TANAUAN CITY

I. Introduction

The old Municipality of Tanauan, province of Batangas, was located in the southwestern part of what is
now the town of Talisay of the same province. It was founded and organized as a community by the
Augustinian missionaries, who undertook the gigantic task of Christianizing and then civilizing the natives
whom they found scattered along the shores of Lake Bombon and in the interior, with fishing, hunting, and
tilling the land with their own hands (kaingin) as their means of livelihood, passing for the most part an
almost nomadic life.

Tanauan City got its name from a noun and a verb. The first one is from a shrub called “tanawa” which
grew profusely in the area. The second one is from the Tagalog word “tanaw” which means “to look after
through the window”. On the other hand, the National Historical Commission suggests that the town was
named after a shrub called “tanawa” which grew abundantly in the area and on the shores of “Lake
Bonbon” (Taal Lake) during the town’s early history. Tanauan is really a unique town. Being dubbed as
the “Cradle of Noble Heroes”, Tanauan City is home to the Brains of the Revolutions, Apolinario Mabini,
and to the 3rd President of the Philippines, Jose P. Laurel.

Tanauan City Seal

https://www.tanauancity.gov.ph/index.php/tourism/historical-and-cultural-places
I. Body

The History of Tanauan

The town of Tanauan was established in 1754. However, it was not located on its present location.
History says that the place was among the settlements which was organized by the Augustinian
missionaries in 1572. The town was located before at the shore of the Taal Volcano Lake. During its
eruption in 1754, the town was totally destroyed. Together with the people in the town of Sala, the
residents transferred to safer places. The people of Tanauan went to Bañadero and then to its present
location. Sala, on the other hand, transferred from its original site to where it is now located. Sala
subsequently became a barangay of Tanauan. In 1996, Tanauan became a first class municipality and
five years after it became a city. A plebiscite was conducted on March 10, 2001 which duly ratified an
approved the cityhood of Tanauan.

Old
Map of

Batangas Province made by Fr. Pedro Murillo Velarde in 1734

https://www.tanauancity.gov.ph/index.php/tourism/historical-and-cultural-places

The Historical and Heritage Sites of Tanauan

As a premiere city of CALABARZON, Tanauan City houses many beautiful and interesting places: a den
for perfect and historical places that will take you from knowing the history and heritage of Tanauan. Here
is the list for some historical and cultural places in Tanauan City
Apolinario Mabini Shrine

Tucked in Barangay Talaga, Tanauan, Batangas, the Shrine marks the birthplace of Apolinario Mabini. At
the heart of a residential area along the Tanauan-Talisay highway, it harbors a library, a museum, and his
tomb. It was inaugurated on July 23, 1956 by then Vice-President Carlos P. Garcia and Mrs. Luz Banzon-
Magsaysay.

https://www.tanauancity.gov.ph/index.php/tourism/products-of-tanauan/11-tourism/22-historical-
and-cultural-places

Gov. Modesto Castillo Memorial Cultural Center

 https://www.tanauancity.gov.ph/index.php/tourism/products-of-tanauan/11-tourism/22-historical-
and-cultural-places

Jose P. Laurel Ancestral House

Born of notable but humble parents, Pres. Jose P. Laurel was born on Tanauan on March 9, 1891. The
late president’s ancestral house was built in 1880 and was restored in 1964. At present, it takes in valued
works, furnitures and personal belongings which serve as legacy of the great statesman and political
leader.

https://www.tanauancity.gov.ph/index.php/tourism/products-of-tanauan/11-tourism/22-
historical-and-cultural-places

Old Municipal Building and Museo ng Tanauan

A progressive city is always backed up by a rich cultural background. If you are to do a research about
the history, arts, and culture of Tanauan City, lucky you because the city’s museum will give you all that.
Or probably more. Tanauan City Museum is actually the old municipal hall. It was turned into a museum
on January 14, 2004 under the administration of Mayor Alfredo Corona. The museum’s most interesting
feature is the diorama of the entire city. Tanauan officially became a city on March 10, 2001. Inside the
museum are memorabilia of Tanaueños who played important part in history and culture of the city. From
ancient artifacts to kitchenware, to old documents and photos, the museum will let you travel back in time.
 https://www.tanauancity.gov.ph/index.php/tourism/products-of-tanauan/11-tourism/22-historical-
and-cultural-places

St. John the Evangelist Parish Church

It was first built in 1881, the design was heavily influenced by Romanesque and Renaissance
architecture. During World War II, it was extensively damaged and was renovated in 1948 through the
efforts of Monsignor Mariño and has been restored to its former glory. Today, it continuously serves the
religious needs of Tanaueños. It is also a pilgrimage site where the faithful can come and enrich their
spiritual relation to God.
https://www.tanauancity.gov.ph/index.php/tourism/products-of-tanauan/11-tourism/22-historical-and-
cultural-places

The Native Customs of Tanauan

Tanauan, a town in the northern part of the province of Batangas, is replete with traditions and is rich in
myth, legends and superstitions. While the site of the town proper had to be transferred from time to time
in the past as a result of the eruptions of Taal Volcano, it has progressed and grown much in its present
location.

