A few meters away from the Malolos Church is the Casa Real. It was a printing press during the Malolos Republic; it was restored in 1852 and converted into a municipal library.

It is now a museum of still existing memorabilia and relics from the First Philippine Republic. Memorabilia of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo can be found here. First class families of Malolos, their furniture, old books, stamps, paper money and coin are also displayed in the Shrine.

Casa Real is one of Malolos oldest structures dating back to 1812. The building also contains a display of the 21 Women of Malolos memorabilia. Also presented here are the photographs of the 100 Filipino women, each has distinct characteristics in their fields.

Thirty minutes away, passing through the Aguinaldo Boulevard, is Cavite City. Like Kawit, the name of Cavite City has the same meaning and etymology. Cavite City is a noteworthy place to visit and explore in paradise Philippines because of its rich history.

There are, however, several names still attributed to Cavite City. Its early settlers called it “Tangway,” meaning peninsula. People from other places refer to it as Kawit, because it looked like a sharp-edge part of the hook-shaped land. The Chinese traders or the Sangleyes who came to Cavite to do business with the natives called it Keit, a corruption of the word Kawit.

During the Spanish occupation, the old Tangway, which was at its northern tip, was called “Cavite la Punta” meaning “Tip of Cavite.” When they discovered Cavite la Punta to be a suitable place for the repair of their ships and galleons, they called the place Cavite Nuevo (New Cavite) and moved their settlement there. Later on, the Spaniards fortified the place with Muralla (high thick walls) and surrounded it with moats, the place was called Puerto de Cavite (port of Cavite).

Before touring the port area, it is suggested to visit to the Cavite City Library and Museum (CCLM). This museum building occupies the former City Hall Annex. The museum has a permanent exhibit of photographs of Cavite City’s heroes like the Thirteen Martyrs, Julian Felipe, Ladislao Diwa and other prominent Caviteños in the history of paradise Philippines. Likewise, permanent exhibits of old photographs, memorabilia, relics, old furniture and household objects provides a glimpse of the city as it was during the Spanish period up to the American occupation. From time to time, special exhibits (historical, cultural or artistic) are displayed in the museum.

Its library, on the other hand, was designated as an Official Sister Library Site by no less than the former US First Lady Hillary Clinton, to be part of their White House Millennium Council Project on Sister Libraries. CCLM is the ONLY library in the whole paradise Philippines to be chosen as such and was given this plaque in the process.

Adjacent to the museum is the Cavite City Hall. It is located in pre-World War ll site of “Dreamland Cabaret” and the “Pantalan de Yangco.” This imposing building sits on one end of the City Park. Paseo de Barangay is located at the back of City Hall.

Cañacao Bay can be best viewed here. This bay was port to both the Spanish galleons and the Pan Am Clipper seaplanes. The Skyline of Manila is visible when looking at the mouth of the bay.

Another famous site in the city is the Fort San Felipe located at Sangley Point Naval Base. It is an old structure dating back to 1609 when the Spaniards built it to protect part of the then growing city. The structure is made of granite blocks with walls approximately 30 feet high. A wide stairway leads to the top of the fort where a concrete house structure could be found. Naval memorabilia including antique cannons and cannon balls decorate the lawns. This fort is also the place where the Cavite Mutiny 1872 occurred when Filipino workers were implicated in the armed uprising against the Spaniards. Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite were also executed here.

Located at the top of this wall is the Phil. Navy Museum where miniature of Phil. Naval vessels and other memorabilia are placed.

There is also the 13 Martyrs Centennial Plaza. It was built in 1906 to honor Cavite’s revered martyrs. The remains of the six martyrs are still; inferred in the monument. Through the assistance of the Department of Tourism the former monument was transformed into a Centennial Plaza after the celebration of its 100th year anniversary. It is designed to present the picture of their struggle, trial and execution.

Three plazas and one park are also located along the port area. These are the Plaza de Armas in front of San Felipe Fort, Plaza San Pedro in front of the church and Plaza Soledad in front of Porta Vaga.

Other surrounding walls in the area are the Fuerte Guadalupe on the side and the Porta Vaga. Only the relics of these structures still exist. Collectively known as the Muralla, this is now a well lighted bay front that offers promenades cool breezes during balmy nights. The view of Bacoor Bay shows the tower of the Aguinaldo Mansion as well as the many oyster beds that dot the bay. This area was once called the isthmus of Rosario and at one time featured a drawbridge.

