TRAVEL GUIDE: CASA REAL SHRINE, Bulacan

Casa Real Shrine is one of the must visit historical sites in Malolos City, Bulacan. It was built in 1580, became the town’s Casa Tribunal, Ayuntamiento, and Casa Presidencia Municipal and was the residence and Office of the Gobernadorcillo during the Spanish time.  It was the site of the Imprenta Nacional of the First Republic, where the revolutionary organs La Independencia, El Heraldo de la Revolucion, Kalayaan and Kaibigan ng Bayan were printed., the printing press of the 1896 Constitution and the Heraldo de Revolucion.

Guiguinto Old Trail Station, Bulacan

Built in 1661, the Estacion de Guiguinto (Guiguinto Train Station) is the towns most acclaimed historical landmark and heritage site.  It was upon this that the Katipuneros (Filipino guerillas during the Spanish Regime) ambushed a train from Dagupan, killing six friars, including the parish friar of Guiguinto, Fr. Leocadio Sanchez, and the Spanish doctor. The incident inspired Severino Reyes to author the novel "Opera Walang Sugar" which was later made into a movie entitled "Walang Sugat." - source: www.bulacan.gov.ph 

Jose Cojuanco Mansion, Bulacan

The Jose Cojuangco Mansion in Malolos City, Bulacan is the old and original house of Jose Chichioco Cojuangco (July 3, 1896-August, 1976). He was the former Representative of the 1st district of the province of Tarlac from 1934 to 1946.  He is one of the roots of the Cojuangco clan.    He is the father of  the first woman President of the Philippines Corazon Aquino and grandfather of the former President Benigno Aquino III.This historical landmark is situated in Paseo del Congreso Street, just few meters from Barasoain Church and Casa Real Shrine.

Plaridel Church, Bulacan

Plaridel Church or Quingua Church was established in 1581, that's more than four centuries ago and it is one of the oldest Hispanic churches in Bulacan. Its structure is a barn-style Baroque with Moorish ornamentation. During the British occupation (1762-1763), this church was the place where the money and jewels of San Agustin, in Intramuros, Manila, were kept. There is an octagonal chapel locally called the Simborio chapel surrounded by artistic windows. The people in this area, with the help of the local government, are preserving it's historical value. Also, "Pintakasi ng mga Caballero" or a fiesta for the horse lovers are celebrated in Plaridel, Bulacan. 

San Rafael River Adventure, Bulacan: Location, Rates, How To Get Here

San Rafael River Adventure offers a remarkable, unique and modern way of camping - this generation calls it a "glamping" or glamorous camping. Leaving your work and relaxing somewhere is the perfect way of spending your rest days, agree? But where is that "somewhere?" and "how?" I want to share another stunning tourist attraction and must visit destination in Bulacan. With great facilities, this river resort can definitely give you a WOW factor: from the gorgeous surrounding, relaxing ambiance, water activities, and excellent amenities.

CAMILING PARISH CHURCH: Tarlac Travel Guide

Before hiking Mt. Damas, I visited the Camiling Parish Church or the St. Michael The Archangel Parish Church in Camiling, Tarlac. This historical structure is the oldest church built in the province. It was built at around 18th century but was destroyed several times and was rebuilt in 1880s after the major earthquake. This church was the death place of General Pedro Pedroche and his soldiers who were killed by troops of Francisco Makabulos.

President Ramon Magsaysay’s Ancestral House

Another attraction in Zambales is the ancestral house of the former President Ramon Magsaysay in the Municipality of Castillejos. After celebrating Batang Hamog Mountaineers' 7th Year Anniversary at the Silanguin Cove, this ancestral house was our sidetrip. While heading back to Manila, we decided to stop by because it looks unique and it was the house of the Seventh President of the Philippine Republic. It was Lucky 7, because we are on the 7th Year and we visited the house of the 7th President of the Philippines. Ma-connect lang talaga no?? This ancestral house houses memorabilia, furnitures, photos, medalions, and other materials owned by the the former president.

Mt. Daguldol

Batangas in prominent with their beautiful beaches and outstanding underwater activities but if you want to strike two different destinations in one day, it is possible. Not so  far from the shoreline of San Juan, Batangas, you can find Mt. Daguldol, one of the hiking destinations in the province. This mountain is one of their assets in terms of mountain ranges with beaches on the background. Daguldol is perfect for first time hikers because the trail is simple to moderate, but the beauty on the summit was remarkably beautiful. 

Mt. Manabu, Batangas - an overnight hike guide

Its name is derived from the phrase "Mataas Na Bundok." Mt. Manabu has gorgeous flora and distinct fauna that can be found on the terrain; usually composed of tall hardwood and fruit-bearing trees, coconuts, shrubs and grasses. This type of terrain serves as a paradise for the civet cats that produce expensive coffee. In addition, its summit has a wide view of the mountain ranges from afar and the nearby villages and has a cool and refreshing sea breeze. 

Mt. Malipunyo

Mt. Malarayat is another name given to the Mt. Malipunyo ranges in Batangas, one of the hiking destinations in Southern Luzon. Proximity wise from Manila and nearby provinces, it's a big CHECK. For two to three hours land travel and a whole day trek, you can enjoy the stunning views and extreme experience that can be found on the terrains of this mountain. It is also considered as “first timer friendly,” as it has a simple to moderate trail types. The terrain is abundant with different type of trees and colorful flowers that serve as as paradise of the wildlife.