Budget Travel’s ‘Pasyalan’ goes to Batangas town

MANILA, Philippines - Budget Travel and Tours Inc., known for its series of interesting and fun domestic tour packages through its “Pasyalan” series, highlights another unique and colorful festival, the “Parada ng Lechon,” in Balayan, Batangas. 

Slated on June 24, the daylong trip starts with a typical Balayan breakfast of suman sa latik, lihiya, tamales, Balayan pan de agua, tsokolate or kapeng barako. 

Participants are encouraged to join the parade and the street party that goes with it, after which they will partake of a lechon lunch with tulingan, Balayang langgonisa, kare-kareng Balayan, etc. 

They will also have easy access to different booths that not only feature the town’s delicacies but also show how bagoong Balayan, tsokolate and other savory items are made. The tour ends with an estimated 3 p.m. return to Manila.

The “Parada ng Lechon,” a unique parade of about 100 decorated roasted pigs, is believed to have started in the 1900s and has become a yearly celebration in this historic town.  During the Spanish and American times, well-off families would parade their lechon in the town plaza on their way to church every June 24, as thanksgiving for blessings they have received and to honor St. John the Baptist.

For more information on this unique and fun event, contact Budget Travel-Manila at 526-3736 or 526-2047 and Budget Travel-Alabang at 850-5463, 0918-9411576 or 0917-5793029.