Reenactment of Gen. Aguinaldo's oath as President of the 1st Republic at the Shrine of St. Augustine and Parish of Holy Cross in Tanza
(FEATURE)
STEEPED in history, faith, and culinary flavor, Cavite remains one of the most culturally vibrant provinces in the South.
As part of its commitment to promoting regional tourism and local pride, Biyaheng South, Metro Pacific Tollways South (MPT South)’s tourism advocacy program, has launched “Tara! Let’s Explore Cavite,” a full-day heritage tour that brought selected participants on a journey through some of the province’s most iconic churches, landmarks, and local food spots—now made easier than ever to explore, thanks to the Manila–Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX).
The lucky participants were chosen through an online raffle held via the Biyaheng South Facebook page. They were accompanied by media partners, influencers, and a team of talented reenactors who recreated key moments in Cavite’s storied past, which made the tour more meaningful and unique.
Exploring Cavite’s Iconic Churches
The province’s heritage tour started in Kawit at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Mary Magdalene, an 18th-century church that stands as one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines. Known for housing the miraculous image of Santa Maria Magdalena, it has long served as the spiritual center of the town. This church is also historically significant as the baptismal site of General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first President of the Philippines.
How to get there: From Metro Manila, take CAVITEX and exit at Marulas Exit. The Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Mary Magdalene is just a short drive from there.
From there, the group visited the Diocesan Shrine of Saint Augustine and Parish of Holy Cross in Tanza. While Kawit pays homage to Santa Maria Magdalena, Tanza honors St. Augustine—the town’s patron saint. They then went to Sta. Cruz Convent Museum, just right beside the church. This museum features a carefully curated collection of religious artifacts, vintage memorabilia, and traditional artworks that reflect the deep faith and rich cultural identity of Tanza.
How to get there: From Metro Manila, simply take CAVITEX via Roxas Boulevard, then head straight to Centennial going to Tanza.
After, the participants went to General Trias where they marveled at the St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church, another heritage structure known for its Spanish-era architecture and significance in local religious tradition.
How to get there: From Metro Manila, simply take CAVITEX via Roxas Boulevard or Coastal Road, then head straight to Centennial going to General Trias.
Walking Through Cavite’s Revolutionary Past
After a heritage-rich morning, the group headed to Café Antix in Cavite City for lunch, where local flavors met modern twists in a cozy, retro-inspired setting.
After the meal, the tour continued with visits to historically significant landmarks in Cavite City. First on the list was the Ladislao Diwa Shrine, the preserved ancestral home of Don Ladislao Diwa, one of the founding members of the Katipunan. Recognized for his pivotal role in the Philippine revolution, the site has been declared a national shrine by the National Historical Institute (NHI)—a lasting tribute to his legacy and contribution to the country’s fight for independence.
Then, they went to Plaza De Armas, 13 Martyrs Monument, a solemn landmark honoring the brave Caviteños who were executed by Spanish authorities on September 12, 1896, for their alleged involvement in the Philippine Revolution. The monument stands as a powerful symbol of sacrifice and patriotism. After, they went to Samonte Park, a popular public space for locals to unwind.
The Ka-Biyaheros then enjoyed a rare chance to explore Fort San Felipe, a historical site located within the Philippine Navy’s Naval Base in Cavite. Originally built by the Spanish in 1609, the fort served as a military stronghold designed to protect the province’s coastline from pirates and foreign invaders. During the tour, the participants were given an exclusive walkthrough of the fort’s restricted interior, allowing them to walk through old corridors and stone courtyards that echoed centuries of history.
The day wrapped up with a guided tour of the newly renovated Cavite City Hall. Beyond its government function, the City Hall has become a cultural and civic hub with new developments that reflect the city’s vision for inclusive growth. At the back of the building lies the Unlad Cavite Pier, a scenic baywalk-style destination that offers a stunning panoramic view of Manila Bay. Here, participants took a relaxing pause to enjoy the sea breeze. Adjacent to the pier is the newly constructed amphitheater, a public performance space designed to host cultural shows, events, and community gatherings.
How to get to Cavite City: From Metro Manila, simply take CAVITEX via Roxas Boulevard, then head straight toward Marulas Exit going to Tirona Highway. After the Aguinaldo Shrine, turn left onto Magdiwang Highway, then to Tabon. Once you get to Jollibee Noveleta, turn right. From there, it’s just a few minutes to the city proper.
“We hold a deep conviction that heritage should be actively experienced rather than merely recalled. Cavite is a treasure trove of narratives that have significantly influenced our nation’s history. With Biyaheng South’s ‘Tara! Let’s Explore Cavite,’ we are honored to illuminate these vital heritage sites and invite everyone to engage with the rich cultural tapestry they represent,” stated Arlette V. Capistrano, Vice President for Communication and Stakeholder Management at MPT South.
“Tara! Let’s Explore Cavite” leg of our Biyaheng South is more than just a road trip—it’s a celebration of heritage, culture, and identity. Through initiatives like this, MPT South continues to shine light on the stories that shaped our nation. With Cavite’s cultural gems just a smooth drive away via CAVITEX, there’s no better time to explore, learn, and rediscover the roots of our history, one destination at a time.
