Cavite

Before the Spanish, Chinese junks were already mooring at what is currently Cavite City. The Chinese had already established trade with the settlements around Manila Bay. After the arrival of the Spanish, Cavite City was established as both city and port. Although Cavite City was fortified, due to military importance it was attacked unsuccessfully by the Dutch in 1647 and occupied by the British 1762 - 1764. In 1872, 200 Filipino navy men turned on and murdered their Spanish officers. The mutiny was brutally suppressed by the Spanish who used the incident to unjustly crackdown on reformists and liberals, resulting in the public execution of Fathers Burgos, Gomez and Zamora. Cavite was one of the eight provinces to rise up against Spanish rule and be placed under martial law in the revolution for independence from Spain. It is also from Cavite that General Emilio Aguinaldo, first president of the Philippines, proclaimed independence from Spain.

Kawit

Kawit was founded in 1587 and is the oldest municipality in the Cavite province. Kawit is Tagalog for hook, suggestive of the hook-shape peninsular to the north of the province. From Kawit, we have Cawite then Cavite. To the Spanish, Kawit was known as Cavite el Viejo (Old Cavite) to distinguish it from the port and city which is now Cavite City. After the discovery of the Katipunan, Cavite el Viejo became he nerve centre of the revolution for independence from Spain. In 1907, Cavite el Viejo was renamed to Kawit. The history of Kawit is closely linked with the life of General Emilio Aguinaldo, although in addition, the town did produce six other generals. Two of these generals were related to Aguinaldo (older brother and first cousin).

General Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine

A statue of General Emilio Aguinaldo on horseback. His distinct haircut is just visible. In the background is the Aguinaldo mansion. (March 2002)

In Kawit on June 12, Independence Day, 2003. On this day, the area around the Aguinaldo mansion is much more colourful. (June 2003)

The Aguinaldo mansion, the site of Philippine independence. Aguinaldo was eventually captured by American forces in the Philippine-American War for Philippine independence. (June 2003)

It was from this balcony that Aguinaldo proclaimed independence from Spain and displayed his new flag (now the national flag) before the crowds below. (June 2003)

The independence historical marker installed in observance of the centennial of independence. (April 2006)

Aguinaldo's private limousine. After being captured in the Philippine-American War, he was persuaded to swear allegiance to the US. (March 2002)

Although defeated by the US, he finally saw his vision of independence become reality in 1946 through the efforts of Manuel Quezon. Aguinaldo died in 1964 at the age of 95. (April 2006)

Although the Aguinaldo government was not internationally recognised, it immediately gained the obedience of its people. Education, currency, military and defence were established. There was a peace until the war with the US. (June 2003)

Baldomero Aguinaldo Shrine

The home of Baldomero Aguinaldo, revolutionary general and first cousin to Emilio Aguinaldo. He was one of the signers of the Biak-na-Bato Constitution and the Pact of Biak-na-Bato. (June 2003)

Filipino Guerrilla Marker

A marker in commemoration of Cavite Filipino guerrillas that fought against the Japanese in World War II. (June 2003)

Tagaytay City

Legend has it that Tagaytay comes from tagi meaning to cut and itay meaning father. A father and son were hunting a wild boar and when the animal charged towards the father the son cried TAGI ITAY! Residents heard the cries and the area became known as Tagaytay. Originally, Tagaytay was a small mountain village of about 300 families. During the Philippine revolution in 1896, it was used as a sanctuary by revolutionaries from nearby provinces. It became a city in 1938 through the Philippine National Assembly. Supplies and personnel were airdropped at the Tagaytay ridge prior to the liberation of Manila in 1945.

Tagaytay Mini Zoo

There are a number of animals to see at the Tagaytay Mini Zoo. (April 2006)

This five legged bull seems to be one of the main attractions. (April 2006)

Overlooking Taal Lake and Taal Volcano from the Mini Zoo. (April 2006)

Close up of Taal Volcano. (April 2006)

People's Park in the Sky

The Palace in the Sky is an unfinished mansion built during the time of President Ferdinand Marcos. It is now an empty shell in the People's Park in the Sky. (April 2006)

Looking out from the People's Park in the Sky just after sunset. (April 2006)

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