On August
26, 2019, the Philippines will again be celebrating their annual National Heroes Day. It's the one day
of the year where Filipinos get to celebrate all the country's heroes, both the
glorified ones and the countless unsung ones.
But, have you ever wondered when the National
Heroes Day first celebrated? Well, here's a quick trivia for ya'll! It was
first celebrated during the American Colonial Period but it was originally
scheduled on the last Sunday of August. It was only until the former
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed the Republic Act No. 9492 which moved
National Heroes Day on every last Monday of August.
Some will see this holiday as an opportunity
to go on vacation because why not? It's going to be a long weekend after all!
ILOCOS REGION
If time-traveling is your thing, then Ilocos is
where you should be. This place is known for its old-world charm from
well-preserved old Spanish houses, hundred-year-old churches, cobblestone
streets, to amazing lighthouses! There are also several museums here that
showcase Ilocos' history and culture as well as prominent families'
memorabilia.
One notable attraction here is the Calle
Crisologo in the Heritage City of Vigan. It was named after Marcelino
"Mena" Crisologo, which is a prominent Ilocano Poet, writer, and
politician. Everywhere you lay your eyes on in this street will make you forget
that you're living in the modern world! Check out the old Spanish-style houses
here that remained as it is while some were turned into hotels, souvenir shops,
restaurants, and even museums.
Enjoy an insightful Walking Heritage tour
at Calle Crisologo either by foot or by riding a horse-drawn calash or Kalesa!
Sights to See: Calle Crisologo, Paoay Church, Juan Luna
Shrine, Sinking Bell Tower, Paoay Church
CEBU ISLAND
Especially on
the National Heroes Day, one cannot afford to miss the place where the first
hero of the Philippines from! Who is it? It's none other than, Lapu-Lapu! He
was a native and ruler of Mactan who initiated the very first resistance
against the Spaniard's occupation. It was him that defeated and
killed the Portuguese conquistador, Ferdinand Magellan.
His bravery
inspired lots of locals and is widely celebrated up until now. To commemorate
his triumph, he has his own bronze statue that stands tall at Mactan Island
where the infamous Battle of Mactan took place. Make sure to pay a visit there
to take a closer look!
Sights to See: Mactan Shrine,
Fort San Pedro, Magellan’s Cross, Colon Street, Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House
MANILA
When in Manila, you've probably seen its
towering skyscrapers, modern malls, and even its lively nightlife, however,
beyond this bustling metropolis are several remarkable historical sites that
had been witness to both the dark and glamorous past of the Philippine.
If you can't travel far this holiday, Manila is
your best option! You can start off by visiting the famous "Walled City of
Intramuros". From there, check out Fort Santiago, Rizal Shrine, Bahay
Tsinoy, and even Manila Cathedral! All these spots exude an amazing appeal that
will surely leave you in awe!
There are also some places here such as Rizal
Park and Mausoleum for Veterans of the Revolution (Mausoleo Delos Veteranos de
la Revolucion) at the Manila North Cemetery, that'll host various events to
acknowledge the brave Filipinos who fought for the independence of the country.
Historic delights aside, Manila also has a
great options of hotels where you can savor a relaxing staycation experience!
Sights to See: Intramuros,
EDSA Shrine, Rizal Park, National Museum of the Philippines, Escolta Area
BATAAN
Often
underrated but Bataan is one of the best places in the Philippines to learn
more about World War II; It was the American's last stronghold and location of
the infamous Death March.
As you explore
Bataan on National Heroes Day, you'll get to see markers, museum, and statues
that holds more than just history, but also all the memories of the brave heroes
who fought fearlessly for their beloved country!
One of Bataan's
iconic sites is the Mount Samat National Shrine or Dambana ng Kagitingan. It's
a cross-shaped edifice erected to commemorate our fallen heroes. Aside from
this, you can also have a historical adventure at Las Casas de Filipinas de
Acuzar - an open-air museum of antique
mansions, brick streets, balsa transport, and other structures that are
well-preserved from the Spanish Colonial period.
Sights to See: Bataan World War II Museum, Zero Kilometer
Death March Marker, Mount Samat National Shrine, Las Casas Filipinas de Azucar
CAVITE
Top of the list
is Cavite! In here, you'll get a good glimpse of the what Filipinos did during
the Philippine Revolution as well as the previous wars inside parks, ancestral
houses, museums, and at historical landmarks. Good thing, Cavite is just a
stone-throw away from Manila, so it can be a great place for a quick weekend
drive.
Cavite is also
known as the birthplace of the Philippine Independence and apart from that,
many Filipino heroes are known to be born in here including the first president
of the Philippine Republic, Gen Emilio Aguinaldo. His home in Cavite was turned
into a museum where the public can find his personal memorabilia and more
artifacts. From the outside, there is a park with a promenade, pools, and
a garden where Aguinaldo’s 1924 Packard limousine car and the tomb
where he was interred are displayed. There are also a number of monuments here
worth visiting such as the Battle of Binakayan, Battle of Zapote, and
Battle of Imus.
Whether you're a history geek or just want to
rediscover your Filipino identity, make sure to visit Cavite!
Sights
to See: Corregidor Island,
Aguinaldo Shrine, Battle of Binakayan, Battle of Binakayan Monument
Have you decided which destination you’ll go to?
Well, if that’s the case, make sure to start planning your long weekend trip
now!
***
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