How to live out your 'Maria Clara at Ibarra' dreams in Batangas

You don’t have to time travel to get a feel of Philippine history. In fact, in this farm and restaurant in Batangas, you can live out your “Maria Clara at Ibarra” dreams!

A quick road trip to San Juan will bring you to Calle Kanto in Barangay Calicanto, where you’ll get treated to good food, interesting culture, and pretty antiques.

The resto’s specialties include bilao meals for groups, adobo sa kapeng barako, sando, or sandwiches with kapeng barako, homemade tapa, or Lucban longganisa.

After eating, you can head to their heritage home which is open to all.

“May lumang bahay na parang nagpapaalala ng ating lumang kultura,” said owner Jose “Jun” Catapang Jr. in an episode of “Biyahe ni Drew.”

“Marami rin pong mga lumang gamit kung saan marami tayong matututunan, parang nostalgia kumbaga,” he added.

On the other hand, also in San Juan are the two traditional Filipino houses Bahay Trinidad and Bahay Janer, located inside the Bufi Farm.

The whole lush destination is available to rent for a private vacation, which also has wide open spaces, lots of coconut trees, and a pool.

Staying true to the nostalgic theme, fun games such as piko, sipa, tumbang preso, Chinese garter, flying kites, and jump-roping can be done at the park. Plus, groups can also avail of a halo-halo buffet. —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News