Bulacan Pamana Pass

 

The Province of Bulacan has always been a treasure trove possessing loads of aspects mostly related to the history of the Philippines. 

Situated in Central Luzon, Bulacan takes pride in being the birthplace of various noble heroes, as well as locations of pivotal events that have shaped the course of the archipelago, as evidenced by the numerous local holidays occurring annually in order to help preserve this region's culture and promote national identity. 

As far as heritage is concerned, we could not discount the fact that aside from the above-mentioned facets, old structures reflecting the past should also be taken into account since they also immensely exude historical and cultural value, quietly assuming the role of silent storytellers.

Launched way back May 9, 2023 by the Provincial History, Arts, Culture, and Tourism Office (PHACTO) located at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Cultural Center in Malolos, Bulacan, and implemented on December 1, 2023, the "Bulacan Pamana Pass" is basically a guide to 20 heritage structures in the province, such as the Barasoain Church, specifically aimed for the local tourist market.

Bulacan Pamana Pass

For those who are interested to embark on this journey, the mechanics of which is that, for every tourist attraction visited on a given destination, make sure that the Pass be stamped, verifying your site presence after showing photo evidence at an assigned Tatak Center.

As an avid heritage advocate, I started my trip last August 19, 2024 and ended December 19, 2024. Here was the chronological order on how I completed the Pamana Pass experience, but first things first, participants must visit the Hiyas ng Bulacan Cultural Center, accomplish a Registration Form, and sign a Waiver before officially claiming the Pass. Claiming only happens on weekdays from 8:00AM - 5:00PM.

Structure #1: Hiyas ng Bulacan Cultural Center (Malolos)

Inaugurated on August 30, 1971, this serves as the center of Bulacan's history, arts, culture, and tourism.

Hiyas ng Bulacan Cultural Center

Structure #2: Kapitolyo ng Bulacan (Malolos)     

Built in 1930.

Kapitolyo ng Bulacan

Structure #3: Simbahan ng Barasoain (Malolos)

- Built in 1885.

- Malolos Congress held here on September 15, 1898.

- First state university founded here on October 19, 1898.

- Site of the First Philippine Republic inaugurated here on January 23, 1899.

Simbahan ng Barasoain

Structure #4: Casa Real de Malolos (Malolos)

- Former office of the Gobernadorcillo during the Spanish colonial period.

- Demolished in 1965 and restored in 1980.

Casa Real de Malolos

Structure #5: Aguas Potables de Malolos (Malolos)

Built to provide clean drinking water to downtown Malolos in 1923.

Aguas Potables de Malolos

Structure #6: Katedral ng Malolos (Malolos)

- Founded by the Augustinians in 1580.

- Convent functioned as the Presidential Palace of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in 1898.

Katedral ng Malolos

Structure #7: Tahanan ni Dr. Luis Uitangcoy Santos(Malolos)

- Built in 1933.

- Once a clinic for the wounded during World War II.

Tahanan ni Dr. Luis Uitangcoy Santos

Structure #8: Saint John of God Parish (San Rafael)

- Built in 1877.

- Place of a bloody battle between the Katipuneros and Spaniards on November 30, 1896.

Saint John of God Parish

Structure #9: Saint Augustine Parish (Baliwag)

- Built from 1769 to 1774.

- Became a refuge for American soldiers during the Philippine-American War in 1898.

Saint Augustine Parish

Structure #10: Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint John the Baptist (Calumpit)

Founded in 1572, it is the oldest church in the Province of Bulacan.

Diocesan Shrine & Parish of St. John the Baptist

Structure #11: Alberta Uitangcoy House (Malolos)

- One of the Women of Malolos who petitioned to establish a school for women in 1888.

- Built in the late 19th century.

Alberta Uitangcoy House

Structure #12: Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion (Bulakan)

- Built in 1885.

- Spanish forces in this church surrendered to Gen. Gregorio del Pilar, paving the way to the liberation of Bulacan in 1898.

Diocesan Shrine & Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion

Structure #13: Saint Francis of Assisi Parish (Meycauayan)

- Built in 1668.

- Notable for its isolated bell tower connected by a bridge.

