Goco Ancestral House in Taal, Batangas

Taal, Batangas is full of old houses, and so for an old house nut like me a weekend in Taal is always lovely. It's only 3 hours away from Metro Manila, and the drive is pleasant (take Batangas, not Tagaytay). 

The town itself is small enough so you can walk around from market to church to cute cafe with WIFI. In Taal the old houses have been turned into family museums or bed-and-breakfasts, each with its own set of charms.

We wandered around the town of Taal despite the heat of the sun. Having no map on hand, we walked around aimlessly; our goal was to reach Caysasay Church, the other old church, at the far end of the municipality. 

 

We were cordially greeted by two Filipiniana-dressed guides who welcomed us to check the old house. We were more than glad to do so.

Passing several old houses, we were surprised that a few were open to visitors like us. One of these was the ancestral home of the Goco Clan. 

My Photosgoot in Goco Ancestral House

Built in 1876, this is a classic well preserved Bahay na Bato located in front of Villavicencio Casas . It is the ancestral house of former Ambassador Raul Goco, son of Juan Cabrera Goco, who was Treasurer of the Filipino Revolutionary Movement. This house is not open to the public, walking tour only.

For a nice getaway from the hustle and bustle of Manila, go to Taal in Batangas. Short, pleasant drive on Tollway. Taal, is a wonderful heritage village, they've preserved the genteel feel of times gone by;

Taal, Batangas (September 28, 2013)

Taal is a third class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 51,503 people. 

Taal has two seasons: dry from November to April, and wet during the rest of the year. The lowest minimum temperature does not drop below 20 °C (68 °F) while the highest maximum temperature of 34.5 °C (94.1 °F) occurs from March to July of each year.

Taal is famous for its old ancestral houses. Its poblacion (central business district) is designated as a National Historical Landmark. It is also known as the Balisong and Barong Tagalog Capital of the Philippines

Pansipit is one of the major ecological highways that allow migration of two fish species: maliputo (Cranx ignobilis) and muslo (Cranx marginalis) which are unique to lake Taal. 

Adult fish migrate to the sea from Taal Lake via Pansipit River and Palanas River in Lemery. The tawilis (Harengula tawilis) is a freshwater sardine also endemic to Taal lake.

A dominant feature of the province of Batangas is Taal Lake. It covers an area of 270 square kilometres (100 sq mi) and is drained by Pansipit River down into Balayan Bay. 

The town of Taal was founded by Augustinian friars in 1572.[5] In 1575, the town transferred later to the edge of Bombon lake, now Taal Lake in 1575. In 1754, Taal Volcano erupted endangering the town of Taal which stood at present day San Nicolas. Threatened by the new danger the townspeople together with, the Augustinian Francisco Benchucillo, sought refuge in the sanctuary of Caysasay.

Batangas Port, batangas City - February 17, 2016