STAFF EXCURSION TO BATANGAS

The CBCP Secretariat enjoyed an overnight excursion to a resort in San Juan, Batangas. On our way, we made a stop at the National Shrine of St. Pio in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, a welcome spiritual detour where we celebrated mass. Afterward, we continued to San Juan, where we had lunch at the local parish church.

Our overnight stay was at Calubcub Bay Resort and Recreation in San Juan, a property with spacious grounds and two swimming pools. However, I observed that the beach area wasn’t ideal for swimming, as it had dark sand and chocolate-brown waters.

 The following morning, we visited the public beach in Laiya, about 15 kilometers away, which boasted ivory-colored sand. Being a weekend, the beach was bustling with visitors. Various water activities were available, including a thrilling banana boat ride that many of my officemates eagerly enjoyed.

On our way back, we took the scenic coastal route to Batangas City, passing by the Malabrigo Lighthouse and Montemaria, which is said to feature the world’s tallest statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Padre Pio National Shrine, Sto. Tomas, Batangas 

I noticed that the roofing of the church has been changed from the last time I visited it. A ceiling has already been put in place inside the church. 

Link to my previous post on Sto. Pio National Shrine: 

https://beachanatic.blogspot.com/search?q=sto.+pio

 Calubcub Bay Resort and Recreation
San Juan, Batangas

Laiya Beach

Malabrigo Lighthouse, Lobo, Batangas

Mother of All Asia Tower of Peace

This Tower of Peace is supposedly the world's tallest statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary found in Montemaria, Batangas City.