IRISH L.

SOLOMON BSN1-A

LESSON 8: ARTWORKS
Artworks provides a detailed insight as to the perspective of the artist who made
the artwork in regards to the historical event. Despite being a secondary source as the
artist may not have been eyewitness to the historical event, it is still given importance as
they have witnessed the reciprocated result of such event to the masses, and was able
to produce an informed opinion through their artwork. For example, in the satirical artwork
from the July 27, 1907 issue of the “Lipang Kalabaw”, if we analyze the artwork, we can
observe the negative connotations that derive from death sentence from the Filipino
Freedom Fighters who committed banditry as instructed by the Americans. This may have
caused an outpour of reactions by the masses especially during the sensitive time of the
Americans’ act of colonization of the Philippines. If it weren’t for such artworks, we would
be unable to have a unique perspective, or visual details that pertain to the significant
historical event. These are crucial puzzle pieces that would help in forming the
overarching timeline, and the emotional or rational background that went into a significant
historical event. This then helps us, the historians of the present become properly
informed by such issues.
The historical contexts that derive from such artworks are from the Spanish
Colonialism period in which the Philippines was under Spanish rule. In these artworks we
are able to visualize the Spanish perspectives of how they viewed the native Filipino
people during their rule. In the first painting, “Espana guia a Filipinas por el camino del
progreso” by Juan Luna in 1885, depicts a friendly relationship between a Spanish and a
Filipino woman. This showcases that the Spanish perspective in regards to their rule in
the Philippines was a peaceful and harmonious one, which may have been the truth for
a brief period of time, but their treatment towards Filipinos were often discriminatory which
consequently led to their rebellion later on. The other, much earlier artworks by Boxer
Codex in 1590, “Naturales Tagalos”, “Visayan Pintados” and “Negrillos”, showcases the
different period pieces of the native Filipinos throughout the Philippines. This is quite
authentic, and crucial to its time as it depicts Filipino artistry prior to its full colonialization
by the Spanish, thus Spanish influences have not altered the culture of Filipino
dressmaking and wear. This is of significance as it allows us proper visualization of the
authentic styles of Filipinos. In the “Naturales Tagalos” it depicts rich red cloth, weaponry,
and golden jewelry which exudes class, sophistication and royalty. The male is depicted
as someone who has darker skin, which may allude to his hard-work and being exposed
to the sun through the means of battle. In the other hand, the female has fair white skin
which implicates how female royalty was valued and not forced into hard labor or battles.
In “Visayan Pintados”, intricate tattoos are showcased, which explicates the vibrancy of
Visayan culture. “Negrillos” emphasizes the native Mindanaoan people who value a
simpler lifestyle as evident by their lack of clothing, as well as their choice of weaponry.
 GUIDE QUESTION and answer
1. What is the significance of artworks such as editorial cartoons, paintings or
photographs in the mapping of history?

Artworks such as editorial cartoons, paintings, and photographs play a

significant role in mapping history. They provide glimpses into different historical
periods, allowing us to understand societies' attitudes towards children, how cities
and towns developed, and the lives of people in different regions of the world.
These artworks serve as historical documents, along with newspapers, letters, and
diaries, helping us piece together the past. Paintings, in particular, can be
mobilized to make knowledge claims about the past, and their analysis can
enhance our understanding of historical events and contexts. By studying
artworks, we can gain insights into the nature of childhood, the physical
environment, and the migrations of our ancestors, contributing to a comprehensive
understanding of history.
l believes that the significance of artworks such as editorial cartoons,
paintings, or photographs in the mapping of history is that the artworks provide a
means of communicating the past in a very concrete way. The works are generally
very visual as opposed to the written word, making them a more easily
remembered record of the past. Many of the works themselves are historically
significant, either because of their historical importance, their artistic merit, or
because they document the development of new art forms. For example, the
cartoons of Thomas Nast are historically significant as the earliest examples of
editorial cartoons, and the painting of Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night is
historically significant because it documents the development of the art form of
landscape painting. Many of the best-known images, like the iconic photograph of
the crucifixion, the first known photograph in history, have had an enormous impact
on the popular understanding of history. The photograph, which is a still picture, is
a powerful way of representing the past because it is more concrete than a written
description. Also, the photographs are a good example of how history can be told
in many different ways historical event. These are crucial puzzle pieces that would
help in forming the overarching timeline, and the emotional or rational background
that went into a significant historical event. This then helps us, the historians of the
present become properly informed by such issues.
2. Explain the historical context of the succeeding painting and illustrations.
Examine the artworks. What do they tell us?

