The Baldomero Aguinaldo Shrine

UPDATE: Baldomero Aguinaldo Shrine and Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo are now officially open to public after almost a year of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are the things you need to consider before visiting these historical sites

• Walk-in visitors are currently not allowed in the museums. Visitors must book the tour at least 2 days before the visit. You can book via phone call (046 484 7643), through email (museoniemilioaguinaldo@gmail.com), or through their Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/AguinaldoShrine).
• Health protocols will be strictly implemented. Must observe physical distancing and wear facemasks.
• You will be asked to disinfect your hands upon entering the museum. Temperature will be checked too.
• Refrain yourself from touching any items in the exhibits.
• Limited time will be given per gallery.
• No guided tours allowed
• An evaluation form will be handed out by the curator after the tour

Related Article: Virtual Tour: Museo ni Aguinaldo

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The province of Cavite will not be dubbed as the History Capital of the Philippines for no reason. Almost every town of Cavite has special place to offer and each has huge historical significance. You’ll find the Bonifacio Shrine in Maragondon, the Tejeros Convention in General Trias Cavite and of course the iconic Shrine of Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit Cavite. Not to far from the said shrine lies another historical place, the Baldomero Auguinaldo Shrine!
Honestly, I can barely recall the name “Baldomero Aguinaldo” in any of the history textbooks I had in school but considering his surname, I know the fact that he is related to our country’s first president. Baldomero Auinaldo is in fact the first cousin of Emilio Aguinaldo and is one of the three Aguinaldos who became generals of Philippine Revolution. Aguinaldo organized, along with his cousin Emilio, the Magdalo chapter of the Katipunan in Kawit. He became president of the council. In the early days of hostilities, he always stayed at the side of his cousin Emilio. He fought in several bloody battles.The Baldomero Aguinaldo Shrine is located at Bisita St, Kawit, Cavite. Being a pure Caviteño, locating this place wasn’t that hard at all. This single-detached house is not as huge as Aguinaldo Mansion but is definitely worth visiting. After all, the entrance for this place is free of charge (but donation would be a big help for its maintenance). Baldomero Shrine is basically a two-storey house with blue-green and white paint scheme and unlike his cousin’s mansion, this house is adorned with simple details. It is seemingly well maintained too!I was with my sister that time and we were lucky enough that the place wasn’t crowded. I was actually expecting a lot of visitors that day considering that it’s just 2 days before the celebration of Independence day. We were warmly welcomed by Mr Tony , the caretaker. The lower ground floor is widely opened and is very spacious as well. It actually acts as the bodega (store room). It also has party closed rooms which served as the working area.There is nothing much to see in the lower ground floor but it has some stuffs that is worth checking. Upon entering the place, you will be welcomed by this metal bust statue of Baldomero Aguinaldo. An Oil Canvas portrait of Baldomero Aguinaldo.A Rattan-made furniture is also displayed in the room along with antique chairs and tables too. This old iron, saw and pan will surely take your attention!This cannon may not be as huge than what we have seen in Aguinaldo Shrine but this one cannot be left unnoticed!The wooden stairs will lead you to the living room. Visitors will be welcomed by this well-decorated ceiling. The living room or sala is filled with many huge portraits in almost every wall. The panoramic view of the living room showing doors that will lead you to the two bedrooms and the kitchen.An antique piano sitting beside the stair’s balusters Does it remind you of those haunted house in classic horror movies?Coffee table and chairs in the living room.The first room that you will encounter right after you hit the upper floor. Here’s a picture of Cesar Emilio Aguinaldo Virata (Baldomero’s grandson) who was also the fourth Prime Minister of the Philippines from 1981 to 1986. (wow I didn’t know we had such government system like that before).Baldomero Aguinaldo is seemingly fascinated with dear skulls and you’ll find a pair of this in front of one of the bed rooms! I really love the floral ceiling! Reminds me of Shabby ChicThe place is also well-ventilated as it has three windows at each side.Each beadroom will showcase antique furniture. It is very interesting to note that this house was originally built in 1906 (which makes it a century old now) and it is very typical during that era that Philippine houses are often made from hardwood.This house in particular is made from Molave and Narra which provide an excellent natural ventilation. Formal dresses on display. These are probably worn by Baldomero and his wife. The dining areaAnd this buddy is just staring at me. I don’t think it is really comforting to eat on the dining area while seeing this oneLocated beside the dining area is the dirty kitchen and there goes Mr Tony giving us some cool facts to learn.First thing you’ll notice with the kitchen is the flooring. The flooring of the kitchen is made out of bamboo slats which is useful for both ventilation and easy cleaning.An antique stove with antique kitchen ware.More antique wares on display.One of the best things you could ever find in this Shrine is this vintage refrigerator. According to Kuya Tony, the Aguinaldo family used to import special ice overseas which could last for a long period of time. Built outside the comedor (dining area) is a long outside shelf, or banguerra used for drying table ware.That’s me enjoying the view hahaMuch like the Aguinaldo Shrine, Baldomero Aguinaldo’s tomb is also situated on the backyard. Gen Baldomero Aguinaldo died in Manila of heart failure and rheumatism on February 4, 1915 at the age of 45 and was interred at the Manila North Cemetery. His remains were later exhumed and brought back to his home in Kawit. Does it looks familiar? Same outdoor decor with Aguinaldo Mansion right?

How To get Here : 

• From Coastal Mall, ride a bus bound to Dasma Pala Pala. Tell the driver to drop you off at SM Bacoor.
• From SM Bacoor, ride a bus bound to Cavite City, Tanza, Ternate or any passenger buses going south but make sure that they will pass through Binakayan (Do not ride on buses that will pass through Island Cove)
• Tell the driver to drop you off at 7 Eleven Binakayan and from there, you can either ride a tricycle or just walk until you reach the Baldomero Shrine!