June 12 is one of the most significant date in Philippine history simply because it is the time when our Independence day was proclaimed. Independence was proclaimed on June 12, 1898 and there is no better way to celebrate this special day other than visiting the mansion where our Independence day was declared. The iconic mansion of Emilio Aguinaldo or better known as the Aguinaldo Shrine plays a huge part in Philippine history. It was established in 1845 which was entirely made from wood and thatch. The entire 4,000 square feet property is now a museum that houses various memorabilia related to Emilio Aguinaldo and the declaration of Independence day. So for those who are planning to visit the mansion this coming Independence Day, here are ten things you should not miss!
- The Aguinaldo Park
The park in front of the house created for the Philippine Centennial celebration of 1998. It features a bronze equestrian statue (on horseback) of Aguinaldo set on a marble pedestal. This statue is surrounded by the Declaration of The Philippine Independence Mural (series of black marble walls containing the entire Declaration written in Spanish along with Signatories from the 98 delegates.)
2. The Iconic Front Window
During the independence celebration, the Philippine flag designed by Emilio Aguinaldo was formally unfurled to the people of the nation from the front window of the house. It is also the time when our national anthem was heard! This part of the mansion was once included on the Five peso bill notes.
3. Emilio Aguinaldo’s TombBehind the mansion lies garden with a marble tomb where the first president is interred.Aguinaldo died on February 6, 1964, at the age of 94 at the Veterans Memorial Hospital in Quezon City. The same year, the government declared the mansion as a National Shrine on June 18 through Republic Act of 4039 signed by President Diosdado Macapagal.
4. Aguinaldo’s Personal Effects and Memorabilia
The ground floor of the mansion houses a museum of Aguinaldo’s memorabilia and other historical artifacts. Some of the notable items or personal belongings of the late president includes the Vara De Mano or Ceremonial mace, swords, caps, badges, uniforms, Rayadillo Pants and Shirt (the picture above) and a whole lot more.
5. The Secret Tunnel They said that Aguinaldo Shrine is a house filled with secrets simply because of the many hidden places like this tunnel. There are secret compartments everywhere where items can be hid and there are tunnels that will take you to other nearby places in Kawit. This concrete tunnel will actually lead you to Saint Mary Magdalene Church. The tunnel, however, is no longer accessible on both ends as it is already filled with water.
6. Weaponry Used During The RevolutionAside from the personal memorabilia of Aguinaldo, the museum also features well preserved weapons that were used in some Philippine revolutions. It features wide variety of weapons including pistols, rifles, swords, spears and a whole lot more.
7. Filipiñana Dresses and Tibay Shoes
Located on the second floor is the grand hall, a large meeting room where from its historic front window, the Declaration of Independence was read. It also features different rooms of Aguinaldo’s daughters. Each room showcases well preserved antique furniture but one thing that you can easily notice are the Filipiñana dresses worn and owned by Aguinaldo’s wife and daughters. On the hallway, you’ll find the “Tibay Shoes” worn by Aguinaldo. Tibay Shoes is a brand of shoe founded by Toribio Teodoro.
8. The Balcony of SinnersThe left wing of the mansion will lead you to this balcony. Interestingly, they called it as the Balcony of Sinners. The General playfully named this place as such because it was where the revolutionaries plotted the military strategies.
9. Decorated Ceilings
One thing you will easily noticed upon entering the second floor aside from the wooden antique furniture are the decorated ceilings. This one shows the eight rayed sun which is called the Inang Pilipinas (Mother Philippines). There’s another decorated ceiling with intricate details near the iconic front window and a wood carved image of the Philippine archipelago in the formal dining room.
10. The AtticAlthough not always accessible for public viewing , some visitors can get a chance to take a glimpse of the mansion’s attic which also serves as the watch tower. A very narrow ladder takes one to the top of the tower which is allegedly the favorite spot of Aguinaldo.