The historical contexts that derive from such artworks are from the Spanish
Colonialism period in which the Philippines was under Spanish rule. In these
artworks we are able to visualize the Spanish perspectives of how they viewed the
native Filipino people during their rule. In the first painting, “Espana guia a Filipinas
por el camino del progreso” by Juan Luna in 1885, depicts a friendly relationship
between a Spanish and a Filipino woman. This showcases that the Spanish
perspective in regards to their rule in the Philippines was a peaceful and
harmonious one, which may have been the truth for a brief period of time, but their
treatment towards Filipinos were often discriminatory which consequently led to
their rebellion later on. The other, much earlier artworks by Boxer Codex in 1590,
“Naturales Tagalos”, “Visayan Pintados” and “Negrillos”, showcases the different
period pieces of the native Filipinos throughout the Philippines. This is quite
authentic, and crucial to its time as it depicts Filipino artistry prior to its full
colonialization by the Spanish, thus Spanish influences have not altered the culture
of Filipino dressmaking and wear. This is of significance as it allows us proper
visualization of the authentic styles of Filipinos. In the “Naturales Tagalos” it depicts
rich red cloth, weaponry, and golden jewelry which exudes class, sophistication
and royalty. The male is depicted as someone who has darker skin, which may
allude to his hard-work and being exposed to the sun through the means of battle.
In the other hand, the female has fair white skin which implicates how female
royalty was valued and not forced into hard labor or battles. In “Visayan Pintados”,
intricate tattoos are showcased, which explicates the vibrancy of Visayan culture.
“Negrillos” emphasizes the native Mindanaoan people who value a simpler lifestyle
as evident by their lack of clothing, as well as their choice of weaponry.
 History of Magdalena Laguna
Formerly, Magdalena belonged to Majayjay, Laguna. On September 15, 1819, a
petition for the establishment of a new town was delivered by the barrio's people. It was
formerly known as "Magdalena de Ambling" until Governor General Don Mariano
Fernández de Folgueras proclaimed it a new town on January 18, 1820. The Ambling
neighborhood, where it was founded, and its patron saint, Maria Magdalena, served as
the inspiration for the name. Don Mauricio San Mateo was the first Teniente Alcalde or
Capitan, a town's senior political official.

The first thing that was needed for it to be considered a town was that they opened
a temporary school in 1820. Additionally, the municipal hall was built. Additionally, a tiny
chapel was built; in 1829, it was replaced with a church. The church was constructed out
of bricks and stones, and the locals were asked for donations. In 1861, the work was
completed. Between 1871 and 1884, work was completed on the concrete town hall and
church convent. On November 13, 1896, the male residents of this area joined the
provincial revolutionaries to form a larger force, which sparked the uprising against the
Spaniards in this area. Emilio Jacinto was hurt during one of the incidents and went to the
Catholic Church for safety. Following Emilio Aguinaldo's proclamation of the first
Philippine Republic and the Spanish surrender on September 1, 1898, festivities took
place. When the Americans arrived at the beginning of the century, the locals had fled to
the mountains out of fear for their lives. Later, however, they returned to the Poblacion
after realizing that the foreigners had good intentions.

A new political structure was imposed by the Americans. Elections to office were
held on a regular basis. Don Victor Crisostomo was the first Municipal President to be
elected. During this period, a group of rebels known as tulisan arose to fight against the
foreign rule. The occupants of the house were robbed by them. Because of this, the
Americans became quite restrictive about their social lives, forbidding them from
interacting with one another in public and from leaving the Poblacion. In the municipality,
electricity was first used on June 15, 1929. Up to the start of the Second World War in
1941, life went on under the American rule, and they even gave the Filipinos a taste of
their own culture.

