CHASING HISTORY: Aguinaldo Mansion

The House where Philippine Independence 

was declared

One of the things that I try to do during the anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence, is to go and visit historical places.  It is a wonderful adventure that I enjoy as it affords an opportunity to learn history by visiting the place where it took place, feel the significance of the day, and rekindle that pride of being Filipino.

Manila is quiet lucky that within the metropolis itself and in nearby provinces, there are a lot of heritage sites, some of which have figured significantly during the Philippine Revolution.  We are also fortunate  that the place where our independence was declared, is still intact.  A reminder of what it took for us to gain our freedom.

The Aguinaldo Mansion in Kawit, Kavite is just a little over an hour away from the metropolis.  Still a lot of people have not realised the importance of this heritage site and many have not really visited it.  If there are heritage sites that are a must see, this one comes second to the Rizal monument followed by Fort Santiago and  the EDSA Shrine.  A visit to this house is a wonderful learning experience as it has a lot of stories to tell.  

This is what one will see as one approaches the Aguinaldo Shrine

Two years ago, on June 12, I went on an adventure to visit heritage sites that may have connection to our country's struggle for independence.  I started before breakfast time by catching the traditional flag raising ceremonies at the Bonifacio Monument in Kalookan.  From there, I went to Kawit, Kavite to tour the Aguinaldo Mansion, and finally ended my day at Luneta Park where the Rizal Monument was.  This was my 4th visit to the Aguinaldo Mansion, and the place continuous to fascinate me.  

The Hall of Independence comes alive only June 12 of every year, though it is open Tuesdays to Sundays.  It is a historical museum administered by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NCHP).  Even if the NCHP is the administrator of the shrine, the descendants of the Aguinaldo Family are involved in its operations.  There are 2 historical markers installed in the shrine.  The one on the left below is found at the entrance to the compound.  While the one on the right below can be found as one will exit the compound.  It is installed near the balcony of the mansion and was unveiled during the Philippine Centennial celebrations.

The Aguinaldos come from the upper middle class family.  In the early 1900s, Gen. Aguinaldo owned the first Cadillac this side of the country.   

The mansion may not be in its original state now compared to the time when the Philippine Independence was declared.  Reason being is that Gen. Aguinaldo made a number of additions and renovations after the turn of the 20th Century.  

Gen Aguinaldo's cadillac

The first floor of the mansion used to be an accesoria during the colonial Spanish period.  At the turn of the 20th Century, it was turned into a leisure and fitness area by Gen. Aguinaldo, a known fitness buff. This is where you will find a 2-lane tenpin bowling alley.  A private bowling facility, it is the first of its kind this side of the country during its time.

Today, the first floor of the mansion houses a museum that explains our country's struggle for independence.  It contains artifacts coming from the Aguinaldo collection.

The 2-lane tenpin bowling alley

The diorama on the right portrays Aguinaldo and his brother being inducted into the secret society, the Katipunan, and pledging allegiance in front of the cross.  The Katipunan also became a precursor to the masonry in the Philippines.

There is a holographic audio-visual film that is shown in the museum that tells the story of the events leading to the declaration of independence.  It explains that though the country may not have been very ready during that time, as everybody would want it, the freedom fighters and leaders were put in a no-choice situation.  This is because of the arrests being made by the colonial authorities on the members of the Katipunan.  Thus the reason why they declared independence.  It may also be a strategy to consolidate their forces, gain more following from the people and protect themselves.  Watching the film, I finally understood the long running question I had on my mind regarding the declaration of independence.  It did put into context why Philippine Independence have to be declared at such a crucial time.

A photocopy of the original document of the declaration of Philippine Independence.  The original copy is supposed to be in the NCHP 

The Act of the Declaration of Independence (see the photocopy above)  was prepared, written, and read by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista in Spanish. The Declaration was signed by ninety-eight people, among them an American army officer who witnessed the proclamation. [SOURCE:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_Declaration_of_Independence]

A photocopy of "Hymno Nacional" by Julian FELIPE.  This did not have lyrics and the lyrics in the present national anthem was an addition after around 3 years

One of the versions of the Philippine tricolors

It is said that there were several copies of the Philippine flag that were made.  The present flag is said to have been the one approved by Gen. Aguinaldo and evolved in its design from the original copy.  That design is also the favourite of the General.  

Going through the museum, it is sad to note that the artifacts displayed are slowly deteriorating as can be observed in the picture.  This is because of humidity, dust and elements they are exposed to since the place is not airconditioned and doesn't have controlled temparature.

