Aguinaldo Shrine - Cavite

Located in Kawit in the province of Cavite, Aguinaldo Shrine is the ancestral home of General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Philippines. It is famously known as the house where the Filipino flag was formally unfurled to the public after the declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898.

Aguinaldo Shrine

Aguinaldo Shrine history

Constructed in 1845, the house became a silent witness to the shaping of the Filipino nation. It all began on March 22, 1869, when Emilio Aguinaldo was born in one of its rooms. Years later, the house became a meeting place for revolutionaries. It was here that many of the most important revolutionary plans were made. 

Aguinaldo Shrine - Kawit, Cavite

Contrary to popular belief this balcony was not there when the flag was first shown to the Filipinos.

Lastly, the house became a symbol of freedom when the flag a hoisted and shown to the public during the declaration of independence from Spain. This event is known today as the Araw ng Kalayaan or Independence Day. During this celebration, the Philippine flag is raised by top government officials on the balcony of the Aguinaldo Shrine.

The NHI marker on the flagpole in front of the house 

Aguinaldo's statue standing proudly in front of his house

Aguinaldo Shrine undergoing repainting

Speaking of the balcony of Aguinaldo Shrine, there is a common misconception that it was there that the flag was first unfurled. Little did most people know that the balcony was actually added only during its renovation on 1919-1921.

Aguinaldo Shrine facade

June 12, 1898 -Independence Day

Going back to the house, Emilio Aguinaldo donated it to the Philippine government on June 12, 1963. After Aguinaldo died on February 6, 1964, the house was declared as a National Shrine through R.A. 4039 which was signed by then-President Diosdado Macapagal.

Aguinaldo Shrine NHI Markers

Entrance to the museum

Aguinaldo's shoes

Aguinaldo's clothes

Aguinaldo's sword taken from a Spanish officer

The bowling alley in Aguinaldo's house

That's Aguinaldo looking at you

Where do you think can you see this?

The bomb shelter found on the ground floor

Can you guess what Aguinaldo used this "historical" rock for?

The Balcony of Sinners

Aguinaldo's medicine cabinet. Look for his appendix

The Backpack Adventures explores Aguinaldo Shrine

The pictures of Aguinaldo's generals decorate the walls going to the exit.

Today, the Aguinaldo Shrine also includes the Aguinaldo Park which is the area in front of the house. It also included the main road in front of the shrine which is now closed to traffic.

Ground Floor- mostly museum exhibits

Upper /2nd Floor -famous balcony, bedrooms, kitchen, dining area, secret rooms, and exit

3rd Floor - Library, busts, more secret rooms

4th Floor- room of Emilio's son and some secret rooms

5th floor - another bedroom/ viewing area

6th floor- the watchtower with a 360-degree view and a ladder leading up to the 7th floor

7th floor - a small room that serves as a watchtower

During my recent visit, I was lucky enough to meet a distant relative of Emilio Aguinaldo. He toured me and my co-teacher in and around Aguinaldo Shrine. It was he who made it possible for us to go inside the secret rooms through the secret passages (which would not be too secret after this). He also brought us up to the tower where I got the chance to reach its topmost room. Sadly, Aguinaldo's personal car (the 1924 Packard limousine) was not around during our visit (Somebody must have brought it out for a joy ride). 

The view of the top floor from the ground

Aguinaldo's tomb? Nope, that's his washing machine...

...that's where Aguinaldo's mortal remains are buried.

The Backpack Adventures visits Aguinaldo Shrine

Overall, my recent visit to Aguinaldo Shrine broadened my knowledge about our first president. In some way, I also got to see how life was for those who lived during Aguinaldo's time.

Aguinaldo Shrine Entrance Fee:

It's FREE to enter and explore Aguinaldo Shrine. 

Aguinaldo Shrine Operating Hours:

Aguinaldo Shrine is open 8AM - 4PM Tuesdays - Sundays. The shrine is closed every Monday.

Why visit Aguinaldo Shrine?

Aguinaldo Shrine is the best destination to visit if you want to know more about the life of Emilio Aguinaldo. You may want to explore each of the 7 floors of the shrine. This gives one a glimpse of the life of the first president of the Philippines. 

Getting to Aguinaldo Shrine:

From Manila, ride a bus going to Cavite City. The bus would pass in front of the shrine but if you really want to be sure to tell the conductor to drop you off at the shrine. 

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