Botolan: Difference between revisions
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Legend says the image of [http://inapoonbato.webs.com Ina Poon Bato] was discovered in the 17th century by the natives of Zambales living in the slopes of Mount Pinatubo,the Aetas.Legend has it that it was not brought to this island by the Spanish colonizers.The aetas knew the image before the white people came to baptize the Blessed Virgin Mother, to which they have given the native name, Ina Poon Bato.She reigns in the hearts of many people and since "miracles" attributed to it "still happens",it is said even to this day,she is considered by Her devotees as,"their Mother,their Guidance and their hope". |
Legend says the image of [http://inapoonbato.webs.com Ina Poon Bato] was discovered in the 17th century by the natives of Zambales living in the slopes of Mount Pinatubo,the Aetas.Legend has it that it was not brought to this island by the Spanish colonizers.The aetas knew the image before the white people came to baptize the Blessed Virgin Mother, to which they have given the native name, Ina Poon Bato.She reigns in the hearts of many people and since "miracles" attributed to it "still happens",it is said even to this day,she is considered by Her devotees as,"their Mother,their Guidance and their hope". |
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The feast of Ina Poon Bato is celebrated every 23rd and 24th day of January in Barangay Poon Bato.Devotees from all over the country flock to this place before or on the feast day to pay homage to the "Ina".The church is on the top of the hill where you can see the beautiful panorama of the place.<ref>http://inapoonbato.webs.com/democritomendoza.htm</ref> |
The feast of [http://inapoonbato.webs.com Ina Poon Bato] is celebrated every 23rd and 24th day of January in Barangay Poon Bato.Devotees from all over the country flock to this place before or on the feast day to pay homage to the "Ina".The church is on the top of the hill where you can see the beautiful panorama of the place.<ref>http://inapoonbato.webs.com/democritomendoza.htm</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 09:02, 21 August 2011
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Botolan | |
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 Map of Zambales showing the location of Botolan. | |
| Country |  Philippines |
| Region | Central Luzon (Region III) |
| Province | Zambales |
| District | 2nd district |
| Barangays | 31 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Hon. Nerma I. Yap |
| Area | |
| • Total | 735.28 km2 (283.89 sq mi) |
| Population (2007) | |
| • Total | 51,675 |
| • Density | 70/km2 (180/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+8 (PST) |
| ZIP code | 2202 |
| Income class | 1st class |
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 41,084 | — |
| 2000 | 46,602 | +2.74% |
| 2007 | 51,675 | +1.44% |
Botolan is a 1st class municipality in the province of Zambales, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 51,675 people in 9,629 households.
Botolan is the largest municipality in terms of land area in the province. Located just south of the provincial capital of Iba, Botolan is known for its larger Aeta population, gray sand beaches, and as the location of the famous Mount Pinatubo.
Barangays
Botolan is politically subdivided into 31 barangays.[1]
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Tourism
The barangay of Binoclutan is the "Beach Capital" of Botolan, featuring several first class resorts. The area is a habitat of sea turtles, as is all of the Zambales coastline. Olive Ridley, Green and Hawksbill turtles nest along the beaches of Botolan every year between September and January. A turtle hatchery located is located in Binoklutan. The area also has many other attractions, beach resorts, waterfalls, hiking paths, views of the lahar fields left by the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo, and views of Mount Pinatubo itself.
The Fiesta Poon Bato, held January 23-24, is a religious festival that attracts up to 500,000 devotes. Features include cultural dancing from local Aeta tribes in the town plaza on the first night.
The Domorokdok Festival, held May 3-4, includes street parades, street dancing, a beauty pageant and displays of Botolan products and industries.
Ina Poon Bato
In the province of Zambales in the Northern Philippines,there is a shrine of the miraulous image of Ina Poon Bato[2],which means,in English, Mother of Poon Bato,Bato is a remote Barangay of the town of Botolan in Zambales Legend says the image of Ina Poon Bato was discovered in the 17th century by the natives of Zambales living in the slopes of Mount Pinatubo,the Aetas.Legend has it that it was not brought to this island by the Spanish colonizers.The aetas knew the image before the white people came to baptize the Blessed Virgin Mother, to which they have given the native name, Ina Poon Bato.She reigns in the hearts of many people and since "miracles" attributed to it "still happens",it is said even to this day,she is considered by Her devotees as,"their Mother,their Guidance and their hope".
