City Of Balanga Tourism Office

16/08/2024

The Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Sta. Lucia, District V, Quezon City, conducted a benchmarking visit as a part of their Lakbay Aral program in Balanga City where they were graciously welcomed by our City SK President Hon. Kheilene Enriquez Camus, OIC of CENRO, Ms. Merliza C. Acosta and Mr. Norlie Castro of the City Tourism Office.

During the presentation, Ms. Acosta shared insights into the city's successful practices through her department's initiatives, while Hon. Kheilene Camus provided valuable guidance to help them with their future projects.

16/08/2024

Sumunod Mabuti! Walk on the left, stand on the right! 🤗
Makuha ka sa tingin! 👀For the best shopping experience at your fave SM mall, don’t forget these escalator etiquettes: walk on the left, stand on the right. Tandaan, sumunod mabuti para smooth lang ang shopping! 😎🛍️ SM City Bataan

15/08/2024

Si San Roque ay kinikilala bilang patron ng mga may kapansanan, mga a*o, mga nag-aalaga ng a*o, mga manlalakbay, at mga binata. Ang kanyang kapistahan ay ipinagdiriwang tuwing ika-16 ng Agosto.

Source: https://www.dssm-srppateros.org/devotion/san-roque

08/08/2024

August 06, 2024

The City Tourism Office, led by Mr. Norlie Castro, held a meeting to discuss the creation of the City Tourism Development Plan. Representatives from various organizations and institutions that will play key roles in the plan's development attended the meeting.

Mr. Castro sought assistance from Ms. Juliet Blanas and Ms. Leslie R. Jorge-Acain—both Associate Professors 5 in the College of Business and Accountancy at Bataan Peninsula State University. Hon. Jowee N. Zabala is also in attendance. All provided valuable suggestions and insights that will guide the creation of this important project, which will serve as a foundation for the city in implementing more impactful projects and programs in the future.

05/08/2024

Discover the rich heritage and fascinating stories of Balanga City, where echoes of history reveal the vibrant past that shapes our present. In celebration of History Month, learn how these stories continue to influence and inspire us today.

02/08/2024

Ang Lungsod ng Balanga ay nakikiisa sa pagdiriwang ng 𝐁𝐔𝐖𝐀𝐍 𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐈𝐊𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐀 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 ❝𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨: 𝐖𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚❞

𝐁𝐔𝐖𝐀𝐍 𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐈𝐊𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐀 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
❝𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨: 𝐖𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚❞

Wikang Filipino bilang Instrumentong Nagpapalaya

Sa gramatikang Filipino, ang panlaping-unlaping “Mapag” ay nagsasaad ng kawilihan o pag-uugali tulad ng mapagkalinga, mapagkawang-gawa, mapagpatawad—sa tema ngayong taón ay MAPAGPALAYA. Kung sa gayon, itó ay pag-uugaling nagpapalaya ang mapagpalaya.

Ano-ano ang katangian ng wika upang maging behikulo ng pagpapalaya?

1. Kung mayroong wikang magbibigkis sa gitna ng hidwaan, mawawakasan ang sigalot sa dalawang panig na hindi nagkakaunawaan.
2. Kung may mga publikasyon o babasahin na mababasa ng mga batang nasa laylayan ng lipunan, makalalaya sila sa iliterasiya.
3. Kung ang nasyon ay gagamit ng wikang Filipino sa pakikipagtransaksiyon sa pamahalaan, lalong mararamdaman ng mamamayan ang serbisyong pambayan na sa kanila ay inilalaan, gaya ng winika ni Sen. Lito Lapid (2022):

“Sadyang napakahalaga po sa ating bansa na lubos na naiintindihan ng ating mga kababayan ang lahat ng mga dokumento at sulatin ng ating gobyerno. Kung madali pong maintindihan ang ating mga batas ay mas ma-eengganyo po ang ating mga kababayan na hindi lamang sumunod sa batas, kundi makilahok po sa mga usapan patungkol sa mga pambansa at pampublikong mga isyu.”

