Top three travel experiences in San Juan, Batangas

Batangas is a short two to three-hour drive away from Manila, making it the direct target of those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the metro. Last Saturday, “Weekend Getaway” did just that and took couple Chuckie and Yen Dreyfus on a short but sweet trip to San Juan, Batangas. San Juan is a first class municipality located at the easternmost part of Batangas. To further promote the town’s numerous resorts, gorgeous beaches, and dive sites, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo made San Juan a priority area for tourism development in 2010. So for those who planning to explore San Juan, here are three travel experiences that you shouldn’t miss when you visit the seaside town. 1. When someone offers you a glass of lambanog, say “yes!” If you’re visiting San Juan, it’s guaranteed that someone will offer you a glass of lambanog at least once. When that happens, don’t refuse. Lambanog-making is one of San Juan’s major industries, so there’s no surprise if drinking it is also one of the things that town locals enjoy the most. San Juan residents, being the warm and accommodating people that they are, leave no one out of the loop, even tourists. Tourists are invited to join merry circles of men and women as they pass around glasses of lambanog—and everyone is expected to take a shot! While nothing beats the taste of good old lambanog, you may want to try something new by tasting any one of San Juan’s many fruit-flavored lambanog concoctions. In several restaurants, lambanog is sold in different flavors, including apple, orange, jackfruit, and four seasons. So remember: Eat a lot, but always save some space for the lambanog. You can never be sure how many glasses you’re going to get. 2. Have more fun underwater. Last week’s Weekend Warriors Chuckie and Yen Dreyfus had a lot of fun exploring the underwater world of San Juan. Yen, despite being terrified at first, eventually enjoyed snorkeling. They also swam through the coral meadow of Marulas, a six-foot-deep coral garden is located around three kilometers southeast of Laiya.  After a tiring day of looking exploring San Juan’s underwater riches, tourists can also relax along the shores of Laiya beach. 3. Kapeng barako is good, but barako ice cream is better. Try both. No one should leave San Juan without a taste of kapeng barako. But for that extra kick and sugar high, barako ice cream is also a must-try. Some restaurants even pour barako coffee over their barako ice cream for an extra special caffeine overload. Barako ice cream tastes a lot like mocha, but with the special aroma of authentic Batangas coffee. After trying the dessert for the first time, Chuckie Dreyfus said he would definitely like to have it again soon. -- Mia Enriquez, PF/GMA News