People

Agoncillo is home to beautiful people as it nests culturally inclined characters, national athletes, and award-winning celebrities.

The Everyday life of An Agoncillian

The day of an Agoncillian starts off way before sunrise.

Fisherfolks would wake up at 4:00 am to ready themselves to scour the Taal Lake for fish to be sold; while the others would wake up a little bit later to peddle goods at the public market.

The thick, rural breeze of Agoncillo embraces every woken being and a mug of kapeng barako demands itself to be rustled up.

Then the day lends itself for corporate transactions to transpire—the LGU functions, the carinderias smell of fried tawilis meals, and the suburban streets of Agoncillo are filled with people ready to go merrily about on their 8-4 day jobs.

Just before sunset, the employees return to their residences, and the boats come back to shore with a bountiful harvest gifted by the generous lake.

The low, droning sound of the approaching boats signifies that the day is about to end, and that the Agoncillians are to spend to rest of the night with their beloved families.

Proud Agoncillians

Agoncillo is a town rich in history, culture, and tradition. But what truly defines this place is its people-their stories and their unwavering love for their hometown. In this collection of testimonies, Agoncillians share what it means to belong to this vibrant community. From vendors and tricycle drivers to students and employees, these voices come together to celebrate the unique spirit that binds them to Agoncillo.

"As a student and a youth, we take immense pride in being on Agoncillian because our town offers youth-friendly facilities that enhance our educational and recreational experiences. The active involvement of our mayor and vice mayor in the town's development further inspires us, showing their commitment to creating a vibrant community. With its progressive spirit and the opportunities it provides, we would choose to stay in Agoncillo, as it nurtures our growth and aspirations for a brighter future."

-Geraldine De Sagun, Jossel Kris Mayuga, Jasmine Sanggalang, and Zeina De Sagun (Students)

"As a tricycle driver for six years, I am proud to be an Agoncillian because this is where I was born and have started my family. Our town boasts thriving economy, and I encourage everyone to visit Agoncillo to experience the beauty of Taal Volcano and Lake and enjoy our fresh catches, like maliputo, tawilis, tilapia, and bia.

Beyond our natural treasures, I can assure visitors that the warmth and friendliness of our community make Agoncillo a welcoming place for everyone."

-Gregorio Cabrera (Tricycle Driver)

"As a palengke vendor for twenty years, I am proud to be an Agoncillian because our community has flourished with developed facilities and clean surroundings that enhance our market experience. The commitment to good governance ensures that our town thrives, making it a great place to live and work. Most importantly, the kindness and caring nature of the people of Agoncillo create a warm and supportive environment, making every day as a vendor a rewarding experience."

-Nelia Landicho Reyes (Vendor)

"I'm Apolonio "Coach/Kuya Apol" Rosales, a proud native of Sitio Mauling, Brgy. Pook, Agoncillo, Batangas. For over three decades, I have dedicated my life to the sport of softball, both as a player and coach for the Philippine National Team. 1 am proud to be an Agoncillan because my roots instilled in me resilience, determination, and an unwavering spirit, which have helped me overcome life's challenges. I take immense pride in giving back to the grassroots of softball and baseball, inspiring the next generation to pursue their passion and bring honor to our community."

-Apol Rosales (Softball coach)

"As SK chairman, we take pride in Agoncillo's unity, vibrant culture, and supportive LGU, which define our town and strengthen our identity Good governance empowers youth by promoting transparency, inclusivity, and involvement in decisions that shapeour lives, fostering leadership and responsibility Agoncillo's beautiful landscapes rich resources, and dedication to preserving traditions, such as the Tawilis Festival, make it a unique municipality and a source of pride for all residents."

-Charles Baldwin Medina (Barangay Pansipit)

-Jayven Joseph Cantal (Barangay Banyaga)

"As an MSWD officer with nine years of experience, I am proud to be an Agocillian because our leaders embody the values that make me proud to be part of this community. They are committed to serving the people with honesty, faith, and dedication to their duties. Their passion for social services and hands-on approach are evident in everything they do. We are fortunate to have such dedicated individuals who continuously strive to improve our community's well-being."

