Dreaming of going to a place full of history? A place that is very memorable and interesting. A place that you can learn many things. And, the place which you can never forget. Why don’t you choose Taal? This would be the place you’re looking for!
Taal is famous for its old ancestral houses. That’s why once you’ve visited this place, it seems like we traveled back into the past. This place is also known to be the Balisong and Barong Tagalog Capital of the Philippines.
Luckily, we Senior High of the University of Batangas had the chance to explore a bit in Taal. From so many times that our trip got rescheduled, last August 23, 2016 we had our Immersion in Taal. Though honestly I truly live near this place and I studied in a school located there for 12 years, I still got very amazed of how beautiful and naturally historical Taal is.
Let me share you my great experience in the Heritage Town of Taal. Our first destination is in where Balisongs can be made and embroidery can be witnessed. This is the shop of Ona’s Batangas Blades. It is located at Balisong, Taal, Batangas. “Balisong could either mean “knife” or “barrio” in Taal Batangas.The word literally means ‘broken horn’ from the words ‘bali’ (break) and ‘sung’ which means horn of the water buffalo.The knife was introduced by Perfecto de Leon in 1905 with most of the knife coming from barrio Balisong Taal Batangas.It was in the 1980’s when local movies introduced the knife and it was then the the knife became popular as “Balisong”. Taalenos really shows that they are very creative and talented.”
This kind of equipment may be common to each one of us but we can’t avoid the fact that we became amazed of how can this thing be made. It shows how creative and how good Taaleños are in terms of making different types of embroideries and etc. Knowing that the products they are making are not that easy, we can say that they are patient and very hard working. This is really something that they must be proud of.
Our second destination was in the house of Leon Apacible. “Don Leon Apacible met national hero José Rizal while attending Ateneo Municipal de Manila. He boarded with Rizal and his brother, Galicano, who also became one of the political figures of the revolution. Leon’s mother asked Rizal to be her son’s advisor and guide. Like Rizal, Leon excelled in school and later studied Law at the University of Sto. Thomas. Leon earned his licentiate in jurisprudence at only 23 years old. He practiced law in Batangas where he also found Masonry. After, he became a judge of the Court of First Instance of Batangas City. In 1890, his house in Taal became one of the meeting places of the resistance leaders.”
This is not the first time that I went to this place because in my previous school, we also had a trip to Don Apacible’s House. But being into this place helps me to know more about Leon Apacible. It helps me to understand why he can be considered a very significant person in our Philippine history. Through visiting this place, I learned to appreciate every single thing in his house.
The next stop is another house of a hero which is Marcela Agoncillo. “On June 24, 1859, Marcela Agoncillo, the maker of the Filipino flag, was born in Taal, Batangas to Francisco Mariño and Eugenia Coronel. Marcela was reputed to be the prettiest in Batangas so she was fondly called”Roselang Bubog” and like any daughter of a rich couple, a maid or an elderly relative always accompanied her. She was sent to study at the Sta. Catalina College run by the Dominican nuns in Intramuros, Manila. It was in this school that she was trained well. She learned Spanish, music, crafts, and social graces expected from a Filipina of social stature.”
After Don Apacible’s house, Marcela Agonciillo’s house was the next one. Just like what I’ve said previously, it’s nice to visit this house because we can be able to learn more information’s about this heroine who have made our Philippine Flag. With that, we got the chance of knowing who’s the person behind mending our flag. That was a great opportunity for us Filipinos. She was very smart of having the ideas about what every detail of the flag symbolizes. Marcela should be praised for what she have contributed for our country.
The fourth destination is the Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours which is visited of numerous people. This is the top tourist spot in Taal. “The Basilica de San Martin de Tours, simply known as Taal Basilica, is Asia’s largest church and it was not very difficult to see. Sitting on top of a hill, the basilica towers over the old heritage town of Taal. It is a very dominant structure and is visible in most parts of the town proper and even in some parts of the neighboring town Lemery.”
