Finally, I have visited Aguinaldo Shrine! So ironic that I have stayed in Cavite during the university days but never visited this historical landmark. Well, I usually passed-by on this area during Visita Iglesia and had a glimpsed of it but never did I stepped on it. So may plans to visit this place during Independence Day but then I realized it will be too crowded for tourists.
Plan came to reality last Sunday that I got bored at home and my feet was itching to visit this place. Gloomy Sunday it was but it was not raining. Great time to stroll the wonderful place!
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| Aguinaldo Shrine |
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| Aguinaldo Shrine |
Arrived there before 2:00 in the afternoon, lucky enough to stroll the place with few numbers of tourists at that time. So happened to meet someone who is a tour guide and can access some of the restricted area in the house. Lucky enough to stroll some of the secret areas in the house of the First Philippine President: General Emilio Aguinaldo. Let us now reveal some of the secrets in Aguinaldo's Shrine.
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| Living Room |
Now that's the living room! A room that is sooooooo expensive nowadays. I just do not know how much these interiors costs now. Imagine all these muebles were made of kamagong and narra trees! Wwwhhheeewww. Never imagined how these trees were brought to this place, considering there were no heavy machines to carry heavy loads wayback centuries ago. Also, where the place on earth they find these huge trunks of kamagong and narra trees to create big round tables and chairs. It was an amazing living room.
It was awesome to see the masters bedroom. It was huge and I was totally glued in the shower room of the President. Can't imagine that during those days, shower room is already existing and I was in awe how large is the shower room. And the secret, there is a stairs in the masters bedroom going down directly to the swimming pool, exclusively for the President.
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| Masters Bedroom |
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| Masters Restroom |
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| Masters Shower Room |
Next stop, the daughter's bedroom. There is nothing extra special in this place except the room provided for the most beautiful daughter. Never seen the pictures of the daughters of the president in this area.
"Ang mga silid nina Cristina Suntay, Maria Poblete at Carmen Melencio at bahagi ng Family Wing. Sunod sa uso noong mga unang taon ng ika-20 siglo, and mga kasangkapan at palamuti at pinaghalong estilong Europeo, Tsino at Pilipino.
Ang ma-adornong kamang Ah Tay sa silid ni Carmen ay ginawa noong ika-19 siglo; ang Pilipinong Art Nouveau at Art Deco na muwebles sa mga silid nina Cristina at Maria ay ginawa noong dekada 1920 at 1930".
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| Bedroom of the Aguinaldo Daugthers |
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| Aguinaldo's Shoes. |
After strolling the upper ground floor, we went upstairs to visit one of the libraries of Aguinaldo. I noticed that there were few areas in the house that served as library of the president. He loves to read for sure! Also, got the chance to visit the "Boys Room" located on he second floor.
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| Aguinaldo's In-house Library |
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| Bedroom of Aguinaldo's Sons |
After spending time at the library and the boy's room, we went upstairs for a greater experience. Greater experience because I was shaking climbing a nearly 45 degrees stairs (well, I am afraid of heights, haha). What more scary is that you need to make sure that your feet is in a diagonal position once you stepped on the stairs for you to keep your balance. Sweating while I was on top but it is all worth it. Now I know why there are four windows on top of Aguinaldo's house. The secret, four soldiers were assigned and served as a look out for possible enemies coming from the east, north, south and west.
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| the 40 degrees stairways |
Now this is what I am talking about... so lucky that I've got a tour guide who can access restricted areas in the shrine. According to Raimund, only few tourists can visit those places in the house because those portions can only accommodate few numbers of persons otherwise the floors may collapsed. Great view right and great opportunity right? From the top you can view portions of Kawit including Manila Bay.
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| once is a lifetime opportunity :) |
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| Bird's Eye View |
I also took the opportunity to take pictures while at the top of the house. What a scenic view. Fresh and cool air breeze was coming in when we opened the window. Alas! Aguinaldo's tomb can be seen from the window! So cool. After which, I strolled back to the main living room taking pictures. Haha! Aguinaldo must be a good bowling player.
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| Overlooking Aguinaldo's Tomb |
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| The life size picture of Aguinaldo. |
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| Bowling Area |
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| Chilling with Tour Guides |
Finally, I also took time to chat with the tour guides in the shrine. Very accommodating indeed. I salute them for assisting tourists like me. When I am done inside the house, it was time for me to stroll outside. Visited the tomb of the First Philippine President.
Add up another secret, this thing which I thought a wishing well, served as a laundry sections for white linens. Little did I know that white clothes during those days were being boiled to make it more clean. Hmmmm wonder if these days, people still do that. Aguinaldo's favorite fruits were chico and mangoes. Now we know.
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| The Laundry Area |
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| Aguinaldo's Car |
So there, I have visited this shrine unexpectedly. What a wonderful house filled with secrets. Visit this place and you'll find some of the secrets being kept for hundred of years. It is a great exploration for me. Great experience to keep in touch with national history.
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| Finally, standing in front of Aguinaldo Shrine! |