-Josalyn Canela Cortez (MSWD Officer)

"As an LGBT leader and Agoncillian, I take pride in our community's compassion respect for diversity, and commitment to equality Agoncillo is a safe place for the LGBT community, where strong family and community ties foster support and reduce discrimination. Rich in culture, with vibrant festivals and traditional dances, Agoncillo also stands out for its dedication to providing equal opportunities in education, health, and livelihood for all residents regardless of the background"

-Cedy Mendoza (LGBT Leader)

"As senior citizens of Agoncillo, we take pride in the unity and cooperation that drive the progress of our town. We are grateful for the unwavering support of Mayor Atty. Cinderella Reyes, the Sangguniang Bayan, and the MSWDO, who consistently assist with our programs and needs. Agoncillo, seniors have a voice, and we feel valued and empowered in our community"

-Consolacion A. Magnaye, Teodula P. Cueto, Purificacion V. Sarmiento (Agoncillo Senior Citizens)

Marianito, a Master of the Subli

Marianito Buno, a 72-year-old retired local government personnel, has been performing the Subli since he was 19.

"Sa tagal na namin itong ginagawa, hindi na kami nag-eensayo (we have been perfoming this for so long that we don't feel the need to rehearse)," he tells when asked about the preparations before staging the subli.

His devotion to the Holy Cross and the Subli did not wane a bit despite the almost everyday invites of sponsors from Agoncillo among other places in Batangas and Luzon.

"Halos araw-araw kaming naiimbitahan dati, pero dahil sa pandemya, syempre nabawasan na (we got invites to perform almost everyday, but because of the pandemic, invites become infrequent)," he furthers.

Marianito takes joy in the fact that the Subli, a stark contrast to today's modern and westernized ways, remains ingrained in the life of Agoncillians especially in that of the younger generation's.

The devotion to the Holy Cross has been passed down from one generation to the other, a salinlahi, so to speak.

True enough, kids as young as seven and eight can be seen participating in some performances. "Kapag nakakakita kami ng batang interesado, talagang tuturuan namin sila para maipagpatuloy ang kultura at debosyon sa Sta. Cruz."

It can also be observed that there is also a good mix of teenagers and adults dancing in pairs amid the hours-long ceremony, implying that the Subli is an indelible parcel of the Agoncillian culture practiced by people across genders and generations.

Charlie Dizon personifies Magandang Agoncillo

Charlie Dizon’s (born April Rose Dizon Matienzo) acting career debuted in the 2017 romantic flick “Finally Found Someone".

The 25-year-old stunner also had feisty performances in Seven Sundays (2017), Parasite Island (2019), A Soldier’s Heart (2020), My Sunset Girl (2021), and Viral Scandal (2021).

But none enthralled the Agoncillians more when she and her father (former Barangay Pansipit Captain Ramon Matienzo) were casted as actors in ABS CBN's primetime show Bagani.

The Star Magic talent, although still relatively young in her acting career, has already won the MMFF Best Actress Award in 2020 for her lead role in "Fan Girl", besting Nora Aunor (Isa Pang Bahaghari) and Iza Calzado (Tagpuan) among other veteran nominees.

Carolino Volleybelles: From Pook Elem to the National Team

Sisters Mayeth and Michelle Carolino started their volleyball careers as varsity players in Pook Elementary School in Agoncillo, Batangas.

The sisters, now in their early 40s, said that they perform better as teammates rather than rivals.

They also had outstanding careers in Agoncillo College, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Philippine Army, and ultimately, the Philippine national team.

The sisters had respected and laureled careers that they were invited as guest players for La Salle and the University of Sto. Tomas in the Shakey's V-League among other teams in commercial leagues.