The plan was
to catch the bus to Bulan, Sorsogon for Lola Baby’s birthday. Due to time
constraints, rowing became an alternative. For failure to wake up at 3:00am,
Luneta photoshoot was set. Luneta, being a frequent place for photoshoot, Taal,
Batangas has been the spot!
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| St. Martin of Tours Basilica: Asia's largest Catholic Church |
Almost a year ago, I have read in a magazine about the
largest Catholic Church in Asia. I have read that it is erected at Taal,
Batangas – the Basilica of St. Martin of Tours.
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| Inside the Basilica. Photo by: Dexter Comandante |
The belfry can be climbed for Php100. It is open until
6:00pm. We saw the sun set from there.
We had lunch at Don Juan BBQ. Taal is not complete
without tawilis on the table so we ordered some. The dining crew were polite
and nice. They gave us flyers about Taal. It contains a list of tourist
attractions around the municipality.
After filling-in our stomach, we walked down Calle Agoncillo.
The streets are narrow but clean. On each side were old houses and
establishments.
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| Bastonera |
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| Abaniko |
We entered Don Leon Apacible’s Museum. It is the ancestral house of the Don Leon
Apacible which was donated by the heirs to the National Government. Inside were
preserved things used by the Apacibles. The first that caught my attention were
the baby dress and the abanikos of
Doña Matilde. Art, the museum staff said that these items are regularly
treated to maintain its form. The museum is open on Tuesday-Sunday from 8:00am-4:00pm.
Admission is free. Doña Matilde Apacible, Don Leon’s Wife, was the first woman
Mayor of Taal.
Among the recommended destinations is the 100 steps of
Caysasay and the miraculous well. The place looks ordinary as there are
residents by the side of the stairs. On the right, few steps before the Shrine of
Caysasay, is the miraculous well where the image of the Our Lady of Caysasay
was fished. Siblings Editha, 9 and Andrew, 13 showed us the grotto and the
well. It is believed that the well grants wishes and heals. We lighted a bundle
of candles that is believed to keep the family together.
At the foot of the 100 steps is the Shrine of Our Lady of
Caysasay.
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| Marcella de Agoncillo Museum |
Another museum along Calle Agoncillo is the Marcella de Agoncillo
Museum. Marcella Agoncillo is the principal seamstress of the Philippine flag.
It is open on Tuesday-Sunday from 8:00am-4:00pm. No Admission fee.
As night creeps in, barbeque stalls lit up in front of
the basilica. We sat down for a few sticks and drinks and made our way back to
Manila. Last trip from Lemery, Batangas to Manila is at 8:00pm.
Taal is a clean and quiet municipality with accommodating
people. Like Vigan, it is rich in history and heritage. Our 4-hour afternoon
walk in Taal surely deserves a part 2!
Expenses:
Manila-Taal-Manila Bus fare P340 (170/way)
Lemery bound bus
Lunch P503.00
Candles and tip for Editha and Andrew P60.00
Refreshments P48.00
Tricycle P50
Taal to Lemery Bus Station
Photos at: https://www.facebook.com/KinsysPage?ref=hl
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