Given the city’s importance in trade, convents and hospitals were built. Among them were the San Diego de Alcala convent built in 1608, the Porta Vaga (La Ermita), Santa Monica (Recoletos), San Juan De Dios, Santo Domingo and San Pedro, the port’s parish church. There was also the Hospital de San Jose, built by the Franciscan fathers in 1591 and founded by the congregation of San Juan de Dios, for sailors and soldiers.

In all, there were eight churches in the walled city -- five in Cavite Puerto, the Ermita, Recoletos, San Juan de Dios, San Pedro and Sto. Domingo, one in San Roque, the San Roque Parish Church and two unfinished ones in Caridad. The belfry of the Old Sta. Monica Church can still be viewed as mute witness to the piety of the early Caviteños.

At present, the San Roque Parish Church, which now houses the image of the “Nuestra Señora dela Soledad de Porta Vaga” (Lady of Solitude of Porta Vaga), is the “only” remaining church in Cavite City.

The Nuestra Señora dela Soledad de Porta Vaga, reputed to be a relic of Spain, is a painting of the Virgin Mary framed in carved wood. The relic is said to have been discovered, beached on the shores between the old Puerto Vaga in Cavite City and Barrio San Roque during the 18th century. The painting, presently set in precious gems, is also known as the “Virgin of a Thousand Miracles” because of many miracles granted to the faithful devotees from the day of its discovery to the present.

The huge Malolos Cathedral is also known as the Basilica Minore. This became the presidential quarters of Gen. Emilio Aquinaldo in 1898. The first convent and church were finished in 1591, and were subsequently enlarged, reconstructed, rebuilt, and frequently restored.

From September 10, 1898, until March 29, 1899, the convent was used as the presidential palace of the First Republic of the Philippines. On March 31, 1899, while General Aguinaldo and his men were fleeing from the Americans, Aguinaldo ordered it burned to the ground as part of his scorched earth policy.

The church was rebuilt during the American occupation and again underwent almost continuous renovation until the present. Pope John Paul II declared the cathedral “Basilica Minore of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 4, 1999” in recognition of the Bulakeños great love for Mary.

Kalayaan Tree Monument
Infront of the Malolos Cathedral is a historical landmark from the revolution: a huge century-old Siar Tree, now known as Kalayaan Tree Monument, which Aguinaldo planted during a lull in the Congress proceedings. Aguinaldo is said to have conducted many political discussions here. Under the tree is a monument that symbolizes the meeting of Filipino revolutionaries represented by Gregorio del Pilar and Gen. Isidoro Torres; Don Pablo Tecson, an erudite legislator; Padre Mariano Sevilla, a nationalist leader of the church and Doña Basilia Tantoco, portraying a woman freedom fighter.

Visiting the historical town of Kawit will give the tourists a good glimpse of Cavite’s history during the Spanish colonial period, the revolution, until the proclamation of independence.

Formerly known as “Cavite El Viejo.” Kawit is famous as the birthplace of Emilio Aguinaldo, the “first president of the Republic of the Philippines.” Like the province name’s genealogy, Kawit is also derived from the Tagalog word kawit (hook) which is suggestive of its location at the base of a hookshaped shoreline along Manila Bay extending to the tip of Cavite City. Kawit was the most thriving settlement prior to the coming of the Spaniards. In fact, it provided the first anchorage of the Spaniards in the province, whence colonization and proselytization of the Christian religion began, spreading to all.

Legend, however, gives another version on how the town got its name. One day a Spanish visitor asked a native blacksmith about the name of the village. The latter was busy at the time pounding on the anvil a piece of hot metal that looked like a hook. He hesitated to speak, not understanding what the stranger was asking, but when pressed for an answer, and thinking that he wanted to know what he was doing, he merely said kawit (hook). The Spaniards left muttering the word kawit. In the course of the time the word kawit evolved into "cawite," and finally “cavite,” there being no "K" in the Castillan alphabet, then changing "w" to "v" so as to conform to their accentuation.

Aguinaldo Shrine and Museum
Reaching this historical landmark is easy. By car, take Quirino Avenue; or the Southern Luzon Highway, exit at Sucat to pass Las Piñas and Zapote. Travel time is 1 to 1 ½ hours from Manila.

