Kaliwaliw

If you are an occasional hiker like me, Mount Macolod—also spelled Mount Maculot—in Cuenca, Batangas is the kind of mountain that easily catches your attention. It is close enough for a day trip from Metro Manila, offers spectacular views of Taal Lake, and has a reputation for being challenging without requiring the level of preparation expected for a major mountain expedition. However, there is one very important update for anyone planning a trip in 2026: Mount Macolod is currently closed to all hiking and climbing activities. The Cuenca Tourism Office reiterated in July 2026 that the prohibition applies to the entire mountain, including the Rockies, summit, and other routes. The closure is connected to rehabilitation, environmental protection, and tourism-management efforts. So while I can review what the Mount Macolod hiking experience is like based on established trail information and previous hikers' experiences, I would not recommend attempting the hike until the local gover...

There are places that we visit simply because they are beautiful, and there are places that leave us with a feeling of peace long after we have gone home. Caleruega Church in Nasugbu, Batangas is one of those special places. When my fiancée and I visited Caleruega, we discovered that it was more than just a beautiful church and a popular wedding venue. It was a place where nature, faith, architecture, and quiet moments come together in one peaceful destination. Often associated with Tagaytay because of its location along the Tagaytay–Nasugbu route, Caleruega Church is actually located in Barangay Kaylaway, Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas. The property is known for the Chapel of the Transfiguration, beautiful gardens, retreat facilities, scenic walking paths, and a relaxing atmosphere surrounded by greenery and mountain scenery. For couples like us, families, travelers, photographers, and people looking for a quiet place to pray and reflect, Caleruega is an excellent destination. In this gui...

If you are looking for a meaningful destination in Batangas that combines faith, breathtaking views, peaceful surroundings, and memorable experiences, Montemaria International Pilgrimage and Conference Center is a place worth adding to your travel list. When my fiancé and I visited Montemaria, we quickly realized that it was more than just a religious destination. It was also a place where we could slow down, appreciate the scenery, spend quality time together, and experience one of the most impressive landmarks in Batangas. Located in Barangay Pagkilatan, Batangas City, Montemaria sits on a scenic plateau overlooking Batangas Bay and the Verde Island Passage. Its most recognizable landmark is the enormous Mother of All Asia – Tower of Peace , a monument dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary as a symbol of unity and peace in Asia and around the world. The official Montemaria site describes the center as a faith-based tourism destination located within a larger 130-hectare township devel...

There are times when we travel not because we want to fill our itinerary with activities, but because we simply want to slow down, breathe fresh air, and spend meaningful time together. That was exactly what my fiancé and I were looking for when we visited Kapusod Treehouse in Batangas. Located in Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas, along the shores of Taal Lake, Kapusod is very different from the typical resort. It is not the kind of destination where we would expect luxurious hotel rooms, loud music, crowded swimming pools, or an endless list of commercial attractions. Instead, Kapusod offers something much simpler and, for us, much more meaningful: nature, silence, beautiful scenery, sustainable living, and quality time together. Kapusod is particularly known for its iconic bamboo treehouse overlooking Taal Lake, but there is much more to discover once we step inside the property. From its natural swimming pool and lush gardens to its unique accommodations and lakeside dining, the place give...

When we are looking for a restaurant in Batangas City where we can enjoy good Filipino food in a relaxing atmosphere, TAGGO Grill & Resto is one of the places that deserves to be on our list. During our visit, we discovered why this restaurant has become a popular dining destination for families, friends, groups, and even solo diners looking for flavorful grilled dishes and Filipino comfort food. TAGGO Grill & Resto is located at 304 Gulod Labak, Poblacion, Batangas City, Batangas. Based on current restaurant listings and customer reviews, the restaurant has earned a strong 4.7-star rating, with hundreds of reviews, making it one of the more highly rated restaurants in Batangas City. It is also known for its grill and Filipino-style dishes, generous servings, relaxed setting, and friendly service. Our First Impression of TAGGO Grill & Resto When my family and I visited TAGGO Grill & Resto, one of the first things we appreciated was that the restaurant did not feel like ...

When our family visited Taal, Batangas, one of the places we wanted to experience was Don Juan Boodle House, a Filipino restaurant known for its traditional boodle fight meals and local Batangas specialties. For us, visiting Taal is not only about seeing historic houses, old churches, and beautiful heritage streets—it is also about experiencing the food that makes the town special. Don Juan Boodle House turned out to be an excellent stop for anyone who wants to enjoy classic Filipino dishes in a casual, family-friendly setting. Located along Calle Jose W. Diokno in Taal, Batangas, Don Juan Boodle House is conveniently situated near the Taal public market and within the heritage-town area. The restaurant has become a popular dining destination for visitors looking for authentic Filipino cuisine, particularly the famous Taal specialties and boodle meals. Current listings show the restaurant with a rating of around 4.3 out of 5 from hundreds of Google reviews, making it one of the more re...