Bahay Paniki Cave

The Bahay Paniki Cave (House of Bats) is located 300 meters south of the Aguinaldo Cave.  This par of the National Park is not easy to penetrate due to some sharp and slippery stones.  Since the area is composed of plants, it serves as the home of some poisonous snakes, scorpions and insects.   Look at the photo on the left, that's how the entrance looks like.  The opening is really enormous and surrounded by huge boulders.  The trees and some plants already created their own group in the mouth of the cave.  I was standing few meters from the mouth, but I actually smell something I couldn't recognize and the guide told me that it's the bats poops.  I also heard the noise comming from the cave and I am pretty sure that it's from the bats.

The boulders are really huge, I think it's like a two storey building tall.  Then beside the cave is the flowing water comming from the rocks inside the cave.  The color wasn't great, I don't know why, but it's so cold.  Inside this cave is an open space which stretches 30 meters up forming a colorful, gorgeous and spacious dome.

Basilica Minore de Immaculada Concepcion

Right after the Barasoain Church, Jose Conjuanco Mansion and in front of Maloos City Hall, you can see this lovely place.  The whole Malolos City is a simple town in terms of road plan, you just ride a jeepney from Bulacan Capital Building or the best thing you can do is to ask he people around if where is your destinations, they can actually help you.  So, now here the history of this historical convent:

PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC

In this convent, General Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy as President of the First Philippine Republic, held his office from September 10, 1898 to March 29, 1899.   It is now the seat of the Diocese of Malolos, and has been the bastion of faith for the past centuries and beside this old church is the tree planted by Pres. Aguinaldo.

The predominant feature of the Cathedral-Basilica is the semi-circular arch in its lower part. The facade is divided by single and coupled Doric columns in three segments, and is dominated by large semi-circular arches of the openings in the first level, and the smaller ones superimposed on the second level which are alternately semicircular and segmented. source: www.wikipedia.org

The Kalayaan Tree (Tree of Freedom)

This centuries-old tree has been a living witness to many historic events that transpired on this hollowed plaza.  It was planted by Pres. Aguinaldo during a lull in the historic Malolos Convention.

When General Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy used the nearby convent as Palacio Presidencial from September 10, 1898 to March 29, 1899.  He transacted many affairs of states under the shade of this tree. Beside the bell tower of this historical structure is the tower of bells.  The bells that attracts attention of the tourist because of the position, the number of bells and the brilliant gold color of it.  This historical landmark and the foundation of faith of Roman Catholic is just 30 minutes jeepney ride from Bulacan Capitol for nine pesos.  Almost in front of Malolos City Hall and just few meters from Barasoain Church and Casa Real Shrine.

Casa Real Shrine

The photo on the left is the Historical Casa Real Shrine

After Barasoain Church and the Jose Cojuanco Mansion, just few steps you can reach this old house.  Actually in the whole area, it's not the only old house which you can see.  There are several of them which can enjoy.  From Malolos City, you can actually walk few meters to reach this place, from Bulacan Provincial Capital, you can take a jeep for 8 pesos.  Based on what I've heard, this mansion has a cleaning schedule every Monday.  That's the main reason why I didn't took a photos inside.

This house 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.

This is the Balete tree on the backyard of the house.  As you can see, the tree is like an old plant that witnessed everything happened few years ago.

This is the rear view of the house - A printing press during the Malolos Republic, the Casa Real was restored in 1852 and converted into a municipal library. 

At the garden inside the residence.

This Cannon is maybe century old. . . .

The Front view - It became the seat of the American military government, then turned into a hospital in 1923, an annex to the Bulacan High School in 1941 and was the Japanese Chamber of Commerce headquarters during the Japanese Occupation.

Taken at the bridge beside the compound. It is now a museum under the management of the National Historical Institute and serves as the final repository of still existing memorabilia. This structure played a gigantic role in Philippine Republic.  One of the permanent exhibits of Casa Real Shrine are relics of the Brave Women of Malolos of whom Rizal wrote a poem to honor their courage of setting up a school against objections from the towns friars.

This preserved historical house is 30 minutes ride from Bulacan Capitol, few meters away from Barasoain Church, Malolos City Hall and the Basilica Minore de Immaculada Conception.

Ambush Cave

This  is the first place that we  visited for my "30 Hours Historical Adventure in Bulacan", together with Cath and our guide.  At first, I was afraid to enter this place, of course, I can't explain that feeling.  The area is really dark, and given the fact that there are some organisms that can bite me which can result to an infections, I am just thinking of an incident I saw from a movie.

This ambush cave or the Yungib 1 has a narrow and long cavern inside. There were several battles happened in this cave; this was the place where the Katipuneros brought the Spaniards and killed them. But instead of killing the Spanish soldier, the Katipuneros killed the other Katipuneros and the Spaniards killed the Spaniards, because the place was really dark and they didn't recognize that they were killing their own group members.