The feast of Ina Poon Bato is celebrated every 23rd and 24th day of January in Barangay Poon Bato.Devotees from all over the country flock to this place before or on the feast day to pay homage to the "Ina".The church is on the top of the hill where you can see the beautiful panorama of the place.[3]
References
- ^ Philippine Standard Geographic Code listing for Botolan. National Statistical Coordination Board. Retrieved on 2007-12-09.
- ^ http://inapoonbato.webs.com/
- ^ http://inapoonbato.webs.com/democritomendoza.htm
Botolan, a first class municipality, comprises 20% of the total land area of Zambales, offers historical and cultural tourist spots among travelers. Its geographical location in the center portion of the Province harbors the notorious Mt. Pinatubo, along the contour of the long Zambales Mountain Ranges in its boundaries from the Province of Tarlac and Pampanga. On its western side clean, natural beaches and some beach resorts that offer comfortable amenities.
In between the houses in each are the verdant rice fields that manifest the way of life of many Botoleños — in which farming is considered as their basic bread and butter.
Among the favorite tourist attractions worth to mention are the Spanish Time Sta. Monica Church which is regarded as the 2nd oldest church in Zambales and has been spiritual haven for more than a century for almost eighty percent (80%) Botoleños who are born Roman Catholics; Miraculous Patron Saint Nuestra Señora de La Paz (Ina Poonbato) whose feast day falls on January 20-24, attended by tens of thousands devotees nationwide yearly; Botolan Wildlife Farm – a seven (7) hectare mini-zoo and wildlife park which preserve and breed wild and endangered animals native to the Philippines and from many countries in the world. There are at least twenty-nine (29) different species of animals in the farm like tiger, deer, ostrich, snake, crocodile, peacock, wild boars, among others; Kitsie’s Crocodile - is a Nature Park dedicated to the care of endangered species of animals found in the Philippines, particularly crocodilians. It nurtures and cares for Crocodylus mindorensis, a freshwater Philippine crocodile, and for Crocodylus porosus, a saltwater crocodilian commonly found in Australia, Papua New Guinea, and many countries of Asia. Aside from crocodiles, the Park at the moment also cares for civet cats and reptiles (including pythons, iguanas, and monitor lizards). It also maintains a small aviary that includes lovebirds, parakeets, parrots, pigeons and hawks; the LAKAS Village which showcases the culture and arts of Aeta Tribes, this is the village in the northern part of Botolan where we can reminisce the times of our ancestors. This is a very organized and self-reliant village. In this place, they live in a very simple life. They have their own system of farming. Their means of livelihood are handicraft and agriculture. They practiced bayanihan wherein they help one another in planting, harvesting crops and constructing their houses. The eatas dwell in nipa huts and still embracing their old culture and traditions; Falls which is located in mostly eastern part of the municipality namely Divisoria Falls located in Brgy. Mambog, Botolan which is forty –five (45) minutes walk from Lakas Village; Poonbato Falls which is located 30 minutes away from the Shrine of Ina Poonbato; Pamalasan Falls which is situated at the boundary of Brgy. Porac and Binoclutan, 30 minutes walk from RMTU Porac Campus; Bebey Falls, it is situated three (3) kilometers away from Sitio Baquilan near the Tarlac Road. Before reaching it, one will enjoy the different forest sites along the way.
The sweat and all the efforts of trekking down the mountains and hills are compensated with the breathtaking view of the falls. It has natural spring water, a naturally made pools for kids and adults, and a hot spring on the other side, which provides a natural body massage to anyone who dips in the water. It is also suited for scuba diving due to its depth.It has a clear and crystal - like water, that one can actually see himself as a reflection in the water. Among the favorite resorts in the locality is Rama Beach Resort located in Brgy. Binoclutan, Botolan, Zambales, a four hour drive from Manila or just one hour from Subic Bay along the scenic national highway. The Zambales range of mountains frames the resort marking an impressive vista; Westcoast Beach Resort also in Brgy. Binoclutan, Botolan, it has great facilities that can cater groups and parties, and a friendly staffs that are ready to welcome visitors, which are all experienced and helpful. C & J Beach Resort also located in Brgy. Binoclutan, Botolan, is now operational, it has a view deck that could see the scenic South China Sea, large rooms that has 2 beds, with separate toilet and shower. It has also a conference hall that could cater up to 150 people. Kawayan Farm Resort is located in Santiago, Botolan, Zambales, a good place for relaxation, family outing, birthday/wedding celebrations, conferences, reunion, outing etc. It has a jacuzzi, poolside bar, pavilion, cottages with aircon or fan, they have a koi pond for tilapia fishing. They also have a wide range of menu, and you could ask for them to cook for your choice of foods. You could do tilapia fishing in their pond, and have a fresh ihaw afterward.
