Taal, Batangas: The town, not the lake, not the volcano

Taal landmark: The Basilica of St. Martin de Tours

I have to admit. The only Taal I knew was the volcano found on the lake with the same name. Having stayed in Batangas for nearly 9 months to date, I heard people mentioning that they are from Taal or that they are going to Taal. I just presumed that that is the same place as where one takes off for a trek to the volcano. Presumptuous of me! It was only after sometime that I discovered that there really is a municipality of Taal and is one which is established by Spanish friars.

Anyway, after learning about it, I did my own browsing in the net and found that it is quite an interesting place. Thought of making a solo trip there but it never happened. Thanks to my good friend, we finally made it.

My friends started off from Jam terminal in Kamuning, Quezon City. Initially, the plan is for them to meet me in Lipa and then set forth together to Taal. Did not happen that way. We did not consider the fact that it is a holiday. They arrived at the bus station and there is a long queue of people wanting to go home so instead of boarding the Lipa bus, they took the one that goes to Lemery. Change of plan, I shall meet them at Taal instead which meant, I am going to take the Lemery jeepney from Lipa and meet them in Taal instead of them having to travel all the way to Lipa and then taking another jeepney and doing the rest of the trip together. It all worked out for the best really. We saved more time considering that there was road improvement and there was a hell of a traffic at Cuenca.

From Lipa, one passes by the towns of San Jose, Cuenca, Alitagtag, and Sta. Teresita before touch down at Taal. My friends arrived at Taal earlier than I did. Good thing, because by the time I arrived they already ordered our food at the Don Juan Boodle House located near the public market. Food was nice and a must try for those who are not tight on budget. They have an array of boodle menus, which is not recommended if you are on slimming diet.

After lunch, we had to do a bit of planning of which places to visit made necessary by the very little time we have after getting caught up in the traffic jam at Cuenca.

Good news! The resto provides FREE maps. They are really trying to promote tourism for the place.

With map in hand, we decide to start off at the Basilica of St.  Martin de Tours, which is right across the municipal hall. I found it impressive, a vivid reminder of the Spanish occupation. Being in the place made me imagine Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere---Crispin and Basilio ringing the bells…. Padre Damaso looking all righteous presiding at the altar. Of course, my imagination is reinforced by the Libingan ng mga Kastila found at back of the cathedral. The graveyard is actually a mound with spaces where you can fit coffins and have them sealed. At the top of the mound are spaces for babies. The caretaker of the place told us that the graveyard was just restored. It used to be wooded area.

Taal Landmark: Basilica of St. Martin de Tours

Tomb of Spanish and found at the back of the church

We then proceeded to the La Galleria or the Camera Museum owned by the Barrion family. Entrance fee is 100 pesos and a discounted price of 50 for students. The place houses all sorts and brands of cameras from the 1800s to the present. It has even got collector’s edition cameras which were never used. And get this, all their cameras are in working order! It is just amazing really. Some people are lucky to discover such passion for something and afford to pursue it. The museum also has old photographs which I appreciated better with explanation from our museum tour guide. I recommend the place. A bonus is the fact that the museum converted from a real ilustrado house which has alleyways for the aliping sagigilid whom I learned are not allowed to enter the threshold of the house.

Some of the old cameras in the Barrion collection. Still functional which is pretty amazing.

Just across La Galleria is the Apacible House. Prior to the visit, I do not know much about the Apacible’s but I learned that Leon Apacible is one of those who collaborated to have the La Solidaridad established while he was studying as a doctor in Spain. The museum is managed by the government which meant no entrance fee. They do accept donations. Unfortunately, since there is no entrance fee, there was also no tour guide. There was a guy who attempted to explain things to us but he was unable to answer most of our questions.

Other houses which are of interest in Taal would the Casa Villavicencio and the Agoncillo  house which we were unable to visit anymore due to lack of time.

After the Apacible house, we decided to go to the Shrine of our Lady of Caysasay and the twin wells of Sta. Lucia. For Catholic devotees, the Lady of Caysasay is a healer and they visit the place specifically for her healing powers. 

Walking to the place, we passed by the Taalena’s Antique Shop, which looked interesting from the outside. Unfortunately, it was after 5 pm so it was already closed. Then, there is the San Lorenzo Ruiz steps. Apparently it is made of granite and has healing powers just like the Lady of Caysasay and the miraculous waters of the twin wells.

I must say, I LOVE  the town of Taal. It is clean and organized. It is walkable. You can just wander around and see interesting sights. I would definitely be back. By then, probably, I could get my souvenir balisong. 

Taal the town as seen from the belfry of the Basilica of St. Martin de Tours.