Honestly, we haven’t entered the Basilica during our immersion but I have went inside it for several times. It is just beside my former school named Our Lady of Caysasay Academy. This Basilica really is huge and looks very old but you would still be captivated by its loveliness especially of how it looks inside. The paintings are very well painted and the golden altar is attractive. It is really very amazing of how they have preserved and maintain the good condition of the Basilica. It would be nice having moments with God if you’re here. Your tour in Taal would never be complete if you’ll not go into this place.
The next location is the place where Panutsa are made. And one of the longest panutsa industry is Beth’s panutsa.“Taal is famous for its panutsa. Unlike the panutsa from Bagio, Taal panutsa, or peanut brittle, uses whole peanuts locally grown in Batangas. These tasty crunchy morsels are typically in a round circular shape and they normally come in large or medium sizes. The sugar mixture has a thicker consistency and a distinct dark color that identifies the Taal treat. The native panutsa is a delicious snack that gives more pep to your step!”
This one of delicacy of Taal tastes so good that it is really suitable to bring as pasalubong. With its very affordable and cheap price, you’ll admire and wanted to buy again. Those sweets lover would like this. This product of Taal should really be endorsed and shared among our family and friends.
Our fifth destination is the Caysasay Shrine. “The Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay is a coral-hewn chapel in Barrio Caysasay in Taal, Batangas belonging to the Archdiocese in the Philippines. It was built in 1639 by Fr. Alonso Rodriguez to replace a temporary structure built in 1611.The church is home to Our Lady of Caysasay whose feast day is celebrated every December 8.”
Many people also are going to the Sacred Sta. Lucia Well which is believed to be miraculous well. It is said to be where Virgin Caysas
ay has appeared.
“This spring-fed well where two women saw the reflection of the Virgin of Caysasay, is now known as the Miraculous Well of Sta. Lucia. Since its discovery, many have attested that the spring water has miraculous healing and therapeutic powers. The spot where the well which reflected the image of Our Lady is marked by a coral stone arch with a bas relief image of the Virgin on its façade. It was built in early 1600. This carving technique is quite ancient, and it has been used independently in many civilizations like the Angkor Wat in Cambodia, built in the 12th century and Borobudur in Indonesia, built in the 9th century.”
Visiting the Caysasay Shrine and going to Sacred Sta. Lucia Well was indeed a help to strengthen my faith. It feels good washing my face with the water from the well. The miraculous water brings refreshment and it feels like I am relieved. As a Christian, it is such an opportunity to experience that.
After visiting the Caysasay Shrine, it’s time for us to take our lunch. We had our lunch at 3 Kings in which they served us foods that are famous in Taal like Tawilis, Longganisa and Tapa. They really taste good that’s why you can be satisfied with it.
And then, we went to the Old Taal Church Ruins located at San Nicolas. “In 1574, the Old Town or “Lumang Taal” was destroyed by the biggest volcanic eruption of Taal Volcano. These are the ruins of the original St. Martin de Tours Church, which is smaller in size than the current Basilica. After the volcanic destruction, the whole “Old town of Taal” moved to higher ground, to its current location. Laying the foundations of the new church began in 1755.”
Due to the fact that the baywalk of San Nicolas is near the Taal Church Ruins, we decided to go there and take pictures. It looks great because you can also see in here the view of the famous Taal volcano. The view seems like you’re in a paradise. You would appreciate the beauty of nature. I also came to a realization that we should really value and take good care of the natural resources so that they could even last long and future generations would see this.
