The heritage town of Taal, Batangas, celebrated Philippine Independence Day with a weekend Art, Food and Fashion Festival.
The old homes were decorated with Philippine flags and the atmosphere was festive.
Villa Tortuga
An art exhibit was nearby, with artists from UST on a reunion.
Meanwhile, preparations for a fashion show were were being done at Paradores, the town’s premier hotel. A degustacion at Casa Feliza appealed to me the most so I went, having booked well ahead as there were limited seats.
Why was it a must-go?
The menu is a mouthwatering version of dishes served during the Malolos Convention, prepared by Chef Giney Villar.
Researched by, and presented by Chef Giney
The event host was Elizabeth Angsioco, resplendent in a gown re-created from old gowns.
Beth with media person Howie Severino
The town’s historian Dindo regaled the visitors with stories from the past, how Taal was also nominated for inclusion in the UNESCO Heritage list, about the festivals in Taal, all in his interesting Batangueno accent.
To highlist history and the link to the Malolos Convention, a delegation from that Bulacan town was present, headed by their vice mayor.
The guests included actors playing guardia civil, General Luna, and then president General Emilio Aguinaldo.
Casa Feliza was home to Feliza Diokno, then the secretary of President Emilio Aguinaldo. Today, it is open as a taverna at the ground floor, and B&B at the second floor. For the degustacion, the table setting was nothing less than impressive.
I was lost in the bliss of this culinary experience that I forgot to take photos of the dishes. So I instead took a photo of the dessert corner.
Towards the end, a friend of the hosts recited a poem in Spanish. His original composition in English that he translated to Filipino and Spanish.
An event to look forward to in 2017.
LAKWATSA 