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Metro Pacific Tollways retraces Cavite’s heroic trail
Rich in history, faith, and culture, Cavite is among the most lively provinces south of the Capital city.
In line with its goal to boost regional tourism, Biyaheng South, the tourism advocacy initiative of Metro Pacific Tollways South (MPT South), recently introduced “Tara! Let’s Explore Cavite.” This heritage tour guided participants to explore some of the province’s notable churches, historic sites, and local culinary spots.
MPT South is the operator of the Manila–Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) and the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), which are the main access roads to the province.
“We hold a deep conviction that heritage should be actively experienced rather than merely recalled. Cavite is a treasure trove of narratives that have significantly influenced our nation’s history. With this program, we can illuminate these heritage sites and invite everyone to engage with the province’s rich cultural tapestry,” says MPT South vice president for communication and stakeholder management Arlette Capistrano.
She said that Biyaheng South is more than just a road trip, but a celebration of heritage, culture, and identity where MPT South can shine light on the stories that shaped the nation.
Tour participants were chosen through an online raffle at the Biyaheng South Facebook page, and were joined by media partners, Cavite-based vloggers, and the Republica Filipina Reenactment Group which recreated historic events to create a “living history” feel.
The day tour’s first stop was Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Mary Magdalene in Kawit, a 19th-century church where General Emilio Aguinaldo was baptized.
St. Mary Magdalene has been designated by Aguinaldo as the patroness of the Cavite council of the Katipunan movement, aptly named Magdalo. It is here church where Caviteño revolutionaries heard Mass before battling the Spaniards during the Philippine Revolution.
The group also swung by visited the Diocesan Shrine of Saint Augustine and Parish of Holy Cross in Tanza. A lesser-known historical gem is its Convent Museum, which features a curated collection of ecclesiastical artifacts, memorabilia, and artworks which reflect the town’s faith heritage.
The convent figured in history when Aguinaldo and the Revolutionary Government’s cabinet took their oath in 1897 before the image of 200-year old image of Holy Cross, which is now enshrined at the main sanctuary
Next stop was the St. Francis of Assisi Church in General Trias, where the Banda San Francisco Malabon rehearsed the Marcha Filipino Nacional at the patio, a day before the proclamation of independence in Kawit.
For lunch, the group headed to Café Antix, Cavite City’s top dining haunt for its antique and eclectic collection and mouth-watering pizzas, pastas, burgers, sandwiches, and diner dishes and drinks.
The cozy resto is owned by heritage buff Edwin Guinto who also heads the local historical society and served as the tour guide to the city’s tourist attractions.
Highlighting the Cavite City leg is the reenactment of the first unfurling of the Philippine flag by Aguinaldo on May 28, 1898 at Samonte Park (formerly Teatro Caviteño) after their victory against Spanish troops at the Battle of Alapan in Imus, earlier in the day.
The tour swung to the Ladislao Diwa Shrine, the birthplace and tomb of one of the founding members of the Katipunan, and Fort San Felipe, the bastion of colonial rule. The latter is where the 1872 Cavite Mutiny broke out, and the famed Trece Martires or 13 Martyrs of Cavite where imprisoned and later executed in September 1896 for their alleged involvement in the Philippine Revolution.
The last pitstop was the newly-renovated city hall which has become a civic hub with new public features such as a viewdeck, amphitheater, snack bar, a floating pavilion, and a jetty near the site of the historic Battle of Manila Bay.
At the end of the day, Cavite City emerged as the big winner as its old colonial-era glory, swept into the dustbins of history for so long, was brought back to the limelight once more.
For more information, follow Biyaheng South on Facebook and Instagram.
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Read: Experience Adrenaline-Fueled Activities in Cavite with MPT South
Metro Pacific Tollways retraces Cavite’s heroic trail
Bernard Supetran
Out of Town Blog
