The town of Taal in Batangas is only 2 hours away from Manila, and the escape from the city to this heritage village can be really dramatic. Almost like night and day. Imagine leaving the skyscrapers and the humongous malls and then allowing yourself to travel back in time to something like 300 years ago. After a very short land travel.
Taal was once the wealthiest town in Batangas and the grand mansions are a testament to its glorious and historic past. Many of the homes have been preserved and are open to visitors. A few have been transformed into cafes and restaurants, while some have opened their doors to visitors for bed and breakfast.
The most noteworthy of the mansions are Casa Villavicencio, built as a wedding gift of a wealthy shipowner to his lady love who was belatedly acknowledged for her role in the Philippine revolution. There is also the Gregorio Agoncillo mansion, from where his uncle Felipe Agoncillo was born. The house is now famously known as the White House. There is Villa Tortuga where visitors can relive the past complete with period costumes. A visit to the Marcela Agoncillo house, probably he oldest of the famous houses, is so informative and is recommended for history buffs. The Apacible mansion allows visitors to see balisong actually being crafted. Across from the road is an old house where antique cameras and photographs are exhibited.
Casa Villavicencio, the grandest of the Taal heritage homes
the Agoncillo “White House”
dress up and get yourselves photographed in period clothes and setting at Villa Tortuga
the diorama depicting the sewing of the Filipino flag at the 1700s Marcela Agoncillo house
you may chance upon “balisong” making at the Apacible House
old photographs and antique cameras in still another old mansion
There are also the two most famous Taal churches – – Taal Basilica, the largest catholic place of worship in Asia. And the shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay, a charming church with an interesting wishing well at the rear section, a few steps up a hill thru the San Lorenzo Ruiz Steps.
Taal Basilica
I did not expect such ornate design in a church of this modest size : Our Lady of Caysasay
and finally, go to the wishing well and sprinkle/pour yourself with the water believed to be miraculous
There is also the old Escola, now a center of Taal culture, the Casa real (town hall) plus the nearby town of San Nicolas, the site of the first Taal town and its basilica,
Casa Real: the town hall
the ruins of the original Taal Basilica in the nearby town of San Nicolas
Truly, Taal is a most interesting destination. I have made at least 6 trips in as many months and it seems I will be making some more. Such is the effect that this town spells on visitors who love history.
I have also written separately about all these destinations within Taal, including a recommended cafe with bed & breakfast facilities (no, I am not paid to plug this place – – – I went on my own and paid the full amount for the lunch I ordered).
the common area for the Tampuhan B&B guests – – dine here or laze around
Come visit Taal. And maybe find a piece of yourself thru its past.
LAKWATSA 
Hi! when you visited Taal Basilica.. have you noticed a Hall named “Casa Saint Martin II Jubilee Hall” fully built at the left side of the basilica? its less 5-away from the basilica and its part of the church’s property. it was said that it was ordered for demolition by the supreme court for some heritage preservation issues. i just want to know if its still there when you visited it…. looking forward to your reply. thank you.
less 5-meters away*
I shall look for that on my next visit and let you know.
Hi do you recommend to do a guided tour or is it possible to visit the houses without one? thanks
I have always done these homes without a guide
Good evening sir, can we use this blog of yours as our reference for our project.
Your truly,
Katherine Espina
Yes, by all means. I never even indicate any copyright on my photos, not like most friends who are into photography. I take photos and write with the sole purpose of promoting tourism, in my own little way. Thus, others using my travel stories and my photos in effect help propagate travel, too.
Hi, may I ask if there is an entrance in some old houses??
Apacible Mansions and the Marcela Agoncillo houses are run by the National Historical Institute and do not charge entrance fees, but you are expected to make a small donation. Casa Villavicencio and the White House charge P70 per visitor. You may opt to pay P100 per visitor at Casa Villavicencio and get a merienda of suman, chocolate-eh, and bonete (just for P30 more than the P70 entrance).
Hi, may I ask how do I go to Tagaytay from Taal Heritage town? I will spend a day here then move to Tagaytay on the day after. I will just do the commute, thanks!
Quite honestly I have not commuted. But I do know that you can take a jeepney to Lemery, and from Lemery you can find your way to Tagaytay by asking the locals.
Hi! I am doing a report regarding Taal and I would like to their initiative on having it listed as a heritage site and the best practices they have as an LGU.
Good idea.