Of Taal, St. Martin de Tours, and the Virgin of Caysasay

Heritage, History, Legend and Faith. These four elements come to a head when you take that southern trek towards the the town of Taal in the Valiant Province of Batangas. Taal is located beside the town of Lemery, just a few minutes past Alfonso, Cavite detouring along Diokno Avenue. Once there, you'll immediately feel as if you're transported back into a cul de sac of time and place.

Taal trekkers are usually in it for that jolt of nostalgia for the historical, and of things which remind you of life, society, or culture during the time of our not too distant forefathers. Easiest to remember from our Elementary history, Taal is the birthplace of Marcela Agoncillo, credited as the principal seamstress of the first and official Flag of the Philippines, earning her the title of Mother of the Philippine Flag. However, Taal is also home to a rich plethora of houses enshrined as museums, as abodes of memory and national heritage. A walk along Calle Marcela M. Agoncillo will have you fully satisfied with glimpses of such places.

Impossible to miss is the Imposing Taal Church, regarded as the largest one in the Philippines and Asia. The church is actually a minor Basilica dedicated to Saint Martin de Tours, of whom locals will recount varied legends of the saint as their savior from various calamities. St. Martin of Tours is also the legendary owner of a cloak, which he at one time gladly sacrificed and shared with a street beggar (who later turns out as actually the Christ saviour).

If you're in church visiting mode, a few steps downward from Taal chuch is the church dedicated to our Lady Virgin of Caysasay, known to grant miracles if devoutly prayed for and especially if entreated while you partake or wash of the nearby spring water. 

Any of the loitering children will gladly tell you, in exchange for you buying a few pesos worth of candles or panutsa (Batangas' version of caramelized peanuts), the Legend of the Lady and Juan Maningkad. It seems that serendipitous Juan was fortunate to fish out of the local Pansipit river (known for its tasty Maliputo and Tawilis fish) the image of the Virgin Mary, so radiant and lustruous that it can only be described as heavenly. Legend will also have it that descendants of the ten Bornean Datus (Chieftains) led by the intrepid Datu Puti who landed in Panay Island also settled along the Pansipit River.

Whether you suspend disbelief for these legends or not, you may surrender to inspiration and amazement by the mystery, or the history, of the town of Taal, St. Martin and our Lady of Caysasay. Taal is also known for its Balisong (fan knife) and cutlery industry, as well as its famed Tapang Taal (preserved pork dish), both of which offer interesting attractions if you decide to visit.

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