My Aguinaldo Shrine Visit
Text and photos by Mielyne B. Rayos
It was not my first time to visit the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite. I have seen the historic shrine several times when I was a grade schooler. But rather than a dejavu, my latest visit turned to be a time-travel to the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines.
The trip from Manila to Kawit was but a breeze. Thank God, express roads were constructed for swift travels. Like it never happened before, I marvelled at the full view of the shrine as I arrived. The sight was amazing!
I then noticed some neighboring houses which still stand in their Spanish architecture. I could not help but imagine how things were during the era when freedom was proclaimed right at the house near them... plants and trees must have abound; other establishments were probably made up of wood, and the roads, surely not as good as today. As I stood there, I imagined how life must have been also good at that time.
I then headed inside the shrine which also doubles as a museum. The museum showcases items which were used by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, the Philippines’ first President. My time-travel was even made exciting by the comprehensive descriptions provided for each item. I enjoyed reading and scrutinizing everything! Being the residence of a former President, the shrine could also be considered as equivalent to our Malacanang today. Bearing that in mind, I revered the elegance of the place – spacious receiving areas, intricately carved furniture, and well-designed interiors. I could imagine powers-that-be gathering in the residence.
Foremost, thanks for excluding 'no taking pictures' from the not-to-do list
An original KKK Flag
Ancient-old Binoculars
Batibot-like flag (believed to be the one waved during June 12, 1898)
The President's Car Plate
This one's a secret tunnel before -- emergency entrance-exit
Sooo old Flag
Aguinaldo’s body is buried at the backyard of the shrine. Also in the yard is an old yet elegant car which Aguinaldo used.
Another amusing feature of the shrine is the Tore. According to a caretaker, the Tore or tower which is the peak of the shrine gives a visitor a view of Manila. Unfortunately, the Tore is not yet open to the public so I was not able to see Manila from there.
The climax of my time-travel was when I stood at the place where Aguinaldo waved the Philippine flag on June 12, 1898 as he declared the Philippine independence from Spain. While standing there, I wondered about what he felt. I wondered how his compatriots felt. There must have been so much jubilation! If I were actually there, I would surely be joining the crowd in front of the house and be part of the euphoria. But since I was not yet born to witness the event, I contented myself to see the traces of the “freedom site”.
I left the shrine with a grateful heart to the ones who fought for the country’s liberation.
I also visited another shrine which was a ride away from the Aguinaldo Shrine, the Binakayan Shrine. The shrine used to be the house of Gen. Baldomero Aguinaldo, the Presdient’s cousin and trusted general. The shrine is now being maintained by the National Historical Institute (NHI), like the Aguinaldo Shrine.
Binakayan features how the general and his family lived. Items of their era are also displayed: irons, stoves, food containers, lamps, beds, and other articles used by the house dwellers.
This time-travel experience made me more optimistic about life and more challenged to create an impact to my generation.
The Jesus is Lord (JIL) Church’s Sunday worship service in Cavite has the following schedule:
JIL Molino
First Service 5am to 7am
Second Service 8am to 10am
Third Service 10am to 12nn
Fourth Service 1pm to 3pm
Fifth Service 3pm to 6pm