Domorokdok Festival 2011 is an annual Festival of the town, which runs from April 25-May 4, showcasing the astonishing and exceptional talents of Botoleños through a wide array of events and activitites such as Mutya ng Botolan-Turismo, Domorokdok Idol, Domorokdok Dance Fusion Contest, Palarong Bayan, Botolan in a Glance: Express your Art Photo Contest, Talentadong Botoleño, Ms. Gay Domorokdok, Senior Citizens Night, Marathon, Alumni Night, Agro-Aqua Industrial Fair, Botolan Night, Sipit and Kayak Race, SK Night/Battle of the Bands, and the Domorokdok Streetdancing Parade and Showdown Competition.
Eco-Tourism areas are also given favorable importance in the municipality, after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, Botolan is now eager to move and make a mark towards its development. Historical spots and prospective places for tourist attraction will soon be developed including the historical Bancal River which is bestowed with natural environment and unique landscapes, a place where Botolan’s precious - the Battle of Playa Honda took place. The multi-stakeholder approach in developing the Bancal River as one of the ecotourism sites in Botolan is to encourage community participation in the conservation, preservation, and management of the environment and cultural heritage in the area while utilizing the natural beauty to generate income which is a very good source of alternative livelihood for the residents of Botolan. This initiative is an offshoot of the municipal government’s vision in making the town of Botolan a prime ecotourism destination.
This opens a huge opportunity in developing ecotourism facilities and services that would help meet the demand of eco-tourists expected to arrive. Its eventual results translate to income projected to augment the income of the community from current industries and sustain local revenue generation of the municipality. Most importantly, it directs the tourists’ interest in experiencing ecotourism aside from exploring the existing tourist spots. Today, the municipality invest in buying kayak and sipit boat for recreational purposes. Soon, pedal boats can now be use by the tourist in exploring the pristine Bancal River and Mangroove area.
Another eco-tourism area which is perfect for possible development is the Malomboy Lake which is situated in the old Brgy. Malomboy, this area is suitable for adventure tourists who loves to explore the wilderness and new places that provides exciting and unique experiences. Before reaching the area, you will experience to travel the long stretch of lahar in the Bucao Area, riding a weapon or a bagon. It is so surprising to see the pristine lake located in the middle of mountains in the deserted area of Malomboy. According to the aetas near the place, it is 20ft in depth, and provides lots of palos and tilapya. There are also lots of wild duck, that is why this place becomes one of the favorite hunting place in the eastern part of Botolan.
In line with Hon. Nerma I. Yap’s continuous efforts in empowering barangay officials and key members of the community to make them self sufficient and aid them with know-how on various programs lined up for the year, a LIFE-SAVING Training was held. This first ever training which was participated by no less than 50-strong group of selected men and women from coastal areas of Botolan, aim to equip and assure all the eight coastal barangays of the presence of certified life savers who are ready to render life saving techniques to anyone at anytime, anywhere - be it on top the mountains or the wide expanse of Botolan shorelines.
This program is not only in support of Mayor Nerma Yap’s vision of turning Botolan into a tourism haven by introducing guests to various tourist spots while assuring them of safety with the presence of certified lifesavers but also to arm the community in the coming wet season. Life Guard points will be put up along the popular Beach areas, similar to what is done in Australia and the U.S.A requesting swimmers to use the patrolled areas and thus ensure their safety whilst enjoying the beautiful Beaches that Botolan has to offer during the summer months. This vision is fully supported by the Beach Resorts operating in Botolan by way of both moral and financial assistance.
“Tourism is the enhancement of life of our people, it means job/business, we should promote economic prosperity, create economic activity, develop a sense of pride, show the love and respect, discipline, cleanliness and order in our community.”
External links
- Philippine Standard Geographic Code
- 1995 Philippine Census Information
- 2000 Philippine Census Information
- 2007 Philippine Census Information
- Zambales Turtle Conservation Program
 Province of Zambales | |
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| Municipalities | |
| Highly urbanized city |
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| Barangays | |