The towns of Magdalena, Laguna, were freed in 1945 by Filipino soldiers from the
4th, 42nd, 43rd, 45th, and 46th Infantry Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army
and the 4th Constabulary Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary. On May 25, 1945, the
Japanese were defeated by Filipino soldiers and rebels, resulting in the liberation of
Magdalena and the Philippines from Japanese rule. They returned to the Poblacion after
the war and rebuilt their life there using the remnants of the conflict.

History of Pagsanjan Laguna

Pagsanjan was originally a barrio of Lumban. In 1668, eight Japanese and
Chinese traders, who were highly impressed by the strategic location of the barrio at the
juncture of Balanac and Bumbungan, rivers founded the town. They established a trading
settlement and engaged in the betel nut industry. In time, the barrio became the
flourishing trading center of eastern Laguna and attracted families from the surrounding
communities of Cavinti and Pila. On December 12, 1668, then-Governor-General Juan
Manuel de la Peña Bonifaz issued a decree elevating its status to a town. In 1688,
Pagsanjan replaced Bay as the capital of the province. It remained such until 1858, during
which it bloomed as the cultural and commercial center of the province.

As we entered the town proper of Pagsanjan, a huge stone gate greeted us. The
stone gate, formally called Puerta Real, was built by Pagsanjeño polistas from 1878 to
1880 under the administration of Don Manuel de Yriarte, and it was inaugurated in 1894
by the ilustrado and politician, Don Pedro Paterno.

The towns of Magdalena, Laguna, were freed in 1945 by Filipino soldiers from the
4th, 42nd, 43rd, 45th, and 46th Infantry Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army
and the 4th Constabulary Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary. On May 25, 1945, the
Japanese were defeated by Filipino soldiers and rebels, resulting in the liberation of
Magdalena and the Philippines from Japanese rule. They returned to the Poblacion after
the war and rebuilt their life there using the remnants of the conflict.
 Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Church is Pagsanjan's oldest church. 1687 saw its
founding. As per the marker placed by the Philippines Historical Committee, the initial
parish priest was Padre Agustín de la Magdalena. Under the direction of a Chinese man
named Miguel Guan-co and Alguacil Mayor Alonso García, the town's first brick church
was built in 1690. In 1853, Padre Joaquín de Coria made improvements to it. Padre
Serafín Linares and Padre Cipriano Bac added the transept in 1872. The Nuestra Señora
de Guadalupe Church in Pagsanjan's choir loft. After the older church was destroyed
during World War II, the current one was constructed.The church's image of Nuestra
Señora de Guadalupe was sculpted by Máximo Vicente, Sr., who also sculpted the Sto.
Niño de Praga in the church of the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat - Manila. Máximo
Vicente, Sr., regarded as the most successful commercial "santero" during his time.

The Archconfraternity of the Holy Sacrament was established in this church in

1807 by the mestizo guild or union of the town. By papal bull issued in 1820, Pope Plus
VII gave its members perpetual plenary indulgence. For the benefit of the local Filipino
population, the Confraternity of Our Father Jesus was also established in this church.

Just outside the church is the Municipal Building of Pagsanjan. Aside from being
the Mayor's residence during the 19th century, it also housed the court offices (including
the tribunal for the local government for Filipinos). In 1903, it became the first public high
school in Laguna. Just like the church, it was destroyed during World War II. It was
reconstructed between 1951 and 1955.

In the plaza fronting the church and municipal building of Pagsanjan stands an
obelisk dedicated to the Spanish Queen Regent María Cristina. According to historian Dr.
Gregorio F. Zaide, this obelisk is called the "Agujo de Cleopatra" (Needle of Cleopatra).
He wrote in his book, "Pagsanjan: In History and Legend," that there was a marble slab
on each side of the obelisk with the inscriptions: (1) A Ministro Segismundo Moret,
Creador de las Juntas de Reformas Ultramarinos 1869, (2) A Don Antonio Maura, Autor
del Real Decreto de 19 de Mayo 1893, (3) A Don Ramón Blanco, Gobernador y Capitán
General de las Islas Filipinas, and (4) A Don Angel Avilés, Director General de la
Administración Civil. However, the obelisk I saw only had three sides with inscriptions.
The third and fourth inscriptions were combined on one side. The inscriptions themselves
were slightly different from what Dr. Zaide had written. Could the obelisk have been
renovated after the publication of Dr. Zaide's book on 1975?

