Gliceria Marella married Eulalio Villavicencio, a ship captain who owned a splendid bahay na bato,a pre-1850’s structure built on the northern slope of Taal town. It has a fantastic vista of Balayan Bay viewed from its sala. With its exterior painted in its original colors of mint green and yellow, this imposing house stands proud with its beautiful garden and wrought iron gates. It is also the only Taal home with an original tin ceiling and canvass trompe l’oeil walls.
As his wedding gift to Gliceria, Eulalio built another house beside which was connected by a covered bridge. The two houses make an interesting pair – both have been featured in books; national tourism promotions; publications; and, as movie / advertising sets. The houses are filled with delicate memorabilia and ancestor’s photos. Framed historical facts regarding its provenance; people who slept within its walls; materials that were used in building it; and, a family tree – are interesting finds.
This house was also used to stock Rizal’s novels – Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo for distribution to the masses in 1892. Among the famous revolutionaries who have attended clandestine meetings in the house were Andres Bonifacio (founder of the Katipunan), Miguel Malvar and Felipe Calderon.
Antonio P. Serrano, M.D.
/ February 2, 2011I attended Batangas West High School, but was never told of the historical places in Taal. It is sad that we read about important historical events in the Philippines but we never visited the historical homes of some great filipno patriots who just lived in Taal.
Babe-Marie Valera
/ September 30, 2011The house is Awesome!!!!! The muebles and wall paintings inside are fantastic!!!! I’ve seen it cause my brother-in-law Jorge Villavicencio Joven brought us in their ancestors’ place 3 years ago. Thanks Jorge.