CAVITE TOURIST SPOTS: Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit Cavite, the Site of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence in 1898

How to get to Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit Cavite?

I grew up seeing the mansion of General Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite. I studied in a parochial school in Kawit and I always pass by this house almost everyday. So when friends from outside Cavite come over to our house ask what to see in Cavite, I always suggest that we visit the Aguinaldo Shrine. I've been to this house countless times in the past but this is the first time I'll be writing about it.

Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit Cavite, the Site of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence in 1898

First built in 1845 and reconstructed in 1849, this is where the first president of the First Republic of the Philippines, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo was born on March 22, 1869. On June 12, 1898, the Philippine independence from Spain was first proclaimed from the window of the grand hall of the mansion along with the playing of Julian Felipe's Marcha National Filipina. On June 18, 1964, the house was declared a National Shrine through Republic Act 4039.

The mansion has three sections, the main house, the tower and the family wing. At the ground floor you'll see several memorabilia of the late President and the katipunan; there's also a bowling lane, dioramas, paintings, weapons and other historical artifacts.

Going up to the 2nd floor, we we're ushered to the right side (east wing) of the house where the rooms of the general's daughters are located. At the far end is "The Balcony of Sinners", named by Aguinaldo as this is where military strategies were plotted during the revolution.

Also at the 2nd floor is the huge ballroom filled with fine antique furniture. From here, you could see the independence balcony which was added during the 1919 renovation of the house. The tour guide also showed us some of the house's secret passages and hiding places for documents and weapons.

The dining room, also located on the 2nd floor is highlighted by a relief map of the Philippines on its ceiling.

On one side, you'll see the room of General Emilio Aguinaldo which is also full of hidden rooms and secret passageways. The house truly reflects Aguinaldo's inventive mind.

Then the tour guide directed us to the family dining room and kitchen which leads to the exit to a lawn at the back of the mansion.

On our way out, we saw the indoor swimming pool of the family.

At the back of the house is where General Emilio Aguinaldo was laid to rest. The general died on February 1964 at the age of 94.

As we celebrate Philippine Independence Day, why not travel to the historic town of Kawit, Cavite and relieve history by visiting the Aguinaldo Shrine.

The Shrine is open from Tuesday - Sunday except on official non-working holidays, 8:00 AM - 12:00 NN and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Entrance is free.

HOW TO GET TO AGUINALDO SHRINE IN KAWIT, CAVITE

From PITX in Parañaque City, take an air-conditioned bus bound for Cavite City. It passes by the Aguinaldo Shrine in the town of Kawit, fare is 30-50 pesos and travel time is less than 1 hour depending on traffic condition. Before hopping in the bus, be sure to ask the driver if they will pass by the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine.

MUST-READ: Best Things to Do in Cavite, Tourist Spots and Places to Visit (Travel Guide Blog for First-timers)

This is part of the "Kawit Tour" we had on December 22, 2012. You may read the other posts from the links below:

• General Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit Cavite, the Site of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence in 1898
• The Historic Church of Kawit
• Pinoy Food Trip: Hidden Tapsihan, Kawit Cavite's Best-Tasting Tapa

More photos on Pinoy AdvenTurista's Facebook Page, click here.