Saint Francis of Assisi Parish

Structure #14: Old PNR Meycauayan Station (Meycauayan)

- Built in 1891.

- Witnessed battles between Filipino revolutionaries and Americans invaders (1899-1901) and the Japanese forces (1942-1944).

Old PNR Meycauayan Station

Structure #15: Constantino Ancestral House (Balagtas)

- Built in 1840.

- Jose Rizal stayed here when he visited Malolos in 1892.

Constantino Ancestral House

Structure #16: Old PNR Guiguinto Station (Guiguinto)

- Built in 1891.

- Site where the uprising of 200 Katipuneros against the Spaniards took place on May 27, 1898.

Old PNR Guiguinto Station

Structure #17: Old Municipal Building (Baliwag)

Built in the late 19th century.

Old Municipal Building

Structure #18: Santiago Apostol Parish (Plaridel)

- Founded in 1602.

- Known for the onion-shaped pediment that resembles the mosque of Muslims, drawing inspiration from Saint James the Moor-slayer.

Santiago Apostol Parish

Structure #19: Cemetery Chapel of Quingua (Plaridel)

Served as a mortuary chapel of the old parish cemetery or camposanto of the town of Quingua (now Plaridel).

Cemetery Chapel of Quingua

Destination #20: Gabaldon School (Pulilan)

- Built in 1908.

- First primary school in Pulilan during the American era.

Gabaldon School

Awarding of Tokens and Certificate (Malolos)

Hiyas ng Bulacan Cultural Center in Malolos, Bulacan on December 23, 2024.

Posing with Billy Joe B. Marciano (History Coordinator, PHACTO)

The main challenge in completing the Bulacan Pamana Pass, for me, aside from traffic, would be on how the participant could make himself available in order to visit each specific structure displayed in the Pass because each site has its own scheduled days and times of operation.

Nevertheless, the whole experience was so worth the effort, since this tourism-related undertaking allowed me to "forcibly" travel towards various destinations, wherein several of them, despite being an avid traveler, I still have not visited yet, and on top of that, basic historical details can be seen on the Pass, which greatly added to my knowledge as a heritage enthusiast.

Hats off to all those who have spearheaded this project. Kudos!

The sites indicated in the Bulacan Pamana Pass could just be appetizers on what travelers can experience more as they continuously hop from town to town, further checking out loads of local and natural wonders, and observing the uniqueness of several festivals in the region.

More reasons indeed na babalik-balikan ang Bulacan. Explore Pinas!

Biyaheng South Cavite Tourism Passport Game

The Province of Cavite, situated in the so-called Calabarzon region in Luzon, has always been one of the most industrialized and fastest-growing provinces in the country, as well as one of the most populated provinces to boot, based on the 2020 census.

With its rich contribution in Philippine History, wherein it was dubbed as the “Historical Capital of the Philippines”, not only because of its role as the birthplace of Philippine Independence way back June 12, 1898, but it also became an eyewitness on several moments related to the Philippine Revolution, which toppled more than 300 years of colonial rule from Spain.

Due to Cavite’s nationalistic deep connections with the past, it would definitely not be a surprise for this province to amass several historical structures, which have delighted various individuals and organizations related to heritage preservation, and local and international tourists as well. In addition, various traditional Filipino heirloom cuisines could never be discounted as evidenced by its historical background. 

Cavite actually has much to offer travel enthusiasts way beyond books, thus a further tourism push would turn out to be such a welcome addition towards the efforts of the Cavite Tourism Office.   

Spearheaded by the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation and the provincial government of Cavite, in collaboration with the Department of Interior and Local Government, and Biyaheng South, a tourism promotion program called the “Biyaheng South Cavite Tourism Passport Game” was launched last May 23, 2024 at the Hotel Kimberly in Barangay Maitim, Tagaytay City, Cavite. 

The objective of the game is to obtain at least ten (10) stamps from the various tourist destinations printed in the passport, with at least one (1) visited establishment from the following categories, namely, Food, Heritage, Staycation, and Adventures. After successfully obtaining the required number of stamps, participants would then be rewarded with a Biyaheng South Kit containing several travel-related freebies, all of which could be practically utilized on their upcoming gallivants.   

