Taal, Batangas Tours (Part 6): The Heritage and Ancestral Houses of Taal

In concluding my Taal series, it would be appropriate to ponder more on the importance of preserving these remaining heritage and ancestral houses.

* Casa Conchita Souvenir and Gift Shop

Much has been said about preservation, protection, and giving importance to what have been handed to us, present generation, as heritage treasures. But we have to go deeper and study more keenly the history that goes with them. The actual building of those houses perhaps. Or the sources of lumber that were used. The inspiration for the details used in the houses. Or the people themselves – architects and carpenters – and how they were trained in their respective crafts during those times.

Even as I think about these prospective lines of study or research, I get so excited. They may be small things only but they can truly enrich our appreciation of these old houses. How I wish I would have the luxury of time and resources to do all those things. But they don’t have to be hindrances for we can do our own self-imposed studies. Traveling is one step forward. And one should be proud to have that drive to go to different places and learn more about our country, its people, and its historical treasures.
  

Taal, Batangas Tours (Part 5): The Heritage and Ancestral Houses of Taal

No more excuses. The long break from writing should have refreshed me up already. A fresh mind for a fresh recollection of the beauty of the houses in Taal, Batangas.

The town’s settlement set up still has traces of the Spanish era, not to mention of course the houses themselves. The size, intricate details on the exterior, and the sturdiness of these houses stand testament to the social standing of those early Taal inhabitants. True enough, as have been discussed in an earlier post, some of them found their way into the annals of our national history, thanks largely to their educational background.

The houses however have their respective levels of wear and tear. Some of them are obviously constantly repaired and spruced up while some are in dire need of make over. As always, I day dreamed of owning one of them and of having a vacation spot of sort in this peaceful part of Batangas.
  

Taal, Batangas Tours (Part 4): The Heritage and Ancestral Houses of Taal

After the longish documentation of Holy Week in San Pablo City, Laguna, let me now continue with the Taal series. With the town’s history tracing back to 1572, it was only but natural to see Spanish culture deeply entrenched in the place. Perhaps the most salient are the ancestral houses which line most of the streets in the town proper. Although the assertion that bahay na bato was passed on to us by the Spaniards is debatable (as they are seen as simply improvements of the bahay kubo), it would be quite naive to deny the huge influence of the Spaniards on the style and architecture of these ancestral houses.

Let me share first the houses which, in one way or another, have historical significance to the town of Taal and to the country as well. I shall be posting here the notes on the houses and prominent persons verbatim.

The Villavicencio House
Gliceria Marella de Villavicencio

“Born in Taal Batangas, 13 May 1852. Helped organize the “Batalyon Maluya” February 1897; she was the owner, she donated to cause her steamer “Bulusan” which was later converted vessel; a revolutionary flag hoisted when the rebel forces entered Taal was sewed in her house; contributed material help for the support of the revolution; supported the Batangas guerrillas; died in San Juan del Monte, 29 September 1929. Organized by the Municipality of Taal, Batangas on December 4, 1955”

Visual inspection would reveal recent renovations – from the base concrete to the wood on the second floor. The place has also a spacious garden which adds to the cool ambiance.


Goco Ancestral House

“This heritage house of the Goco Family is registered with the National Historical Institute, pursuant to NHI Board Resolution no. 03, s. 2000.”

Found just across the house of Villavicencio, it exhibits resilience with its solid base and a compact set of capiz windows.


Agoncillo Heritage House
Managed by Don Gregorio Agoncillo Foundation

“Felipe Agoncillo y Encarnacion 1859-1941. Abogado, Estadista, at Makabayan. Ipinanganak sa Taal 26 Mayo 1859. Batsilyer sa Artes, Ateneo Municipal of Manila; Lisensiyado sa Batas, Unibersidad ng Santo Tomas. Masiglang Kagawad ng Lupong Pilipino ng Himagsikan sa Hong Kong. Ministro Plenipotensiyaro noong Unang Republika ng Pilipinas. Caballero de la Cruz Roja Española, iginawad ng Pamahalaang Kastila. Diputado ng Unang Purok ng Batangas sa Asamblea Pilipina, 1907-09. Kalihim Panloob sa gabinete ni Gobernador Wood, 1924-25. Pangulo sa loob ng anim sunud-sunod na taon ng Colegio de Abogados de Filipinas. Pangulo ng Unang Kongreso ng Pilipinas sa Pagsasarili, Maynila 22-26 Pebrero 1930. Namatay sa Maynila 29 Setyembre 1941.”

The Agoncillo House is found just as one enter the town proper and is more like a mansion already. Although I have read on the internet that tours are available for the place, it seemed that the place was closed when this particular visit was made.

Casa Punzalan Hotel

One thought: I’d want to spend several days in Taal and I’d like to stay in this place while in Taal.