Cavite - History Capital of the Philippines

Its name originated from the word kawit, or hook. From the characteristics of the hook, strong and deadly when used to defend oneself, Cavite is known as one of the most historical places in the country and a battleground for independence. Numerous battles were fought here including the Battle of Zapote Bridge, one of the most decisive battles during the Philippine Revolution. It is here where the Thirteen Martyrs were executed for their cooperation with the Katipinan. In Kawit, Cavite, Philippine Independence was declared by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.

Aside from history, Cavite is also a venue for fun and relaxation. One of its provinces, Tagaytay City is billed as Philippines’ second Summer Capital. It offers cool weather and scenic view of the Taal Lake, a lake within an island within a lake.

Demographics

1. Population - 2,856,765 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area - 1,287.6 sq. km
3. Capital - Trece Martires City
4. Language/Dialect - Tagalog, Chabacano, English and Filipino
5. Divisions

Cities (3)

• Cavite City
• Trece Martires City
• Tagaytay City

Municipalities (20)

• Alfonso
• Amadeo
• Bacoor
• Carmona
• Dasmariñas
• Gen. Mariano Alvarez
• Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo
• Gen. Trias
• Imus
• Indang
• Kawit
• Magallanes
• Maragondon
• Mendez
• Naic
• Noveleta
• Rosario
• Silang
• Tanza
• Ternate

Historical Sites
Because of the rich history, several monuments, shrines, and markers are found all over the province. The most popular are the Tejeros Convention Site in Rosario, Andres Bonifacio House in General Trias, Zapote Bridge in Bacoor, and Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit.

Gardens and Orchards
Several parts of Cavite are located in high altitude which allows the growth of plants which are not normally seen in tropical countries. Also, the province hosts several garden venues which are ideal for several occasions including weddings, debuts and birthday celebrations.

Corregidor
It is the largest of the five islands guarding the entrance to Manila Bay. The island is one of the most important places during World War II.

Tagaytay City
Dubbed as the Second Summer Capital of the Philippines, the city has attracted both local and foreign tourist to enjoy its cool weather and the great view of the crater within an island within a lake - Taal Lake.

Tahong and Tahong Chips of Bacoor, Cavite
Due to its vast shoreline, the residents of Bacoor, Cavite famed itself as one of the best places to buy tahong (Asian green mussel). But since this sea food should be consumed immediately, the tahong chip was created which has become one of the most popular pasalubongs for tourists.

Café Amadeo / Amadeo Coffee
Vast land areas in Amadeo serve as coffee plantations and farms. As such, they have developed a distinct brew that is truly unique and a contender against the kapeng barako (brewed coffee) of Batangas.

Cultural

President Museum
Location: People's Park in the Sky, Brgy. Dapdap West and Dapdap East, Tagaytay City
The museum contains photos and memorabilia of all the presidents of the country; from Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo to Pres. Gloria Macapagal - Arroyo.

Museo ng Tagaytay
Location: Tagaytay City Hall
The Museo is situated at the ground floor of the City Hall. It is filled with local Tagaytay artifacts, photos and memorabilia.

Historical

Andres Bonifacio House
Location: Poblacion, General Trias, Cavite
This house was one of the sanctuaries of Gat Andres Bonifacio, the Father of the Revolution and founder of the Katipunan. Although the house has been renovated several styles, caretakers have made sure that the original style was kept.

Bonifacio Trial House
Location: Poblacion 2, Maragondon, Cavite
Initially owned by Teodorico Reyes, the house bore witness to the trial of Andres Bonifacio and his brother Procopio. They were found guilty of sedition and conspiracy. The trial and verdict, until now, have been questioned by many historians.

Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine
Location: Kawit, Cavite
Tour Day: Monday - Sunday
Tour Time: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Entrance Fee: Free (donation accepted)
This is the birthplace of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. Currently, it has a museum at the ground floor which contains photos of the house and other memorabilia. Inside are the authentic items the former president and his family used over the years. Behind the mansion lie the remains of the first president of the country who died on February 6, 1964 of coronary thrombosis.

