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.
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