Past Forward: Taal timeless threads & traditions Heritage, Cultural and Design Immersion

Aligned with SoFA’s commitment in deep design education, embracing history is key in understanding our psyche as a people: how taste and trends are shaped by environmental influences and the shifts in time. On April 29, 2025, SoFA Design Institute’s Fashion and Interior Design students explored the historic town of Taal, known as the “Vigan of the South,” and the Barong and Balisong Capital of the Philippines. The heritage tour featured Spanish-era mansions, cobblestone streets, and Southeast Asia’s largest church.

First stop: Goco Ancestral House




Students are welcomed by Sir Art, A veteran custodian of Taal’s heritage, with stories that flow as richly as the town’s storied past. Built in 1876 by Juan Cabrera Goco and Lorenza Deomampo, the house once sheltered revolutionary treasures. Restored in 1999, it now stands as a proud sentinel of Taal’s historical heart.




After a tour of antique-filled halls, they were served a traditional feast—Adobo sa Dilaw, Ensalada, Tapang Taal, Bahay Kubo veggies, Sinaing na tulingan and the unforgettable Suman Batirol.

As the students dined, a singer in full Filipiniana serenaded them—a performance so authentic, it seemed like the past breathing through the walls.

Next: Apacible Museum



This was a haven of art deco beauty and revolutionary legacy. From vintage Singer sewing machines to stately hardwood cabinets, both Fashion and Interior Design students found a wealth of inspiration. Each room, filled with relics and quiet stories, reminded everyone of how design speaks even in silence.

Third stop: Marcela Agoncillo’s Home

Here, the students traced the origins of our national flag. Fashion students especially connected with the tale of Marcela’s craftsmanship, while the ornate interiors—from grand pianos to prayer altars—offered design ideas for modern reinterpretation.





Sacred spaces: Caysasay Church and Taal Basilica



Two historic churches gave lessons on light, form, and faith-infused architecture. The students examined arches, frescoes, and texture—design elements that transcend time. These weren’t just places of worship; they were blueprints of emotional storytelling.




Final stretch: Taal Market and Barangay Balisong

The day wrapped with a lively stroll through the famed Taal market, where students browsed Filipiniana apparel, native crafts, and even brought home locally made balisongs.
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From ancestral homes to artisan markets, the Taal immersion wasn't just a field trip—it was a living archive. Our students didn’t just see history: they felt it, tasted it, and carried it home as fuel for future creations.

Inspired by the Taal trip?
Now it’s your turn to bring history, culture, and creativity into your own designs.

Whether you’re into fashion or interiors, SoFA Design Institute’s degree programs can help turn your ideas into impact.

Applications are now open for:
BA Fashion Design and Marketing
BS Interior Design

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