We just finished another travel photo workshop with the talented and nice group organized by the Filipinas Heritage Library (FHL) and headed / conducted by no other than Gunther Deichmann at The Heritage Town of Taal Batangas, Philippines last Sunday, February 19, 2012. 

Taal was first founded in present day San Nicolas but due to the eruption of Taal Volcano in 1754, the town was moved to its present site for protection. The town became the capital of Batangas until it was moved to Batangas City. Taal is also became known for its Barong Tagalog and the famed Balisong. Many of its residents became heroes such as the Agoncillo family during the revolution. The Basilica de San Martin de Tours (Taal), which is the biggest church in the Philippines, was first built in 1575 in present day San Nicolas but abandoned in 1754 due the eruption of Taal and rebuilt in 1755. Then an earthquake shook it down in 1849 and once again rebuilt in 1856 by Architect Luciano Olivero. Today, it is now a Heritage town and Taal is known as the Barong Tagalog, Balisong and Tagalog capital of the Philippines.

Basilica de San Martin de Tours Church - Taal, Batangas

The Basilica de San Martin de Tours in Taal, Batangas; The Biggest Catholic Basilica Church in the Far East.

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Old woman at the Church - Taal, Batangas

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Friendly old people - Taal, Batangas

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Candle Offering - Taal Church Batangas

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Sunday Mass - Taal Church, Batangas

Abstract & Colors - Taal, Batangas

Abstract & Colors - Taal, Batangas

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Old Casa - Taal, Batangas