The crystal clear waters of Kamantigue Beach Resort

Any mention of Batangas Province will invoke images of, among other interesting things, exceptional beaches. Quite naturally because from the west all the way to its southeastern boundaries, Batangas is bounded by the sea. And because of this (not to mention the province's proximity to the national capital region), Batangas is, to Metro Manileños, a summer haven, hence making the province a highly popular beach and diving destination.

Last April 1, all of us at La Familia Viajera treated Juanito to an overnight birthday summer treat in the province's capital, Batangas City. It was his fifth birthday, and we thought of bringing the whole family to a beach destination that is not that frequently visited but exceptional nonetheless.

Before hitting the beach, we had a brief tour of the city's población area where we had a simple celebration for Juanito.

There are many other places to eat here at the city proper, but Jollibee was Juanito's request. Even Chuvaness would have surely approved of this.

After lunch followed by an afternoon walk at the city proper, we proceeded to the new public market where a jeepney took us to our destination: Kamantigue Beach Resort!

Jeepney fare is ₱40.00 per person. We left the new public market a few minutes before 5:00 PM and arrived at the beach resort shortly before 6:00 PM. The trip would have been faster if we had our own vehicle, of course.

Our jeepney coursed its way through the scenic Batangas-Tabañgao-Lobô Road. Beside the road is the Verde Island Passage, rich in marine biodiversity.

Waitaminute... our ride is headed straight for —GASP!— the sea?!!

Reflected selfie photo with the birthday boy (Yeyette is at the background, enjoying the refreshing travel scenes)!

Finally, we made it before dark. We were received by the owner's amiable son, David Bagón. The resort building is situated on top of a rocky hill overlooking the sea, making the place all the more enticing.

Arrival.

Looking towards Isla Verde. Much of the island, if not all of it, was once owned by my Évora forefathers. I'm glad to have finally seen it this close.

We stayed at the resort's family room at the topmost portion of the resort building which has a huge function hall. And since we were at the uppermost level, we had an excellent view of the sea below!

A very excited Jefe at the main cove to dip his feet onto the cold waters. Even though darkness was fast approaching, we could still notice the stark clarity of the waters of Kamantigue Beach Resort!

All set for an evening dip at the main cove right below the resort building. It was still low tide. The beach is filled not with sand but with whitish and miniature coral rocks of various shapes and sizes.

Their first night swimming. We had the small coral-rich cove all to ourselves that hot summer night!

Yeyette is at the upper level chatting with David.

Preparing our simple birthday dinner for Juanito at the function hall.

¡Feliz quinto cumpleaños, Juanito!

To be continued!