Cavite province is rich in culture and
history. Imus, Cavite is the site where the first
successful Philippine revolution was waged. It is also
the place where the flag of the Philippine Republic was
first hoisted to proclaim the country’s
independence.
The province is the birthplace of
Filipino heroes, among them Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, the
first President of the Republic. By contrast, it is a
place which abounds in natural attractions and fantastic
landscapes. The crowning glory of Cavite is Tagaytay
City , the so called "town in the ridges." The ridge is
the viewing arena where Taal Volcano, can be seen in
full panoramic splendor.
Tagaytay City is considered as the
country’s second summer capital next to Baguio City
because of its crisp and cool climate all year round, is
a treasure box of pleasure points by itself.
BRIEF HISTORY
Cavite, the name of the province, is
derived from "Kawit", a Tagalog word for "hook". This
refers to the hook shaped land on Old Spanish maps. The
land was known as "Tangway" where Spanish authorities
evolved a fort from which the city of Cavite grew.
Archaeological evidence in the coastal
areas of Cavite show prehistoric settlements. Folklore
says that the earliest settlers of Cavite were from
Borneo. In the 1600’s encomiendas or Spanish royal land
grants were given in Cavite and Maragondon. The Jesuit
priests who first came brought with them settlers from
Mollucas. These settlers, known as Mardicas, settled on
Ternate and Maragondon. Other settlements grew over the
centuries and by the turn of the century Cavite towns
were already trading with one another. Traditional
industries began to thrive as Manila’s commerce grew.
Cavite like other provinces of Southern Tagalog, began
its involvement for reforms and later on revolution as
its educated citizens began to assert themselves like
many Filipino ilustrados of the time.
In 1872, Filipinos revolted against
Spain. Three Filipino priests - Jose Burgos, Mariano
Gomez and Jacinto Zamora - were implicated in the Cavite
revolt in which 200 Filipinos rose in arms against the
Spanish forces in the garrisons.
On August 28, 1896, when the Philippine
Revolution against Spain broke out, Cavite became a
bloody theatre of war. Led by Emilio Aguinaldo,
Caviteños made surprise attracts on the Spanish
headquarters and soon liberated the whole province.
Aguinaldo directed the Revolution to its end: the
proclamation of the first Republic in Asia, the Republic
of the Philippines, on June 12, 1898 in Kawit.
Cavite and its people, what they are
today, and what will be tomorrow, will remain with
infinity, as a place with glorious history and a people
fortified with strength to live and die for a worthy
cause.
HOW
TO GET THERE:
The historical province of Cavite is
accessible from Manila by land (Buses leave every 30
minutes). Normal travel time to Cavite is approximately
20-30 minutes (if you are going to Bacoor, the closest
town to Manila) or about 2 ½ half hours (to the farthest
point).
By car, exit South Superhighway through
Carmona or Sta. Rosa.
TOURIST INFORMATION
ASSISTANCE
Provincial Tourism
Office:
Provincial Capitol Bldg., Trece Martirez,
Cavite
Tagaytay City Tourism Office:
Tagaytay City
Hall Site
Tel. Nos. (046) 413-0606;
413-1295/1682/4131084
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