This is the long and narrow space inside the Ambush Cave.  The mud inside is reddish and the walls have its own art and shapes formed by the nature as the time goes by.

This is the exit in the rear part of the Ambush Cave.  The stalactites formed a great shapes and looks like it will fall because its hanging like the bats.  This is just a one of the Caves in Biak na Bato National Shrine that General Emilio Aguinaldo used to hide from the Spaniards and at the same time fought against them.

This historical place is under the management of the Department of Tourism with the help of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of San Miguel, Bulacan in cooperation with the local government and Guides.

Hospital Cave

 This is part of my "30 Hours Historical Adventure in Bulacan"

This cave is just few meters from Yungib I and Yungib II, no need to worry about the trail, this time, the trail was quite muddy, but if you are planning to visit this place on summer, everything will be fine.  While going to this cave, you can enjoy the environment, the fresh air and the gorgeous scenes.

This Cave serves as the Hospital during the Katipuneros.  This was the dwelling of those people who got shoot or got ill during the battle against the Spaniards. Together with the my two guides, we had a short prayer (in Portuguese or latin) in a form of a Pasyon (a native song)  for those people who sacrificed their lives just for our Freedom against the Spaniards. Below are the photos taken in the cave:

Inside this cave are gorgeous rock formation, some stalactites and stalagmites already met and formed a new image.  In this cave, there are rock formation which is like a part of a human anatomy.  That big mountain like stalagmite is actually there for few centuries and it is still alive, so I suggest if you will be going to this historical place, DO NOT HOLD OR TOUCH this elegant rock to preserve them.

 WHY DONNOT TOUCH THE STONE? since the rock buildup is formed by minerals precipitating out of the water solution onto the old surface; skin oils can alter the surface where the mineral water will cling, thus affecting the growth of the formation.  Oils and dirt from human contact can also stain the formation and change its color pernanently. - source: www.wikipedia.org

Imbakan Cave

This is part of my "30 Hours Historical Adventure in Bulacan"

Another cave which played a great part during the period of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo was this cute cave, just few meters from Yungib I and Yungib II.  Among the three caves in this area, this is the smallest in terms of space.While inside this cave, the guides explained the history of it and how it gave a huge impact to our country.

This Yungib III or the Imbakan Cave played a big role during the fight against the Spaniards.  This was the place where the Katipuneros (Filipino Revolutionaries) stored their foods, medicines, bullets, ammunition and other things that they were using during the fight.

It was Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo's headquarters in Talisay, Batangas that were surrounded by Spanish forces, that made him to pick 500 men and proceeded to this area (Biak na Bato.)

This Cave is just few meters from Yungib II or the Hospital Cave because this is the place where they stored their medicines, this cave is guarded by large column stalagmites joined by same size stalactites and formed an amazing architectural structure.

Tanggapan Cave

This is part of my "30 Hours Historical Adventure in Bulacan"

Aside from the ambush Cave, Hospital Cave and Imbakan Cave, you can also visit this cave nearby.  In this cave, I felt sad because of some writings on the walls, it was written by some tourists who visited this cave.  I think the guides and management should do something else to prevent vandalism to all the heritage sites in the country.

This cave serves as the office and the recruitment area of the Katipuneros (Filipino Revolutionaries) including Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, for their new members .  This is also the place wherein the new recruits were being oriented about the plans in fighting against the Spaniards.

This time, the ambiance inside this cave is cool and good, because the ceiling is higher (unlike during Katipuneros.) According to the guide, the reason why the ceiling became higher was that, several storm flooded the whole area and deepen the soil elevation inside the Cave.

perfect view of Mt. Susong Dalaga

After reminiscing that important historical event, just a short walk then you'll see this view. Farming industry is the main source of their livelihood in the area. Trekking is the only way to reach this location, so please be advised to bring trail water and foods; also don't forget to bring flashlight with you for some of the dark caves.  You can also bring insect repellent lotion for insect bites.

Guiguinto Old Train Station

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 Wlang Sugar" which was later made into a movie entitled "Walang Sugat." - source: www.bulacan.gov.ph

MAIN CONCERN:

Since I have no idea on the exact location of this special artifact, after getting off the jeepney from Plaridel, Bulacan, I tried to ask some residents if they know about it, but unfortunately they don't.  I looked for some tricycle drivers, some know, but some don't, maybe because they are younger?  Their was an old driver, he was the one who know more about it, but he's not sure if that is the location that I am looking for.  Just to make sure, I tried to visit that landmark.

St. Agustine Church

After the Biak na Bato National Park escapade and the church hunting along the highway, I was going to my friend's house to spend my night there.  Since there were no other routes that I can take, just the highway passing the mall in the area.  So I  decided to get off the jeep in the entrance of the mall then took a short break.  I was in SM Baliaug to take a rest and to do some personal stuff in the mall.  My backpack was still on my back and I was looking for a nice place to take a few minutes of rest and then do some review in my list.

