DiscoverBalagtas
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Balagtas.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Balagtas
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Balagtas
- When you are searching on the web, say, about the holidays to Balagtas, Bulacan the town is like a rich mixture of history, culture, and the good-old convenience which will attract any travelling person.
- It was later renamed in the year 1966 to the current name of Francisco -named after the popular poet Francisco Balagtas, which makes every visit that more interesting.
- The walking of the narrow streets is possible, surrounded by old houses, with modern warehouses and offices in the background, which show the dual nature of the town.
- It is a quick ride to the adjacent North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) which serves as an attractive day trip or weekend destination.
- Fresh market products are found in the local markets that are still selling fresh produce of the fertile plains giving the traveller a feel of the agrarian nature of this region.
- The community spirit in holidays to Balagtas is very tangible; people warmly welcome strangers and each vacation is the reunion with a house.
- Capital: Balagtas looks after itself in Bulacan
- International airport: Manila airport roughly 1 hour distance
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
- Driving side: Right-hand side
- Main electricity: 220 volts, 60 Hz
- Official languages: Filipino and English; Tagalog talked here
- Major religion: Catholic
Reason 02
Highlights
- Francisco Balagtas is praised in the main monument of the town, Balagtas Shrine.
- St. Joseph the Worker Parish Church is a monument of the town in the form of architecture, its stone exterior and legendary altar.
- The contemporary character of the town is reflected in the existence of commercial centres of the town where light industry and warehouses are developed due to the perfect accessibility of NLEX.
- Literary pride of the town is demonstrated by seasonal festivals and attracts crowds of poetry lovers to the town especially through the Balagtas Day.
- It has a picturesque background of rice fields and a chance to do eco- tourism.
- The food stall is also represented locally, particularly the stalls that offer Pastillas de Leche, and this provides a dining experience that is as satisfying to the palate and soul.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- In seasons of dry weather such as November through May when are the dry seasons in Balagtas, Bulacan, the weather is pleasant with sunny skies.
- March to May are the hottest months so it is the best time to visit the shrine and the church without the inconvenience of heavy rains.
- The wet season is experienced between June and October, but the infrastructure in the town makes it scarcely affected by the flooding.
- Autumn is also a season with fewer tourists, meaning that there will be more time of peace when the travellers visit the most important attractions.
- Winter is not severe, and it is appropriate to use it to go sightseeing and participate in cultural events in the end of the season.
- The local festivals are vibrant no matter the time of the year and are quite a common attraction among the locals and tourists alike.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Francisco Balagtas Monument & Memorial Park
- A Francisco Balagtas Monument is located in the park in front of the Balagtas Municipal Hall.
- The monument is dedicated to Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar, one of the greatest writers in the Philippines.
- Balagtas is well known for his Tagalog poems and has been linked to the well-known poem Florante at Laura.
- The park offers a chance to educate the public about the poet and his association with the Municipality.
- The monument is also a local landmark and a part of Balagtas' cultural identity.
- The place is especially significant for those who have an interest in Philippine literature, history and culture.
Francisco Balagtas Museum
- One of the heritage sites in Bulacan related to the famous Filipino poet is Francisco Balagtas Museum.
- The museum helps to advance the literary heritage of Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar.
- It gives visitors a chance to find out what he contributed to the Tagalog poetry and Philippine literature.
- The museum is part of the Municipality's initiative to conserve and upkeep Balagtas' cultural heritage.
- In combination with the monument and the birthplace, it contributes to a better comprehension of the poet's link with the town.
- The site is appropriate for those who are interested in literature, history and Filipino cultural heritage.
Panginay & the Birthplace of Balagtas
- Historically, Barangay Panginay is known as the home province of Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar.
- Balagtas was born April 2, 1788 in Panginay, Bigaa.
- A historical marker is dedicated to his birth at Francisco Balagtas Memorial School.
- His parents are listed on the marker as Juan Baltazar and Juana de la Cruz.
- An opportunity to explore an important aspect of the poet's early life and heritage is provided by the site.
- Panginay is one of the main attractions for those who are interested in the history and literary identity of Balagtas.
Balagtas River & Local Landscape
- The municipality has the Balagtas River which plays an important role in the natural topography of the place.
- The river is navigable by banca and motor boats.
- It once served the local population with fish, shrimp and other fresh water.
- The river eventually flows towards Manila Bay.
- It's presence is a heritage of the municipality relating to its traditional association with waterways and local livelihoods.
- Beyond the literary legacy of Balagtas, its river and landscape gives its visitors a fresh look at the place.
Reason 05
Discover More
Renaming of Bigaa to Balagtas
- The municipality was once called Bigaa and was renamed to Balagtas after Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar.
- On June 18, 1966, the Municipality was renamed Balagtas by Republic Act No. 4702.
- The renaming comes in line with the close ties between the municipality and the famous Tagalog poet.
- Panginay is now part of the municipality of Balagtas, where Balagtas was born.
- The town's name is a testament to the poet's contribution to Philippine literature.
