Dince's Chronicles: THE SCENERIES (TOURIST SPOTS) IN MARAGONDON, CAVITE

THE SCENERIES (Tourist Spots) in Maragondon, Cavite

THE SCENERIES (Tourist Spots) in Maragondon, Cavite

Places of Interests

Adopted by:

Dindo Mojica, C.E., M.Eng

Resident of Maragondon, Cavite

(note: curretly updating)

The town's welcome arch

Maragondon via Google Maps

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How to Get There?

Via Public Transportation

By Bus: From Manila, you may take a bus ride from Southwest Integrated Terminal (former Uniwide Sales in Tambo, Paranaque) and look for the sign of Maragondon, Ternate or Naic routes via Cavite Expressway (Cavitex)

By Private Vehicles: From Manila, you may take the route of Cavite Coastal Road, then turn right going to Cavite Toll Expressway (Cavitex), straight to Kalayaan Diversion Road (Binakayan Interchange to Bacao, Gen. Trias), Antero Soriano Highway (Tanza to Naic) and straight ahed to Governor's Drive (to Maragondon).

Places of Interests

Maragondon has historical sites that are still unknown to many. It has a rich cultural heritage that is a pride not only for the Cavite Province but for the country as well. The municipality refers basically to the many legendary and century-old houses and beautiful sceneries that surround the municipality. It has remnants of the 17^th century structure that could showcase the significant role of the place in historical events of the past.

Maragondon is bounded by range or scenic mountains. Its panoramic view of the sleeping mountain noticeably attracts tourists and passersby. Presently termed as “Hiker’s Paradise”, Maragondon is often visited by mountain climbers, students and researchers who journey to experience the breeze of its mountain peak, Pico de Loro and the Mt. Palay-palay and Mataas na Gulod Protected Landscape which were proclaimed as such since 1975.

Maragondon as a tourist destination has many things to offer: the natural splendour of its scenic mountain ranges which can be seen from as far as Kawit and Bacoor on a clear day, the historic houses, sites and houses of worships, its local culture and rich folk traditions, rock formations and waterfalls, can all be found in this very fascinating town.

HISTORICAL SITES AND LANDMARKS

ANDRES BONIFACIO HERITAGE SITE

(Bonifacio Trial House and Execution Site)

ANDRES BONIFACIO TRIAL HOUSE

Andres Bonifacio Trial House is under the care and management of the National Historical Institute. The house belongs to Mr. Jose Angeles. A typical bahay na bato structure which was built in 1889. It was known as Roderico Reyes house, which was the name of the former owner.

The house served as a venue for the trial of brothers Andres and Procopio Bonifacio in 1897. It was fully restored in 1999 under the Estrada administration. The site is a public museum and is open for visits every day. Admission is free. Location: Barangay Poblacion 2

For more information, you may visit my blog at: Bonifacio Trial House

BONIFACIO EXECUTION SITE, MEMORIAL SHRINE AND ECO-TOURISM PARK

Bonifacio shrine at Mt. Nagpatong, Pinagsanhan B is the exact place where the brothers Andres and Procopio was killed and buried. It was restored by the National Historical Institute. The place is now ideal for camping, garden wedding, picnic and for other special occasions.

For more information, you may visit my blog at: Bonifacio at Mt. Nagpatong

AMBUSH SITE LANDMARK

A significant event during the World War II against the Japanese invaders was the annihilation of one group of enemy soldiers at Barangay Bucal 4 which led to the SONA. This ambush was led by Kapitan Talino del Rosario (Bucal 4B).

For more information, you may visit my blog at Ambush Site.

HISTORIC HOUSE OF WORSHIP

OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION PARISH CHURCH

The 382 year old church was recently declared by the National Museum as a Historical and Cultural Site. This is one of its kind in the province of Cavite. It is noted for its intricate retablos located at the main altars. It has graced numerous book written on church art especially those written by Regalado Trota Jose, a prominent church art scholar. A favorite among its unique features are the impressive doors with very interesting carvings. The pulpit and the tombstones of the famous parishoners of the town including Father Cenon Villafranca and Don Vicente Somoza. In one of its rooms where the Bonifacio brothers where temporary detained. Location: Poblacion 1A.

