BornFree Hits the Road of Taal, Batangas!

Last July 29, 2012 typhoon "Gener" did not stop me to hit the road, this time i'm heading to the Heritage Town of Taal, Batangas. (actually sa Talumpok Falls sana kami pupunta sa Sico, Batangas, kaso bumabagyo so di na talaga sya natuloy.) Thanks to Alona for letting me stay in their house, i thought that i cannot even go to Taal that day because of the heavy downpour. I did not really have that chance to check the whole town but instead we head our way to the Basilica de San martin de Tours. It is considered to be the largest church in the country and in Asia. 

Facade of the Basilica de San martin de Tours resembles that of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

National Historical Commission's marker on the Cathedral. 

The basilica sits on top of the hill overlooking the heritage town of Taal.

The main Altar of the Cathedral, the Tabernacle is made of silver, its one of a kind in the Philippines.

On the left side is just one of the small altars that houses "santo's" inside the Cathedral, while on the left part of the picture is a "pupito" or pulpit which is use to deliver sermon or homily during mass.

Interior of the Basilica: facing the main altar the back part is the choir loft. The lights and the hand paint details details is just amazing!

Elaborate paintings and details inside the Basilica.

Confessional box.

"Carroza" which is use during Holy Week and Fiesta. 

Restored "Escuela Pia" now a Taals, Cultural Center is just a few steps away in front of the basilica. The image below is the Municipal Hall of Taal. It depicts the usual set up during the Spanish era, wherein the church , school and the seat of government is just in one area. 

There is more to explore in Taal, i did not have the chance to visit the Agoncillo Museum, the Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay, the famous "Balisong" of  Batangas, the public market that sells "Tapang Taal". I can't wait to go back and hit the road again of the Heritage Town of Taal, Batangas.

How to get there: From Manila, take the bus bound to Lemery, Batangas then tell the driver to drop you off to the Taal Basilica. (by the way usually buses don't) so you can also get off to Palanas (which is the last stop) then you can take a trycle back to the Basilica.