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.