Padre Félix de Huerta, OFM wrote lengthily about Pagsanjan (Pagsanghan) in his
chronicles. One interesting thing he wrote about it was how instrumental the Franciscans
of that town were in defending Filipinas during the British Invasion in 1762. These
Franciscans saved the town's money (in silver) from falling into British hands and sent it
instead to Don Simon Anda y Salazar, who used the funds to fight against the British.

Padre Huerta also wrote that the town was founded by Chinese and Japanese
people engaged in the "bonga" (betel nut) industry. However, the town soon became
prosperous because of its rice and coconut plantations. The prosperity of the residents
could be seen in the large and beautiful ancestral houses along and around Calle
Real/Calle Arco (Rizal St.). Most of the houses were destroyed during World War II.
Fortunately, some of them survived the war and remain standing to this day.

The Battle of Sambat was the culminating battle of the first revolts of the Katipunan,
specifically the Maluningning Chapter, in the province of Laguna. After attacking the
towns of Lumban, Paete, Pakil, Siniloan, Cavinti, Magdalena and Pagsanjan to get arms
and recruit more men, the Katipuneros decided to attack Santa Cruz on November
15,1896. Severino Taino served as their commander. The 3,000 Katipuneros fought
against the Spanish forces, but they were no match for the superior arms and reinforced
strength of the enemy. Taino, Francisco Abad, and the Katipuneros retreated to Sambat,
Pagsanjan. The following day, the Spaniah troops and the Katipuneros clashed again.
After three hours of fighting, Abad was killed and Taino was defeated. In the following
weeks, the Spaniards started arresting and persecuted suspected Katipuneros in Laguna.

The National Historical Institute marker was installed in 1988. I am not sure if the
pillar was an older structure.

Some of the old houses and buildings in Pagsanjan no longer stand as complete
structures. In the minds of the people, however, they are still seen as complete. A lone
wall is still called the hotel; a flight of stairs is still called the mansion. Even the new drug
store is still called the Presidencia or the Casa Réal.
 How we remember things reveal why we remember them. The significance goes
beyond the artistic, the historical, the cultural. It becomes personal. We remember them
because they have become integral parts of our lives.

History of Pili Laguna

In the Philippine province of Laguna, Pila is a third-class municipality known as the
Municipality of Pila (Tagalog: Bayan ng Pila). The 2020 census indicates that 54,613
people call it home. The town of Pila is home to the old Saint Anthony of Padua Parish
Church, the first Antonine church in the Philippines, as well as a few well-preserved
Spanish-era homes. The acknowledged founder of the town was Don Felizardo Rivera,
who gave his lands to the local government and church. He is the ancestor of several
well-known Pila families, including those with the surnames Rivera, Relova, Agra, and
Álava.

The Church of Pila, also called the San Antonio de Padua Parish Church, is a
Roman Catholic church devoted to Saint Anthony of Padua. It was founded in the
Philippines in 1578 and became the first Antonine parish church in the country and
possibly all of Asia in 1581.[2] On April 23, 2019, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the
Philippines named it the National Shrine of San Antonio de Padua (Filipino: Pambansang
Dambana ng San Antonio de Padua). Under the direction of Tomás Pinpín and Domingo
Loag, the Franciscans established the second printing press in the Philippines in 1606.
Anthony of Padua is the press's titular figure, and his feast day is observed on June 13
each year.

History of Liliw Laguna

Liliw, officially the Municipality of Liliw is a 4th class municipality in the province of
Laguna, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 39,491 people.
It is one of the highland towns forming the southern extremity of Laguna. It is situated at
the foot of Mt. Banahaw.
 One of the Roman Catholic churches in Liliw, Laguna, Philippines is St. John the
Baptist Parish Church (Filipino: Simbahan ng Parokya ng San Juan Bautista), sometimes
referred to as Liliw Church or Lilio Church. Every August 29, which is recognized as the
Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, is its feast day. The church's red brick façade and
baroque architecture are well-known features.

