Historical places to explore on Independence Day
The Philippines marks the 125th year since its proclamation of independence from the colonial rule of Spain. As June 12 is considered a national holiday in the country, Filipinos can spend the time commemorating Independence Day with an exploration of historical landmarks and museums in the country.
From the exact location where the declaration of independence transpired, the significant sites related to the revolution, to the places marked by the nation’s heroes who lived during that period, here are the various places to trace back historic events to commemorate the country’s struggle for freedom and independence.
Aguinaldo Shrine and Museum
The house where the proclamation of independence took place on June 12, 1898. Such a history makes the Aguinaldo Shrine and Museum in Kawit, Cavite a must to visit in honoring the country’s Independence Day.
The shrine is an ancestral home of Emilio Aguinaldo, who donated it to the Philippine Government in 1963 “to perpetuate the spirit of the Philippine Revolution of 1896 that put an end to Spanish colonization in the country.” A year after, through Republic Act No. 4039, the house was considered a National Shrine.
Today, Filipinos can visit the Aguinaldo Shrine and Museum for learning and leisure. The mansion houses historical relics and antique furniture. At the back of the mansion is a garden, wherein the middle was the resting place of Aguinaldo.
Pamitinan Cave
Another place that also has a mark of Philippine Independence is the Pamitinan Cave. While associated with the legendary figure Bernardo Carpio from Philippine mythology, the Pamitinan Cave at the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range in Montalban, Rizal was also marked with historic significance by Andres Bonifacio and other members of the Katipunan.
On the walls of Pamitinan Cave, the words “Viva la Independencia Filipinas” were carved using charcoal. Mr. Bonifacio and his companions also signed their names on the walls. Those who were with him at that time were Emilio Jacinto, Aurelio Tolentino, Faustino Mañalac, and Guillermo Masangkay, among others. This declaration of independence took place on April 12, 1895.
The Pamitinan Cave was declared a historic site by the National Historical Institute, now known as the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, in 1996.
Barasoain Church
Several significant events in Philippine history happened in Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan, which makes it a meaningful spot to explore in celebrating a historic day.
The Barasoain Church is known as the place of the First Philippine Republic. The spiritual place witnessed the formation of the First Philippine Congress or the Malolos congress in September 1898. The election of delegates went on from June to September of that year, after the proclamation of independence in Aguinaldo’s residence in Kawit, Cavite. This was also where the Malolos Constitution was drafted in 1899.
As one remembers the historical events in visiting Barasoain Church, they could also admire the place’s Baroque Revival and Early Rennaissance design. The church started as a chapel in 1859. It was declared as a National Shrine through Presidential Decree No. 260 in 1973.
Luneta Park
In finding a place to commemorate the country’s proclamation of independence from Spain, one of the famous destinations to go to is the place marked by one of the prominent figures during the Spanish period.
Luneta is a historic urban park, then known as Bagumbayan, where the execution of Jose Rizal happened on December 30, 1896. In 1913, the Rizal Monument was built in Luneta Park in memory of the national hero. Today, the park remains to be frequently visited by many Filipinos.
But aside from Luneta Park, there are various places across the country that one could visit to trace the footsteps of Jose Rizal. Among these places are Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila; Rizal Shrine in Calamba, Laguna; and the Jose Rizal Memorial Protected Landscape near Dapitan in Zamboanga del Norte.
Calle Crisologo and Casa Manila
If one prefers a location that makes them feel that they are taken back in time, Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur is one of the most popular places to visit for being a best-preserved heritage site.
Calle Crisologo is filled with ancestral houses, cobblestone pathways, and tungsten lamps. The place comprises several cafes and shops selling antiques and other souvenirs.
Meanwhile, for people in Manila who want to feel a place with a historic atmosphere without having to travel to Calle Crisologo, they can visit Casa Manila in Intramuros, a museum that shows the life of an affluent Filipino family during the 19th century.
Museums in the metro
A great place to get immersed in history is a museum. As part of one’s exploration during Independence Day, there are several museums to know more about Philippine history.
One could discover the history in pictures at the Museo Filipino, a photo exhibit gallery in Intramuros, Manila.
If one seeks to know more about Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan, they can go to San Juan and visit the Museo ng Katipunan. — Chelsey Keith P. Ignacio
