Early history says that the first settlers of the city were war-like descendants of the two Bornean Datus Dumangsil and Balikasusa between the 10th and 13th century AD.It is said that the early Lipeños were Buddhist in religion and Indian in civilization while influences coming from other races also became inevitable due to the not so infrequent contacts with traders and merchants coming from China. With the Spanish conquest of the region, the Lipeños were also forced to embrace the Hispanic Christian culture of the West. This is the reason why they say that in Lipa, “the East also meets the West.” Lipa City is one of the three cities in the province of Batangas, Philippines. (Tanauan City, Batangas City). It is located 78 Km away from Manila, (Philippines Capital City) and approximately one and a half hour ride. The city is named after a tree called “Dendrocnide meyeniana” or Lipa Tree. A recreational city that attracts tourist because of its nice weather, beautiful places, religious, commercial, industrial and educational center. Lipa City is also known for having nicknames like Next Wave City, Little Rome of the Philippines, City of All Seasons.

Lipa is also called Little Rome of the Philippines. We all know that Rome in Italy is a predominantly Roman Catholic population and home of the Holy Pope.  Lipa City is called Little Rome of the Philippines because of churches and religious groups 99.5% of the city population are Roman Catholic there are 49 parishes in all and 23 existing catholic schools, two high school seminaries, three college seminaries, and two pastoral centers. Have time to visit Carmel Monastery, Lipa San Sebastian Cathedral,Redemtorist Lipa and Parish of Mary Mediatrix of All Grace.Lipa City is a pilgrim’s paradise and an ideal tourist destination. Many years back, the City has welcomed busloads of people who are mostly pilgrims. Almost always, they visit the Carmelite Monastery Chapel, the site of the 1948 apparition of Mary Mediatrix of All Graceyou. Here in Lipa you can enjoy “church-hopping” and attend mass with the whole family. Then, go on a foodtrip with your friends at the night market. But in some reason nightmarket here in LIpa has been demolished.

Here in Lipa the elders saying is “Dine sa Lipa, eh iba talaga… basta kapag nakapunta ka dine,, ay imposibleng di ka babalik,, babalik at babalik ka parin,” because here in Lipa there is many places that you can go. Also the foods and people in Lipa are very kind and hospitable. Lipa, unlike many of the famous tourist spots in the Philippines, can actually be considered to be a sleeper sight. By sleeper sight, I mean that it has enough attractions and sights to visit to actually warrant an unforgettable experience. There are tons of things to do and see in Lipa, you only have to experience it. Different resorts, places of interest, and establishments filled with histories for you to uncover. Lipa is a city wherein culture and history are cultivated to create a unique blend of a story. For that reason, many foreigner come back to taste again the food and meet many different people. I realize that I must treasure all things that I have because I’m from Lipa. And the thing in LIpa is very special unlike any other city here in Batangas.