4. Kung wikang Filipino ang magiging midyum sa propesyonalisasyon at paggawa, mapuputol ang tanikala ng kahirapan sa bansa na itinatadhana ng Saligang Batas ng Pilipinas (1987):

Article II, Section 24. The State recognizes the vital role of communication and information in nation-building.

Article III, Section 7. The right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized. Access to official records, and to documents, and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development, shall be afforded the citizen, subject to such limitations as may be provided by law.

Sa ganitong framework o kaisipan ninais ni Pangulong Manuel L. Quezon ang wika bilang instrumento sa pagtatamo ng social justice. Sa madaling sabi, isang kainhustisyahan kung hindi natin tatangkilikin ang ating sariling wika sa mga bagay-bagay na nakaaapekto sa ating mga buhay. Kaya, isang mahusay na ehemplo nito ay ang mga balita sa telebisyon na hanggang sa ngayon ay gamit ang Filipino. Ito ay patunay na mas mauunawaan ng madla ang paggamit ng sariling wika.

Idagdag pa rito ang wika ay tulay sa pagtatamo ng mga konseptong abstrak na magpapalaya sa karahasan sa kaisipan, kamalayan, kahirapan, katayuan, at kamangmangan na napakahalagang gampanin ng wika lalo sa ating mga mag-aaral at kabataan. Ang wika ang susi sa pagpapatahan sa umiiyak na bata, susi sa wastong pagpapalaki sa anak, susi sa wastong pagtuturo, susi sa hinaharap ng ating bayan. Ang wika ay nakapagpapalaya at nakapagbibigay ng aliw at inspirasyon sa kabataan upang higit na maabot nila ang kanilang pangarap at umangat ang ating bansa sa kabuoan.

Ayon kay Virgilio Enriquez (1986), sa kaniyang artikulo sa Sikolohiyang Pilipino na may pamagat na “Ang Kaisipang Pilipino sa Sikolohiyang Malaya at Mapagpalaya” na:

Ang "kaisipang Pilipino" ay tumutukoy samakatwid sa katauhan, ugali, at diwang Pilipino. Hindi ko na aangkinin pa ang pagtatalo sa pagitan ng mentalismo at behabyorismo sa Kanluraning sikolohiya sapagkat sa gamit ko ng salitang "kaisipan" ay tinatanggap ko na ang pagkilos ng tao ay nakaugnay sa kaniyang diwa, ugali, at kaisipan. “###

Ginamit ni Enriquez ang salitang “mapagpalaya” upang ilarawan ang sikolohiyang Pilipino na magkaugnay ang kaisipan sa aspekto ng tao sa kaniyang pag-uugali at iniisip. Kaya, ang konsepto ng salitang “mapagpalaya” ay bahagi nang malawak na kultural na pagmamay-ari ng ating sikolohiyang Pilipino.

Hinggil sa Aktibidad

Batay sa KWF Kapasiyahan Blg. 8-2, s. 2024, ang tema ng Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa ay hinati sa limang (5) lingguhang tema: (1) FSL tungo sa Ingklusibong Pambansang Kaunlaran; (2) Sistematiko at maka-Agham na Pananaliksik tungo sa Pambansang Kaunlaran; (3) Paggamit ng Indigenous Knowledge System and Practices (IKSP) sa Scientific Research; (4) Katutubong Wika sa Pagpapaunlad ng Edukasyong Pambansa; at (5) Paglaban sa Misinformation (fact checking).

Tampok din ang iba’t ibang gawaing pangwika sa buong buwan ng Agosto sa lalong pagpapatupad ng Pampanguluhang Proklamasyon Blg. 1041, s. 1997 kabilang ang limang (5) serye ng webinar, tertulyang pangwika sa pamamagitan ng mga Sentro ng Wika at Kultura sa iba’t ibang unibersidad sa Pilipinas, mga timpalak at gawad, Selyo ng Kahusayan sa Serbisyo Publiko, at Gabi ng Parangal.

