It's my second time to visit the town of Taal in Batangas. The last time I was there, I was only able to see the Minor Basila of St. Martin of Tours (aka Taal Cathedral). This very old church is always a sight to behold. But Taal has so much more to offer.
I was lucky enough to join a tour of photographers (which I almost missed, since I missed my alarm and actually had to commute to Taal to meet them there) so we visited almost everything this beautiful town had to offer. It was a long and tiring walk (and the summer heat wasn't helping) but totally worth it!
Visiting these old, but well-preserved Spanish colonial houses, was really like travelling back in time. I was just in awe at the sheer size of these elaborately decorated houses. Clearly no expenses were spared when these were created back in the 1800's. And the quality of the furniture was outstanding, not like the single-use crap that is mostly being sold today (haha). Hey, if these were able to last for over a century, surely it's a testament to their craftsmanship.
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| Casa Villavicencio |
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| Casa Villavicencio |
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| Casa Villavicencio |
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| Casa Villavicencio |
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| Leon Apacible Museum |
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| Leon Apacible Museum |
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| Marcela Agoncillo Museum |
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| Marcella Agoncillo Museum |
After having lunch at the beautiful Parador del Castillo, it was time to see the other beautiful sights in Taal and the nearby town of San Nicolas. We even had enough time to visit the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay, as well as the miraculous well nearby.
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| Parador Del Castillo |
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| Parador Del Castillo |
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| San Lorenzo Ruiz Steps, which leads to the miraculous Sta. Lucia Well |
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| The cave near the miraculous Sta. Lucia Well, where devotees hang rosaries whenever their prayer wishes are granted. |
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| The caretaker fetches water from the 2 wells for pilgrims. |
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| Inside the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay |
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| San Nicolas bay walk |
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| San Nicolas bay walk |
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| San Nicolas bay walk |
After the short breather at the San Nicolas bay walk it was time to head back to Taal for one last glimpse of the cathedral before heading back to Manila.
I admired the beauty and potential of Taal when I saw it for the first time some two years ago. Now that I have been able to see it in more detail, I am simply amazed. The old houses and the treasures that they behold are truly awe-inspiring, and really takes you back to the glorious but at the same time tumultuous times of the Spanish colonization.
Until next time!
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