ADVOCATES FOR HERITAGE PRESERVATION DOES MALOLOS

Barasoain Church, Malolos, Bulacan

One of he reasons why I do what I do is because I feel that the Philippines has so much to offer. Yes, we have such fine virgin beaches, such amazing natural wonders, such a beautiful, bountiful country which varies in topography. But we also have a rich cultural heritage brought about by centuries of colonization. 

Jose Cojuangco heritage house

Naturally, as a Mabuhay Guide, I want to showcase only the best of what our country has to offer. However, because most Filipinos who have reached the pinnacle of political and/or religious power, believe that in order to improve something it has to be made "new" again, I cringe at having to show tourists sites with commentaries beginning with... "this was formerly...." or  "this site was"...

Dr. Luis Santos heritage house

And when I became a member of the Advocates for Heritage Preservation, I realized I wasn't alone in wanting to preserve  whatever remaining vestiges we have of our glorious past. After all, my concern is that I have less and less visual points to show guests as we go around the country.

Sala of the Pink House

The recent visit of  Advocates for Heritage Preservation to Malolos was a revelation. Yeah, I've been to Malolos countless times. This was fun, though as for the first time I was going with people I had only met on Facebook. Aside from meeting new friends, I was being allowed to enter the few remaining heritage homes in Malolos, Bulacan. 

Sala of Antonio Bautista heritage house

There were more than a hundred AHP members who went on this recent trip. Indeed, the AHP is growing in number. Our ages, interests, preferences and vocations may vary but it is our love for heritage that brings us together. Thanks to Tito Encarnacion for serving as the glue that brought us together! It was also on this tour that I met the great grandson of the Sublime Paralytic, Apolinario Mabini as well... Jun Mabini is his name.

Apolinario "Jun" Mabini IV

Malolos was the seat of power of the short-lived Philippine Republic. And then, the Americans snapped the movement towards independence when they started to occupy the Philippines and impose their brand of control through the Benevolent Assimilation. So it was only normal that some patriarchs would re-locate there and some of the wealthy families living in the area lent their palatial homes to the insurrectos to further their cause.

Don Antonio Bautista heritage house

However, after we gained our independence and as time progressed, these homes have been passed on to succeeding generations who have made adjustments and lived in these homes. Some families have made it a point to retain the genteel and noble quality of their ancestral homes. The others, have succumbed to the demands of commercialism and have given way to establishments - 7/11's or thereabouts.

Enriquez heritage house in Bulakan, Bulacan

But from the featured homes that we saw, we only had admiration for how elegant and how well-maintained they have been. To have survived generations of war, pollution, mis-use and abuse they remain fine examples of the best homes money can afford at that time. As a side note, we were also treated to Bulacan's distinct  cuisine. We were given a taste of heritage recipes that the country's patriots were accustomed to. We tried delicacies specific to Malolos and Bulakan. Lunch was at a gabaldon (early American colonial) school building. And then we had merienda at the Enriquez ancestral home where there was a short drama presentation on the Katipunero struggle for independence. By the time the tour ended it was nearly five p.m. That was how much fun we had!

Katipunero flag