Simbolismo sa Poster

Kaugnay sa sikolohiyang Pilipino sa pagiging mapagpalaya ay makikita sa poster ngayong paggunita sa Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa ang krokis at dibuhong may mga Pilipinong naglalakad na may iba’t ibang kasuotan mula sa payak na pananamit hanggang sa kultural na mga kasuotan na sumisimbolo sa dibersidad ng mga wika sa Pilipinas na patungo sa kanilang mga gawaing magbibigay sa kanila ng kasiglahan, saysay, at kalayaan sa paggawa. Gayundin ang nasa mga kuwadrong guhit na may senyas na wika, pakikipagkapuwa, pakikinig, pagbabasa, pagtuturo, at mga gawaing nagbibigay nang matiwasay na pagpapakahulugan tungo sa makabuluhang paggamit ng wika bilang instrumentong titiyak sa emansipasyon sa anumang hamon at suliranin na kanilang kinakaharap. Wika ang susi sa ugnayang-pantao na magtatawid sa mabuting tunguhin na makikita sa poster sa gitna nang mabilis na pag-usad ng mundo.

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Maaaring i-download ang digital copy ng poster sa https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dtT5IhoSj-2gspNxESydWyE-uZRjhJiH/view?usp=sharing

Para sa iba pang detalye at impormasyon hinggil sa pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa, makipag-ugnay sa Sangay ng Impormasyon at Publikasyon sa pamamagitan ng email sa [email protected].

01/08/2024

A Day in Philippine History.

30/07/2024

SM City Bataan

Don't miss SM Store Bataan’s 3-DAY SALE! Enjoy up to 50% OFF on your favorite brands plus an ADDITIONAL 10% OFF from our bank partners!
🎉🛍️

📅 August 2 | EXTRA 10% off ALL DAY for Prestige members

📅 August 3 and 4 | EXTRA 10% from 3 PM to 7 PM for SMAC members

19/07/2024

MUST VISIT IN BALANGA CITY! Crown Royale Hotel

Crown Royale Hotel and Resort Corporation, a 100% homegrown company, was established on July 26, 2001 under the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Last December 19, 2002, Crown Royale Hotel and Resort Corporation finally opened its door to locals and tourists as a new chapter in the rich historical heritage of Bataan is being written with the emergence of Crown Royale Hotel. A 45-room standard hotel situated along Capitol Drive in the heart of the City of Balanga.

Having a tagline of “EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE” and being inspired with the desire to offer “Affordable, Efficient, Warm and Comfortable” Service and the need to have a standard hotel in the city which is at par with the world standards, thus Crown Royale Hotel surfaced.

An epitome of the old-world elegance re-lived in the 21st Century and vibrantly designed to provide warm relaxed comfort. This is the ultimate place to win a deal, meet an associate or socialize with friends. The only standard hotel in the Heart of Bataan

Address: Capitol Drive, Brgy. San Jose, City of Balanga, Bataan, Philippines 2100

For inquiries and reservations:

0917-862-6493 / 0998-862-3255 / (047) 237- 1961 /237-1963
[email protected]

18/07/2024

July 18, 2024 Colegio de San Juan de Letran - Bataan

Esteemed members of the faculty of Colegio de San Juan de Letran Bataan partnered with the City Tourism Office and City Environment and Natural Resources Office, in arranging an educational visit to Balanga City Wetland and Nature Park as part of their 3-day conference on climate change and human rights education for the youth, this workshop was attended by various Dominican academic institutions in the Philippines.

18/07/2024

In 2022, we proudly launched the "Must Visit in Balanga City" segment on our page to celebrate and support our beloved homegrown businesses. We kicked off this initiative with six exceptional establishments that graciously welcomed us. These businesses were awarded certificates, becoming key members of our city's tourism circuit and shining partners in promoting the vibrant gastronomy tourism of Balanga City.

After a year of hiatus, we are excited to return and start off again with a restaurant that offers a delightful selection of food and a calming ambiance. We want to present, Mesa Feliz. Mesa Feliz has been operating since 2022 and has since captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike. We would like to invite everyone to try and see what they have to offer.

Please join us as we highlight more of everything that makes Balanga Tourism, the heart and soul of our community, inviting everyone to discover the unique flavors and experiences that make our city truly special.