Fore more information, you may visit my blog at Our Lady of the Assumption

IGLESIA FILIPINA INDEPENDIENTE

As a result of the rift between the influential families of Maragondon and the Archbishop of Manila during the Spanish occupation, the establishment of a Filipino-led religious group came to fruition, the IFI or popularly known to many as the Aglipayan church – claims as one of the oldest beginnings in Maragondon. A new church structure was established a few years ago on the same spot were the original once stood. Location: Poblacion 2B

KAPATIRAN ANG LITAW NG KATALINUHAN (KALK)

A religious group with its beginnings, rooted in Quezon and Laguna provinces. This religious organization has female leaders called Obispa similar to the Babaylan of ancient times. They have a small chapel in honor of some national heroes of our country (most especially Dr. Jose P. Rizal). Commonly called Rizalistas. Location: TulayB, Pantihan 1

KALK at Barangay Tulay-B (Mabacao)

KALK at Barangay Pantihan 1 (Balayungan)

OLD HOUSES

Maragondon has structures built during the Spanish era. They complement to the historical events of the town.

Riego de Dios Ancestral House – an old structure, reminiscent of the house during the Spanish period. This house belongs to the illustrious Riego de Dios clan of Maragondon. Famous members of which were Emiliano and Mariano Riego de Dios. Emiliano became the secretary of War during the time of Andres Bonifacio and Aguinaldo. The house although privately occupied offers a glimpse of the family’s rich history and tradition. A marker in recognition of Emiliano Riego de Dios can be seen outside of the house. Location: Poblacion 2

NHI Marker

Don Vicente Somoza House – the house belongs to a wealthy Chinese mestizo who also assisted the Revolutionary Government of President Emilio Aguinaldo, Don Vicente Somoza is a son of Maragondon. His two-storey house located across the town plaza and adjacent to Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Church. Privately owned.

This is one of the few remaining old structures within the town. In history Somoza is better known as one of the founders of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce and representative of Mati (Davao) in the Malolos Congress.

Biangge House – an old Spanish period said to be used by Katipuneros as their meeting place during the Revolution. The structure is in bad condition and needs to be renovated. Privately owned. Location: Caingin

Punzalan House – a two-storey American colonial house with splendid details. In history, it is the place where General Mariano Noriel gave the document of sentence of the Bonifacio brothers to Lazaro Macapagal. Privately owned. Poblacion 2B

Dolorfino House – a two-storey old house with authentic pieces of family heirlooms. Privately owned. Caingin.

ECO-TOURISM SITES

Mt. Pico de Loro– It is considered the highest mountain of the province of Cavite with an elevation of 664 meters above sea level (MASL), Mt. Pico De Loro is so called because of a unique rock formation (the shape of the beak of a bird, Parrot; so Pico de Loro in Spanish means Parrot’s Beak) near its summit. It was said that the name was given by Spanish mariners who have used the mountain as a directional landmark whenever their galleons approach the port of Manila through Manila Bay. It is where the face and nose of the sleeping beauty looks like.

It is located at the boundaries of Barangay Sta. Mercedes (Patungan) and Nasugbu, Batangas.

Mt. Buntis– it symbolizes the pregnant body of the sleeping beauty. In history, General Aguinaldo and his revolutionary government started their two and a half months of barefoot travel going to Biak na Bato (centennial trial). Located at Barangay Pinagsanhan-B.

Mt. Palay-Palay and Mt. Mataas na Gulod – the long hair of the sleeping beauty.

Mt. Tala and Mt. Palpag – the breasts of the sleeping beauty.

Mt. Hagdang Bato – the legs of the sleeping beauty.

Mt. Talipusa– the feet of the sleeping beauty.

