Taal: Where Heritage Breathes
Every year, Taal, Batangas, opens its doors for the El Pasubat Festival, and honestly, the ‘Visita de las Casas’ is where the magic happens. Amidst the vibrant hue of the festival, peace and appreciation of Philippine culture will knock your senses. It’s a journey through time, a stroll amidst the silent storytellers of our past: the ancestral houses. Among these, the Bahay Asinas is a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of Filipino architecture, a living museum that whispers tales of a bygone era.
The essence of Filipino architecture
The moment you step inside, you’ll immediately notice something profound: a natural harmony between the structure and its environment. In contrast to modern homes with artificial climate control, these ancestral homes were designed to breathe. The wide, strategically placed windows allow sunlight to dance across the polished wooden floors, illuminating intricate carvings and antique furniture. The ventanillas— small, slatted windows beneath the main ones— gives constant air flow, ensuring a cool interior even during the sweltering summer months.
The high ceilings, a hallmark of Filipino architecture, further enhance this natural ventilation, allowing hot air to rise and escape. The delicate capiz window panels filter the sunlight into a soft, ethereal glow. Using indigenous materials, like hardwood and capiz shells, adds to the aesthetic appeal and contributes to the house’s durability and natural insulation. It’s a masterclass in passive cooling, a testament to our ancestors’ deep understanding of local climate and resources.
Hint of history’s aroma
These ancestral houses are repositories of our cultural heritage. Stories live in each room, each antique, each piece of furniture. Bahay Asinas, in particular, demonstrate the elegance and sophistication of Filipino ancestors’ knowledge in architecture.
Eduardo “Ed” Lapiz, the owner of the Bahay Asinas, passionately advocates the importance of “productive reuse.” According to Lapiz, we have neglected our architectural traditions for too long, allowing a colonized mindset to overshadow the brilliance of Filipino ancestor’s designs. He wanted to “pull Filipinos away” from the colonized perception of what a “successful home” should look like.
Cultural Awareness
It is imperative that our academic institutions consider including Filipino architecture and cultural heritage in their curricula. The young generation deserves the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the ingenuity and artistry of our ancestors. As they immerse themselves in our cultural history, we can foster a deeper sense of national identity and pride. Field trips to places like Taal and workshops can provide invaluable learning experiences.
Let us encourage our youth to explore the intricate details of our architectural heritage, from the silong to atep, and understand the significance of these elements in our cultural narrative. In this way, the legacy of our ancestors will continue to inspire and inform future generations. With its well-preserved ancestral houses, Taal offers a perfect setting for this cultural exploration. Let us make it a beacon of Filipino heritage, where the past is remembered, actively lived, and learned.