The Aguinaldo Shrine was the birthplace and home of President Emilio Aguinaldo. This house/shrine/museum has remarkable furnishings. The ceiling of the dining room has a bas relief map of the Philippines, with Cavite painted red to symbolize the province's resistance. The balcony was where independence from Spain was declared June 12, 1898; at the same time the Philippine flag was raised and the national anthem was played, both for the first time.

This building is actually a mansion renaissance architecture, combining baroque, romanesque and Malayan influences. The property has an indoor swimming pool, a big yard, (the Chico Tree Aguinaldo planted is still there) and spacious receiving, dining and bed rooms, complete with hidden compartments to hide important documents and weapons and secret passages to escape into during emergencies.

President Aguinaldo, himself donated the mansion & the lot to the Philippine Government on June 12, 1963 "to perpetuate the spirit of the Philippine Revolution of 1896 that put an end to Spanish colonization of the country." And by virtue of Republic Act No. 4039 dated June 18,1964 issued by then Pres. Diosdado Macapagal, the Aguinaldo mansion was declared a national shrine.

In the garden behind the house is a Marble Tomb where Aguinaldo rests. The Aguinaldo Shrine, open from 8am to 5pm daily, except Mondays, is well worth a visit. There is no entrance fee but visitors may make a donation.

Church of St. Mary Magdalene
A few meters away is the towering Church of St. Mary Magdalene, also a historical landmark in the vicinity of Kawit. This church was erected in 1638 by six Filipino families hailing from the towns of Maragondon and Silang. The cornerstones were built in 1737 but devastated by a strong typhoon in 1831. It was handled by the Secular priests in 1786 and then by the Recolletos in 1894.

Tourists may find it unusual that Kawit’s patron saint is Mary Magdalene being a controversial figure in the Holy Scriptures. But there is a historical explanation for that. This church acts a reminder of a place called by the Spaniards “Cavite el Viejo” or Old Cavite to distinguish it from “Cavite la Punta” or “Cavite el Puerto,” the commercial port and naval base (now Cavite City) whence came many Spanish marines on shore leave who made frequent visits to Cavite el Viejo, eventually turning it into a “red light district.” The bad reputation of the place, however, was completely wiped out when it was placed under the spiritual supervision of the Jesuits by placing St. Mary Magdalene as Patron saint of the town.

It was also in this church where President Aguinaldo was baptized. In fact, there exists a long tunnel between the church and Aguinaldo’s house (about 300 meters away). This tunnel has been closed due to the construction of roads and commercial establishments in the area. Legend has it that Aguinaldo’s men constructed massive network of underground tunnels emanating from his house to various places like the Tejeros Convention area to protect the revolutionaries from the Spanish authorities.

The 400-year old church was renovated and given a traditional face lift in 1990 through the concerted efforts of the people of Kawit.

Now a declared national shrine in the Philippines , Barasoain Church, located at the heart of Malolos' crowning glory, is historically significant that it can be seen in the reverse side of the 10 Philippine peso bill.

It was in Barasoain Church where important episodes in the country’s political history came about: the convening of the First Philippine Congress on Sept. 15, 1898; the drafting of the Malolos Constitution, from Sept. 29, 1898 to Jan. 21, 1899; and the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic on Jan. 23, 1899, making Malolos its national capital.

Built from 1871-1878, a stone church was constructed to replace an earlier one made of wood. A plaque at the church’s facade tells us that the original Barasoain church was destroyed by fire in 1884, after which the building underwent several renovations. Beginning 1885, the Augustinian Jian Giron contracted the services of a builder known only as Magpayo, who rebuilt the church from its foundations using variations of a circular motif.

The church was restored to its original splendor for the Philippine Centennial celebration in 1998. It is said that the way the church looks today is exactly how it looked during the time of the revolution.

Beside the church is the Malolos Convent, now converted into a museum. This served as Emilio Aguinaldo’s residence when he was president. It was also in this convent where the “Universidad Literaria Cientifica de Filipinas” (Literary and Scientific University of the Philippines) was first housed – a project of the revolutionary Malolos government which had existed for one year in 1898 to 1899. Historians traced the founding of the University of the Philippines (UP) not to the American colonialists who had chartered the University in 1908, but to the Universidad Literaria Cientifica de Filipinas.

The church convent now houses both Ecclesiastical Museum and the History Museum, dedicated to the great events that took place in the church. It showcases a collection of municipal antiques and priceless array of artifacts, under the management of the National Historical Institute. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, except on holidays, 8:00am, to 5:00pm. Admission is free.