I. FOLKWAYS

Birth:

The woman usually gives birth in the house of her parents. The placenta of the newly born baby is buried
in a spot under the house with paper, pencil, and a page of any book or magazine. The baby is expected
to be talented when it grows up.

Baptism:

It was the belief of some people that a pregnant woman cannot stand as sponsor in a baptism. Should
she do so, she will die during her delivery or a serious illness will befall her.

Courtship:

The “suyuan” system is practiced. The man works in the house of the girl. He chops wood, fetches water
or works in the field. The man serves the family of the girl for a period of time. If there is a party or
“palusong” at the girl’s house, the man must be ready to offer some chickens, a goat, or a pig or even
money.

Marriage:

Coins are placed in the shoes of the couple, believing that in doing so, they will live prosperously. Another
one is to offer sugar and water to the groom and the bride in order for them to live sweetly, harmoniously
and happily throughout life.

Death:

When the corpse is brought down from the house for burial, a woman throws water downstairs and closes
all the windows and the family does not eat ginger or one kind of sticky rice to prevent more deaths within
the family.

Burial:

Children closely related to the dead are passed over the remains of the dead so that the ghost will not
visit them.

Visits:

When there are visitors in the house, the family should talk in low tones, avoid scolding, clattering of the
plates and beating of dogs and cats. Guests are served first. When visiting a sick person, the visitor
should bring something to the sick or to his family.

Festivals:

Marriages, baptisms, death anniversaries, birthdays, town fiestas (Dec. 27), New Year’s, and the reading
of the passion during the period of Lent, and the Holy Week are occasions for festivals.
 II. Food

Sumang Magkayakap

One of Tanauan’s pride and joy is the sumang magkayakap. Like pancits, this kakanin is also a merienda
favorite of people in Tanauan. Suman, or rice cake, in general is actually sticky rice wrapped in banana
leaves, steamed, and served with different dip according to the place it is from. For example, in Taal, their
suman is partnered with Taal’s original tsokolate, while you can enjoy Antipolo’s rice cake with sugar. On
the other hand, in Tanauan, sumang magkayakap, which got its name from how it is served (two rice
cakes tied together appearing that they were embracing each other), is partnered with melted sugar
mixed with coconut milk.

Kapeng Barako

Since you are in the cradle of noble and brave heroes, why not try something as matapang as the people
in the city.
Pancit

Even if there is a celebration or just a simple merienda at home, pancit is one of the food we consider to
prepare. As what we call it, it is the food for long life. And if you are looking for our all-time favorite, then
Tanauan will offer you one of the best pancit in Southern Tagalog! 3Ms is the oldest pancitan (noodle
house) in Tanauan running for 55 years now. With over four branches in Tanauan all managed by the
Manalo family, 3Ms have satisfied the pancit-cravings of every Tanauaneo.

III. BELIEFS, INTERPRETATIONS, SUPERSTITIONS

a. There is a belief that Tanauan will have no native priest who will live long because there was a
curse heaped upon this town.
b. When a hen cackles at midnight without any apparent cause, an unmarried woman nearby is
giving birth to a bastard baby.
c. Bereft children should wear very red clothes so that the dead will not visit them.
d. When [going on an] outing, it is bad to point at anything in the belief that the “nuno” or spirits living
under the ground will cause the one that points to be sick or insane.
e. When a fork or spoon falls on the floor while eating, a visitor is coming.
The Religion of Tanauan and their Ceremonies

Roman Catholicism is the most dominant and visible religion in Tanauan. St. John the Evangelist is its
patron, and its main church is the St. John the Evangelist Parish. La Consolacion College Tanauan
(formerly Our Lady of Fatima Academy, 1948), run by the Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation,
is the first Catholic school in the city. Other Catholic schools include Our Lady of Assumption Montessori
School and Daughters of Mary Immaculate School (lay-operated). First Asia Institute is converting from a
non-sectarian school to a Catholic (Christian) school.

Iglesia ni Cristo, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), Islam
and other religious groups are also present in the city.

REFERENCES:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanauan,_Batangas#Religion

http://www.wowbatangas.com/category/towns-and-cities/tanauan-city/

https://www.tanauancity.gov.ph/index.php/tourism/natural-attractions

https://www.batangashistory.date/2020/02/tanauan-batangas-historical-data.html

https://philippinescities.com/tanauan-city/

http://www.wowbatangas.com/towns-and-cities/tanauan-city/tanauan-city-batangas-historical-and-
cultural-places/

https://asianfoodtourist.com/6-cool-things-to-try-when-swing-by-tanauan-in-batangas/