'LAKBAY ARAL'. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP)-managed “Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo” (MEA) re-stages its educational tour program this December that explores Aguinaldo’s “secret passage” to serve as an alternative Christmas event for families and friends. Guests are advised to contact MEA to pre-book their visit on the limited available slots (December 07, 14, 21 and 28, with tour schedules at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.). (Photo courtesy of NHCP-MEA)
KAWIT, Cavite -- For those looking for a historical yet fun alternative to the usual malling, shopping and partying this Christmas season, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP)-managed “Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo” (MEA) re-stages its educational tour program "Lakbay Aral" on all Saturdays of December.
Running on December 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., MEA’s “Lakbay Aral” program treats a selected number guests to the secret passages of the four walls of the historic site, which perpetuates to this day the ideals of the 1896 Revolution and the 1896 Proclamation of Philippine Independence, NHCP-Cavite Cluster Head and MEA curator Haidee Paulette Bedruz said.
"Historical accounts reveal that these secret passages were used as Aguinaldo's escape room, or as alternative passages to the mansion's hidden areas," she said in an interview Friday.
Bedruz added that as part of the guided tour offering, the lucky guests will also have the privilege to savor the scenic view of Manila Bay from the vantage point at the shrine’s watchtower.
Dubbed as the “House of History”, Kawit’s Aguinaldo Mansion is the locus of a focal point in the unfolding of Philippine history.
It was originally constructed in 1845 using nipa-and-thatched materials and wood and served as the Aguinaldo family residence from where Gen. Aguinaldo had the vision of a free and proud nation.
A year before Aguinaldo’s death, the house was donated to the Filipino people in 1963 and was placed under the care of the National Museum of the Philippines in 1964.
Later, the Aguinaldo house was declared a national shrine and is now under the care and maintenance of the NHCP.
Interested museum guests may simply register at the shrine gate or through MEA’s official Facebook page. (PNA)
