Rough Groove

Series 15: Mt. Marami

Series at binary silver taken during our induction climb at Mt. Marami in Cavite via Magallanes. Not so high, not so steep but impressive rocky summit!

Here’s a link to the itinerary.

Cavite: Maragondon Church

Ever since I saw this church at the Great Churches of the Philippines book, I have always been thinking of visiting this area, especially that its just in Cavite. And just last weekend I was able to visit it.

The Parish church of the Assumption of Mary situated in the small town of Maragondon, Cavite, a few hours from Makati, this quiant and imposing church just took my breath away: a simple whitewashed facade starkly contrasting with its five storey belfry that is made from river stones. The present structure was built in 1714 by the Jesuits. However, the addition of a cement canopy at the entrance sort of marred the already beautiful facade.

These heavy and richly carved entrance door, again, beautifully contrasts with the simple facade. Motifs of flowers, galleons and towers, said to be symbols of the Virgin Mary, decorates.

Left: One of the stations of the cross above old tombstones. Right: A niche for the image of the Sto. Nino.

The main retablo flanked by smaller retablos.

The church’s pulpit richly carved with symbols of the Virgin done in red, blue and gold. Below, is a carving of an inverted pineapple.

The Aguinaldo Shrine - Kawit, Cavite

Before heading back to Makati from a day’s trip in Cavite, we passed by the historic Aguinaldo Shrine.

The Aguinaldo Shrine is the site of the proclamation of Philippine Independence. From the marker:

“On June 12, 1898, Philippine independence was proclaimed from the center window of the original hous of the family of General Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy, President of the First Philippine Republci and leader of the revolution against Spain and America. Through the reading of the Acta de la Proclamacipon de la Independencia del Pueblo Filipino by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista. During this occasion, the Philippine flag made in HOngkong by Dona Marcela Mariano de Agoncillo was officially unfurled as the band of San Francisco de Malabon proudly played the March Nacional Filipina (now the Philippine National anthem) composed by Julian Felipe.

“This historical marker is installed by the grateful Filipino people in observance of the centennial of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. Unveiled by his Excellency President FIdel Valdez Ramos on June 122, 1998.”

Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo’s Car which was restored by the Philippine Motor Association and Vintage Car Club of the Philippines. From the display:

- 1924 Single Six Packard Model 226 seven passenger limousine
- 264.4 cu. in. engine displacement
- 3.3′8 x 5 in bore stroke
- 55hp @ 2,700 rpm
- 4.8 compression ratio

The house of General Aguinaldo which was built in 1849. This was where he was born March 22, 1869. The center balcony infront of the road was where he proclaimed Philippine independence.

Lateral view of the Aguinaldo House.

The tomb of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, first President of the Philippine Republic.

From the marker:

General Emilio Aguinaldo (1869 - 1964)

“First President of the Republic of the Philippines, 1899 - 1901, and leader of the Filipino People in the revolution against Spanish rule, 1896 - 1898 and the Filipino - American War, 1899 - 1901. Born March 22, 1869, Kawit, Cavite. Became Municipal Captain of Kawit. INducted into Masonry and initiated into the Katipunan under his chosen name, Magdalo, 1895. Led in the capture of Kawit, Imus, Bacoor and other towns in Cavite during the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution in 1896. His military victoriesprovided prestige which led to his election, in absentia, as president of the First Revolutionary Government during the Tejeros convention on March 22, 1897. Went to self-exile in Hongkong in accordance with the Pact of Biak-na-Bato and forged an alliance with the United States of America to overthrow Spanish rule in the Philippines. Returned from Hongkong, May 19, 1898 and resumed the struggle for freedom. Proclaimed Philippine independence on JUne 12, 1898 at Kawit. On this occassion the Philippine national flag made in Hongkong by Dona Marcela de Agoncillo was officially unfurled and the Marcha Nacional which became the Philippine National Anthem was played publicly for the first time. Convened the Revolutionary Congress in Malolos, Bulacan, September 15, 1898. Led the Filipino forces during the Filipino - American war and was captured in Palanan, Isabela on March 23, 1901.

Died at the Veteran’s Memorial Hospital, Quezon City, February 6, 1964.”

The monument located in from of the Shrine.

A weekend’s trip to Cavite

Last weekend, together with my friend, Ryan, we went to Cavite. Nothing in particular but to just go to the place, visit churches, and took some photos.

We went to Maragondon as it was featured in the book “Great Churches of the Philippines.” I do agree, despite the facade having undergone a facelift, it still looked imposing with its massive belfry at the side. After that, we went to Ternate. The church there was not so spectacular. Just one of those recent buildings or renovated old churches without a real cohesive design. I was not so impressed.

Rosario church, despite its being a 19th century structure, mindless renovation has already altered the facade. While that of Kawit, was just ornate and very beautiful! (to be blogged next). Of course, the Saturday trip was ended with a visit to the Aguinaldo Shrine.

Sunday was spent collecting along the road in the forested area leading to Caylabne Bay.

Passenger at the minibus infront of Baclaran.

Tricycle drivers playing cards while waiting for their turn at the terminal in Maragondon.

The Kawit Town Hall, site of the former town hall which Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and Candido Tirona stormed in the afternoon of 31 August, 1896. That event signaled the start of the Cavite revolutionary movement against the Spaniards.

Unique mini buses that are just beautiful with stainless steel fronts and sides, lots of patterns and designs and very colorful. I have only found these in Cavite.

Old house in historic Kawit.

Caylabne Bay Resort nested at the foothills of a forested area at the southern part of Cavite.