Learning about history and knowing one’s roots
strengthens a person’s sense of nationalism. The Department of Tourism (DOT)
encourages local travelers to explore the country’s historical destinations as
it is highly important to make the time to not only read about one’s history,
but also visit places that have significant importance to historical events,
and for Filipinos, an important historical site is the Malolos Heritage
District.
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Barasoain Church, a symbol of
Filipino resilience in the face of great odds, is the birthplace of the First
Philippine Republic. Photo by Cathleen Rivera |
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Step inside the history of Barasoain
Church and marvel at its beautifully preserved interiors famously known as the
“Cradle of Democracy of the East. (Photo by Cathleen Rivera) |
Located in the heart of Malolos, Bulacan, this
historical site was declared a National Historical Landmark and Heritage Town
in 2001 by then National Historical Institute (todays National Historical
Commission of the Philippines). Also referred to as Historic Town Center of
Malolos, it serves as a captivating link to the Philippines’ storied past. More
popularly known as the “birthplace” of the First Philippine Republic as well as
the Malolos Constitution, the former Philippine capital likewise showcases
houses and structures in turn-of-the century architectural style. Aside from
being widely photographed, travelers visiting the heritage district will also
learn and relieve history by exploring its streets.
A Walk-Through
History
Walking around the Malolos Heritage District,
travelers will be amazed by the historical structures that line the streets.
Make sure to visit the following important historical sites while you’re there:
Barasoain
Church
Known as the “Cradle of Democracy of the
East”, Barasoain Church is the site of the First Philippine Congress or the
Malolos Congress as well as where the Malolos Constitution was signed. It was a
place of refuge for many soldiers as well as victims of war.
Malolos
Cathedral
Malolos served as the first republican capital
of the Philippines from 1898 to 1899. President Emilio Aguinaldo used the
cathedral’s convent as a Presidential Palace.
Kalayaan
Tree
The living witness to the short-lived Malolos
Republic, a monument was erected in the area to mark its significance as a
historical meeting place of Filipino revolutionaries.
Instituto
Mujeres
Located along Santo Niño Street, the Instituto Mujeres served as night
school for the “Women of Malolos”, who strongly advocated education for women.
Make sure to also visit the Alberta Uitangcoy-Santos House to learn more about
these women who boldly petitioned for educational reform.
Heritage
Houses
See various Spanish and American-era ancestral
houses along Pariancillo and Santo Niño streets like the Don Erastro Cervantes House, Don Jose
Bautista House, Dr. Luis Santos House and what’s left of the Casa de Tribunal
de Malolos.
Experience
more of Malolos
Aside from Malolos’ rich history, travelers
will also experience its colorful culture and delightful gastronomical
treasures.
Fabulous
Festivals
Fiesta
ng Republica - held in January, this weeklong
celebration, commemorates history via theatrical presentation of historical
vignettes.
Santo
Niño de Malolos
Festival - the grandest celebration in Central Luzon
dedicated to the Holy Child Jesus, the festival is held every last Sunday of
January.
Sinakulo
Festival - Malolos as a Sinakulo capital of the
Philipinnes, various Sinakulista groups perform Sinakulo in different form from
traditional to contemporary to modern style
Pista
ng Barihan - also known as Pista ng Santisima
Trinidad, this celebration originated in the 19th century and is held every
Trinity Sunday.
Singkaban
Festival - held during Linggo ng Bulacan (September 8
to 15), the festival highlights Malolos’ arts and culture. Travelers will get
to witness performances of Malolos’ traditional arts which include
“Balagtasan”, “Kundiman”, as well as folk dances.
Sweet
Treats
Pastillas
de Leche - a widely popular sweet and creamy soft
candy made from milk and sugar, make sure to try this local dessert at Malolos,
which makes use of the unique, now rare, “pabalat” (intricate paper pattern) to
wrap this sweet.
Pinaso - another sweet and creamy dessert, it is made with eggs, milk, and
biscuits, topped with caramelized sugar for an indulgent experience.
Gurgurya - a crunchy, fried dough with a sweet glaze, this is a popular treat
in Malolos during the Spanish colonial period.
Aside from sweets, travelers will also enjoy
other delicious dishes in Malolos, including those that are thought to be
favorites by local heroes such as arroz ala cubana, puto karamba of Goyo,
Pochero ni Plaridel, pindang na kalabaw ni Eusebio Roque, tempura ni Ponce and
Hamon ng Tagumpay side by side with other heirloom dishes.
Malolos is just one of Bulacan’s interesting
destinations that travelers will enjoy visiting. The DOT actively works with
the province to highlight the many tourism gems of the province like Biak na
Bato National Park in San Miguel, Kaytitinga Falls and Mt. Balagbag in City of
San Jose Del Monte. Bulacan is also listed as one of the 20 provinces that will
have a Tourist Rest Area this year. The Tourist Rest Area is an award-winning project
spearheaded by the DOT to ensure that tourists will have an enjoyable stay in
the country. Since the project was launched last year, several Tourist Rest
Areas have already been built in various provinces around the country namely in
Cebu, Palawan, Bukidnon, and Davao.
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