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The Master Plan Unfolded
The Magic That is Costa de Madera
From 1565 to 1815, a good 250 years, the sea fronting Costa de Madera was within the routes of the Galleons, that carried silk and rugs from China, ceramics from Vietnam, cinnamon and spices from our country, slaves and seafarers from Asia to the New World, Acapulco in Mexico. Our famous writer, Nick Joaquin (1990) observed that, the Galleons made the Philippines a member of the global village. Most of our present day coastline cities became so because of their use as ports-of-call of the galleons. Following this notion, CDMC plans to establish a quaint town of about thirty (30) houses of 1700-1800 vintage and architectures, along the quaint cobbled stone streets, with horse-drawn street car (tramvia) in rails going around town. An exotic mission chapel of ancient bricks and stones, complemented by a plaza, which can be a much sought for wedding venue. The heritage houses will serve as the accommodations for the families and guests while the ground floor of the houses will be developed into shop houses (tiendas) that will sell products of the olden Batangas ie; Barong Tagalog, embroidered pillow cases, bed sheets, mosquito nets, cutleries (balisong and bolos) , coconut vodka (lambanog), terra cotta pots & jars (palayok, banga, tapayan), wooden clogs (bakya), native coffee (barako), muscovado sugar (azucal pula), Anchovies (Bagoong), Fish sauces (Patis), goat stew (Kalderetang Kambing) mountain Rice (Kinanda), Rice cakes (kalamay, suman, puto, pilipit) Banana Delicacies (Maruya & Inarnibal), Fish Omelets (Tortang Dulong) Fermented Mustard (Burong Mustasa), Roasted Piglet (Litson), and so many other products. During evenings, the quaint town will showcase the "Arnis de Mano" the martial arts that was popularized and developed by the Batangueño merchants; the native dances; the "Subli", La Jota Batangueña", "Maglalatik" and the "Pandango ". The musical ensemble will be provided by the Rondalla and the Musikong Bukid (the native brass band) while the haunting "Kundiman" songs will render the evening romantic while the cuisine and spirits of the province will be the centerpiece of every festivities and affairs. |