Food Trip: Digman's Hyped Halo-Halo

For Juans, no dessert screams summer more than the halo-halo. Literally means mixed, halo-halo is typically a concoction of shaved ice, milk, sweetened beans, banana, jack fruit, purple yam, coconut strips, root crops, sago pearls, colorful gelatin, flan, and topped with ice cream. This colorful layered dessert is one great cold treat. And as the Philippines' favorite summer time food, a cup or bowl of halo-halo is available just about anywhere. 

One place that media outlets rave about as the halo-halo capital of the Philippines is Digman in Bacoor, Cavite. With the summer heat becoming unbearable these days, the Two Juanderers decided to visit Digman to check out if the halo-halo there are actually all that. We had to taste it to believe it.

Is is really the talk of the town?

Don't be confused though as the popularity of the halo-halo in the area spawned a multitude of restaurants offering their own versions of the cold treat. Each claiming to be either the first or the best. So in our visit, we tried out two of the most featured restaurants in Digman. Here's our verdict.

Kamay ni Hesus: Lucban's Iconic Pilgrimage Site

For many Filipino Christians, a pilgrimage to the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is an experience that enriches their relationship with God. It is therefore not a surprise that in 2018 more than 2 million devotees visited and made it the Philippines' most popular Holy Week pilgrimage site. While in Lucban, we couldn't let the chance to visit this sought-after sanctuary slip by. So a day after we checked out Villa Elma, we set out to Barangay Tinamnan to see the shrine. 

The iconic 50-foot statue of the Risen Christ in Kamay ni Hesus

From Lucban town proper, we drove for just under 15 minutes to reach the gates of Kamay ni Hesus. We came inside and was surprised to find out the entrance to the site is free of charge. However, if you are bringing your car just like us, prepare PHP30 for the parking fees.

Batis Aramin Resort and Hotel: Lucban's Refreshing Destination

Sure, hiking through Villa Elma or Kamay ni Hesus is rewarding. You know - great exercise, fresh mountain air, epic views, and peace and quiet. But there is nothing more rewarding than a hike that ends with a dip in a cold mountain spring. And with Lucban being situated at the foot of Mount Banahaw, several spring resorts have sprouted up all over the town. You can drop by one of these resorts after your pilgrimage. 

The lagoon of Batis Aramin Resort and Hotel

One resort where Juans will surely enjoy the cool, relaxing waters and the lush beautiful landscape is Batis Aramin Resort and Hotel. 

Clear spring waters fill the pools of Batis Aramin

Here's what you need to know about this nature and spring resort.