Among the highlights of the Barasoain Museum is a dramatized audio-visual presentation that recalls important events in Philippine history starting from the declaration of Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite, on June 12, 1896, then the great events that took place in the Barasoain church, the Quezon era, the Japanese Occupation, the Liberation period, the inauguration of the present Philippine Republic and the People Power. This 17-minute light-and-sound is a great an introduction for visitors in understanding the history of Malolos and the country’s struggle for independence.

You may wonder where the name “Barasoain” came from. The term was rooted from the Filipino word, “baras ng suwail,” which means “dungeon of the defiant” in English. The Barasoain Church is believed to be the place where anti-Spaniard Filipinos gathered together, even before the revolution. It is also believed that the term was taken from the name of a well-known church at Navarra, Spain. Some Spanish priests and missionaries had gone there and saw a very beautiful church, so they decided to give the same name to the one that they built in Malolos.

No visit to Bulacan will ever be complete without touring the “historical city” of Malolos, the province capital. There is a multitude of reasons why this place is worthy of visit and recollection. For one, Malolos was the site of the constitutional convention of 1898, known as the Malolos Convention, that led to the establishment of the First Philippine Republic, the “first republic in Asia.” No other towns in the Philippines can also be heavily linked to the great patriots and heroes in the country’s history more than Malolos. Such name as Emilio Aguinaldo, Jose Rizal, Pedro Paterno, the del Pilars -Marcelo, Pio, and Gregorio, Apolinario Mabini, Antonio Luna, Felipe Calderon, and a host of others are engraved in the annals of Philippine history.

Malolos, Bulacan is a haven of century-old churches, colonial houses, historical sites, and other remnants of the Spanish occupation. Visiting the place will not only educate its visitors about the history of the place, but accordingly foster one’s sense of heritage, pride and honor of the country.

Malolos, Then and Now: A Brief History
The name of Malolos was presumably derived from the Tagalog word “Paluslos,” meaning “downwards.” The name resulted from a misunderstanding among the first Spanish missionaries who reached the place. Searching for inhabited places along the Calumpit River, these priests came upon some natives of a riverside barrio (now Kanalate). They asked for the name of the place. The natives, not knowing the Spanish tongue, answered that the flow of the river in that part was downstream “paluslos,” which the Spaniards pronounced “Malolos.” Corruption of the word through the years led to present “Malolos.”

The town originated from a small settlement started by the Spanish missionaries. Later, after clearing forests and virgin lands, the settlement grew, and the population increased. Parishes were then established and the church building became “central” to town planning. To build a church, the whole town was mobilized; the able-bodied men contributing labor while women did other chores. After the construction of a big church, the place was made into a town. From the very beginning, Tagalog made up the majority of the Malolos populace. They were led by prominent families, among them the Gatsalians (Gatchalian), and the Manahans.

The wealth of Malolos lies not only in its more than four thousand hectares of fertile rice lands and more than two thousand hectares of fishponds, but in the character of its people as well. Its people have long been known for their diligence and ingenuity. In early days, farming and fishing took up most of the poultry, farming, pigeon rising, carpentry and woodwork, and other profitable cottage industries and handicrafts.

Now, Malolos is a hodgepodge of the past and the present, old and new, countryside and urbane. Situated 40 kilometers north of Manila, it is a major suburb outside of Manila and the “business center” and “industrial estate” of the province of Bulacan. The city is fast becoming industrialized and commercialized. Due to its proximity to Metro Manila, various factories and business establishments have sprouted in recent years in Malolos. Among the major industries in Malolos include aquaculture, bag making, food processing, embroidery, processed meat, and garments.

But despite these developmental changes in the city, traces of its historic past from the Spanish colonial period in the Paradise Philippines can still be seen around the city proper.

How To Get There
There are three ways to get to Malolos, Bulacan by bus, jeepney, AUVs (FX and Vans) or private vehicle. One is through the historic MacArthur Highway, another is through the North Luzon Expressway and through the Cagayan Valley Road. Various bus companies offer trips to the province, such as Philippine Rabbit Bus Line, Pantranco, Dangwa Bus, PNR, Victory Liner, and Fariñas Transportation.

Travel Time
Travel time is usually 1-1 ½ hours from Manila depending on road traffic.

