When one mentions the word Taal, what immediately comes into people’s mind is the Taal Volcano which is one of the popular sights when in Tagaytay City. But there is another Taal that only a few is aware of, and it is even more interesting as it houses several National Cultural Landmarks!
Last month, I was invited to join a media event/tour in the Heritage Town of Taal, Batangas. It was my first time to go here, that is why I was just so excited to join the tour!
From Manila we had a private shuttle that brought us to Taal. Upon arrival our first itinerary was a quick snack at Escuale Pia. One of the Heritage structures in the town. Escuela Pia used to be a convent San organized by the congreagation of Jose of Calansanz, during the 17th century. It was then converted into a school and was then ran by the Augustinians for the underprivileged youth of the town.
At the Escuela Pia, we locals were there to show to us the local products Taal and the province of Batangas is known for, like the Embroidered cloths, walis tingting (broomsticks), Sawali (bamboo mats), and tasty delicacies like panutsa and espasol.
From Escuela Pia, we then climbed the stairs which led us to what is known to be one of the largest churches in the Philippines: the church of Saint Martin of Tours. I was awestruck at its massiveness. Grabe, ang laki nya talaga! It was just a quick visit, not even 10 minutes long.
From there we then head to the Villavicencio house for a sumptuous buffet Filipino lunch. I love the Nilagang baka and the fish cooked in gata!
After the lunch we then took a short walk along its historic streets lined with heritage houses which finally led us to the Church of Our Lady of Caysasay.
Inside the church we got to see how the prayer dance called Subli is performed. It’s only know that I learned that Subli is a prayer dance, pala. It’s like the Sinulog of Cebu, but of course done differently.
From the church we went to the other side of the church where a well can be found. It is said that its waters is miraculous and can cure any illnesses.
From the well we then moved to another bahay na bato, known as Villa Tortuga. At first, I thought that the family owners of the house have Tortuga as its Family name. But I was wrong. The house got its name from the large pieces of collector’s items hanging on its walls: large turtle shells.
We had a very filling late afternoon snack here before finally bidding goodbye to the heritage town of Taal.
It was a quick tour, but I have learned so much. Details of itinerary will be posted soon.
Check out some of the exciting events coming up!