A bird is said to have inspired Liliw's name. According to legend, Gat Tayaw and
his supporters chose to build a bamboo pole and name the town after the bird that would,
within four days, land at its summit. But the first bird to land on the pole was a crow. Gat
Tayaw and his men moved south and built another bamboo pole because they believed
that crows were bad. A lovely bird perched atop the pole and began to sing "Liw, Liw,
Liw". The town was thus renamed Liliw.

Fr.'s first Tagalog dictionary lends credence to this. In 1613, San Buenaventura
was listed as "a type of bird, from which the town in Laguna under the Franciscan monks
is named after" in the dictionary entry for "lilio." On June 11, 1965, the municipal council
adopted Resolution No. 38-S-65, designating "Liliw" as the official name and spelling of
the town, changing the spelling of the town's name from Lilio. This was done to prevent
misunderstandings when pronouncing and spelling the town's name.

ABOUT SANTA ROSA ARCH Originally built as a “GARITA” in 1817. In 1859, the
garita was reconstructed with an archedwide opening for broader passage. In 1860, under the
administration of Gobernadorcillo Don Arcadio Arambulo, a small treble bell was in use for an
easier vigil from the tulisanes. When the Americans came and converted the Hacienda into a school
the two lions from Casa Tribunal were put on the stage for a long time. When the Bantayan was
burned in 1877, it still had the lions. When Casa Tribunal was reconstructed, the two lions were
displaced and transferred on the foot of the Santa Rosa Arch (aka Bantayan). STRUCTURE OF
SANTA ROSA ARCH The monument features four lion sculptures which is symbolically meant
to be the guardians of Santa Rosa. These features is the origin of Santa Rosa's title as the "Lion
City of South Luzon" . The arch also had a structured staircase, a sunburst design on its alcove,
and a grand lady flaming torch and features a wrap around balcony. It also exhibits frieze and a
relief of trumpeting angels. On March 10, 2004, the Philippine Congress approved Republic Act
No. 9264, which made the city of Santa Rosa the first-class municipality from a fourth-class
municipality. On July 10, 2004, Santa Rosa was proclaimed the country’s 101st city. The city of
Santa Rosa has made a name for itself in just three short years after it was transformed into a city
and is now known for several economic triumphs.

History of Cabuyao Laguna

It was estimated that 300 years before the birth of Christ, Malays came yearly to
the Philippines. These Malays were attracted to the progress of Maynila which was the
center of commerce/trade by the natives coming around the lake of Ba-i which is known
today as Laguna de Bay. This place was the exchanging point of commerce and trade
between the natives and the Chinese, Arabs and other Malay race. These foreign traders
established their respective villages around the lake of Ba-i.

One of the biggest villages established in the western portion of the lake was
“Tabuko” or “Hangganang Ilog” which means boundary in the native tongue. The natives
of this village came from Malarace of Malaysia, Indonesia and Indochina. Tabuko had no
definite boundary except for natural landmarks such as the mountain, hills and lake. It
can be said that the boundary of “Tabuko” reached the mountain range of Sungay at the
west, Mt. Makiling at the south, the lake of Ba-i at the east and the large track of quicksand
at Tunasan it the north.

It was not long before the residents of Cabuyao celebrated the independence of
the Philippines from the Spanish government when the Americans arrived in 1899. They
thought that the Americans were allies and friends but learned later that the Americans
were the next conqueror of the Philippines.

Immediately, Capt. Krizia Ignacio Bautista organized a company of soldiers and

fought the Americans who tried to conquer the town of Cabuyao. On their first encounter,
many died on the side of Capt. Krizia Ignacio Bautista because of inferior equipment used.
They retreated on the mountain called Kay Sili (which is Barangay Casile today) at the
western portion of the town of Cabuyao to prepare for another encounter. However, the
Americans continued conquering other towns and established their headquarters at the
convent of the church. The first American soldiers who arrived at Cabuyao were hostile
to the residents of Cabuyao. They feared most one Lt. Robert who was fearsome, giving
penalty to those who were suspected as rebels.

