The Backpack Adventures

Located at Plaza Mabini Street, Balayan in the province of Batangas, Balayan Church is one of the Spanish colonial era churches in the province. It is also listed as a National Cultural Treasure. Balayan Church Balayan Church History Also known as Immaculate Conception Parish Church , Balayan Church was constructed sometime in 1591 under the directives of the Jesuit Order right after the Franciscans turned over the supervision of the town to them.  Balayan Church - Balayan, Batangas Balayan Church facade with the newly constructed biblical images at its plaza. The red brick bell tower of Balayan Church NHI Marker of Balayan Church The first church was made from light materials mainly wood, bamboo, and nipa which were abundant in the area. However, due to the growing number of devotees and the frequent damages brought by Mother Earth, a new stone church was built in 1795. The church was dedicated in honor of the  Immaculate Conception  which is the patroness o

Located at the poblacion of Calaca in the province of Batangas, Calaca Church is one of the Spanish colonial era churches of the province. Calaca Church -  St. Raphael the Archangel Parish Church Calaca Church History Also known as St. Raphael the Archangel Parish Church , Calaca Church was said to be founded in 1836 which was a year after the establishment of the town of Calaca. The church was built from the collective sacrifices and efforts of the townspeople of the town. It was said that the men and women of Calaca gathered the materials needed to build the church from the town of Balayan. Using their bancas or small riverboats, they hauled the sand, stone, wood, adobe, and limestone and brought them to Calaca via the Pansipit River. Those materials would then be hauled by the locals to the site where the church would be constructed.  Calaca Church - Calaca, Batangas Calaca Church facade The Apostolic Penitentiary posted outside the church during our visit

Located in Sitio Aroma, Barangay Butong, Taal in the Province of Batangas, Abby's Garden Resort is one of the top outdoor wedding venues in Taal.  Abby's Garden Resort Abby's Garden Resort History Established on March 6, 2009,   Abby's Garden Resort   was built in the conscious effort of providing possible guests with a quality venue for their once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Speaking of the venue, this Mediterranean-inspired resort has a wide well-manicured lawn which serves as a great venue for debuts and weddings.  It can also be used for team building activities and camping type of stay for huge group activities. Other amenities include the family and children's pool which is a few meters away from the garden and a rental billiard table inside the hotel.  Abby's Garden Resort - Taal, Batangas Welcome to Sitio Aroma home of Abby's Garden Resort Continue left for more parking The Mediterranean style hotel The pool as seen from the 2nd-