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---------------------- HISTORY OF TAALTaal, the old capital of Batangas, is a beautiful town atop a hill between TAAL LAKE & Balayan Bay and just 131 kilometers in distance or a scenic two hours drive from Manila. Going to Taal via Tagaytay Ridge offers a panoramic view of one of the smallest volcanoes in the world. The Taal volcano is described as,“ A volcano with-in-a-lake, and a lake within a volcano.” Taal’s name has been translated as “native, “real” or “true” to Bornean settlers. In the early days, any native who may have wandered to other places were identified as “Taal,” meaning him to be a true native. With the coming of the Spaniards the people were called Taalños. Some old folks believe that the name was lifted from the wild palm trees on the shores of the lake and along the banks of the Pansipit River known as “Tal-an,” and “Ta-ad”, an old Batangueño term for sugarcane points. Spanish priest Fray Abuquerque came in 1572 and gathered all the scattered dwellers in the area called Balangon. Before he could found the town, he was recalled to Manila. Fray Diego Espinas succeeded him as priest and as town captain. When Moros (Muslim bandits ) destroyed the town in 1575, Fray Espinas transferred the population to the bank of the lake, where the town now called San Nicolas stands. This was the old Taal. Ships coming from Manila and the Visayas brought trade which made the town so prosperous. In 1732 it was made the capital of the province to succeed Balayan. A robust coffee trade became the money pot of the town in the last half of the 19th century, which gave rise to a wealthy merchant class. Thus, there was a boom in the construction of GRAND HOUSES and other more imposing facades as the Basilica of St. Martin de Tours, reputedly the oldest and biggest church in Asia. In relation to it’s history, Taal’s revolutionaries struggled in its entanglement with Spain and America in its effort to attain independence. When DR. JOSE RIZAL, (the national hero) was exiled in Hong Kong, he sent copies of his novels “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” to Taal for distribution to the whole of Batangas. Don Eulalio and DOÑA GLICERIA MARELLA-VILLAVICENCIO who brought these copies were imprisoned and maltreated. Doña Gliceria is especially remembered for her generous donation of the first battleship of the revolution, called the “Bulusan.” When the rebellion against Spain erupted, other revolutionary leaders like ANDRES BONIFACIO; Taaleños like: ANANIAS DIOKNO, Martin Leonardo, Mariano and Aguedo Cabrera; VICENTE ILUSTRE, FELIPE AGONCILLO and MARCELA AGONCILLO converged in secrecy at different homes in the town to plan their assault against the Spanish rulers. There, they rounded up volunteers to help in the national cause for freedom. Felipe Agoncillo’s wife, Marcella, sewed the first Philippine national flag. Two years after the outbreak of the rebellion, the Spanish fleet stationed in Manila Bay was routed by the American fleet under the command of Admiral George Dewey in a decisive battle of May 1, 1898. It was the aftermath of the Spanish-American War precipitated by the blowing of the battleship “Maine” in Havana Harbor. On May 26, 1898, EMILIO AGUINALDO returned from Hongkong on The American battleship Mac-Cullough to continue the revolt against the Spaniards with the aid of the Americans. Aguinaldo proclaimed Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898. Manila fell on August 13, to the combined victorious forces of the Filipinos and Americans. By the Treaty of Paris of December 10, 1898, the Philippines was ceded by Spain to the United States for the sum of $20,000,00. Felipe Agoncillo was sent by Aguinaldo as Minister Plenipotentiary of the Philippine Republic to the United States to obtain recognition for the country’s independence. Thus, ended the Spanish rule for more than 300 years in the islands. Filipinos joining with the American forces to fight a common enemy was no guarantee to freedom. There was no written agreement which ensured independence for the islands in case the Spaniards were defeated. Soon, Filipino-American relations became strained and grew worse to a point that on February 4, 1899, the Fil-Am war erupted. Taal suffered greatly under the hands of the Americans who put up a garrison in the convent which it later burned. Very few of the old houses were miraculously saved and many people were killed. With the capture of Aguinaldo by General Funston in March, 1901 the Filipino-American War was brought to a close, writing defeat to the Filipino cause. Presently, Taal is showcasing its past, through the painstaking efforts of Taal Heritage Foundation, an institution that was set up in 1992, as an arm of the Taal Arts and Culture Foundation Incorporated. Its task is to promote heritage awareness and appreciation among Taaleños. Under the overall theme “Think Taal”, they help organize efforts and activities for the town’s preservation and development. To explore more of Taal's rich legacy, grandeur, churches and magnificent landmarks, just click and surf below, for an exciting visual experience.
