Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Remembering History at the Cradle of Philippine Independence: Kawit, Cavite

June 12, 1898. A date when a remarkable event in Philippine history was happened - the Declaration of Independence from Spain. It was held at the house of the first Philippine president, General Emilio Aguinaldo. It is also the first time where the official Philippine flag was hoisted in the balcony of Aguinaldo's house as well with the fact that that people witnessed the playing of the national anthem for the first time. It was held in Kawit, Cavite, the historical town located in the province of the brave and prominent heroes.

The town got its name from Tagalog word "kawit" meaning "hook" because of its geographical shape which covers the town up to Cavite City within Manila Bay. According to a folk story, there was a Spaniard who asked a question to a blacksmith, who is accomplishing a metal work which looked like a hook during that time, about the name of the town. The blacksmith answered "kawite" and later on, the town was called Cavite. The town was called "Cavite del Viejo" which is different from "Cavite del Puerto" known as the present location of Cavite City. Kawit is also the founding place of Aglipayan Church in 1902 which was located in Binakayan.
Fish pond and rivers are very common in Kawit.
I had a chance to travel this town last year. It is already urbanized and populated but there are plenty of fish ponds and rivers in the town. It is also one of the coastal towns in Cavite which is located beside the Manila Bay.
Battle of Binakayan Shrine
The first site that I visited is the Battle of Binakayan Shrine located near the Island Cove Resort where Filipinos won the battle against Spaniards. Binakayan was defended by Magdalo leader Emilio Aguinaldo aided by other generals which was held in November 9-11, 1896 along with Battle of Dalahican which is a barrio in Noveleta.
Kawit Church
It is also the place where Emilio Aguinaldo was born and he was baptized in Saint Mary Magdalene Church or Kawit Church in 1869. The church was first built by Jesuit missionaries in 1624 which was made of wood and the present structure was built in 1737.

The balcony of Aguinaldo Shrine.
The interior of the house.
The Philippine Map in the ceiling of Aguinaldo's house.
Aguinaldo's portrait.
Then, I went to Aguinaldo Shrine in order to commemorate the history in this town. The house was built in 1849 where Aguinaldo spent his childhood days until he grew up. In the balcony of this historical house held the Proclamation of Independence in 1898. He passed away in 1964 and he was buried at the backyard of his house.

Today, the Aguinaldo Shrine is one of the most visited tourist spots in Cavite because it is rich in history as well with the fact that we can commemorate the glorious past of the Filipino people in achieving their sovereignty from the colonizers. It is proven that Kawit is an urban town but strengthen by history.

How to get there:

From Manila, you may take a bus going to Cavite City, passing through CAVITEX and then Kawit is one of the exits in the expressway where the bus will pass in the town proper.

You may also ride a mini-bus from SM Bacoor and then the driver will take you to the town proper of Kawit.

Date of Travel: May 31, 2012 

23 comments:

  1. Having left the country early on, I regret not having to visit Aguinaldo's house. :/ And we live very near too (Tagaytay). Would definitely put this on my list. Thanks for the virtual tour!

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  2. What a beautiful memories and travel you did Brother :-) This post is very educational and love history as well. Happy Independence Philippines :-)

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  3. This is one of the most significant sites in the Philippine History I am longing to visit- The pride of Cavite and the structure defining FREEDOM! Thanks for sharing bro

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  4. The festivities in Cavite today is a must see since they are the place our independence was declared.

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  5. June 12 is the 115th year of PH independence. Some of the Filipinos are not so appreciative of the heroic deeds of those PH revolutionists who fought for the freedom of our country. For me freedom is elusive for it means different to different people. Anyway, happy PH independence. It is a time to be thankful for those who spent the precious lives for our country's freedom from foreign invaders.

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  6. I always pass by to this house whenever we will go swimming with the family. But never got the chance to take a look inside. the map is cute!

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  7. I have yet to visit this historically significant place. The place is filled with history in every way. Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan!

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  8. The liberation of the Filipino People from its conquerors is what we should always keep in mind and take care of as long as were alive.

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  9. visited cavite a couple of times but never been to kawit... i know this is a must visit place for all filipinos... hope i can visit the place also. Yahweh bless.

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  10. this is one place which I wanted to visit in the future...

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  11. I visited this place for the nth time and really, a significant place for our Independence before. Our heroes had done their true share of claiming our freedom from Spain for more than 300 years. Great posting!

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  12. I remember visiting the place during my grade school education tour. I'll definitely be going back together with my kids.

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  13. I remembered visiting this place on my very first (and last) field trip on my 6th grade! I always ask questions to our tour guide then because I was so eager to know everything about Aguinaldo. :D Thanks for sharing!

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  14. It would be really nice to revisit Kawit and its influence on our independence especially on Independence day.

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  15. i have been in this place and at that time, the feeling is different as if you are actually back in time.

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  16. I now resides here in Cavite, but I've never seen this place. Makapasyal nga soon.

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  17. A place worth visiting for people who are into our Philippines History. Would love to visit this place too.

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  18. Was that really the Philippine map on the ceiling? It looks like abstract art and it's beautiful. At first glance, I thought they were just leaves.

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  19. Haven't been to this place yet but my son already has as part of their school field trip. I guess, I have to schedule my own field trip soon.

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  20. It's nice to know a bit more about our history. I should schedule a trip with my daughetr ehre soon.

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  21. I worked for a few years in Cavite but have not been to Kawit. It would be really interesting to visit the shrine one of these days with my boys.

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  22. I also got a chance to visit this home during an event related to Independence Day. It truly is a part of our history.

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  23. they have made a lot of revisions lately... the first floor is now fully airconditioned and the Packard car is no longer displayed... Aguinaldo Shrine is just one ride away from my place and I wouldn't mind visiting this historical site over and over again! Thanks for sharing

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