Biyaheng South Cavite Tourism Passport

Enthusiastically enticed with this exciting undertaking, my friends and I successfully completed our passports in only two (2) different days, and this was our journey towards our ten (10) preferred destinations out of fifty-three (53) choices.  

DAY 1: July 7, 2024 (Sunday)

Stamp # 1: Museo ni Baldomero Aguinaldo (Kawit) – Heritage Category

We started this day, assembling at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, wherein there were buses bound for Kawit, Cavite. Alighting near the intersection of R-1 and Tirona Highway, we rode a Binakayan-bound jeepney and we were dropped at Metrobank Kawit branch located at the corner of Tirona Highway and Bisita Street. From this juncture, the museum location would just be around 230 meters away along Bisita Street.

Built in 1906, this stone house, which is presently managed and operated by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), once served as the residence of General Baldomero Aguinaldo, cousin of General Emilio Aguinaldo.

Posing with the Museum Guide

A short documentary was first shown to us by the museum guide before he toured us around the two-story residence. The graves of Baldomero Aguinaldo and his family can be seen on the rear portion of the compound.

Grave Lots of the Aguinaldo Family

Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Tuesdays to Sundays)

Stamp # 2: Malen’s Restaurant (Noveleta) – Food Category

Established in 1994, this restaurant is situated along Magdiwang Highway at Barangay Santa Rosa and serves Filipino cuisine. Once inside, visitors could view various antiques and memorabilia related to the history of Cavite.

Facade of the Restaurant

Cavite Memorabilia Galore

I ordered the Longganiza (with Garlic Rice & eggs with Mustasa) meal worth Php260 and WOW, one of the best I have tasted!

Enjoying the Longganiza Meal

Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM 

Stamp # 3: San Roque Parish Church (Cavite City) – Heritage Category

Founded 1586, the church, also called the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Solitude of Porta Vaga, is located at P. Burgos Avenue in Barangay San Roque. The establishment is famous for enshrining the image of Our Lady of Porta Vaga, one of the most venerated Marian images in the country, which can be found on the second floor near the Parish Office.

Facade of the Church

Our Lady of Porta Vaga

Stamp # 4: Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo (Kawit) – Heritage Category

This very famous iconic museum can be found along Tirona Highway at Barangay Kaingen and is also managed by the NHCP.

Facade of the House

The proclamation of Philippine independence from Spain by General Emilio Aguinaldo was performed on June 12, 1898 right here in this residence. It houses various memorabilia connected to the revolutionary leader. His marble tomb is located at the rear side of the house.  

Tomb of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo

Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Tuesdays to Sundays)

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DAY 2: July 21, 2024 (Sunday)

Stamp # 5: Our Lady of the Pillar Cathedral (Imus) – Heritage Category

Also called the Imus Cathedral, this historical structure, founded in 1795, is located along General Castañeda Street in Barangay Poblacion, and is 22 kilometers from Manila.

Facade of the Cathedral

It serves as the seat of the bishop of the Diocese of Imus, and enshrined inside is the original, miraculous and canonically crowned image of Nuestra Senora del Pilar de Imus (Our Lady of the Pillar). The Imus City Plaza and the 1935 Imus Municipal Hall can be found near the church.

Imus City Plaza

Stamp # 6: Our Lady of Candelaria Parish (Silang) – Heritage Category

Commonly known as Silang Church, founded in 1595, this establishment is along J. Rizal Street in Barangay Poblacion. Completed in 1639, it is the oldest existing stone church in Cavite.    

Facade of the Church

A monument of Jose Rizal and the Municipal Hall of Silang are within the area.

Jose Rizal Monument

Stamp # 7: Shambala Silang (Silang) – Adventure Category

This nature-driven venue is based on the mythological Tibetan Sanctuary known as Shambala, and is located along Shambala Road in Purok 5, Barangay Pulong Bunga.

Main Gate

For day tours, they offer three (3) tour packages, namely, the Garden Tour, the Gallery Tour, and the Cordillera Village Tour, all of which are priced each at Php200 per head. We only chose the Cordillera Village Tour. By the way, if you spend at least Php500 on food per person, the Php200 fee per head will be waived. They offer overnight accommodations too.