- The renaming has an important part of the municipality's identity.
Balagtas Literary Heritage
- One of the most important among the Tagalog poets who is associated with Francisco Balagtas is...
- Florante at Laura is his most popular literary work which is still a part of Philippine literature.
- His contribution to Tagalog literature is closely related to the identity of the municipality.
- His memory is still honored in the town with landmarks, cultural events, and historical sites.
- Through this, visitors will be able to learn the relationship of Balagtas' literature to the municipality named after him.
- His impact has given Balagtas a unique literary space in Bulacan.
Balagtas Local Economy & Agricultural Heritage
- Balagtas has traditionally been associated with agriculture and local livelihoods.
- Other businesses such as furniture, food processing, trading and services are also part of the municipality's economy.
- Agricultural products are a component of the municipality's economic activities.
- The farmland has the look of a farming community in the Philippines in some parts of Bulacan.
- Local businesses and food providers give visitors a chance to glimpse into daily life in the community.
- Visitors to the municipality can experience the existence of traditional livelihoods and commercial development.
Balagtas Day & Cultural Celebrations
- Balagtas celebrates the literary heritage of Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar by holding cultural events.
- April 2 is linked to Balagtas' birth anniversary and is celebrated in reference to his legacy.
- Literary and community events in honor of the poet and his contribution to the Philippine culture may be included in cultural activities.
- Balagtasan, which is an exchange of poetry, is closely related to the literary tradition inspired by Balagtas.
- Events that celebrate the Philippines offer the chance for local people and tourists to learn about Filipino poetry and culture.
- These activities contribute to the conservation and continuation of Balagtas' literary heritage for the future generations.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- Literary heritage of the town is more or less part of the town, and in schools, the works of Balagtas are read in the classrooms.
- Tagalog folk songs are sung at festivals and the local dialect is maintained.
- The clientele members are shown to be devout toward St.Joseph the worker through the yearly fiesta and prayer.
- Cultural nights are used to perform traditional dances, which are graceful and rhythmic.
- Bamboo and rattan articles are crafted by local artisans, and used as utilitarian and decorative.
- Family ties are maintained through generations because of the feeling of shared history.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- A sweet milk candy called Pastillas de Leche, a product of carabao milk is a typical souvenir during the Balagtas, Bulacan holidays.
- Kakanin like Sapin -Sapin and Biko are also sold at local markets, which are a taste of delicacies made of rice.
- Filipino cuisine i.e. classic dishes such as Adobo and Kare-Kare are prepared in family restaurants.
- Fresh mangoes are sold by street vendors who sell ripe and sweet mangoes during the season.
- Freshly grilled fish is available in the local markets and this is because the region is close to water bodies.
- Local beans Coffee beans produce a strong brew that is appreciated by the locals.
Fun
- Visiting the Francisco Balagtas Shrine is the place where one starts the exploration of the history and listens to the storeys.
- Shopping in the busy market place gives one a chance to meet the sellers and get a taste of the local food.
- Road trips may begin in Balagtas, with resulting historic towns of Meycauayan and San Carlos.
- The Balagtas Day, attended at the Balagtasan, is a cultural feast to those who love poetry.
- Visiting the rice fields in the early morning is an untouched and peaceful nature experience.
- Walking around the town in the evening, one can see neon lights and night life in the commercial part of the town.
Fashion
- Central Luzon climate is warm and humid so casual breathable wear of cotton or linen is the perfect stuff.
- It is not recommended to wear flashy clothes when attending the St. Joseph the Worker Parish Church to stay respectful of local traditions.
- Holidays to Balagtas during festivals, the traditional Filipino clothes may be worn; men wear the Barong and the women wear the Terno.
- Good walking shoes are necessary when there is much sightseeing of historical sites.
- Light jackets could be necessary in colder morning or evening time.
- Hats and sun glasses guard the tourists against the sun in the tropics.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- Holidays to Balagtas is framed by agricultural plains which are seasonally transformed with a canvas of green to live on.
- Rice fields offer a refuge to local birds and it is a small yet an enjoyable bird-watching area.
- The city environment of the town can be described as a combination of the modern warehouses and old houses.
- Town centre parks and gardens can be used to take relaxing strolls.
- Urban and rural landscape can be visited in the same time because of the closeness of the NLEX route.
- Eco-tourism projects promote responsible tourism that has little effects on the environment.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- Holidays to Balagtas Pista ni Balagtas is marked on the 2nd of April and honours the poetic heritage through recitations, poetry competitions and cultural entertainments.
- On May 1 (annual town fiesta), St. Joseph the Worker is celebrated by processions, fireworks, and communal feasts.
- The local markets set up additional stalls on festivals, where they sell bright ornaments and national cuisine.
- Balagtasan poetry competition attracts all the contestants in the whole of the Philippines thereby introducing some competition.
- Fiesta celebrations strengthen the community spirit in the town.
- Festival music is mostly done using brass and string instruments that fill the streets with the celebration.