Batangas

The Spanish first arrived in Batangas in 1570 and founded the province in 1581. The original province, then known as Bombon, Balayan or Comintan, covered parts of Laguna, Quezon and the islands of Marinduque and Mindoro. The province capital was moved to Taal in 1732 and then Batangas in 1754. In both cases, the province assumed the name of the new capital. Batangas was one of the eight provinces placed under martial law in the 1896 revolution and one of the last provinces to accept American rule. The Japanese landed on Batangas in WWII as did the American liberation forces. Batangas is the birthplace of revolutionary heroes and nationalist politicians such as General Miguel Malvar, last general to surrender to the Americans, Apolinario Mabini, the Brains of the Katipunan, Jose P. Laurel and Claro M. Recto.

Agoncillo

Agoncillo was finally created as a separate town from Lemery on April 17, 1949. It is named after the Taal native Don Felipe Agoncillo, one of the first representatives of the Spanish Cortez. It is the jump off point for those who want to take a closer look at Taal Volcano.

Taal Volcano

Volcano Island in Taal Lake. Within the crater on Volcano Island there is another lake. Taal is the smallest and lowest volcano in the world. (June 2003)

The north half of Volcano Island is part of Talisay. The south half is part of San Nicolas. (June 2003)

On Volcano Island at the crater looking back across the lake. (April 2006)

Looking into the lake covered crater of Taal Volcano. The 1965 eruption formed a new lake and cone resulting. (April 2006)

Steam and/or volcanic gas can be seen bubbling at the surface of the lake. The smell of sulphur is also distinct at the crater. (April 2006)

Steam and/or volcanic gas can be seen rising from the inner sides of the crater in certain places. (April 2006)