History, heritage, food, nature, and adventure, as well as inspiring stories of its people, don’t miss this Central Luzon province when planning your next getaway
Bataan is a province in the country that truly etches itself into your memory, and not just for its historic and significant role in World War II.
The Death March, a 140-km. march of Filipino and American prisoners of war after the Fall of Bataan in 1942, is a somber reminder of the sacrifices they made during one of the country’s darkest hours. That day, April 9th of every year, is now observed as Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), a national holiday. It was previously known as Bataan Day.
We had the opportunity to visit Bataan during the latest edition of NLEX Lakbay Norte, a media familiarization tour that aims to promote and accelerate tourism development in the northern part of the country with the NLEX and SCTEX expressways providing fast, the safest, and most comfortable access.
The province is now becoming a popular destination for travelers, offering a treasure trove of history, heritage, food, nature, and adventure.
With Tesla setting the stage for an exciting adventure, getting inside the electric vehicle with minimalist interior and a large touchscreen, which is used for controlling various vehicle functions, gave us a futuristic feel. Tesla’s electric motor also provided immediate and substantial torque, resulting in rapid acceleration and a remarkably smooth and quiet ride.
Our first stop was Casa Victoria in Hermosa, Bataan where we had our hearty lunch.
Casa Victoria should be your go-to place when visiting the town. The restaurant celebrates both heritage and innovation, offering a wide array of traditional Filipino cuisine alongside creative dishes inspired by the family matriarch Victoria Senseng David. We feasted on various pizzas and pastas, wagyu beef shank bulalo, wagyu beef caldereta, lapu-lapu, baby squid, among others. Its ambience takes you to a bygone era providing added delight to every meal.
Bataan Tourism Center
We dropped by the Bataan Tourism Center, which gave us a preview of what to expect in the province. Constructed in 2009, the Bataan Tourism Center houses the Provincial Tourism Office, Exhibit Hall, Audio-Visual Room, and Pasalubong Center which showcases the province’s finest products, handicrafts, and delicacies.
Bataan also has its share of old churches that date back to the Spanish colonial era. We paid our respects at the Abucay Church, so-named because it is situated in the town of Abucay. Officially known as the Saint Dominic de Guzman Parish Church, it was established in 1587 and administered by the Dominican Missionary Friars in 1588. Its original structure was made of wood and thatch, but it was later rebuilt using stone and brick in the 17th century.
One thing Bataeños is surely proud of is one woman who because of her achievements has become an inspiration for the province. She is Amanda Battad, owner and founder of Amanda’s Marine Products, who recently was named Outstanding Agricultural Entrepreneur in the medium scale category in Central Luzon as part of the GAWAD SAKA 2025 Awards.
Her company produces bagoong and other gourmet seafood products such as boneless tinapa, tilapia smoked fish, dried dilis, pusit, tuyo, among others. She began as a small backyard operation. Now her products are not only being distributed all over the country but also internationally.
Culinary delights
Aside from Casa Victoria, we gave in to our cravings in the next places that we visited. We were delighted with the plant-based meals at Luces Living in Balanga City. It is also an eco-shop, and a mixed-use space for wellness classes such as Yoga, among other holistic activities.
Lunico Café, meanwhile, brings something special to the dining scene in Balanga City. Fusion dishes are served here. So whether you’re craving for seafood or chicken dishes, beef quesadilla, salad, or a hearty burger, there’s plenty to explore. We also tried their full range of concoctions–from classic coffees to fruit teas–with Lychee Sakura, Passionfruit Basil and Mint, and Mulberry Lemon Iced Teas being truly refreshing.
We spent the night at Bayandati Resort, a cozy accommodation which has an interesting name. It was actually coined from two Tagalog words bayan (town or población) and dati (old). The place where the resort is located used to be the center of Morong until a new poblacion or bayan was established. But beyond the name, the resort is a class on its own with its well-appointed rooms, refreshing facilities such as its swimming pool, and an all-day dining restaurant named Maria’s Kitchen which offers Chef’s Specials, Filipino comfort food, steak, and a Happy Hour during the late afternoon up to early evening where selected cocktails are at 50-percent off.
The next day, we passed by the EGL Beach Resort. It has lovely beachfront views, a swimming pool, a restaurant, bar, lounge, and private gazebos. Its accommodations can rival the serviced residences in Manila.
Pawikan Conservation Center
A visit to the Pawikan Conservation Center in Morong taught us a lot about wildlife conservation. It is a vital center dedicated to the preservation of endangered marine turtles. The coastline where the center is situated is home to the original nesting sites of these endangered species. It’s managed by former poachers who are now protectors of these creatures. Visiting and participating in turtle releases is truly an amazing experience.
Our short trip to the province was capped off by our lunch at the famous Loleng’s Hu Tieu-an Plus which offers Vietnamese dishes–imagine Pho, Banh Mi, spring rolls, among others. A lot of stories were shared over every bite with Lolita “Aling Loleng” Vistan herself gracing us with her presence, beginning from the establishment of the restaurant over 40 years ago due to the presence in Morong of Vietnamese refugees displaced by the Vietnam War, to how it has grown into a popular foodie spot now.
From the remnants of the war, to pristine beaches, delicious food, comfortable resorts and accommodations, lovely nature, and exciting adventure activities, as well as inspiring stories of its people, don’t miss Bataan when planning your next getaway.