Retracing Cavite’s heritage trail through ‘BIYAHENG South’
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.
Steeped in history, faith and culture, Cavite is one of the most vibrant provinces south of the metropolis.
As part of its commitment in promoting regional tourism, Biyaheng South, Metro Pacific Tollways South’s (MPT South) tourism advocacy program, recently launched “Tara! Let’s Explore Cavite,” a heritage tour that brought participants through some of the province’s iconic churches, historic landmarks and local food 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 highlight these heritage sites and invite everyone to engage with the province’s rich cultural tapestry,” said 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.
Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Kawit.
St. Mary Magdalene has been designated by Aguinaldo as the patroness of the Cavite council of the Katipunan movement, aptly named Magdalo. It is the church where Caviteño revolutionaries heard Mass before battling the Spaniards during the Philippine Revolution.
The group also swung by the Diocesan Shrine of Saint Augustine and Parish of Holy Cross in Tanza. A less-known historical gem is its Convent Museum, which features a curated collection of ecclesiastical artifacts, memorabilia and artworks that reflect the town’s spiritual 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.
The 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.
Highlighting the Cavite City leg earlier in the day is the reenactment of the first unfurling of the Philippine flag by Aguinaldo on 28 May 1898 at Samonte Park (formerly Teatro Caviteño) after their victory against Spanish troops at the Battle of Alapan in Imus.
