Memoirs of Talisay

It is always a remarkably satisfying experience when one does a tour in one's own place, trying to understand and learn more about its people, culture and history. A very interesting journey I always want to do in my lifetime would be not only in my own place but also in other fascinating places - be it inside or outside my country.

The old adage that goes: "Each place has its own story to tell," still holds true especially when we talk about Talisay. Its rich cultural and historical legacies are wonderful stories to be retold.

Like other places, Talisay has its own story regarding the origin of its name. In fact, there are two versions that have been speculated. One version conjectured that it was derived from the name of a tree locally known in the Visayan dialect as "Magtalisay." It was formerly abundant in the area but, of course, with urbanization, these trees have become rare. The other version simply attributed its name as after a town in Spain.

CNU instructors, Mrs. Lilibeth Abaquita and Miss Eva Gacasan, are doing a research on the cultural heritage monograph of Talisay. The painstaking research is almost done and Dr. Romola Savellon, CNU museum curator, is editing the manuscript. It will be published by the CNU museum.

The authors claim that Talisay is "the site of many firsts, as well as of unforgettable events." Dr. Savellon inspired Mrs. Abaquita, a native of Talisay, to do the research since she has witnessed the beautiful metamorphosis of the thriving place. The manuscript says: "In it (Talisay), one could see the blending of its rich past, its present development, as well as its future promise."

As documented in the monograph, several sites that bear witness to Talisay's historical transformation are mentioned, which include its church, municipal hall, plaza, school, streets, historical houses, and other historical sites. The authors provide very interesting accounts on every site.