Cover The Facade of the Basilica of St. Martin de Tours (Photo: Taal.gov.ph)
The Facade of the Basilica of St. Martin de Tours (Photo: Taal.gov.ph)
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Museums, century-old buildings, and a palatable local cuisine—the heritage town of Taal is a must-visit destination near Metro Manila
Batangas is best known for the pristine beaches of Nasugbu and the breathtaking diving spots in Anilao. But what of the road less travelled? Nestled in between the two famous tropical getaways is the quiet city of Taal. From heritage houses to historic churches and spots, this quaint town of Taal, Batangas is a cultural explorer’s dream come true.
Though the nearby Taal Volcano is active, its Spanish-era buildings spared from the Second World War and monuments have stood firm for decades—a testament to Filipino resilience.
More from Tatler: The cultural wanderer’s guide to Bacolod, the ‘city of smiles’
Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay
Above The ceiling of Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay (Photo: boyplakwatsa)
Above Sta. Lucia Well (Photo: Elo Siccion/Flickr.com)
The ceiling of Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay (Photo: boyplakwatsa)
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This coral-hewn chapel belongs to the Archdiocese of Lipa. It was first built in 1611 until it had to be replaced in 1639. This destination is home to the famous San Lorenzo Ruiz Steps and Sta Lucia Wells.
The San Lorenzo Ruiz steps have 125 granite steps from the Caysasay Church. Legend has it that if one would count the steps as they climb up and down and they correctly count 125 both times, a wish would be granted.
The Sta Lucia Wells is home to sacred water. Since its discovery, people have claimed that the water has miraculous healing properties. One story says that a blind man by the well saw a silhouette of the Virgin Mary. He washed his eyes for the second time then his vision returned.
Villa Tortuga
Above Villa Tortuga (Photo: Mari Avila)
Above Singers Kenneth Rarama and Addy Avecilla with dancers
Villa Tortuga (Photo: Mari Avila)
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Situated in the heart of Taal’s Poblacion, Villa Tortuga is an ancestral home restored by fashion designer Lito Perez. Home to a massive collection of antiquities and costumes, it’s a popular destination for those that want to be immersed in the 1800s. Dress up as the characters in Noli Me Tangere and have dinner with a murder mystery party with your family, have your pictures taken with centuries-old artefacts, and watch theatrical performances by singers Addy Avecilla and Kenneth Rarama. Each visit is unique as the theme can be changed to suit your desires.
Wedding Gift House
Above Dining Room of Casa de Regalo de Boda
Above First English translations of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo
Dining Room of Casa de Regalo de Boda
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The Casa Regalo de Boda is Eulalio Villavicencio’s gift to his wife, Gliceria Marella. Built in 1872, it is filled with many historical paintings of the couple, the first English translation of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, and Victorian decor. Beside it is the Casa Villavicencio, once a meeting place for the Philippine revolutionary leaders of Batangas.
This was also where they shot scenes of the television series Maria Clara at Ibarra.
Basilica of St Martin de Tours
Above Inside the Basilica of St. Martin de Tours (Photo: Taal.gov.ph)
Inside the Basilica of St. Martin de Tours (Photo: Taal.gov.ph)
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Dubbed the largest Catholic church in Asia, the Minor Basilica of St. Martin de Tours has gone through several renovations. The one we see today was done in 1856 by Fr. Marcos Anton with the help of architect Luciano Oliver. Its breathtaking facade and intricately painted ceilings are reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel, making this destination popular among pilgrims and couples ready to tie the knot.
Galleria Taal
Above Inside the museum (Photo: Galleria Taal/Facebook.com)
Inside the museum (Photo: Galleria Taal/Facebook.com)
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As the Philippines’ first camera museum, Galleria Taal houses hundreds of cameras dating from the 1800s. Acting as a timeline, the museum walks you through the history of photography and even allows you to peer into the viewfinders. A trusty guide dressed—and acting—like Crisostomo Ibarra will accompany you and unravel the deep history in the photos.
EL PASUBAT Festival
Above EL PASUBAT Festival (Photo: Lester Agonia/Wordpress.com)
EL PASUBAT Festival (Photo: Lester Agonia/Wordpress.com)
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Celebrated in the month of April, El Pasubat is a festival that celebrates the delicacies and crafts of Taal—empanada, longganisa, panutsa, suman, balisong, Barong Tagalog, tapa, tamales, tawilis, and tulingan. A parade of floats, music, dances, and contests take the streets as Taaleños and visitors alike honour the city’s culture and independence.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
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A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
