Taal Church, Minor Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours - Largest church in Asia (11.27.2021)

 The Taal Basilica, canonically known as the Minor Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours (Filipino: Basilika ni San Martin ng Tours; Spanish: Basílica Menor de San Martín de Tours), is a minor basilica in the town of Taal, Batangas, in the Philippines, within the Archdiocese of Lipa. It is considered to be the largest church in the Philippines and in Asia, standing 88.6 metres (291 ft) long and 48 metres (157 ft) wide. Martin of Tours is the patron saint of Taal, whose fiesta is celebrated every November 11. Source: Wikipedia

 

When we are new to a place, we usually visit the church. Aside from simple thanksgiving, it will actually connect you to people especially to the locals, food and native products the town has to offer. We were able to buy 'tawilis' as well, fish native to Taal.

 

It was my family's first time in Taal, Batangas. So it is a must to drop by at the church. True to how it is called, the church is really huge. Taking picture was also mandatory. :)

Balayan Bay - Lemery Batangas (11.27.2021)

Balayan Bay is a large bay of Luzon Island in the Philippines. It is part of the Verde Island Passage and its entire shore is in the province of Batangas. The bay is between 23 to 28 kilometers (14 to 17 mi) wide. It is separated from the South China Sea to the west by the Calatagan Peninsula, which has Cape Santiago as its southern point. The Calumpan Peninsula forms the bay's eastern side, that separates it from Batangas Bay.   Source: Wikipedia

 

We were invited by a friend whom I use to work with in my previous job in Ibiden Philippines. Tina is from Calaca and has a friend who owns a resort in Lemery, Batangas, where we stayed. The place was peaceful but remotely located. Locals were very kind and approachable.

 

She was so persistent that made us finally agree. Since it is still pandemic, safety protocols were properly observed. It was actually for the kids to enjoy who have been locked up at home for a long time already.

It has been quite a while since we had our trip to the beach. It was March 2019 when we had our last. We went to Camaya Coast in Bataan (will make a write up soon).

 

Here are some photos taken with my kids, Abraham and Jacob!. :)