Gen. Aguinaldo's camping equipment which he used during campaign battles and when he was hiding from the US Scouts out to arrest him

Bumped into former President Fidel V RAMOS.  He claims he makes it a point to visit the Aguinaldo Shrine every June 12.  He said it is important for Filipinos to see the shrine so that they will understand the struggle it took to win our freedom.  He was giving history lessons to the visitors who were there when I caught up with him.

The grand staircase leading to the 2nd Floor

Gen. Aguinaldo's study.  Notice the carabao backrest in his study chair

The main sala with an old Chinese flower pedestal.

The carvings at the ceiling of the main hall, below.  On the left is a representation of the sun, while on the right is Madre Filipinas. 

The center doorway on the picture above opens up to the balcony.  The balcony was added after the turn of 20th Century (1900) only.  It used to be a window and marks the exact spot where the Philippine tricolors was unfolded Philippine Independence was proclaimed.

The main dining hall where Katipunan meetings were held.  The map above are used the meetings and the provinces are colour coded

The comedor

The pantry is pictured below.  The Aguinaldo Mansion used to be the only house in this parts of the country that has a cold storage or the equivalent of a refrigerator.  These are the 2 boxes just below the stairs on the left picture below.  The stairs leads to the servants' quarters.

The bench in front of the pantry has a backrest that serves as a hidden cabinet.  This is where they hide the secret documents after their meetings or in case there are uninvited visitors to the house.

Gen. Aguinaldo's room.  This is where he he died in 1964.  It is said that behind his pillow on his death bed, he kept his favourite version of the Philippine Flag.  It is that flag which is kept now in the Aguinaldo Museum in Baguio by his descendants.

The rooms of Geen. Aguinaldo's daughters, above.  Below is the guest room.

 

The azotea at the back of the house

At left is a modern bathroom with water closet.  Some of the fixtures may have been added after the war.  However, it shows the kind of lifestyle that they have.  At right is the family medicine cabinet or 'botica'.  It is well appointed.

Below is a bottle I found inside the family medicine cabinet.  Even the General was a victim of medical error way back in 1920.  The sinage tells the story.  I was surprised that verified medical errors can date back as far as the early part of last century.

The rear portion of the Aguinaldo Mansion.

Gen. Aguinaldo's final resting place at the back of the mansion.  He specifically asked to be buried within the mansion grounds and may have selected this spot himself.  He died on February 6, 1964. 

Aguinaldo was the youngest person to become the country's president (became President at 29).  He was also the longest-lived president (having survived to age 94) and the only president to have outlived the most number of successors.  During his lifetime, he saw freedom being snatched by the Americans from our fledging republic, collaborated with the Japanese during the occupation years, saw our country ravaged by war and was arrested by the Americans after the war.  He lived long enough to have witnessed them all.  He was 77 years old when the Americans finally recognised Philippine Independence.   In 1962 the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day was changed from July 4 to June 12.[n 2] Aguinaldo rose from his sickbed to attend the celebration of independence 64 years after he declared it.

The balcony where the Philippine Independence was declared and its details below.  Notice the propensity on the use of national symbols as a decor, like the carabao.  The carabao seems to be a favourite of the General since it appears the most number of times all over the mansion.

The bust of Gen. Aguinaldo at the museum.

  The plaza in front of the Aguinaldo Shrine.

The monument of Aguinaldo signifies that he died of illness and not during war.  This is symbolised by one of the hoofs or foot of the horse, which is lifted.

The Aguinaldo Mansion is an interesting place to visit, because of its place in history.  It provides one an invaluable history lesson and an understanding of the struggle involved to gain our freedom.  

Hopefully, after visiting the place, one will be able to appreciate more the freedom that we now have, and cherish it.

Getting There

The Aguinaldo Shrine can be reached via private or public transportation.  Depending on traffic conditions, it takes 1 hour to go to the shrine with reference point from the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran.

• VIA PRIVATE VEHICLE:  Take the Manila-Cavite Expressway.  After the Covelandia Rd junction, take Tirona Hiway, following it straight towards the town proper.  Look for the Aguinaldo Park and you will not miss the mansion that is in front of it on your left side
• VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:  Across Redemptorist Church in Baclaran, take an aircon bus going to Cavite City via Kawit.  Between 30 minutes to 1 hour, you will reach Kawit.  Watch out for the Aguinaldo Park and you will not miss the mansion that is in front of it on your left side.  The bus passess in front of the park.