Visiting Hen. Baldomero Aguinaldo y Baloy Shrine
The Baldomero Aguinaldo Shrine is in Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite. A memorial to General Baldomero Aguinaldo, a key figure in the Philippine Revolution and first cousin of Emilio Aguinaldo, the first President of the Philippines, it was once Baldomero’s official residence. Built in 1906, the two-story house is now a museum managed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). Its exhibits include relics and memorabilia that offer a glimpse into Baldomero’s life and the lifestyle and struggles of his era (Bluedreamer27, Wikipedia).
History
Early life and family
Baldomero Aguinaldo y Baloy was born on February 26, 1869, in Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite. His well-off family owned substantial agricultural lands in Cavite. Their affluence enabled him to receive an education, uncommon during the Spanish colonial period. He studied at Colegio de San Juan de Letran and later at the University of Santo Tomas, where he earned a law degree.
Role in the Philippine Revolution
Baldomero played a significant role in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. He was a key figure in the Magdalo faction of the Katipunan, the revolutionary society founded by Andres Bonifacio. Named after Mary Magdalene, the Magdalo faction was based in Cavite and was one of the uprising’s most active groups.
Baldomero helped organize the Magdalo chapter in Kawit and served as president of its council, working closely with his cousin Emilio. His leadership and organizational skills contributed to the faction’s early successes. He took part in several battles, including the Battle of Imus and the Battle of Binakayan-Dalahican.
Battle of Binakayan-Dalahican
Fought from November 9 to 11, 1896, in Binakayan and Dalahican in Cavite, this was one of the Philippine Revolution’s most significant battles. Baldomero and Emilio Aguinaldo played crucial roles. Although outnumbered, the Filipino forces defeated the Spanish troops in what was the revolutionaries’ first major victory. It boosted their morale and demonstrated their ability to challenge Spanish colonial rule, while strengthening the Aguinaldo cousins’ leadership in the movement.
The Filipino forces’ success was attributed to the strategic trench system designed by General Edilberto Evangelista (Wikipedia).
Tejeros Convention
The Tejeros Convention, held on March 22, 1897, aimed to resolve the leadership dispute between the Magdalo and Magdiwang factions of the Katipunan. Baldomero was elected Treasurer of the newly formed revolutionary government, known as the Republica Filipina. Emilio Aguinaldo was elected President, and Andres Bonifacio, founder of the Katipunan, was elected Director of the Interior.
The election reflected the growing influence of the Magdalo faction. The convention also led to internal conflicts, particularly between Emilio Aguinaldo and Bonifacio, which eventually resulted in Bonifacio’s arrest and execution (Wikipedia).
Pact of Biak-na-Bato
Signed on December 15, 1897, the Pact of Biak-na-Bato was an agreement between the Spanish colonial government and the Filipino revolutionaries. It aimed to end hostilities and grant the Philippines self-rule within three years. Baldomero, then Treasurer of the revolutionary government, was one of its signatories.
Under the pact, Emilio Aguinaldo and other revolutionary leaders agreed to go into exile in Hong Kong in exchange for monetary compensation and amnesty. The Spanish government failed to fulfill its promises, hostilities resumed, and the pact did not achieve its objectives, though it brought a temporary cessation to the revolution (Philippine History).
Later life and legacy
After the revolution, Baldomero remained active in Philippine political and social life. In 1912, he was elected the first president of the Association of Veterans of the Revolution (Asociacion de los Veteranos de la Revolucion Filipina), which aimed to support veterans and their families. He also served as a member of the Philippine Assembly, representing Cavite, and took part in initiatives to promote his constituents’ welfare and develop his hometown. He continued managing his family’s agricultural lands and engaging in farming.
Baldomero died in Manila on February 4, 1915, from heart failure and rheumatism. He was first interred at the Manila North Cemetery; his remains were later exhumed and brought back to his home in Kawit. The shrine commemorates his contributions as a revolutionary and public servant.
In 1982, Baldomero’s grandchildren donated the house to the Philippine government. The Intramuros Administration restored it and transformed it into a museum.
What to see
Architecture and rooms
The house embodies the bahay na bato style, popular during the Spanish colonial period and continued into the American era. It is made primarily of stone and Philippine hardwoods, including molave and narra. Its blue-green and white exterior has simple, elegant decorative details characteristic of early 20th-century architecture. Its durable materials help it withstand the tropical climate.
The ground floor, known as the bodega, served as a working area for storage and household activities. Its practical design uses stone for a sturdy foundation and cooler interior temperatures.
The upper floor contains the main living areas. The living room, or sala, faces the street and is reached by a staircase. It has three windows on each side, made of large glass panes and fixed wooden blinds crafted from Philippine hardwoods. The windows also have ventanillas: small openings between the floor and window sill that provide additional ventilation in the hot, humid climate.
Inside, late 19th- and early 20th-century items, including art, ceramics, and personal memorabilia, show aspects of a prominent Filipino family’s lifestyle during the revolutionary period. Intricate wall carvings and other decorative elements highlight the skill of Filipino artisans.
Events and photography
The shrine hosts special events throughout the year, including commemorations of significant dates in Philippine history and educational programs for students. The ancestral house and its surroundings provide photographic opportunities.
Practical visiting information
Hours, admission, and tours
The shrine is open Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Its hours are also listed as 8 AM to 4 PM. Admission is free; donations are welcome to support the site’s maintenance and preservation. Guided tours are available upon request.
Location, transport, and accessibility
The shrine is on Bisita Street in Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite, close to other historical landmarks. It is accessible by car or public transportation from Manila and from parts of Cavite and Metro Manila. Visitors can take the CAVITEx and follow directions toward Binakayan, Kawit.
The shrine is wheelchair accessible.
Tips
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended for walking through the historical house and surrounding areas in the tropical climate. Weekdays are less crowded, making them an option for a more relaxed visit.
Nearby places
Other historical sites to explore include the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine, the site of the Declaration of Philippine Independence, and Imus Cathedral. The Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine is also among the nearby attractions in Kawit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the visiting hours for the Baldomero Aguinaldo Shrine?
The shrine is open Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Is there an admission fee?
Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Guided tours are available upon request.
Is the shrine wheelchair accessible?
Yes.
What other attractions are nearby?
Nearby attractions include the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine and Imus Cathedral.