MT. PALAY-PALAY AND MATAAS NA GULOD PROTECTED LANDSCAPE

Under the NIPAS law, the mountains of Mt. Palay-palay and Mt. Mataas na Gulod, a protected landscape was proclaimed as such in 1976 as National Park and it became a Protected Landscape on 2007.

The forest park is located southwest of Manila and bounded on the north by Puerto Azul and the Calumpang Point Philippine Naval Reservation; on the south by timberland; on the east by alienable and disposable lands; and on the west by China Sea. Mt. Palay-palay is 648 meters above sea level. It is predominantly timberland. Vegetative cover is estimated at 62.5% forest and 37.5% non-forest. It has rich varied flora and fauna species.

Waterfalls and Creek at Barangay Santa Mercedes

THE MOUNTAIN RANGES OF MARAGONDON

As viewed in Barangay Malainen Luma, Naic, Cavite

As viewed in Barangay Pantihan 1, Maragondon

As viewed in Barangay Pantihan 2, Maragondon

As viewed in Barangay Talipusngo, Maragondon

As viewed in Barangay Layong Mabilog, Maragondon

As viewed in Barangay Mabato, Maragondon

As viewed in Barangay Tulay-A (Mabacao), Maragondon

As viewed in Alfonso and Tagaytay City

As viewed in Garita-B, Maragondon

As viewed in Poblacion, Ternate, Cavite

As viewed in Tanza, Cavite

Mt. Pico de Loro, as viewed in Santa Mercedes, Maragondon

As viewed in Sta. Mercedes (Patungan), Maragondon (via Manila Bay)

As viewed in Pinagsanhan-B, Maragondon

MARAGONDON RIVER

MARAGONDON RIVER – the fourth longest river system in Cavite. Marvel at those very interesting rock formations as you spend the day in those cottages for hire, especially in the beginning of the summer season. Highly-recommended for picnics. (Bucal 3 and Tulay-A)

(As seen in Mabacao Bridge)

Maragondon River in Tulay-A and Bucal 3

Photo courtesy of my friend, Mr. Adonis Martillana (via Facebook)

Some Rock formations

Pinagsanhan Hanging Bridge

Caingin Hanging Bridge with Floating Balsa

You may also visit my blog post about Maragondon River: http://dincechronicles.blogspot.com/2013/09/maragondon-river.html

BEACHES AND ISLETS

Areas for tourism in Maragondon’s municipal waters are the islets of Carabao and Limbones. The panoramic views and the blue waters of the South China Sea can be inspired by someone. Those areas are suitable for snorkelling, scuba diving, aqua culture, fish breeding and other water activities. These two islets can be developed into a world class tourist spot and research/training island resort.

Beaches of Sta. Mercedes – facing the South China Sea, the blue waters of Sta. Mercedes is a lovely little paradise away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Carabao Island (Fort Frank) – one of the last frontiers of Cavite. It offers splendid view of the coastlines of Cavite Province.

The silence of the cannons of El Fraile (Fort Drum) that guards the entrance to Barangay Santa Mercedes Maragonon makes it almost impossible to imagine that this fortification once was the chief defense mechanism of the town against foreign intruders.

Limbones Cove– a sitio of Sta. Mercedes. This place is a haven for tropical corals and fishes. Although still being disputed by the town of Maragondon in Cavite and Nasugbu in Batangas, historical documents prove that it rightfully belongs to the former town. Excellent for snorkelling and nature tripping.

MARAGONDON TOWN PLAZA

The municipalities in the Philippines, including Maragondon, that were established way back in the early days of Spanish rule were all patterned after the "Spanish-Portuguese Complex". The complex was a scheme devised by a decree given out by Spanish authorities of the time creating a uniform layout for all municipal government centers, with the town hall and the Catholic church facing one another across the community park, called the plaza.

This was done to more easily facilitate the activities of the church and state which were, at the time, one. The plaza became the venue for all official and religious activities and the assembly point for cultural functions.

To this day, the Maragondon Town Plaza has remained the hub of activity in the municipality and continues to be a major link in community building.