A visit to the town of Taal in Batangas can change your experience of history quite quickly. History is usually taught as a moment of time, a place, and series of events that are but distant memories of the past, but in Taal it is very easy to imagine the Spanish friars holding court, Antonio Luna meeting with friends and members or the Katipunan walking quietly as to not catch the attention of the roving Guardia Civil.
Here in Taal one would have to start your walk at the Taal Basilica de San Martin de Tours which was completed in 1878. It is the most prominent landmark in town. It is considered the biggest in Asia at 95 meters long and 45 meters wide. For Php50, you can also climb the bell tower and catch the magnificent view of the town and the surroundings including that of Balayan Bay.
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| Inside the Basilica |
The next stop should be the Taal Market which contains all the Pina and Jusi creation imaginable. It is the perfect place to find that barong and a kimona at local wholesale cost.
Facing the market with your back to the basilica turn right and find your way to the Villavicencio house, which will cost you just Php100 to get the short film screening about Gliceria Marella de Villavicencio who had given her support to the Katipunan Movement. The fee also covers a delicious selection of afternoon delights such as the bonete, suman, and tsokolate. The house was also the venue for many of the secret meetings among the katipuneros and it is certainly an eerie feel to get to walk through the halls and rooms reminiscent of the times of the past.
Beside the house is a festive home known as the Wedding Gift House. Entrance fee is only Php50. The name always causes a bit of a confusion as many would think that this is a store that sells wedding presents, but it is in fact the gift of Eulalio Villavicencio to his bride Gliceria. Unlike many of the homes of that stature that would usually sport a predominantly dark wood finish, the gift house is finished in many bright colors giving it an air of fun and celebration.
Moving further away from the basilica, you'll get to find the Galeria Taal. The renovated old house of the Ilagan-Barrion family currently contains a display of vintage cameras and old photographs both dating back to the late 1800s. The exhibit is truly priceless if only for the history documented in the photographs alone. For anybody into the art of photography, this place is a must see.
Around 300 meters down from Galeria Taal is the home of the woman called the Mother of the Philippine Flag, Marcela Agoncillo. This house has a personality of its own with its personal nooks. It is relatively more modest in size but has a library still stocked with some of the family's books. There is no fixed entrance fee to the house but chances are you'd be more than happy to make a small donation given Marcela Agoncillo's well-known place in history.
Many people compare Taal to Vigan and would call it the second best place to see heritage homes, but for some Taal is a better place to visit. The town has a bustle beyond tourism and that makes it feel more alive. The houses open to the public have played an important role in the fight against Spain. Taking time to travel around Taal is the best thing you can do to get to learn more about the Philippine History.
How to Get There:
From Manila by Car - Go straight down SLEX, all the way to the very end, where you'll connect to the Star Toll. Take the Lipa Exit and head towards Cuenca. Keep going, passing Alitagtag and Sta Teresita. When you see the town of Balisong, you're almost there. Follow the signs to the Basilica.
Alernate route through Tagaytay - From the rotonda, turn right towards Taal Vista Lodge. Keep going until you see the arch to Nasugbu in front of you. Turn left at the bridge past McDonald's. That road will offer you a stunning view of the basilica looming ahead as you approach Taal.
From Manila by Bus - Any bus that will pass through the Lemery is the fastest way to Taal. JAM Liner near GMA-Kamuning is one of the most convenient. Tickets costs Php150 one way.
Where to Eat - There's one restaurant in the town that you can eat in called Taal Bistro but is referred to by locals as Bistro. The restaurant is right by the market and serves the local favorites of Taal including tawilis, maliputo and tapang Taal.
Taal is pretty much a walk back in to the past. Where you get the eerie feeling of the old Spanish rule and influence. It brings back that old kind of soul and makes you realize how things must have been in the days of old. It is definitely a place to visit to get to understand the Filipino culture a bit more.
Once you have decided to go, check out these Android Applications that might be quite helpful on your trip: Sidestrip's Android Must Have Travel Apps
Till Next time...
-Metz-
PS. I also found an awesome blog that talks more about the Taal Heritage Site here:
http://www.pusangkalye.net/2012/01/passing-by-sleepy-taal-town-to-see.html
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