Cavite is the perfect road trip for history buffs – and there’s more than landmarks in the land of the Katipuneros. Realliving.com rolls out top reasons why Cavite should be on everyone’s bucket list.
1. Museo de La Salle
Inside the De La Salle University-Dasmariñas campus is a lifestyle museum, which preserves antique family heirlooms such as furniture and decorative objects in recreated 19th century rooms. (De La Salle University Campus, Dasmariñas)
2. Kadiwa Park
It may not be as huge as the one in the movie, but this version of Jurassic Park does not scrimp on the size of sculpture and animatronics. (Congressional Road, Dasmariñas)
3. Aguinaldo Shrine
The site of the Philippine declaration of independence, this well-conserved home of the country’s first president Emilio Aguinaldo has a mix of Hispanic and American Colonial design elements, as well as secret compartments and passageways. It was said that the tower was used as a look-out post for arriving Spanish soldiers. (Manila-Cavite Road, Kawit)
4. Museo ng Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio
Life-size dioramas that depict the historic trial of Andres Bonifacio in a military court are housed in this museum. (Col. C. Riel St., Maragondon)
5. Cuenca Ancestral House
Also called Bahay na Tisa because of its roofing made from baked clay, this ancestral home is also known as Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo’s temporary residence before his office was transferred to Malolos, Bulacan. (Gen. Evangelista St., Bacoor)
6. Qubo Qabana
Coconut trees surrounding the pool and a row of bahay kubo-themed cottages give this place a relaxing resort vibe. (Km 29, Aguinaldo Highway, Dasmariñas)
7. The Orchard Golf & Country Club
The picturesque sight of the mountains serves as a bonus to this 18-hole championship golf course. (Km 27 Aguinaldo Highway, Dasmariñas )
8. Immaculate Conception Parish Church
This church, which dates back to the Spanish colonial period, has a portico in front and two bell towers on each side. (P. Campos Ave., Dasmariñas)
9. Boracay de Cavite
An unlikely beach resort located inside the Gregorio Lim Marine Base, this destination also gives a view of Corregidor Island and the Mariveles mountain range in Bataan. (Calumpang, Ternate)
10. Bacoor Family Ecopark
Find a playground, a lagoon for fishing and boat riding, several kubo-type huts, and even a multipurpose hall for social gatherings here at this leisure park. (21 De la Cruz St., Phase II-A, Bacoor)
11. Calle Real
One of Tanza’s oldest houses was transformed into this well-loved restaurant. It serves traditional Cavite dishes (like squid pancit or pancit choko) all made using recipes handed down from generation to generation. (8 Sta. Cruz St., Tanza)
12. The Black Apartment
Imus is having a foodie renaissance of sorts, and The Black Apartment doesn’t disappoint. An all-black façade complements the black-and-white interiors, with blackboard walls highlighting its menu of cheeseburgers, chicken, and fries. (Jed Padre Apartment C Osteria St. Medicion 1A, Imus)
13. Big Ben’s Kitchen
Don’t be fooled by this small, no-frills resto. Its walls that are covered in graffiti from the notes of its adoring diners will attest to the deliciousness of its specialty: its sinful, garlicky, Imus longganisa. (385 Medicion 1D, Imus)
14. Casa del Celo
Inside this restaurant (which is part of an old house that is the restaurant Café Marcello) that serves almost all your favorite comfort food—from cheeseburgers to chopsuey—is a bookshelf covering an entire wall, which makes for a perfect backdrop for a few tufted accent chairs. (104 General E Topacio St., Imus)
15. Café Antix
The antique items used as décor in the café bring about a nostalgic feel. Their coffee (along with its latte art) is delicious, and don’t forget to order their Cavite specialty—Bacalao Pizza—a few days in advance. (5125 P. Burgos Ave. cor. Cabuco St., Caridad, Cavite City)