I finally saw one table and a chair in the food court available, so I grabbed it.  Wow! the feeling was so great, after few hours of walk, finally I've got the perfect rest with cool ambiance.  The Ice Tea that I bought there cleans my tired throat a lot!  While staring on others activity, I realize that I still have time and I need more place to visit nearby, until I saw my list and it's within the area, so I ask some people and drivers outside the mall and here's the first church of Baliuag.

The church was built by Father Gregorio Giner.  But, in 1830, Father Esteban Diaz rebuilt this structure and in 1866 the Bell Tower was completed by Father Matias Novoa.  July 19, 1880, this church was damaged by an  earthquake and was repaired by Father Thomas Gresa. Constructed between 1769 to 1774, the style of Baliuag church is Baroque as seen on the facade and interiors.  Damaric tension is created by the interplay of volumes and openings.  The Practico is the late addition which mars the complete layout of style. - source: www.bulacan.gov.ph

This is a small monument near the entrance of the Church

Since this structure is almost in the middle of Baliuag, the government created a small park beside the Baliaug Clock Tower.  The open space serves as the resting place of those people from the church and for the tourist as well.  In the left side, their is a small portion that they put some food stalls, perfect for Backpackers and tourists.

Calapan Port

This port serves as one of the gateways located in Oriental Mindoro, which is the most busy port in the province.  Few weeks ago, I had a chance to visit the Province of Mindoro for my very first Solo-Backpacking and exciting post " A Simple Life within 24 Hours" This port is really clean; from their facilities and some other things inside the port area. The ticketing office is also well-maintained and organized. The guards I've approached  were also friendly. Plus, as a traveler, one of the most important is the WiFi connection present in the terminal, so I was able to update my Twitter and Facebook to my fans.  If you are going to Puerto Galera and other gorgeous places in Oriental Mindoro, it will be the gateway.

just got off the Supercat, now while walking on the port

the busy Calapan Port

we just left the port area, GOODBYE Calapan!

Before the end of this month, I will be going to go back to North Uyao, Oriental Mindoro to get some Horror stories that I will be going to feature in this blog next month.  So, be ready to the Engkanto (ghosts stories.)

Starlite Navigator

The once in the life time experience in North Uyao was very rewarding.  I enjoyed a lot everything in that province.  The people were to kind to me.  And the fact the it's my first Solo Travel, so I really love it!

 

After the amazing experience in North Uyao, Roxas Oriental Mindoro, while I was on the way going back to Manila, I took another sea vessel from Calapan Port to Batangas Port.  That was my first time to visit Mindoro, and that was also the first time to take the Starlite Navigator.

I love the ambiance of Starlite Navigator, because it has an open space on the top, and the fresh air can pass and penetrate intire roof deck area.  Suggestion: need to have more improvements on the comfort rooms on the RD. 

My entire travel with this vessel was great because passengers that time was lesser compared to the maximum number of passengers, so I was able to do everything.

Batangas Port

The photo on the leftis the bridge that connects the Port Terminal to the Ship dock.

Batangas Port is located on the northeast section of Batnagas Bay along the southwester part of Luzon.  It is under Barangay Sta. Clara, Batangas City.

It's total land area of 150 hectares serves as the center of transportation of products and as the  trading point for all industries.

It is also the main gateway for Mindoro, Tablas, Romblon and other nearby island.

Got posted on Extra Challenge FB wall!

I am now wating for the airing of this year's Extra Challege!!!

so now, you already have my profile, you now have an idea

 about my face.

2Go former SuperCat

As part of my Simple Life within 24 Hours, I took this fast craft for the fastest way.

I left Manila so early, but I took the bus which wasn't on the fast lane route, so I arrived in Batangas so late, since I need to reach Mindoro early, I took this sea vehicle for 1 hour travel time.

The Supercat Fast Ferry Corporation (Supercat) is a shipping company that operates a fleet of High Speed Catamarans (HSC) in the Philippines and is part of the transport and logistics service arm of 2GO Group, which is fully owned by the Negros Navigation.^[1] Supercat is the sister company of SuperFerry & Cebu Ferries. Supercat is currently operating 7 vessels in 7 ports around the Philippines. - article from Wikipedia.org

I had a chance to travel using one of their vessels with Batangas Port to Clapan Port route.  This Company was great; from Ticketing crews - they instructed me on what to do next; Time - they stick on the schedule - departure: 10:30AM arrival: 11:30AM, at exactly an hour, we arrived on the port of destination; Vessel - the vessel itself is clean,  has an adorable color and has a outshining design; they have complete in terms of Facilities.