Just Around Bulacan

I have been going in and out of Bulacan. But I never really got the chance to know the place pretty well, like what sights to see and what food to eat.

One weekend, my friends and I decided to check out Bulacan. We had to consult Google just to find out what exactly we need to see. Barasoain Church topped the list. So, we went, but not without stopping first at the Museo del Pilar.

The monument of MH del Pilar atop his tomb.

 This is the museum, an exact replica of the ancestral house of MH del Pilar.

 

On the right side of the museum is the mausoleum, with an engraved family tree. Unfortunately, this was not updated, according to the care taker.

 

MH del Pilar is popularly known as Plaridel. He was the editor and co-publisher of La Solidaridad, a newspaper that published articles about the economic, social and political conditions of the Philippines.   

TRIVIA: the editorship was first offered to Jose Rizal, but he refused. Graciano Lopez Jaena showed interest and became the editor instead, who was later on replaced by MH del Pilar.

Some of the works of MH del Pilar.

The buttons on his uniform.

The second floor of the museum was turned into a public library.

Various KKK flags were on display.

Next stop was the Malolos Cathedral, also known as the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception.

  
TRIVIA: The Cathedral served as the Presidential Palace of Emilio Aguinaldo during the First Philippine Republic. He used the convent of the church as his Office.

Inside the cathedral.

  
Finally, we reached the Barasoain Church! 

The Church was declared a national landmark by President Ferdinand Marcos.

How many historical landmarks have you been to? =)

The Barasoain Church is rich in history.  The Malolos Constitution was drafted here and the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic was celebrated here.

Inside the church.

 The intricate carving on the main door of the church:

 

 A garden can be found within the compound of the church:

Malolos, Bulacan is only 2 hours away from Manila. Instead of going to malls on weekends, make this your alternative destination. Get to know historical landmarks and review your knowledge on Philippine history.