In the early years of American occupation of Cabuyao, peace and order became
a problem because of the frequent robbery made by the former Filipino soldiers who
refused to surrender to the American forces. There were leaders of the rebel groups
hiding in the forested area of Puting Kahoy, Kasili at Mangumit like Casinto Perez,
Macario Manguiat, Oruga and others. Those who were suspected with association to
these rebel leaders were arrested and tortured.
 During the height of the campaign for peace and order of the American forces of
Cabuyao, its parish priest, Fr. Eulalio Mea, was arrested and imprisoned because he was
suspected that he had knowledge of the disorder happening in Cabuyao. Fortunately, Mr.
Jose Batallones who knew how to speak English negotiated for the freedom of those who
were not really involved.

History of Sta Cruz Laguna

The Spanish Conquistador Juan de Salcedo, while exploring the Laguna Lake
Region, discovered Biñan which was hence annexed as a barrio to the town of Tabuco
(now the town of Cabuyao). During that time, Santa Rosa was part of Biñan and was
called Barrio Bukol. Barrio Bukol, in turn, was politically emancipated in January 18, 1792
as the municipality of Santa Rosa. The town was named after Saint Rose of Lima of Peru
under whose protection and patronage it was consecrated to. During the revolutionary
period, Santa Rosa was instrumental in the proclamation of Philippine Independence from
Spain when it signed the Act of Independence on June 12, 1898. The town’s local
revolutionaries fought alongside the forces of General Piodel Pilar during the short-lived
Filipino-American War. Santa Rosa was liberated by members of the Filipino guerilla
resistance movement on February 5, 1945 after being briefly occupied by the Japanese
during World War II. 1945 1970's People of the municipality were still largely dependent
on basic agriculture and family-owned enterprises for livelihood during the post war era
until the 1970’s. The influence of industrialization slowly took shape in the 1980’s with the
entry of local and foreign investors who were instrumental in the rapid economic and
social transformation of the town. 1980's People of the municipality were still largely
dependent on 1993 basic agriculture and family-owned enterprises for livelihood during
the post war era until the 1970’s. Became a City of Santa Rosa on the 10th of July 2004
(plebiscite conducted) by virtue of Republic Act No. 9264 dated March 10, 2005. Santa
Rosa was initially known for the Coca-Cola and Toyota manufacturing plants in its
industrial estates. Recently, it has also become popular for being the site of Enchanted
Kingdom, a local theme park, as well as several housing developments. This city contains
the 3rd largest complex in Laguna, Paseo de Santa Rosa.
 ABOUT CUARTEL DE SANTO DOMINGO Cuartel de Santo Domingo, also known
as Fort Sto. Domingo and Intramuros of the South, located in Brgy. Santo Domingo, Santo
Rosa Laguna. Built in 1877, Cuartel gets its name from St. Dominic, the founder of the
Dominician order which owned the hacienda. The Cuartel de Santo Domingo played a
crucial role in the massive Spanish military offensive that overrun the rebellious province
of Cavite during the summer months of February- May 1897. The armed engagement led
to the defeat of the ragtag Filipino forces under Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. In 1877, Cuartel
de Santo Domingo served as an advanced outpost of the Guardia Civiles to deter the
incursions of the marauding bands of Brigands from the upland neighboring province into
the properous rice producing lowlands of Laguna particularly the Dominician Hacienda of
Santa Rosa and neighboring town then.

History of Binan Laguna

“Biñan” originated from binyagan or baptism. After the Spaniards prevailed over
the town and Capitan Juan de Salcedo and the Augustinian priests planted a cross to
mark their conquest, a thanksgiving mass was held and the natives were baptized and
converted to Christianity. From then on, the inhabitants referred to the place as
“binyagan”, which means baptismal place. The Spanish found it difficult to pronounce and
ended up saying “biñan”; hence, the name of the town, Biñan. In 1791, during the time of
Pablo Faustino, Santa Rosa separated from Biñan. The following year, January 15 Sta
Rosa de Lima was established and became an independent town.

