Idyllic Calatagan

Calatagan, Batangas is one of the places here in Luzon that I would love to visit again and again if possible. The journey may be long and tiring but there's excitement upon reaching the place. It has a lot of interesting shoreline, hillside and just plain greens. I also love the fact that there are so many things to discover and do here. The people are also friendly and full of tales.

The Lighthouse of Calatagan also know as: Punta de Santiago, Faro de Santiago, Cape Santiago or even plain "parola." This was constructed in 1890 and was named Punta or Faro de Santiago since it was Don Santiago Zobel who donated the land where it stood. Reference: Calatagan Lighthouse Punta de Santiago

Although we weren't able to go inside the lighthouse when we went there, I am happy to have seen it outside the gate. There's the feeling of happiness with this lighthouse adventure. Manong, or rather my reluctant travel guide a.k.a. tricyle driver doesn't really want to drive me to the lighthouse saying that there's not much to see except a lighthouse. I guess he got tired of going to this place for the millionth time humoring a "tourist" like me. But he relented upon learning that this is my first time to see one up close.

And since the caretaker's not around to let us in, and because Manong must have sensed my disappointment, he drove us to the other side of the lighthouse to see its other spectacular angle. We also had to ask permission from this beachfront owners since this shore is already a private property. But we got lucky.

From this place, only the tower is visible. I can just imagine it at night all lit up and competing with the stars. The light guiding the ships so that they won't get lost at night time especially during a stormy night- a friendly presence.

Then we made another side-trip to a cliff side this time. The sea was not the blue and there was a hint of rain on the horizon but the view was lovely to me even if I have a preference for a calm sea. I also love how the strong breeze lands gently upon my face- a poetry from nature.

Then its time to head back to town and visit the church. Santo Domingo de Silos was built in 1913. Reference: Calatagan, Batangas.

The facade of the church made me think of the pueblos I've seen on television and movies. It is exciting to find one here in Calatagan. And being the romantic that I am, I'd love to be able to witness a sunset wedding here and afterwards, the wedding celebration will take place on the plaza.

Statue of Alfonso Zobel de Ayala y Roxas. He stands proudly, majestically in the plaza.

Calatagan is truly worth visiting not just because you want to go to the beach or go diving but because it is also steeped in history and culture.