The Heritage Town of Taal: The Taal Basilica (Basilica de San Martin de Tours)

Taal, Batangas. A place that I have watched only from the telly every now and then. A heritage town that is "The Balisong and Barong Tagalog Capital of the Philippines". A quaint town of friendly people and also a quiet town that boasts of many ancestral houses kept in its well-maintained present conditions, houses that has witnessed history from a time so long ago.

This was sort of a spur-of-the-moment trip, decided & finalized a few days only before the actual trip date. A trip with high school friends that we have really looked forward to so we can have a quick getaway from our usual coffee nights.

Our original plan was to commute but ditched that for a much better choice: a rental van. We got a rental van for only P4,500. The trip officially started at 5:00am when my friends were picked up by our transportation in Bocaue & Marilao, Bulacan and me in Quezon City. We knew this was a long trip, around 3hrs, and were thankful that we were comfortable.

Upon reaching the town of Taal, I felt a change together with the change in scenery. It was like entering a different era, but it was a most welcoming feeling, a very pleasant one. We immediately started with the first place in our itinerary: the Taal Basilica.

Here are our photos:

The heritage town of Taal, Batangas: the Balisong and Barong Tagalog Capital of the Philippines. Per Wikipedia, the famous healing priest Fr. Fernando Suarez also hails from this quiet town. 

There it is, the Taal Basilica or otherwise known as the Basilica de San Martin de Tours. This is a postcard-perfect angle!  A sight to behold! From this distance, the church does not seem to look like Asia's largest Catholic church but it is. 

Of course, definitely did not pass up the chance to have my picture taken from this vantage point. I loved this! 

There's the proof  for recognition. Asia's biggest Catholic church. Located in the Philippines. This bit of new trivia and revelation made me very proud of that fact. 

A brief history of the church. A big volcanic eruption of the Taal Volcano during 1754 destroyed the entire town of Taal and the original church structure that was why they decided to build the new church in its present location now, perched high on a hill. 

Spectacular ceiling art. 

The beautiful and artistic high ceilings gave the big church a bright demeanor to its otherwise stark facade depicting its old age. The altar is simple yet grand in it own unique way. Silver and gold are the main colors that stood out from its place

A special place for Mama Mary near the front entrance. 

Entrance to the convent museum. An adequate space that houses some historically significant items from the church's yesteryears. 

This was really fascinating. A piece of history staring back at you while you peer into the era that was. Just read those rules in those words and spelling! Its basically the same rules but done in an old-fashioned way. Those were the days. 

Some of those antiquities that survived the test of time. Despite their rustic appearance, respect is expected from everyone. Be careful. These cannot be replaced. 

The convent museum was well-kept and visitors are welcome to drop in and have a look-see.

I like this Cross. 

A throne. My throne..even for just a minute. 

Very lifelike. Its eyes are very expressive. I admire the handiwork of the craftsman of this particular wooden statue. I wonder how it looked like back in its glory days..

I got scared by this statue in the left. It was so old and faded and it seems to be deep in prayer, maybe asking for something. 

The bells. Considered one of the largest in the country. Too bad I did not get it whole in this photo, it was just there at the side. I just got the smaller bell in full.

We came here on a Sunday and there was a mass going on when we arrived. We actually came back late afternoon so we can bask in the quiet ambiance of the big old church.

The Taal Basilica stands 96 meters tall and 45 meters wide. It's very majestic, right?

Down the stairs going to the plaza, you will see this usual Sunday sight consisting of  local vendors offering their wares to the churchgoers. 

My friends bought kakanin. I'm not fond of this so I opted out and instead took their souvenir shot  while haggling =)

We came, we saw and we definitely conquered. For first-time visitors, do not forget to pray and ask for 3 wishes..they say it shall be granted. I'm still waiting for mine to be given =)

For VAN RENTAL or PACKAGE TOUR inquiries:
Travellers Journey Travel and Tours
Look for Mary Ann or Rolando del Rosario
0917-5221540
0920-9672406
0922-8066167

Check out my Taal, Batangas tour: 

• Galleria Taal
• Don Leon Apacible Museum
• Caysasay Shrine
• San Lorenzo Ruiz Steps and the Miraculous Well of Sta. Lucia 
• Casa Real, Balisong, food, etc.