‘Balik Bataan’ launched; tour packages prepared

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – "Bayang sinilangan, kay sarap balikan!"

This was how the Bataan Tourism Council members headed by Mrs. Vicky S. Garcia, wife of Gov. Enrique "Tet" Garcia described their unique program in titillating thousands of Bataeños who are working abroad as well as expatriates who have made their adopted countries their home to go back to their hometown for vacation as they launched today the "Balik Bataan" program.

A number of colorful activities will highlight the program, including the launch of the "Optional tour packages" which will start on Dec. 18 when a lot of Filipinos working abroad will be coming home for the holidays.

On the first day (Dec. 18) a Holy Mass will be held at St. Joseph Cathedral, followed by a welcome reception called "Barrio fiesta" at Capitol Hills, Balanga City. Dec. 19 (day 2), would be a reception day where local city and municipal officials, together with the municipal and city tourism officials, will give recognition to the balikbayan.

On day 3, (Dec. 20) is the actual start of the tour. Assembly starts at 8:30 a.m., in front of the Capitol building, then will depart for the Maritime Academy in Asia and the Pacific (MAAP), now the biggest producer of seamen in the country, located at Kamaya Point, Mariveles town. MAAP is tagged as the "Future center of Excellence in Maritime training" for aspiring maritime cadets since it is equipped with state of the art equipment and the latest modern teaching methods. This will be followed by a sight-seeing tour at the various multi-national companies/factories of the Bataan Economic Zone (BEZ), also in Mariveles town where tourists may avail of the various export and local parts at the BEZ trade fair.

After touring in the BEZ, they will then proceed to the historical Mt. Samat shrine in Pilar town, site of one of the fiercest battles during the World War II.

On tour package 2, Mrs. Garcia said that they will accompany again the balikbayan to Mt. Samat or Dambana ng Kagitingan, now the favorite hang out of foreign and local tourists because of its unique atmosphere and high elevation where one can view large parts of the Bataan Peninsula and nearby provinces of Pampanga, Bulacan and the Manila Bay.

This will be followed by lunch at the famous Montemar beach resort in Bagac, the only "AAA" rated resort in Bataan. The perfectly landscaped beach resort is now the talk of the region.

Mrs. Garcia described Montemar as unique since it is located in a cove blessed with lush flora and fauna, with white sand and pristine waters off the South China Sea.

The group would then proceed to St. Dominic Church in Abucay, one of the oldest but best maintained churches. It was established and entrusted to the Dominicans in 1588 and it is among the few churches in the country that has stood nature and man’s propensity for change.

They will also tour to the "Walis lasa country" in Mabatang, a broom making community that serves as one of the oldest forms of livelihood by the people there.

This would be followed by a tour of Nuestra Señora del Rosario Church in Orani town where the Diocesan Marian shrine whose patron saint is believed by many to be miraculous. It is also recognized by the Vatican as a pilgrimage church, where plenary indulgence will be granted every first Saturday of October.

On tour package 3, Mrs. Garcia said that this would be the time for fun and adventure (for the young and young at heart).

In the early morning, the balikbayan will be toured to Barangay Tala, probably the highest barangay in Bataan whose weather is as cold as that of Baguio City. Barangay Tala is also the location of the Mt. Natib, a dormant volcano 1,253 meters above sea level and is home to the floral and fauna species such as migratory birds and the like. Tala forms part of the Bataan Natural Park where a virgin forest is also located and is an ideal place for nature lovers and those who are fond of nature and trekking.

Mrs. Garcia said that they will also trek the Binutas Pass, also in Mt. Natib area, an hour trek away from Le Petit Baguio, with a friendly environment where trekkers can rest and enjoy the majestic view of Mt. Natib’s peak.

The balikbayan will go back to Mabatang, Abucay to view the Christmas display there, a yearly program prepared by the Abucay leaders and the residents during Christmas season.

[ Church Of Abucay Wiki | Dambana ng Kagitingan Wiki | Mt. Natib Wiki ]