Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
has the best-preserved interior in Taal: though it was renovated in 1870 and again in
1940, the wide, highly buffed narra floorboards, as well as the wide sweeping
staircase (with its curved balustrade) are still original. The sliding doors and oriel
windows betray American Art Deco influence while the transom filigree, featuring
swirling chrysanthemums, is Chinese style.
Marcela Agoncillo Historical Landmark
M. Agoncillo St • Wed-Sun 8.30am-4.30pm • Free • T 0928 227 9126
he Marcela Agoncillo Historical Landmark is the most evocative and visibly ageing
house in Taal, with creaky wooden floors, a dusty library and old-fashioned sala
upstairs. The eighteenth-century house is the ancestral home of Marcela Mariño de
Agoncillo (1860-1946), creator of the first Philippine flag in 1898 (she was in exile
in Hong Kong at the time). An exhibit of flags from the days of the Philippine
Revolution adorns the lower half of the structure, and her statue (holding the flag)
graces the garden.
2
Felipe Agoncillo Mansion
J.P. Rizal St • Daily 9am-4pm • P50
The pristine all-white Felipe Agoncillo Mansion was the birthplace of Felipe Agoncillo
(1859-1941), a lawyer who helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris, which ended the
Spanish-American War in 1898 (his wife was the creator of the Philippine flag; see
above). Also known as the Gregorio Agoncillo Mansion (after Felipe's nephew, later
owner of the house), it's still privately owned, but ring the bell and the housekeeper
will usually give you a short tour of the faithfully preserved interior. Felipe's statue
stands in the garden.
Chapel of Caysasay
Calle Vicente Noble • Daily 7am-8pm • Free
he Chapel of Caysasay , located on the banks of the Pansipit River on the edge of
town, is a beautiful coral-hewn chapel where the Our Lady of Caysasay image is
transferred from its shrine in the basilica every Thursday and returned on Saturday
afternoon. The ruined Twin Wishing Wells of Santa Lucia , a short walk from the chapel,
are still reputed to have miraculous healing powers. Locals will point you in the
right direction.
ARRIVAL AND INFORMATION
TAAL
By bus and jeepney There is no direct road link
between Taal and Talisay/Tagaytay on the northern
side of Lake Taal. From Manila the best option is to
take an ALPS bus from the LRT-Gil Puyat area (see p.81)
bound for Lipa City and get off at the Tambo Exit
(1hr 30min). From here, ride a Lipa-Lemery jeepney to
Taal (1hr; P50).
Tourist information You can get basic information at
the tourist information desk (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm) inside
City Hall, on the main town square.
GETTING AROUND
By tricycle Taal's compact centre is easy to explore on foot,
but if it's too hot you can easily hire a tricycle to whisk you
around (P100-120 depending on how many sights and
hours you take).
ACCOMMODATION AND EATING
Casa Cecilia Diversion Rd (just outside the centre)
T 043 408 0046, E casa_cecilia_taal@yahoo.com.
Modern, cosy seven-room hotel sporting Spanish-style
architecture and a patio overlooking the garden. Rooms
are all en-suite doubles or twins with parquet floors, tiled
bathrooms, free wi-fi and cable TV, and there's a good
restaurant, La Azotea , on the ground floor serving typical
Batang ueño food (such as bulalo ). Rates include breakfast.
P2500
Casa Punzalan C. Ilagan St at P. Gomez St T 043
408 0084. The best budget option in the area, a beautiful
and historic property in the town plaza overlooking the
basilica. It contains three fan rooms and two a /c roo ms,
all with four-poster beds and shared bathrooms. P700
 
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