VILLA TORTUGA: A SUMPTUOUS ENCOUNTER WITH THE GLORY OF TAAL

The antique house that designer Lito Perez transformed into the charming Villa Tortuga sits on a quiet section of Taal. The capiz windows and ventanillas--all Filipino design innovations--remain intact in this mansion.

The walls fronting the house depict life-sized drawings of old Filipino costumes inspired by the paintings and prints of Damian Domingo.

A giant sea turtle hangs on the wall of the foyer leading to the accessoria below and the main house above.

If its name suggests the pace of life within its archaic windows and weather-beaten walls, then visitors who wish to escape the frantic pace of city living will find a welcome lull waiting for them at Villa Tortuga. Located in a quiet neighborhood in Taal, Batangas and sitting just above the bank of a meandering river, this haven created by noted fashion designer Lito Perez, offers a refreshing stillness. In a mansion filled with old photographs, icons and statuaries that date back to Spanish colonial times, and furniture that have withstood the passing of time, it is as if one has stepped back in time.

An art nouveau mirror and assorted portraits greet visitors at the landing near the main seating area.

The breakfast table is all set for an early morning breakfast that includes longganiza, fried daing, eggs, sinangag, pan de sal and quesong puti.

The main salon is made romantic by the graceful art nouveau couch with a periwinkle leather seat and heavy brocade drapery in bright crimson

Blue-and-white antique jars flank an old piano that stands against a bright wall painting of a rural scenery.

“Tortuga” is “turtle” in Spanish and here one can ruminate on the dated relics, and marvel at the skill of native artisans who carved every ornate detail on each of the delicate furniture and architectural detail at a leisurely snail's pace. At Perez's hardwood dining table, guests can  take their sweet time savoring classic Batangueño and Filipino cuisine until the appetite and taste buds have been fully satiated. Perez, who is also an antiquarian, has assembled an assortment of furniture, mementoes, relics and objets d’art to give his guests an intimate experience of living in a past where leisure and luxury were the orders of the day.

At Villa Tortuga, one gets a sumptuous encounter with the former glory and charms of an illustrious Philippine town.

At dinner, Lito served a feast of tinolang manok, pork loin in pineapple halves, manok sa gata, fish flakes served in tomato cups and fragrant rice.

And what’s feasting in Batangas without the flavorful and succulent sinaing na tulingan?

Text and photos by Vix Sev