Taal has had 33 eruptions since 1572. 

The largest four events being in:

1749- A Plinian style eruption where all of Volcano Island and the towns of Taal, old Sala and part of old Tanauan were devastated.  There was much crustal disturbance, and many large earthquakes..³

1754- A documented Plinian style eruption, greatest in recorded history of Taal, where the towns of Sala, Lipa, Tanauan and Talisay were destroyed and what is now Metro Manila was covered in debris⁵  Description given by Fr. Buencochillo stationed at Taal⁶

On May 15, 1754, at about 9 or 10 o'clock in the night, the volcano quite unexpectedly commenced to roar and emit, sky-high, formidable flames intermixed with glowing rocks which, falling back upon the island and rolling down the slopes of the mountain, created the impression of a large river of fire. During the following days there appeared in the lake a large quantity of pumice stone which had been ejected by the volcano. Part of these ejecta had also reached the hamlet of Bayuyungan and completely destroyed it.

The volcano continued thus until June 2, during the night of which the eruption reached such proportions that the falling ejecta made the entire island appear to be on fire, and it was even feared that the catastrophe might involve the shores of the lake. From the said 2d of June until September 25, the volcano never ceased to eject fire and mud of such bad character that the best ink does not cause so black a stain.

During the night of September 25, the fire emitted was quite extraordinary and accompanied by terrifying rumblings. The strangest thing was, that within the black column of smoke issuing from the volcano ever since June 2, there frequently formed thunderstorms, and it happened that the huge tempest cloud would scarcely ever disappear during two months.

At daybreak of September 26 we found ourselves forced to abandon our dwelling for fear lest the roofs come down upon us under the weight of ashes and stones which had fallen upon them during that hapless night. In fact, some weaker buildings collapsed. The depth of the layer of ashes and stones exceeded two "cuartas" (45 centimeters), and the result was that there was neither tree nor other plant which it did not ruin or crush, giving to the whole region an aspect as if a devastating conflagration had swept over it. After this the volcano calmed down considerably, though not sufficiently to offer any prospect of tranquility. Story Continued

1911- Volcano Island was demolished, 1334 people were killed mostly by ash and pyroclastic flows.  In addition, lava flows and tsunamis on crater lake killed others. Ash was spewn on Manila 60 km away; a puppy was the only survivor.²⁹

1965- Phreatic activity, where a great column of steam, ash, cinders and dust rose into the air several thousand feet.  200 people died, mainly from tsunamis on Lake Taal.  There were pyroclastic surges and ashfall covered 60 sq km and affected all of Volcano Island.⁷  

                                                   1965 Phreatic Eruption at Taal ⁸