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.