Guide to Newest Additions
Pottery in San Juan Batangas – Palayok, Banga, Heritage
In the heart of San Juan, Batangas’s clay‑rich lands, the age‑old craft of shaping the palayok and banga quietly continues from the 1950’s onward, melding livelihood and heritage. Passed down through family‑kilns and marked each December in the vibrant Lambayok Festival, this pottery tradition isn’t just utilitarian—it’s the town’s living story of earth, fire, and identity.
Batangas as a Philippine Maritime Trade Node before 1571
Before the arrival of the Spaniards, Batangas was already a bustling node in a maritime trade network linking Manila, Mindoro, and the Visayas. Archaeological finds, including imported ceramics and evidence of active coastal settlements, reveal a province deeply integrated into pre-Hispanic regional commerce.
Pre-Colonial Burial Practices in Batangas
Before Spanish colonization, the people of Batangas employed elaborate burial customs—interring their dead in distinctive pottery vessels, alongside imported ceramics from across Asia. These practices not only reflect rich belief-systems about life and afterlife, but also underscore the region’s active participation in ancient maritime trade and social stratification.
Unearthing the Pinagbayanan Ruins of San Juan Batangas: From Archaeological Discovery to National Landmark
The Austronesians began their great voyage from Taiwan some 4,000 years ago, carrying with them the seeds of language, culture, and seafaring genius that would shape the islands of the Pacific and beyond. Their departure marked not just migration, but the beginning of the most far-reaching human expansion ever driven by the sea.
Encomiendas and the Making of Colonial Batangas
Batangas evolved from a province dominated by abaca and coconut production to a diversified rural economy by the 20th century. Global demand, ecological challenges, and local innovation reshaped its towns, crops, and livelihoods. Discover how this agricultural transformation defined Batangas’ economic resilience.
Formation of Batangas' Pueblos Early in the Spanish Era
Batangas’s earliest pueblos emerged under Spanish rule through a deliberate process of religious, administrative, and demographic reorganization—transforming dispersed native barangays into church-centered towns. The article traces how the Augustinian missionaries (with colonial support) selected sites for these settlements, only for many to be later relocated because of raids and volcanic eruptions.
Puerto de Taal: The Forgotten Port that Fed a Province
Before the 1754 eruption, Puerto de Taal served as a lakeshore port and redistribution hub linking Batangas to the sea — a vital artery of trade, tribute, timber, and food. Then disaster struck: a volcanic blast buried the channel, ended its role, and forced trade to move elsewhere. This forgotten port lives now only in maps, chronicles, and memory — a powerful reminder of how nature can erase a whole economic network.
Women Spiritual Leaders in Pre-Hispanic Batangas
In pre-Hispanic Batangas, women known as catalonan held central roles as spiritual leaders, guiding communities through rituals for healing, agriculture, and life’s major transitions. Archaeological evidence and early Spanish accounts highlight their profound influence, revealing a society that deeply respected women’s spiritual authority.
History of the Batangas International Port
Batangas International Port has transformed from a Spanish-era anchorage into one of the Philippines’ busiest maritime gateways. With modern terminals and deep waters rivaling Manila, it now handles millions of passengers and vital cargo for Southern Luzon.
Salt-Making in Batangas: From Coastal Wealth to Cultural Memory
Before Batangas was known for beaches and balisong, it was a salt‑making powerhouse. From sun‑dried irasan beds to global trade with Chinese and Japanese merchants, this coastal craft shaped local livelihoods and Tagalog cuisine. Discover how salt once defined Batangueño identit — and why its memory still matters today.
Lambanog: Spirit of San Juan, Batangas
San Juan’s lambanog isn’t just a drink — it’s a legacy distilled from danger, patience, and coconut sap. This article traces the perilous climb of the mananggiti, the transformation of tuba into a potent spirit, and the cultural heartbeat of Lambayok Festival. From local craft to global potential, lambanog captures the soul of San Juan, Batangas.
Apolinario Mabini: The Paralytic Statesman
Apolinario Mabini’s paralysis wasn’t just a footnote — it shaped his revolutionary leadership, sharpened his intellect, and transformed him into a symbol of moral authority. This article explores how confinement deepened his political thought, influenced the workings of Aguinaldo’s government, and forged the legacy of the “Sublime Paralytic” as one of Batangas’ most enduring figures.
Pre-Colonial Shell Heaps Discovered in Batangas
Archaeological excavations in Calatagan, Batangas, have uncovered ancient shell middens dating back to the 14th to 16th centuries, revealing a thriving pre-colonial society. These finds, including imported ceramics and burial artifacts, highlight the region's rich maritime culture and early trade connections.
Excavations at the Old Tanauan Church Ruins in Talisay, Batangas
The Old Tanauan Church ruins in Talisay, Batangas, were brought to scholarly attention in 2010 when human skeletal remains were accidentally unearthed during landscaping activities within the grounds of Club Balai Isabel. This unexpected discovery compelled the National Museum of the Philippines to initiate formal archaeological work the following year, transforming the site into one of the most important windows into the early colonial history of Batangas.