October 30, 2011 Lake Taal and Tagaytay

Magtibays wanted Amy and I to see Lake Taal and Tagaytay. They gathered friends and family and 11 of us traveled in one over hill and dale north to this beautiful country. The trip took about 2 hours. We stopped in Balisong to look at knives made there, called bolos. I got a big, mean- looking one that I often see people using for all purposes, here. When I get home I will have it sharpened for shaving kindling. It will be a practical memento.
Dario and a bolo.
Next stop was Taal, looking at the beautiful historic homes and this church, one of the oldest in the Philippines. This historic town is lucky to be largely intact, as it was a hotbed of activism in the fight against Spanish rule and Spain often obliterated towns of dissension.... Boy, Spain was a tad bossy and temperamental, you know?! Thought they owned the place! Or was that US? (I don't think we obliterated any towns here, though.)

 The Basilica de San Martin de Tours, the biggest Catholic church in the Far East.

Side entrance to the church. Under the shelter to my right you see the area where candles are lit and placed. I got some- they're sold in groups of 3 in honor of the Trinity. Bundles of 3 candles makes for some serious flameage!

One of the miracles here is that I wasn't burnt!

Taal- Famous for fine embroidery and sewing, especially the traditional Philippine men's shirt, the barong.

Then it was on to Tagatay.

Fantastic scenery and three dear  traveling companions (and scholars to boot! ) Paul,  Miguel and Gerrald. Lake Taal fills the caldera of an ancient volcano, the largest in the world. Before it erupted it rose 18,000 ft.  The island in the lake is another, little volcano. You see the cone between the boys heads.

As we were eating and drinking in the views- I know, bad pun- we were approached by masseurs who wanted us to hire them for an hour at the set rate of $2.50! We availed (as Filipinos say) their services for about 1/2 hour.

Martin Magtibay.

 

Is this funny or what? Dario and Martin blowing bubbles. We didn't catch a good picture, but here we are in euphoria with bubbles floating about, and this view:

We hiked down to the base of this hill. It was a very hot day and the hike back up seemed long. (Read: We were drenched in sweat!) About 3/4 way up JJ (3) started mumbling to himself, "hirap" (means hard), a few more steps, "hirap", a few more steps...
Back in the car and heading home.

Rachiel and JJ Magtibay