When in Kawit..

Relived were the days of Emilio last Easter Sunday in Kawit, Cavite.

A two-lane bowling alley of his own, an underground tunnel going straight to the town church, a Packard limo encased in hard glass, a beautiful plaza in his front yard especially dedicated to him – what a life indeed it was (and still is) for Emilio Aguinaldo.

Emilio's 1924 Packard limo

So, Emilio was driving a 1924 Packard limousine during his time. Nice. Today, his personal car is parked inside a glass casket in his yard. The sorbetero dude, with his joyfully colored ice cream cart, push around the hot plaza in front of the house. Youngsters in their skateboards doing stunts and kids in their bikes, crowd the place during sunset time in the town.

Miniature model of Emilio's house

The house is big. It has two levels and has an added three levels more in the middle of the whole structure, towering to a classic-looking watch tower/attic. Unfortunately, the said house only has its first two levels open for public viewing and visit. The rest of the floors and rooms are off limits and being well-preserved. From the outside, one can see the flag of the Philippines unwaveringly flying its proud colors from Emilio's porch.





Just behind his house, in his backyard, Emilio's body lay at peaceful rest. In a granite tombstone, his grave is watched and is forever guarded by the poles of nine Philippine flags, of the nation he loves with honor and valor.

If you wanna look at more of the photos I took in Kawit, you can click here. 

He who loves an old house
will never love in vain;
For how can any old house
Used to sun and rain
To lilac and to Larkspur
And arching trees above,
Fail to give its answer
To the heart that gives it's love.

- Hartwell Homestead