STO. TOMAS ESCAPADE



Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) got us stuck at home. Ever planned a summer getaway before ECQ? Or planning to have one after ECQ? Well, while at home, let’s go on an online roadtrip instead in Sto. Tomas - the hometown of Philippine Revolution and Philippine-American War hero Miguel Malvar, the last Filipino General to surrender to the Americans. 

Before I give you a tour in Sto. Tomas, let me first give you a short history of the town.

Did you know that Sto. Tomas is one of the oldest town of Batangas? Yes, it is. The town of Sto. Tomas was founded in 1666. Located 60 kilometers south of Manila at the foot of Mount Makiling.
Aside from being known for its history, Sto. Tomas is also known as one of the major tourist destinations in the province of Batangas!

Now, let’s start our online roadtrip! 

Miguel Malvar Shrine

The Miguel Malvar Shrine is right inside the Municipal Hall complex. At the center of the compound is the Malvar Monument, a figure of Gen. Miguel Malvar standing proud and dignified, holding a sword. On the left side of the monument is the General Malvar Library and Museum that showcases paintings, photos and other documents depicting Malvar’s battles, triumphs, struggles, and legacy.
Gen. Miguel Malvar Shrine located at Municipal Hall Compound
Gen. Malvar Museum


A Hiking Destination

Mountain climbers will surely love the town because this is where one of two major trails of Mt. Makiling and Manabu Peak of Mt. Malepunyo are located.

Mt. Makiling trail in Sto. Tomas also known as Maktrav starts at Brgy. San Miguel. The registration site is not collecting any fees but they require hikers to get a trail guide. The route would take 6-7 hours for you to reach the summit. According to mountaineers, difficulty of the trail is 5/9.
A view of Mt. Makiling

Manabu Peak of Mt. Malepunyo trail starts at Sitio Sulok of Brgy. Sta. Cruz. It is a 4 hour-trek. According to mountaineers, Mt. Manabu is one of the most popular hiking destinations for beginners and experienced climbers because of the ease and beauty of the trail. It has a lot to offer - from a magnificent view of Batangas, forest walk, and of course free alamid/civet coffee!

Registration fee is 20 pesos per pax. While trail guide is 500 pesos but not required to get one.
A view of Lipa City from Manabu Peak

National Shrine of Padre Pio

The first thing comes to our mind when we hear Sto. Tomas, Batangas is the National Shrine of Padre Pio. Popularly known to many devoted Catholics as Padre Pio Shrine is one of the most popular pilgrimage in Batangas, or better yet, in the region of CALABARZON. After the saint’s canonization in June 2002, Padre Pio’s devotees have grown in number and have visited this shrine for praying, healing, miracles, and peace of mind.

National Shrine of Padre Pio

The Shrine is located at San Pedro, Sto. Tomas. It also displays the huge replica of the Glorious Cross derived from the design used for the Archdiocese of Lipa during the Jubilee Year 2000.

Did you also know that there is an affordable housing developer near these amazing destinations? That’s right, because Lumina Residences Batangas is less than 1 kilometer away from Padre Pio Shrine. This is the best investment for you to be able to experience the beauty of Sto. Tomas.

 To know more, you can reach us at 0920-9111-470 and 0917-801-2415.



That’s all for today mga Ka-Barangay. Hope you enjoy and stay tuned for our next adventure. See yah!



Sources:
http://stotomasbatangas.gov.ph/tourism/tourism-attractions
https://outoftownblog.com/travel-guide-to-padre-pio-shrine-in-batangas/

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