Dubbed as the “Cradle of Philippine Revolution” and the “Birthplace of Independence,” Cavite stands as a place with a glorious past. A land of noble heroes and patriots, Cavite positions itself as the “Historical Capital of the Philippines,” having been blessed with a rich historical legacy that comprises a series of armed uprisings that began with the Cavite Mutiny of 1872 and ended with the proclamation of Philippine Independence by General Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898.

True to its significant place in Philippine revolution and history, Cavite is home to a multitude of historical attractions, landmarks and sites. Colonial and century-old houses and churches can also be viewed in every municipality in the province as glorious reminders of the Spanish occupation.

But besides being historical, Cavite is also picturesque and scenic province providing a place conducive to both business and leisure. Today, the province is waging another revolution – an industrial one – that is nevertheless as challenging as the revolution of the past.

Due to its close proximity to Metro Manila, Cavite has emerged to be one of the fastest booming business gateways in the Paradise Philippines, making it one of the most accessible of the southern provinces. It is now a center of industrial parks, numerous subdivisions, entertainment centers, and tourist attractions, enjoying its prominence as a major country’s economic center. Large-scale industrial estate development and urbanization is rapidly taking place. Vast tracts of land have been converted as leisure estates, including world class golf courses.

How To Get There
The historical province of Cavite is very accessible from Manila. There are two options on how to get there.

One is through the Roxas Boulevard Coastal Road. The other one is through the Southern Luzon Highway, exit at Sucat to pass Las Piñas and Zapote.

Although there are buses going to Cavite, it is best suggested to bring a private vehicle. It will be cheaper and more convenient than ‘commuting’ around Cavite.

Travel Time
Normal travel time (when traffic is not heavy) to Cavite is as short as 20-30 minutes (if you are going to Bacoor, the closest town to Manila) or about 2 1/2 hours (if you are going to the farthest point). Kawit is about 30-45 minutes away.

Paradise Philippines’ References:
Official Website of Cavite Province

True to its’ multi-faceted cultural heritage, the Philippines is also a paradise country with many national symbols (pambansang sagisag). Listed below are some of Philippine national symbols which embody the Filipinos' sense of pride, identity and nationhood:

National Flag of the Philippines: Philippine Flag
National Hymn of the Philippines: Lupang Hinirang (Land of the Morning)
National Hero of the Philippines: Dr. Jose Rizal
National Costume of the Philippines: (Male) Barong Tagalog; (Female) Baro't Say
National Animal of the Philippines: Kalabaw (Carabao)
National Bird of the Philippines: Philippine Eagle
National Leaf of the Philippines: Anahaw
National Fish of the Philippines: Bangus (Mlikfish)
National Sport of the Philippines: Sipa
National Dance of the Philippines: Cariñosa
National Fruit of the Philippines: Mango
National Flower of the Philippines: Sampaguita
National House of the Philippines: Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut)
National Tree of the Philippines: Narra
National Dish of the Philippines: Lechon (Roasted Pig)

Paradise Philippines’ References:
National Symbols of the Philippines

The island paradise of the Philippines, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (Republika ng Pilipinas) is a tropical, archipelagic country located in Southeast Asia, consisting of 7,107 islands.

Below are some general facts about the paradise Philippines:

Philippine Capital: Manila
Land Area: 115,739 sq. m. (299,764 sq. km.)
Official Philippine Languages: Filipino, English
Eight Major Philippine Dialects: Filipinos: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense
Philippine Climate: March-May (hot); June-October (rainy); November-February (cool)
Religions: Roman Catholic (83%), Muslim (5%), Others (12%)
Main Island Group in the Philippines: Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao
Time Zone: GMT + 8 hours
Currency: Philippine Peso
Current Population in the Philippines: 88+ million (2007, estimate)
Life Expectancy: 70
GDP per Capita: U.S. $4,600
Literacy Percent: 96
Philippines Calling Code: +63

Paradise Philippines' References:
Philippines - Wikipedia
Facts About The Philippines

Mabuhay! Paradise Philippines is your online guide of the best travel destinations in the 7,107 paradise islands of the Philippines, the Pearl of the Orient.

In the coming days, weeks and months, articles and photographs will be posted here, featuring the many of the highlights of the beautiful paradise of the Philippines such as tourist spots, beaches, colonial churches, colorful festivals, food, Philippine arts and culture and many others.

Paradise Philippines is designed for you, our dear Filipino kababayans, as well for foreign tourists and backpackers who are planning to take a visit in the island paradise of the Philippines.

So keep visiting Paradise Philippines for more updates.

Salamat!