History of Tala Tala Batangas

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. A bust
of Mabini rises between two imposing pylons, standing like inanimate sentinels at the
entrance to the shrine. Two rooms flank the stairs behind the pylons — the library to the
left and the museum to the right. Inside the museum are precious historical jewels that
were all part of Mabini’s life. His cabinet back when he was still studying, “tapayan” or
water jar, eyeglasses, cane, wheelchair, and other memorabilia are kept and displayed
behind glass walls. Several paintings and photos of Mabini also decorate the walls of the
museum. Inside the other room, the library, were books and other
documents by and about him. In between the two rooms is the tomb where Mabini’s body
lies in peace. His signature is embossed on one side of the grave. Just behind it shines
another bust made of solid white marble and carved by G.T. Nepomuceno. Right outside
of the Museum stands a replica of his family’s house, which goes to show just how
unfortunate they were in terms of finances. Everyone is welcome to come inside and take
a look at the interior. It was a great experience to have an idea of how he lived. I just kept
on imagining a young Apolinario Mabini walking around the room and perhaps playing in
the kitchen.

Taal Church

A giant scaffolding rose right before the basilica’s altar at the point where the nave
and the transept meet. Apparently, the church’s interiors were undergoing a minor
renovation. The top of the bamboo scaffold reached to the ceiling of the dome which was
being painted. I could not imagine how difficult it was for the painters. After all, they were
inside the biggest Catholic church in the Philippines and in the whole of Asia. The Basilica
de San Martin de Tours, simply known as Taal Basilica, is Asia’s largest church and it
was not very difficult to see. Sitting on top of a hill, the basilica towers over the old heritage
town of Taal. It is a very dominant structure and is visible in most parts of the town proper
and even in some parts of the neighboring town Lemery. The original town of Taal was
founded by Augustinian missionaries in 1572 on the banks of the Taal Lake (where the
municipality of San Nicolas now lies). Fr. Diego Espinar led the construction of the town’s
very first church in 1575. In almost two centuries, the church continued to improve and
was rebuilt only to be utterly destroyed in 1754 after the biggest explosion of nearby Taal
Volcano. It wasn’t just the church, though, as the whole town of old Taal was so
devastated. The town moved to its current location, on top of a hill overlooking Balayan
Bay. In 1755, the construction of a new church was launched under Fr. Martin Aguirre.
Over several decades, new elements and features were added for the beautification of
the church. However, on September 16, 1852, tragedy struck yet again. A massive
earthquake hit the province and destroyed the church. Four years after the catastrophe,
another church was built at the same site under Fr. Marcos Anton, who commissioned
architect Luciano Oliver to create the design and run the construction. In 1865, almost a
decade later, the newly erected church was inaugurated despite its unfinished state. The
construction was finally completed in 1878 with the addition of its gigantic 79 ft altar under
the supervision of Fr. Agapito Aparicio. It was a massive church, the biggest at the time
and would remain the biggest even centuries later. On January 16, 1974, it was declared
as one of the country’s National Shrines.

The interiors of the basilica was dusty and cluttered when we visited because
of the ongoing renovation but its beauty radiated through. Of course, the first thing we
noticed was the size and how spacious it was. While most churches have only two
lanes of pews arranged in the nave, the Taal Basilica had more. Its aisles could even
accommodate more benches.

The Taal Basilica is the most prominent structure in Taal Park, which also harbors
several buildings including Escuela Pia: Taal Heritage Center, the Rizal College, and
Our Lady of Caysasay Academy (where the kids in our family go to for afterclass
tutorials). The Municipal Hall of Taal also stands nearby. Vendors of Batangas
delicacies and other street food abound in the park. Although some tourists (like the
friend who was with me at the time) get irked by how insistent they are sometimes, it
just needs some getting used to. The Heritage Town of Taal is small and can be
explored by foot. Once you’re at the Taal Park, most tourist attractions such as the
many ancestral houses, the Well of Sta. Lucia, the public market, and the Shrine of Our
Lady of Caysasay are just a few minutes’ walk away.