Before our last destination, we went to another church in Alitagtag. The Binukalan Church. “Alitagtag is a Catholic Town. Other faith is Protestanism. In Poblacion West, there lie in the outskirts of the town the Binukalan Church where from the site, the Patron of Bauan and of the town, the Holy Cross was taken by the Jesuit Priests in the 16th century. It was told that long, long time ago, there was this kindhearted woman who suffered greatly from the whims of her cruel husband. She was made to fetch water every night in the lake and have to overcome the fear of darkness and dangers posed by sloppy path and ravines. This hardship ended when one day, the woman out to do her arduous task came upon an anubing tree and with all the pain and agony in her heart, kneel and pray asking for God’s mercy. Water miraculously pours from the tree which spared her from going far down the lake. From then on, it took only few minutes for the woman to get water, making her husband suspicious, He followed her one night and witnessed the miracle making him repentant. It was from this anubing tree that the Holy Cross was made.”
It feels good to pray here in Binukalan Church because the place is so peaceful and calm. You could be relaxed and take away yourself from the stress and problems you have. This could be a chance to have a heart to heart talk with God. You could express all the things you want to say. So though this church is not that big, you would still go here because you can pray here with reverence and silence. In addition, you would also see here another miraculous well.
Finally, our very last destination is the Invencion Dela Sta. Cruz Parish Church, Alitagtag. “It is true that the growth of a parish depends not on the single work of a person but on the collective effort and generosity of all parishioners. It has been five years since the parish of Alitagtag started rebuilding Christ’s body- the Invencion de la Sta. Cruz Parish. According to an inspection made in the previous years, the foundation of the old church of Alitagtag was already weak and therefore this calls for a total reconstruction of the church. In January 2009, the old church was totally destroyed to begin the construction. It is also significant to mention the following priests who served the parish and exerted their best efforts in constructing the new church, Rev. Fr. Ramonsito Manalo, Rev. Fr. Chito Andal and Rev. Fr. Eleuterio Ramos. At present, it is on the process of construction with Rev. Fr. Marcelino Antonio Maralit, Jr. as the parish priest.”
The Invencion Dela Sta. Cruz Parish Church really improved and developed compared with its previous appearance. I have seen and witnessed how it became that beautiful because Alitagtag is just near with my hometown. Though it took very long to finish reconstructing this church, it is alright because of the outcome. The designs inside it and the altar looks good. I believe that people from Alitagtag would be more interested to go in here and attend holy mass. With that, they can fulfill their duties and obligation as a Christian.
Visiting those two churches in Alitagtag keeps me believe with the power and love of God to all of us. We are truly blessed that he is there for us. Let us be enlightened and follow the goodness of every saints. They should serve as guidance for us to go and choose the right path so that our lives would be better.
After the very long day we spent in Taal, it was indeed a great experience. I must say that one day is not enough to explore and discover this place. It would be absolutely awesome to visit Taal once again. Grab the chance of going here with your loved ones. You don’t need huge amount of money if you wanted to see Taal. I believe that your budget could be already enough. Every moment I spent during our immersion will be forever cherished and treasured in our minds and hearts. I’ll never forget this wonderful experience with my Rowling family. The tiredness each one of us experienced are so worth it. Every laugh and smiles we shared will always be remembered.
CREDITS TO:
http://www.pusangkalye.net/2013/01/taal-pasalubong-balisong-longganisa-and.html)
http://www.taal.ph/history-culture/notable-taalenos/leon-apacible/
http://www.thepoortraveler.net/2012/04/basilica-de-san-martin-de-tours-taal-batangas/
http://www.taal.ph/places-of-interest/local-products/panutsa/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archdiocesan_Shrine_of_Our_Lady_of_Caysasay
http://www.taal.ph/places-of-interest/places-to-visit/old-taal-church-ruins/
http://taal.com.ph/index.php/places-to-visit/well-of-sta-lucia/
http://wowbatangas.com/destinations/churches/alitagtag-batangas-religious-destinations/
EXPLORE THROUGH TRAVELING 
very educational!
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Thank you! 🙂
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Nice blog
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Thank you! 🙂
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Great blog, i just don’t like the background color.
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Thanks. I’ll choose a better one next time! 🙂
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