CHURCHES The Basilica of St. Martin de tours
OLD HOUSES
OTHER LANDMARKS
----------------------- PEOPLE AND IT'S LIVELIHOODTAAL is not only known for its beauty, but the greatness of her people. Responsible sons and daughters who wish to leave a record of the town's glorious past and merge her progressive present, work diligently to create a "New Taal". There is a noble idea to inter-connect the old town with modern ad luxurious communities while at the same time preserving its culture. Efforts to cultivate interest in arts and crafts are being done by various government and private organizations. The "New Taal" is taking shape under the leadership of Taaleños like: the present MAYOR DADO CABRERA, EX-MAYOR FE CABRERA, Former Mayor CORAZON APACIBLE CANIZA, Vice Mayor ROLITO M. MERCADO, The Tankeh, Lualhati, Ilagan, Montenegro, Noble, Alcasid, Lota, Alvarez, Orlina, de la Rosa, Noche, de las Alas, Luansing, Goco families and entrepreneurs like ERNESTO & RIA BENEDICTO VILLAVICENCIO, Congressman EDGARDO ERMITA and Gov. HERMILANDO MANDANAS. Not to be over-looked are the industrious people of Taal like the: BALISONG MAKER, the EMBROIDERER, the PEANUT BRITTLE manufacturer, SAWALI MAKER, FISHERMEN, MEAT PROCESSORS and BAGOONG (fermented fish) BALAYAN MAKER. These responsible people and their livelihood made Taal into a progressive town due to its products. The industry and resourcefulness of Taal's people are well known throughout the entire archipelago. They are warm, friendly and hospitable, & they make an ideal hosts, who insure that every visitor's stay would be a pleasant, and memorable experience.
----------------------- PRODUCTS AND FOODWhile shopping for Taal’s souvenirs and local products, visitors recognize the quality of the merchandise. Prices are very reasonable. The BARONG (embroidered cloth made out of pineapple fiber and other natural weaves), BALISONG (fan knife), PANOCHA (peanut brittle candy) and SAWALI (bamboo mats) are favorite items.
----------------------- EVENTS AND FIETAS
Social, civic and political organizations abound
in Taal, where intimate association and the
bonds of township are strong. Leaders make
certain that activities in the town’s artistic,
literary and cultural endeavors are sustained
for future generations. Aside from historical
and cultural landmarks, Taal holds lavish
FIESTAS soaked in centuries of Catholic
teachings. There are many patron saints honored in May but the merry month is chiefly devoted to the cult of Mary. All-month-long pilgrims flock to her shrines and processions & flower rites are held at her altars. Of the Marian processions, none is more dazzling than the SANTACRUZAN (or Santa Cruz de Mayo) and the FLORES DE MAYO. The Santacruzan is a pageant procession that recalls the quest of REINA ELENA (or Empress Helena, mother of Constantine and the legendary seeker after the True Cross on which Christ was nailed), accompanied by SAGALAS (or muses who figure in different periods of Biblical myth and history).
The roles of the sagalas or muses who
accompany the REINA ELENA are much coveted by the
most beautiful girls of the town who are dressed in
elegant butterfly-sleeved ternos and walk
under decorated hand-held arches to the slow beat of
“Dios de Salve.” The
FLORES DE
MAYO
is a floral procession in honor of Mary on the last
Sunday of May. The sagalas are dressed like
royal ladies with tiaras and trains, each muse
portraying one of the Virgin Mary’s many sovereign
roles – Queen of Angels, Queen of Prophets, Queen of
Patriarchs. Locals set up make-shift altars or
chapels (called “TUKLONG”) in many parts of
the town. Every night, friends are welcome to offer
prayers, flowers & candles to the Blessed Virgin
Mother.
Any parade is not complete without the accompaniment
of the
BANDA
(band). This group provides music and are
accompanied by majorettes who dance to enliven the
celebrations. A fiesta as noted in Filipino culture,
takes nine days. But the Filipino’s knack for
prolonging a cause for celebration makes them look
like warm-ups for the longest fiesta of them all –
CHRISTMAS. Nine dawn masses precede December 25th
which extend to include the Epiphany for a total of
22 days. Each of the 9 masses is held at the
crowing of the cock at 4:00A.M., so folks call it
“MISA DE
GALLO”
or “Mass of the Cock.” What is so native about
Christmas in the Philippines, whether it be in the
big cities or small towns like Taal, is the symbol
of the star of Bethlehem -–the
PAROL,
or lantern. It hangs outside one’s hut in the
barrios or in bigger towns, it is paired with
colored bulbs. New Year is celebrated with the
blowing of horns or lighting up firecrackers & the
pealing of church bells. ------------------------- THE NEW TAAL
The
towns of Taal and Lemery are separated by a bridge
over the Pansipit River. Lemery is a rural area with
city-like features, making it an ideal complement to
the quiet and relaxing atmosphere of Taal. Travelers
with low budgets can find an abundance of goods and
services in Lemery and at the Taal poblacion area.
There are convenient fast- food-chains like
Goldilock’s,
JOLLIBEE
,
Chowking
and the international chain
Mc Donalds. |
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HISTORY OF
TAAL
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PEOPLE &
LIVELIHOOD
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PRODUCTS &
FOOD
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EVENTS &
FIESTA
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| THE NEW TAAL |