This is also a call for invitation to all establishments to join our mission. Be a part of our journey to promote Balanga City's vibrant culture and culinary heritage and together, let's make our city a must-visit destination.

Mesa Feliz Shinobi Izakaya Meet Your Ribs Shaira's Café
JOAN SUSHI HUB Café Raya

Photo: Taken from the stores' pages.

16/07/2024

Discover the heart of Balanga City through its Faith Tourism destinations. Marvel at the historical St. Joseph Cathedral and explore the many churches that stand as testaments to the unwavering faith of the community. Each sacred site tells a story of devotion, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the people. Join us in experiencing the profound connection between faith and culture, where every visit becomes a journey of inspiration and spiritual renewal.

Cathedral-Shrine Parish of Saint Joseph, Balanga City
Residencia Sacerdotal - Guadalupe Chapel, Balanga City, Bataan
Immaculate Conception Parish - Puerto Rivas
Parokya ng Sto. Cristo, Cupang
Poor Clare Monastery of the Holy Spirit - Balanga City, Bataan
OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL, OBISPADO DE BALANGA, BAHAY PUSO

09/07/2024

July 6, 2024, the City Tourism Office, under the leadership of Mr. Norlie C. Castro and Hon. Marie Nazareth Vasquez, showed their support and commitment by participating in the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines' 21st Anniversary and the launch of the 13th Asian Bird Fair at Villar SIPAG Hall in Las Piñas. Since its establishment, the WBCP has played a crucial role in promoting and preserving the Balanga City Wetland and Nature Park.

08/07/2024

MUST VISIT IN BALANGA!...... Mesa Feliz

Mesa Feliz Restaurant invites you to a memorable dining experience in a warm and welcoming ambiance. Their menu features intercontinental dishes, with a special emphasis on their in-house smoked meats, meticulously cooked for 8 to 12 hours. They take pride in crafting nearly everything from scratch—soups, dressings, breads, sauces, and dips—showcasing their dedication to quality and flavor. As an exciting addition, Mesa Feliz now offers brick-oven pizzas.

Their Truffle Mushroom with Prosciutto Pizza is a must-try! And in honor of Bataan, they present locally sourced specialties like Tinapa Pate, Oyster Sisig, Aurora’s Fried Itik, and Iced/Hot Batirol Drink. Mesa Feliz truly has something for everyone! It’s the perfect place to share meals with loved ones, celebrate special moments, or enjoy a romantic evening.

Reserve your table now by reaching out to 09190949525 or
through messaging their FB or IG page.

Open daily except Mondays.
10am-10pm Four Lanes (EGSA),
Brgy. Tuyo, Balanga City, Bataan

Photos: City of Balanga Tourism Office & Mesa Feliz

04/07/2024

The Tourism Office wishes you a joyful and memorable birthday. Your dedication and service to our community inspire us all. May your day be filled with joy, and cherished moments. Thank you for being a guiding light for us all.

02/07/2024

In relation to the proposed Green Transport System and the June 12 'Libreng Sakay' dry-run to the Mt. Samat Shrine Site, the Mt. Samat FTEZ, in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Bataan, will carry out a one-month trial of free electric vehicle trips to Mt. Samat. This initiative aims to increase awareness of the program among locals and tourists and to promote the new Mt. Samat transport system.

Following the initial month-long 'Libreng Sakay' program, consultation meetings will be held to evaluate the outcomes of the July trial and identify the requirements for the full implementation of the Green Transport System.

In relation to the proposed Green Transport System and the June 12 'Libreng Sakay' dry-run to the Mt. Samat Shrine Site, the Mt. Samat FTEZ, in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Bataan, will carry out a one-month trial of free electric vehicle trips to Mt. Samat. This initiative aims to increase awareness of the program among locals and tourists and to promote the new Mt. Samat transport system.

Following the initial month-long 'Libreng Sakay' program, consultation meetings will be held to evaluate the outcomes of the July trial and identify the requirements for the full implementation of the Green Transport System.

01/07/2024

24/06/2024

Congratulations to Sir Jonathan B. Baldeo from your City Tourism Family!

