Culture and Heritage

San Juan, Batangas, boasts picturesque and pristine beaches that attract tourists to visit the town year-round to experience its natural beauty and exciting activities. The town’s beautiful beaches are well-known for their crystal-clear waters, numerous water sports activities, and comfortable beachfront accommodations that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. 

There are also nature parks and reserves in San Juan, such as the Mangrove Forest in Brgy. Pinagbayan & Poctol and mountain adventure activities offer various activities such as trekking, bird watching, and camping. These nature parks are perfect escapes for visitors who want to experience the lush beauty of the town’s flora and fauna. Aside from its natural wonders, San Juan, Batangas has a rich cultural heritage reflecting the town’s history, traditions, and customs. The town’s cultural heritage is deeply ingrained in the lives of its people, with many of their practices and beliefs passed down from generation to generation. 

The Municipality of San Juan (previously known as San Juan de Bolboc) is a first-class municipality of Batangas, Philippines. It is located on the eastern coast of Batangas, facing Tayabas Bay. The town has both an agricultural and fishing economy with a particular focus on coconut & pottery production. Originally, San Juan de Bolboc was a barrio of Pueblo of Rosario. The administration was assigned tenientes or deputies’ rulers of the village with 17 barrios that paid tributes to the Spanish government starting in 1837, that record indicates. It developed its status, was soon recognized as a separate municipality in 1843, and officially became independent in 1848.   

San Juan is a melting pot of different cultures and traditions. One of the most important cultural landmarks in San Juan Batangas is the Pinagbayanan Ruins. This site is once the fatherland of San Juan. In 1843, previously called San Juan de Bocboc, whose ruins are still present today, the church named after the town’s patron saint, Saint John Nepomucene, with the municipal hall was constructed on this site. The church was mostly made of raw materials such as bamboo and palm and was refurbished into a stone church under Father Damaso Mojica in 1855. As stated in original Spanish documents, due to persistent flooding starting from 1883 that washed off the site leaving only ruins, the town was transferred to its present location under Fr. Celestino Yoldi. In 1957 and 1995, renovations were done to preserve the architectural design; the facade and the bell tower that was appended to the building between 1928 and 1935 were left as they were. As an acknowledged “National Historical Site” by the National Historical Institute, the Pinagbayanan Ruins with San Juan Nepomuceno Parish Church and Municipal of San Juan, Batangas, is listed as Historical Markers in the Philippines. 

Agriculture is essential to San Juan’s heritage since it is known for its coconut and pottery production. In honor of this tradition, San Juan celebrates the vibrant Lambayok Festival. The deeply rooted cultural heritage celebrates creativity, ingenuity, and the hard work of the people of San Juan, Batangas. Lambayok is the acronym for Lambanog (Coconut Wine), Palayok (Clay Pot), and Karagatan (Sea) – the three (3) significant products that contributed much to the economic growth of San Juan. This annual celebration coincides with the foundation day of San Juan, Batangas, held every December 12. This festival is celebrated with lively street dancing, colorful parades, and exciting festivities. Another important event in the municipality is the cultural and religious celebration of the Feast of San Juan Nepomuceno in honor town’s patron saint. The celebration’s highlight involves a procession of decorated boats that carries the saint’s image around the town’s coastline. This annual event takes place every May 16, one of the most anticipated festivals in the municipality. 

San Juan also has a rich culinary heritage that features some of the town’s most famous dishes, such as Goto, Lomi, Kakanin (Sticky Rice Cakes), and Adobo. These dishes are a testament to the town’s culinary traditions and a symbol of San Juan’s creativity and resourcefulness in using local ingredients. These full of rich cultural and religious traditions and landmarks are integral to San Juan’s identity and heritage. With careful preservation and promotion, the town continues to thrive while staying true to its roots and heritage and can continue to celebrate its cultural identity for generations to come. Overall, the Municipality of San Juan in Batangas is a perfect destination for travelers who want to experience the best of both worlds – stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage.