In the quiet, unassuming town of Taal, Batangas, lies the biggest Catholic basilica in Asia, the Basilica de San Martin de Tours. This has been my third time in Taal Town and me and the husband have always been awed by the old, Hispanic houses and the antique vibe of the place.
This stop is our last leg for our Visita Iglesia. We haven't had lunch yet and it was around 2:30 in the afternoon already when we arrived at the town. I was so excited when I saw a cafe near the Church of Our Lady of Caysasay, another place for worship here in the small town of Taal. The place is called Tampuhan Cafe.
Now, I don't know where the owners got the name of the place but there was no
tampuhan (best translation: sulking from a lovers' quarrel) going on around the place at that time, hehe.
I loved the ambiance of this cafe. It is actually a very small place and only accommodates around four or five tables.
The place is fully booked though because there were a lot of "pilgrims" doing the Visita Iglesia. Batangas is actually a favorite destination because of the many churches sprawled in the different cities and municipalities.
Husband and I sat at one corner. There were several paintings on sale; books decorated the area, and there were several decors that every Filipino could probably relate to their childhood. Very lovely.
Tabletop paintings for sale --
Do you know this song written on the poster?
The menu board --
Our order -- lomi with squid balls,
atay (liver), kikiam, egg, chicharon. Unique but we felt that it needed more salt. Not bad for its price though.
This place can also house guests who want to stay overnight and experience the rustic, old Taal environment.
Nora Aunor in a Vilmanian country, haha --
Don't you love what this place has to offer? Other interesting things that Taal is known for:
A. Tapang Taal (tapang baboy)
B. Formal barong (this is where husband got his barong for our wedding)
C. Hispanic houses similar to Vigan but nearer to Manila
D. Asia's biggest basilica (Basilica de San Martin de Tours)
E. Galleria de Taal - a collection of vintage cameras (same street as Tampuhan Cafe). It was closed when we went :(
I just loooove Taal Town. Husband and I agreed to stay there one of these days and get a chance to walk amidst the adobe houses and try out some interesting restaurants.
So there you go, loves! If you have the time, don't forget to put Taal Town in your roadtrip itinerary. Happy travels!
xx,
Corporate Junkie