The Cordillera Village area showcases the basic unique features tourists can experience in the Cordilleras up north, as evidenced by the presence of mini terraces and traditional Ifugao huts.

Enjoying the Cordillera Village

Mana Kitchen is the name of their restaurant and they also have an exhibition space called Tawid Gallery.

Mana Kitchen

Tawid Gallery

Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Tuesdays to Saturdays), 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Sundays)

Stamp # 8: Perlas ng Silang (Silang) – Food Category

Situated along Pulong Bunga Road in Purok 5, Barangay Pulong Bunga, this venue provides nature-loving tourists with an experience of beautiful flower landscapes while enjoying their sumptuous meals.

Waiting for our Orders

There is an entrance fee worth Php100 per head for all those who just want to visit the place and take photographs around the flowery compound, but if you dine in their restaurant for a minimum consumable of Php300 a head, the entrance fee would be waived.   

Flowery Compound

Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM 

Stamp # 9: Museo Orlina (Tagaytay) – Heritage Category

Displaying the artistry of Ramon G. Orlina, pioneer and foremost practitioner of glass sculpture in the Philippines, this four-level establishment is quietly nestled inside Hollywood Subdivision in Barangay Tolentino East. Various paintings, sculptures, and artworks created by other local and foreign artists are also displayed.

Facade of the Museum

Glass Sculptures

Admission fee is Php150 for regular visitors, while Php120 for students, seniors, and PWDs.

Be prepared for a very steep cemented road to and from the museum.

Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Tuesdays to Sundays), closed on Mondays, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Stamp # 10: La VeryOl’s Mountain View Garden (Tagaytay) – Staycation Category

Capping off our passport journey was a visit towards this venue of relaxation along Saint Francis Drive in Barangay Francisco.

Photo-op Area

Since we were only on a day trip, we chose the Kawa Hot Bath package worth Php499 and the 45-minute experience was so worth the grand finale. By the way, online booking with 50% downpayment is required for Kawa reservation. Overnight accommodations can be arranged.   

Kawa Hot Bath Experience

After refreshing myself, I obtained the last required stamp on my passport. The journey was indeed priceless for a Philippine tourism advocate.

Cavite Tourism Passport...COMPLETED!

Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Tuesdays to Sundays) 

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Biyaheng South Kit Delivery: July 26, 2024 (Friday)

After accomplishing all the much needed requirements for reward eligibility on July 22, 2024 by sending them to the Biyaheng South Social Media Account, my Biyaheng South Kit arrived via courier after only four (4) days of waiting.

Biyaheng South Kit...DELIVERED!

Freebies Inside the Biyaheng South Kit

After experiencing the Biyaheng South Cavite Tourism Passport Game, I would strongly recommend those travel enthusiasts out there to go for it while the promo is still ongoing since it would end on December 31, 2024. Ang saya!

Approximate expenses incurred excluding transportation was Php1,500.00 per head.

For complete details, please visit:

https://tourism.cavite.gov.ph/cavite-tourism-passport/ 

Discover more of the Province of Cavite…the fun way. Explore Pinas!   

Bauko (Mountain Province)

Whenever an avid outdoor enthusiast comes across the word "Mountain Province", the first thing that would definitely pop in mind, without batting an eyelash, would be the mystical nature-driven town of Sagada, situated on the western side, racking up an average of 140,000 visitors every year.

Proudly showcasing features such as hanging coffins containing mummified remains of local ancestors, historical sites, and tribal celebrations, truly makes Sagada uniquely a part of the Mountain Province.

Unknown to a lot of common tourists though, lurks a quaint laid-back town, situated 34km before Sagada, which is the nature-gifted Municipality of Bauko, an upcoming outdoor destination brought about by the local mountaineering community's interest on its tourism potential.

Location of Bauko in Mountain Province

Located 408 km from Manila via the Ilocos Sur route, which according to several travelers, is much safer, but longer, expect to see views of the Lingayen Gulf and the South China Sea as you ply along the extreme western side of La Union towards Ilocos Sur. 

TIP: To maximize trip enjoyment, it would be best to depart Manila in the evening.

