byaheng bonifacio

Byaheng Bonifacio: A Trail of Heroism and Tourism in o ne

By Nickky Faustine De Guzman

Published: May 12, 2013

The replica of Bonifacio brothers’ court examination in the Maragondon Trial House

Tagaytay is perhaps the most visited tourist spot in Cavite. It is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila as it is a few hours away from the city. But the region that means “hook” in English bids optional summer getaway itineraries — trips down memory lane, nature adventures, and native food jaunts on the side.
Cavite’s towns cover trails of markers that history buffs and wayfarers can both enjoy. Blessed with natural beauty and veiled in rich history, the region abounds with historic sites, museums, and landmarks that are associated with the birth and death place of many Filipino heroes. Visitors can follow the interesting track of sites associated with the Philippine Revolution: The residence of the first president of the Philippine Republic and some of the historical meeting places linked with Philippine Independence. It was in Cavite where we proclaimed our sovereignty on June 12, 1898 and where the Philippine Armed Forces was created through the Tejeros Convention.
The Supremo Gat Andres Bonifacio spent his last two years (1896-1897) in this significant province. And in commemoration of his 150th birth anniversary this November 30, comes the “Byaheng Bonifacio: Byaheng Bayani ng Bayan” pilgrimage that is set on towns Gat Bonifacio once set foot and left his legacy. The program is a partnership of the Department of Tourism (DOT), National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and SM Malls.
“We are obligated by history to commemorate the heroism of Andres Bonifacio and inculcate in the minds of the youth the lessons from this very young hero,” DOT Region IV Director Louella Jurilla says during the unveiling of the mini-exhibit that features the story of Bonifacio in SM Rosario, Cavite.
Sites and food trips
The first stop covers the Imus Plaza and the Tribunal de Noveleta in Imus and Noveleta, Cavite. Amid the modern city, shopping malls, and a wet market stood the almost adjacent historic places where the councils of Magdalo and Magdiwang met to discuss the constitution and the possibilities of merging the two councils. Today, people seemingly overlook the significance of these places as they simply pass by them.
What’s good about following the trails of the Supremo is the proximity of the locations. Just a few minutes away from the Tribunal and the Plaza is the Tejeros Convention site, now a museum. This is where a central revolutionary government headed by Emilio Aguinaldo was established. History books say Bonifacio was prevented from taking the position of president due to his limited education.
The next stopover, the Casa Hacienda de Naic, was where the brothers Andres and Procopio Bonifacio were imprisoned because of sedition after their capture in Indang, Cavite. The Pinagbarilan site in Indang marked the location where Emilio Aguinaldo’s men assaulted Supremo’s troops. The century-old Casa Hacienda de Naic building has withstood the test of time and preserved its wooden floors. It now houses elementary students.
After the Bonifacio brothers’ arrest, they were transferred from Naic to Maragondon Trial House. Today, the Trial House is a museum of sorts with life-sized statues of Andres, Procopio, and their panel of judges, paintings, and replicas of letters, furnishings, and pictures.
In between the historical site hopping are generous servings of homegrown Caviteño kakanin: kalamay, sinudsod, and muchi. Their version of kalamay is thicker, crunchier, and has macapuno strips. Sinudsod, on the other hand is made from rice tutong (the overcooked crust at the bottom of a pot) mixed with flour to concoct a pancake-like form and texture; it swims in coconut milk and shaved ice that is sprinkled with nata and coconut flesh.
After the delectable experience, a long and rough trek to Mt. Nagpatong where the brothers’ execution site comes next; this caps off the historical trail adventure. The magnified statues of Andres and Policarpio stand tall amid the lush greeneries and serenity of the forest. The Muslim National Artist Toym Imao made the effigies.
As of this writing, four winners have completed the pilgrimage to the 16 historical places in Cavite and Metro Manila where Gat Andres Bonifacio left his legacy. The DOT is giving special tokens and certificates to the first 100 participants to complete the Byaheng Bonifacio leg.
The other historical trails are: Tutuban in Manila, KKK Foundation Site in El Cano St. Tondo, Binondo Church, Bahay Toro and Krus na Ligas in Quezon City, Pinaglabanan Site in San Juan, Hagdang Bato in Mandaluyong, Pasig Catholic Church and Valentin Cruz Marker in Pasig.
Revisit history and appreciate the present with the “Byaheng Bonifacio: Byaheng Bayani ng Bayan” pilgrimage.