The Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine Experience

Last December, I was lucky enough to be assigned at Bacoor Cavite. Being a Trainer, a colleague of mine @KrispyKrisma and myself was to conduct a class there for 2 weeks. Since Cavite has been known to be a historical place given that the first president of the Philippines, Emilio Aguinaldo was born there. We decided to visit the famous Aguinaldo Shrine at Kawit Cavite. It was a saturday when we finally decided to go. Neither of us knew how to get there but we just followed the road to Kawit. We knew we were near when we finally saw a tall structure that looked like we were being transported back in time. Standing in the middle of Kawit Cavite was a Massive 7 story structure known as the Aguinaldo Shrine. 

Our tour guide was very gracious and got immediately to explaining things we were seeing. The first sight we had was the car of Emilio Aguinaldo. The car was a 1924 Packard Limousine that has been restored by the Philippine Motor Association and Vintage Car Club of the Philippines. 

The original structure of the house has been kept and some parts opened to the public as a Museum. General Aguinaldo designed the house himself. Upon entering the house, you will se a bowling alley. The tour guide says that Bowling was the General's favorite sport. He went on to the other side of the museum explaining that the house has been designed with secret passages which led to the Kawit Church, and was used during the Revolution. General Aguinaldo was a short fellow standing at 5 ft 4 in. Original uniforms, wallets and different versions of the flags have been displayed. 

Going up the 2nd floor of the Building, showed a magnificent site of more antique furniture. The rooms of his 3 daughters to your left and to your right a big sala or receiving area for the guests. His house was not your ordinary ancestral home. He had the latest gadget of their time. An Ice Box, the first generation General Electric Refrigerator, and a heating system were some of the more modern items you can find in his home. This is because this is where he stayed until his death in 1964. I learned more about Aguinaldo by going on the tour than in the classroom.  

Outside the structure you will be able to see the terrace where the first flag of the Philippines was waived for the first time. 


This house is also believed to be haunted by a "kapre" who the tour guide explained used to warn Aguinaldo of the approaching danger ( Japanese Soldiers). Some locals say the 7th Floor or Tower is home to the Kapre. Some say he lives in the Mango Tree at the back of Aguinaldo's house. 

What better way to learn more about our history is by visiting the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine at Kawit Cavite.