Crossing the Amburayan Bridge from Sudipen, La Union, the ONE Ilocos Sur Welcome Arch, inaugurated during the celebration of the Ilocos Sur Kannawidan Festival 2023, then comes into the picture, as you enter Tagudin, Ilocos Sur.

ONE Ilocos Sur Welcome Arch

As you continuously pass by along the MacArthur Highway, turn right when you see the signage "Welcome to Bitalag Tagudin Ilocos Sur", going to the Tagudin-Cervantes-Sabangan Road. 

While on the road, we ate breakfast at the Mountain View Mamihan & Restaurant, located at Bessang Pass, Malaya in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur.

Restaurant Signage

Breakfast Time!

Next stop was the Bessang Pass Natural Monument Park/Landmark, still located along the road.    

Bessang Pass Natural Monument Park/Landmark

The 1,395 members of the "United States Armed Forces in the Philippines, Northern Luzon" (USAFIP-NL) were recognized with the dedication of the "Battle of Bessang Pass" monument in 1954. They perished in 1945 while Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita oversaw the historic and successful battle against the Japanese Imperial Forces.

After 43km, we dropped by at the Bauko Municipal Hall, situated along the Mabaay-Guinzadan-Abatan Road, to observe the 17th Begnas di Bauko Festival activities. This is a cultural festival binding the iBaukos to show gratitude to "Kabunyan" for all the blessings bestowed to us. Anyway, we enjoyed the salted buttered corn being sold outside.

Bauko Municipal Hall

Locals Enjoying the Games

We arrived at Kitkat's Restaurant after 11km, still along the Tagudin-Cervantes-Sabangan Road, to take our lunch. Their specialties are their Ilocano-inspired Tinuno dishes.

Facade of Kitkat's Restaurant

Lunchtime!

After our vehicle endured a grueling 9km along the Bagnen-Sabangan Road, we finally touched down at our accommodation, the Hiker's Nook Homestay, located at Barangay Bagnen Oriente in Bauko. Contact persons are Freddie Dameg (FB: Iederf B. Dameg) and Sigrid Liis Dameg, and their contact number is 0907-0307702.

Hiker's Nook Homestay

TIP: Make sure your vehicle can be able to withstand very steep cemented roads.

One great feature of the accommodation's location is its very close proximity to the jump-off point of Mount Polis. It takes around more than 600 steps to reach the summit. Very very beeeaauuuutiful 360-degree view at the peak!

Mount Polis Jump-off Point

Trail towards the summit of Mount Polis 

Sagada seen from a distance along the trail

Resting Hut

Summit of Mount Polis at 1847 MASL

Capping off the first day was a heartful home-cooked dinner at the homestay.  

Dinnertime at the Homestay

On our final day, after a sumptuous homestay breakfast, we then traveled towards Bagnen Proper in order to check out the Saint Gregory the Great Stone Church, which stands more than a century old, and was the first structure set up by the Anglican missionaries who arrived in the area.

Breakfast at the Homestay

Saint Gregory the Great Stone Church

Arriving at the famous Bagnen Rice Terraces along the Abatan-Bagnen Road at around 6:30AM was a majestic site to behold as clearly evidenced by the succeeding photos.

Entering the Bagnen Rice Terraces

Trudging the Bagnen Rice Terraces

Marveling the Bagnen Sunrise  

After checking-out from our homestay, coming from the Halsema Highway, we visited the various farms located along the so-called Sadsadan Farm to Market Road at Barangay Sadsadan in Bauko. Their fresh farm-picked produce were very cheap!

Carrot-picking

Potato-picking

For a sidetrip, while traveling back to Manila via the Halsema Highway, right across the Calasipan Elementary School in Buguias, Benguet, there is a house selling miniature vehicle models inspired by the iconic trucks and buses that ply the trading routes in Cordillera, all of which were made by Marion Codeo.

Mini Vehicles by Marion Codeo

The Municipality of Bauko in the Mountain Province may not be as popular in the eyes of a common tourist, as compared to the likes of Sagada and Bontoc, but it sure packs a worthy punch as one experiences the hidden uniqueness of its magnificence as you "find yourself" in the Cordilleras. 

Explore Pinas!