Bolboc Heritage Tour: Discover the Rich HiStory of San Juan, Batangas
It is true that without history, there would be no future. The same goes to San Juan, Batangas. If the people did not defy the construction of copper smelting plant during the Marcos era, there would be no beautiful Laiya beaches and heritage houses and sites to speak of.
Thanks to Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office for I was given the chance to know the rich story of San Juan, Batangas. Along with other tour guide apprentices, I learned many things aside from about San Juan through the Bolboc Heritage. You can check their Facebook page so you can avail their services for a very affordable package.
Bolboc Heritage (BH) is the brainchild of Mr. Zaldy Marasigan, one of the prominent clan members in San Juan. He made domestic tourism as his advocacy so that San Juan can be clearly seen in tourism maps. He established BH, a non-government organization in collaboration with Fundacion Santiago to develop community-based heritage tourism.
BH volunteers shared their knowledge about different ancient houses and ecotourism sites in San Juan. They wanted to create opportunities for volunteerism, fellowship and business linkages among people of San Juan and other interest groups so they can deliver sustainable tourism programs and educational activities.
Among the sites we visited are the following.
Benito Marasigan Ruins
First on the list of our tour is the Benito Marasigan Ruins. This neoclassical style house was owned by Zaldy Marasigan's great grandfather who wanted his abode to symbolize the coconut industry which was the source of income during the 1930s.
The three-storey house was burned down in 2009. Stories emerged that the cause was faulty wire and some was due to sun rays that penetrate the glass windows igniting the wooden frames, papers and flammable items on the third floor. Fortunately, the ground floor remained unharmed and safe for the use of BH. The sudden appearance of kawili tree there brought new life to BH and Marasigans to continue their advocacy.
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| Photo from Bolboc Heritage Tour Facebook |
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| Photo from Bolboc Heritage Tour Facebook |
Aguedo Mercado White House
Another heritage house on the south side of the poblacion was built by Aguedo Mercado and his wife Pilar Marasigan. The white house is now used as office of the family owned lending business.
Karitan in San Juan
Since 1900s, lambanog has always been the traditional product of San Juan. This is household industry present in at least 10 barangays in the said municipality. Roadside stalls can be seen selling different concoctions and flavors.
We were allowed to watch the actual process since any of the lambanog distilleries can be observed and toured. A mangangarit or coconut farmer can be seen extracting coconut nectar from the coconut bud. It may seem easy yet dangerous in the eyes of ordinary people like us. We saw one traversing a bamboo bridge with knife in his belt. He stepped on the yapakan and held on the guyabnan to transfer from one tree to another.
The sap taken from the trees is called tuba then this white liquid will be distilled to create a product that is 49% proof , 98% pure.
Obligar's Pottery
Another rich industry in San Juan is pottery. The clay used by locally run small factories is taken from the banks of Lawaye River. The products are sold on a cheap price along the streets of Barangay Palahanan.
We were so curious that we visited Obligar's pottery, which is a famous cottage industry of the town. The owners were even invited by the Marcos family to produce pots of various sizes, shapes, colors, styles and designs.
This is an example of one peso per piece rate. The products are sold for two pesos to five another peso in favor of the business owner.
It is more advisable to buy pots in the factories so you can get discounts.
The high demand of pots paved the way for the use of machines to generate the need of 400 pots per day quota.
San Juan Nepomuceno Parish Church
Next stop was San Juan's oldest church which became even popular as the church where Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos got married. The church is home to its patron saint, St. John Nepomucene, whose relic is also present there.
Century-old Acaia Trees
Beside the church are the three acacia trees located inside Batangas Eastern Colleges. The said trees stood witness to the Katipunan-related meetings of General Miguel Malvar.
Casa Leon
We also passed by this pink ancestral house called Casa Leon because of two lion statues placed on its entrance. The said house will be later transformed into museum to be open to many visitors.
Ang Mahal Na Señor Chapel
This modest chapel is open only on Fridays. We were lucky to see the statue of El Señor or Jesus Christ which was found in a shipwreck off Tayabas Bay. Aside from the statue, the chapel is also home to Pasensya and Dolorosa statues. Devotees believe that the statues answer prayers especially those written petitions burned during holy week. During the dry spell, the icon of Sto. Niño is also paraded to bring rain.
Apolonio Marasigan House
This heritage house can be photographed only from the outside. It shows the mid-century lifestyle of its owner Congressman Apolonio “Ka Poli” Marasigan and his wife Araceli or Celi.
The balcony served as the coffee place of Ka Poli overlooking the street, garden and his gasoline station.
Also astonishing to see is the 20-seater table built from a single trunk of a giant tree. This table was used by Ka Celi during her birthday celebrations.
In the garden, a giant, 133-year-old kawa, that was used to mix copra, is now a mini-pond where water lilies grow.
The silong or basement is now an art gallery called A Gallery which promotes local artists.
Cafeño
This little restaurant is located in front of Apolonio Marasigan’s house. This is run by Ka Poli's daughter, Provincial Tourism Officer Atty. Sylvia Marasigan.
We were amazed by how tables were adorned by vintage sewing machines and lamps.
Plus factor was the food served in front of us. We deliciously ate the adobo sa luyang dilaw, salted egg with tomatoes and lumpiang shanghai. They also served loming Batangas, pastries and Kapeng barako. We could not even ask for more. We were so satisfied with the food and ambiance of Cafeño.
And if you are still waiting for others to finish their meal, you can also read novels and magazines there.
With the wonderful memories and stories shared, I can give a five star recommendation for this San Juan Heritage Tour. Not that I am a Batangueño but I really enjoyed how informative yet engaging. Next time I come over San Juan, I will try the Laiya Adventure Park to complete my experiences in the easternmost part of Batangas.
You can contact them thru 09209293298 so you will satisfy your cravings for history and fun adventures.
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