| Oranges (1kg) | USD 2.51 |
| Coke bottle | USD 0.36 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | USD 1.09 |
| Local cheese (1kg) | USD 15.76 |
| Cinema, international release, 1 seat | USD 3.64 |
| 1 Summer dress in a chain store | USD 20.50 |
| Internet (6 Mbps, unlimited data) | USD 72.89 |
| Chicken breasts at the market | USD 4.44 |
| Loaf of white bread | USD 1.41 |
| Imported beer at restaurant | USD 2.28 |
Balagtas is an urban town in the Philippine province of Bulacan. It has upgraded in status due to economic development in the areas around Metro Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Efforts to decongest the capital city have led to industries moving to Manila’s outlying areas. Balagtas was formerly named Bigaa. It received its present name when the local government decided to rename the town in honor of Francisco Balagtas, a renowned Filipino poet who hailed from the town’s Panginay district. Cheap flights to Balagtas are offered to travelers and visitors who wish to experience the laid back lifestyle of an urbanized suburb.
Balagtas can be accessed from Manila through either the two routes of McArthur Highway or the North Luzon Expressway. The town is composed of 9 districts or villages. A picturesque river, also named Balagtas, traverses through the center of the town. The most popular tourist attraction in town is the heritage site of the Francisco Balagtas Museum or the birthplace marker of the Filipino poet. The Parish Church of St. Lawrence-Deacon and Martyr is another cultural landmark in town.
Hotels in Balagtas are not too many. The most popular accommodation in town is the Villa Christina Resort, Restaurant and Hotel along Daang Bakal Street in the district of Borol 1st. Two other affordable accommodations in Balagtas are the Villa Virgen Milagrosa Resort and the Sun and Sun Resort both in Borol II. There are a number of smaller inns and pension houses that are equally comfortable. Amenities are limited but prices are cheaper. These places are ideal for those visitors who want to save on their money. Cheap flights to Balagtas are also for the benefit of those who do not want to bust their budgets while still able to experience what the town has to offer.
Local food products such as bottled sardines and sausages are the popular buys in town. These are cheap presents to bring back home from the visit. The making of baby’s clothes and accessories is another rising industry in town. These well-made pieces can be given as gifts or may be sold on retail business.