Kawit town in Cavite province is once again in the national headlines as the nation observes June 12 as the 121st Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence.
On that day the Philippines holds simultaneous flag raising programs all over the country but the main source of Filipino Pride comes from Kawit. The town holds the distinction of being the site where Filipinos bravely declared independence from Spanish colonizers, raised the Philippine flag, and played the national anthem for the first time.
Good News Pilipinas presents this round up of what visitors must-and-can experience in Kawit before, during, and even after June 12.
7-STOREY MANSION OF PHILIPPINE HISTORY
Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo is all of 7-storeys of the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kaingen, Kawit, Cavite.
You can actually feel history unfolding before you as you walk through the very same halls, rooms, and garden of the Aguinaldo family’s ancestral home – the actual site of the declaration of Philippine independence from Spain on June 12, 1898.
Brave the crowds on historic June 12 or visit before or after to enjoy a less hectic exploration of the well-preserved historical shrine to the Philippine revolution.
LEARN MORE: How Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine shines among history museums in the Philippines.
19th CENTURY HERITAGE HOUSE
Museo ni Baldomero Aguinaldo is a tribute to General Emilio Aguinaldo’s cousin and fellow soldier of the revolution.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines lists the heritage house and museum as built in 1906. It is a showcase of 19th century lifestyle and artifacts of furniture, furnishings, photographs and drawings, ceramic ware and other household items. Baldomero Aguinaldo retired in this house – a quiet and comfortable ambience fit for a gentleman farmer’s family. The walls are painted pristine white, with the second story in sky blue. Its ceilings are also decorated with paintings of flowering trellis designs. In an inconspicuous corner of the backyard is the simple grave plot of Baldomero Aguinaldo and his family.
CENTURIES-OLD “MAYTINIS” CHURCH
St. Mary Magdalene Parish Church in historical Kawit, Cavite is one of the oldest standing centuries-old churches in the Philippines built in 1737. An underground tunnel connects the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine to the altar of the church which served as sanctuary for revolutionaries.
The parish church has a unique Christmas-time tradition every December 24th – the MAYTINIS. The Maytinis is a parade of floats bearing local personalities and sometimes national celebrities garbed in biblical-times-attire, depicting characters from the bible and their role in the story of salvation and Jesus Christ.
HERITAGE TOURS
Kawit offers heritage tours – guided walking tours or via private vehicle – throughout the year. You can take the comprehensive guided tour of Kawit’s historical tourism destinations in half or one day – depending on the coverage.
Cavite El Viejo Heritage Tourism Association offers 3 Kalayaan Tour packages and one Saltern Tour that includes the saltmaking beds of Kawit.
FOOD AND RESORTS
When you wish to eat or rest at the end of your visit you can check out various dining spots in Kawit’s old town roads including:
Mang Jose’s Rolling Kitchen
Mang Jose’s Rolling Kitchen is right next to Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo and the Liwasang Aguinaldo Freedom Park. It serves grilled fresh meats and fishes to evening diners. You can stop by before going to the Pandayan workshop or St. Mary Magdalene Parish Church.
7twenty7
7twenty7 diner along Covelandia Road serves up American-sized portions of meals inside a 1950s diner ambiance from breakfast til past midnight. It’s a great place to unwind before you head back home.
Water Camp Resort at Josephine’s
Water Camp offers rooms and huts for the day or night, a sizeable kid-friendly pool complex, and a wave pool. A perfect way to start and end your visit to Kawit.
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