Gen. Baldomero Aguinaldo Shrine
Location: Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite
The museum contains the photos, items, and other memorabilia used by Gen Baldomero Aguinaldo, the former President's first cousin and cabinet member of the Revolutionary Government.

Battle of Binakayan Monument
Location: Governor's Road, Kawit, Cavite
The monument commemorates the battle held last November 11, 1896 when the Filipino Revolucionarios fought 250 Spanish soldiers in Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite for independence. Outnumbered and outgunned, the Filipinos, lead by Gen. Candido Tria Tirona, fought hard and attained victory amidst adversities.

Gen. Candido Tirona Monument
Location: Poblacion, Kawit, Cavite
Known as the "Hero of Binakayan", Gen. Tirona led the Revolucionarios during the Battle of Binakayan. He died at the battle when he was stabbed with a bayonet to the head.

Sanduguang Siklab ng Digmaan Marker
Location: Brgy. Pinagtipunan, Gen. Trias, Cavite
This is the site of the blood compact executed by members of the Magdiwang Faction. After the blood compact, on August 31, 1896, the Katipuneros attacked the Spanish headquarters in Manggang Bukol (now Pinagtipunan) and Pasong Kalabaw (now Sta. Clara) and won the battle.

Casa Hacienda of Tejeros / Tejeros Convention Marker
Location: Gen. Trias, Cavite
The Casa Hacienda of Tejeros served as the venue for the Tejeros Convention. It is here where Gen. Aguinaldo was elected President of the newly-established Revolutionary Government on March 22, 1897.

Gen. Trias Monument and Park
Location: Gov. Ferrer, Gen. Trias, Cavite
Gen. Mariano Closas Trias was the Vice President-elect of the First Revolutionary Government. The monument situated at the town proper commemorates his bravery during the war.

Imus Historical Marker
Location: Imus, Cavite
This commemorative marker can be found near two vintage artillery pieces situated just across the Imus Catholic Church and the Imus Municipal Hall. It pays tribute to the first successful revolution to reclaim independence against the Spanish regime.

Battle of Alapan Marker and Flag
Location: Bernardina Salud Elementary School, Alapan, Imus
The Battle of Alapan, which occurred on May 28, 1898, is the 'baptism of blood' of the Philippine flag sewn by Doña Marcela Marino de Agoncillo with the help of her daughter Lorenza and Doña Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, niece of Dr. Jose P. Rizal. The Philippine flag was first flown after the victorious battle against the Spaniards that paved the way to the declaration of independence in June 12, 1898

Battle Of Julian Bridge Marker
Location: Bayang Luma, Imus
At the bridge marker are an 1859 cannon and bullets which functions as silent storytellers of the bloody encounter fought here by the Filipino freedom fighters and the Spanish soldiers in 1899.

Fort San Felipe
Location: Sangley Point Naval Base, Cavite City
This is where the Trece Marites were detained during their inquisition. Also, this structure bore witness to the unsuccessful Cavite Mutiny in January 20, 1872.

House of Gen. Reigo de Dios
Location: Poblacion 2, Maragondon, Cavite
The residence of General Emiliano Riego de Dios and his two brothers, General Mariano Riego de Dios and Colonel Vicente Riego de Dios is considered as one of the oldest houses in the country. The three brave soldiers led several attacks against the Spanish to defend the towns of Naic, Maragondon, and Ternate.

General Artemio Ricarte Marker
Location: Poblacion, Gen. Trias, Cavite
Born in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, Gen. Ricarte is considered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines as the "Father of the Philippine Army". With his nickname "El Vibora" (the viper), he led several successful battles in Cavite, Laguna and Batangas. He also fought during the Philippine - American War and established the MAKAPILI during the World War II.

41st Division USAFFE Marker
Location: Kaybagal South, Tagaytay City, Cavite
Tagaytay was once filled with vast forest and ridges. It is here where members of the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) dropped paratroopers which aided in the liberation of Manila.

11th Airborne Division Marker
Location: Tagaytay City, Cavite
On February 3, 1945, amidst extensive ground fire from the Japanese forces, the 8th Army of the 11th Airbone Division, lead by Lt. Gen. William Krueger were able to send supplies and paratroopers to secure Tagaytay, which aided the Filipinos and American troops in liberating Manila.