METRO Pacific Tollways South (MPT South), the concessionaire of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) and Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), celebrates another milestone through its flagship tourism advocacy campaign — Biyaheng South, now on the road with its Summer Tour 2024.
Biyaheng South Summer tour boasts of an immersive adventure showcasing Southern Luzon’s finest summer destinations. This year’s event is co-presented by Landco Pacific Corporation, in partnership with Department of Tourism Region IV-A (DOT IVA), Department of Interior and Local Government Region IV-A (DILG-IVA), Cavite Tourism Office and Calatagan Tourism Office. A select group of influencers, media partners, and lucky winners from the Summer Tour promotion—known as Ka-Biyaheros—were invited to experience these destinations firsthand, and who will then continue to promote these sites by sharing their journey across their social media channels. Foton Philippines served as the official mobility partner, providing Ka-Biyaheros with comfortable rides, and the event is also sponsored by Kura Cafe, “more than just coffee.”
Ka-Biyaheros journeyed for three days and two nights, experiencing a curated escape designed to highlight the region’s unique charm, coastal attractions and cultural flair made more accessible via CALAX and CAVITEX.
Breakfast and Scenic Drives in General Trias
The adventure kicked off with a scenic drive along the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), where participants experienced firsthand the comfort of a smoother, faster, and more efficient travel to the South.
Traveling aboard the FOTON Traveller and FOTON Traveller XL, the Ka-Biyaheros were able to relax and enjoy the journey in spacious, air-conditioned shuttles designed for group comfort. The highlight of the ride is the exclusive preview of the soon-to-open Governor’s Drive Interchange, a key access point set to launch this 2025, which will extend CALAX’s operating segment to Governor’s Drive in General Trias, Cavite. This upcoming interchange is expected to decongest traffic on major roads in Cavite and significantly reduce travel time to key destinations like Carmona, General Trias, and Silang.
The participants then headed to Kura Café in General Trias, Cavite, which is just a short drive from CALAX Silang-Aguinaldo exit. The group was welcomed with specialty brews and morning pastries while basking in the charm of this local favorite. One of the café’s best sellers is their pizza, specifically the Nutella with pistachios—a delightful fusion of sweet and savory. Other must-try dishes in their menu are beef quesadilla, oyster sisig, baked scallops, and banana bread.
**How to get to Kura Café: From Manila, you can either take Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) southbound or go via SLEX and CALAX. From here, continue driving along Governor’s Drive to The Zhang Place in Barangay Manggahan.
Ride the Waves and Explore the Coast in Batangas
Their next activity was a relaxing cruise on the legendary Taal Lake in Talisay, Batangas. Surrounded by the famous volcano’s silhouette and the still waters of the lake, the experience was both tranquil and visually stunning. A lakeside lunch followed—featuring Batangueño favorites like crispy tawilis and lomi.
By mid-afternoon, participants arrived at Calatagan South Beach (CaSoBe), a premier beachside destination by Landco in Calatagan, Batangas, easily accessible via CALAX by taking the Silang-Aguinaldo exit and driving through Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road. This thoughtfully planned community, recognized with a Silver Award for Outstanding Development in Luzon – Masterplan at the 2023 Property and Real Estate Excellence Awards, served as the base camp for the Biyaheng South Summer Tour.
For three days, Ka-Biyaheros called this beach haven their home—waking up to ocean breezes, enjoying slow mornings by the shore, and winding down with dinner and drinks at the lively Captain Barbozza. The participants were treated to a unique stay in CaSoBe’s wide array of accommodations—ranging from the unique and futuristic Apollo Aeropods to the charming Cupola, Cocoon Pods, and Premier Garden Cabins.
With its scenic views, well-curated accommodations, and vibrant community atmosphere, CaSoBe offered the ideal mix of adventure and relaxation for the summer road trip.
Compared to the first day, the second day was filled with more adventure—an island-hopping tour to Calatagan’s pristine beaches and hidden sandbars, followed by water-filled fun at Aquaria Water Park. Nestled along the shores of Calatagan’s long stretch of beach, the park features a giant three-story slide that plunges into a crystal-clear pool—an instant favorite among the Ka-Biyaheros. The participants also had time to unwind in cabanas, experience multiple swimming areas, and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze right next to the coast.
The evening wrapped up with a peaceful visit to the historic Cape Santiago Lighthouse, a 19th-century landmark overlooking the West Philippine Sea. This is where the group watched the sun dip below the horizon while enjoying local merienda—a golden close to their Batangas experience.
Fast-Paced Fun and Local Flavors in Carmona
On the final day, the Ka-Biyaheros cruised back to Cavite, where their first stop was Chantilly Café in Carmona—a homey café known for its rustic charm and warm pastries. After that, the group then geared up for some friendly competition at the Carmona Racetrack, zipping through the curves in go-karts—a fun, high-energy stop that added a unique twist to the road trip.
**How to get there: From Manila, take the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) southbound or go via SLEX and CALAX. From here, continue driving along Governor’s Drive in Barangay Lantic to reach Chantilly Café. For the Carmona Racetrack, continue driving along Governor’s Drive then proceed to Palma Street in Carmona.
The tour wrapped up at DEAFinitely Happy Store, a social enterprise supporting the deaf community. Here, travelers interacted with staff, picked up handmade pasalubong, and left not only with souvenirs but with a deeper appreciation for inclusivity and local advocacy.
“As we expand the horizons of Biyaheng South, our goal remains the same: to bring people closer to the beauty and stories of Southern Luzon,” said Arlette V. Capistrano, Vice President for Communication and Stakeholder Management at MPT South. “We’re proud to provide the expressways that lead to these adventures—and even prouder to promote the local tourism that gives our roads meaning.”
DOT-IVA Regional Director Marites Castro commended MPT South for the initiative, saying “We proudly recognize the Biyaheng South Project of MPT South as a vital initiative that enhances regional connectivity, promotes sustainable tourism, and support local economic development. This project is testament to what public-private partnership can achieve in uplifting communities across Southern Luzon.”
About Biyaheng South
Biyaheng South is MPT South’s tourism advocacy program that has made a significant impact by promoting its toll road networks, particularly CAVITEX, its C5 Link segment, and CALAX, as gateways to the tourist destinations of Southern Luzon. The program demonstrates how infrastructure not only can improve connectivity but also can serve as a catalyst for regional economic growth through tourism promotion.
About MPT South
MPT South is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC). Aside from CALAX and CAVITEX networks of toll roads, MPTC’s domestic portfolio includes concessions for the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), the NLEX Connector Road, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cebu.
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