricultural progress and development not only in  terms of livestock farming but crop production and fisheries as well.

Hamilo Coast & WWF: Nurturing a Sustainable Partnership

Pico de Loro Cove, Hamilo Coast’s maiden development,
is home to residential condominium developments
and a variety of leisure amenities at the
Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club.

The Philippines ranks third in plastic pollution in terms of dumping plastic into our oceans. This is largely caused by inefficient waste disposal in the country and poor awareness of the problem. Because of this, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, has been closely involved in coastal cleanups and other initiatives around the country to instill the importance of tackling this issue. 

On its 11th landmark year, Hamilo Coast and WWF-Philippines’ partnership now stands firmly on environmental programs aimed at not just ending plastic pollution but also at preserving its surrounding nature. Hamilo Coast, with the help of WWF-Philippines, has gone way beyond annual coastal cleanups and has carefully planted sustainability within its day to day operations. 

Coastal Warriors of Hamilo Coast

Being close to nature’s wonders is a luxury in itself. With the breadth of its natural charms, Hamilo Coast ensures preservation of its natural bounty together with its long-standing partner – WWF Philippines (WWF), a close ally in environmental stewardship. 

Together, Hamilo Coast and WWF have implemented several programs to guarantee the upkeep of the pristine, coastal surroundings. A focal point is Reef to Ridge Management, a program that centers on both the land and seas, acknowledging that everything that happens on the ridge, has a direct effect on the reef. A significant feat through this program was the declaration of Hamilo Coast’s three coves – Pico de Loro, Santelmo, and Etayo coves as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The monitoring and conservation of these coves is especially dedicated to the protection and maintenance of marine biodiversity, ecosystems, and resources. As a result of this effort, Hamilo Coast’s MPAs have been a go-to destination for snorkeling, fish feeding, and even quick dives in the area; not to mention the significant increase in fish catch in its other coves that of course were affected by the healthy ecosystem of the MPAs.  

Pancake House is coming home!

One of the country's proudest dining traditions moves forward by going back

What makes a good restaurant? For pancake House, the answer is simple; a taste and feel of home.

The popular pancacke chain recently debuted a new look for its next generation for Filipino diners in Lipa City, Batangas. Now part of the Max's family of brands, Pancakes House refurbished theme is inspired by its beloved heritage.

"Pancake House remains a household name with a loyal following," say Jim Fuentebella, Branding Director of Max's Group Inc. "But with the highly competitive market it is facing, we decided we needed to do something to bring back to the forefront of its dining category."

LAKBAYAN: Aquaria Beach Resort Batangas

Summer is officially declared and what you have in your mind by default would either be Boracay, Palawan, or Baguio. And with the weather intensifying, we would like to go somewhere to bathe in the sun, sand, and the sea. But those locations are quite far for the urban dwellers like me. However, there is not much white sand beaches near the metro which can par with the common beach destinations and to think they are already crowded with many local and foreign tourists. However, a very great alternative for this is only a 2-3 hour drive from Manila and that is Calatagan, Batangas. 

LAKABYAN: Playa Laiya Is Home In A Tropical Paradise

ONE NO LONGER HAS TO TRAVEL TO A FAR AWAY ISLAND to enjoy surf, sun and sea at a world-class beach resort. The luxurious beach at Playa Laiya leisure community in San Juan, Batangas is the perfect beachside residence and leisure destination to go with family and friends--it's only two hours and thirty minutes away from Metro Manila.