We are thrilled to congratulate Mr. Jonathan Baldeo II on his well-deserved appointment as the Officer-in-Charge Assistant Principal for School Operations at Bataan National High School-Senior High School. Your remarkable contributions and enduring legacy will always be treasured, and we express our profound appreciation for your exceptional accomplishments.
With your achievements, new opportunities and challenges await. Approach them with the same enthusiasm and determination as you always have. Continue to inspire others with your words and deeds.
Once again, congratulations from your BNHS-JHS Family.

13/06/2024

10/06/2024

SM City Bataan joins Coastal Clean Up in celebration of World Oceans Day

SM City Bataan recently reaffirmed its commitment to environmental stewardship by spearheading a Coastal Clean Up event in celebration of World Oceans Day. The initiative, which took place on June 7, 2024, at the Mangrove Adopted Area of SM City Bataan in Brgy. Pto. Rivas, City of Balanga, brought together a dedicated team of volunteers comprising SM City Bataan employees, agency personnel, security staff, representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), as well as community members from Barangay Pto. Rivas and Tortugas.

The collective effort yielded significant results as participants diligently tackled the prevalent types of marine debris plaguing coastal areas. Among the items collected were 110 kilograms of cigarette butts, food wrappers, take-out containers, metal and plastic bottle caps, fishing nets, diapers, beverage bottles, and cans. This coastal cleanup effort not only mitigated immediate environmental hazards but also underscored the importance of proactive conservation practices. This event underscores SM Supermalls' enduring commitment to environmental sustainability and responsibility.

Through initiatives like the Coastal Clean Up and the broader SM Cares program on environment and volunteerism, SM Supermalls collaborates closely with DENR and local government units (LGUs) to safeguard natural ecosystems, foster environmental awareness, and empower communities to actively participate in environmental protection and preservation efforts.

06/06/2024

30/05/2024

The City Tourism Office headed by Mr. Norlie Castro, conducted an ocular visit to Barangay Cabog-Cabog-- with the help of barangay personnel, the team explored a potential site for a new tourism circuit in Balanga City. This initiative aims to unlock hidden gems within the city and enrich the community with exciting opportunities for growth and discovery.

22/05/2024

The country will be celebrating National Flag Days from 28 May – 12 June 2024 for the 126th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with the theme - ‘Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.’

Presidential Proclamation No. 374 (s. 1965) declared 28 May as National Flag Day in commemoration of the heroic 1898 victory by Filipino forces in the Battle of Alapan in Imus, Cavite against the Spanish Army. In recognition of their victory, General Emilio Aguinaldo formally unfurled the new National Flag before the public gathered at the Teatro Caviteño, in Cavite City. Executive Order No. 179 (s. 1994) extended the celebration of Flag Day from 28 May to 12 June and encouraged the country to display the flag throughout this period.









📷Victory of the Cebu Revolution (2015) by Felix Catarata. Courtesy of Palm Grass The Cebu Heritage Hotel See less

17/05/2024

2024 COB GRAND SANTACRUZAN

17/05/2024

Faith Servant Business Holdings (FSBH) Corp. and Fast Cash Credit conducted a joint Mangrove Planting & Coastal Clean Up Activity at the Balanga City Wetland and Nature Park.

16/05/2024

COB Grand Santacruzan 2024

Para po sa kaalaman ng lahat.
Magkakaroon po ng "COB Santacruzan 2024" na gaganapin sa ika-17 ng Mayo 2024 sa ganap na ika 04:00 ng hapon. Nais po naming ipabatid sa inyo na ang Aguirre St., A. Banzon St., Manahan St., Kinatawan Road, Capitol Drive at J. P. Rizal St. (Pure Gold Recar) ay makakaranas po ng pagbibigat ng daloy ng trapiko.

Mga alternatibong daan na maaaring hindi po tayo maaantala sa mga pupuntahan.
 Gen. Capinpin St.
 Paterno st.
 D. M. Banzon St.

Kami po ay humihingi ng paumanhin at pang-unawa.
Maraming salamat po!

15/05/2024

Maligayang Pagbati sa Araw ng Kapistahan!