A visit to the Aguinaldo Shrine and other historic sites in Cavite brings back the memories of the province's glorious past. The Aguinaldo Shrine at Kawit was the site where the first Philipine independence was declared. The Shrine is a white painted home of colonial vintage which displays the memorabilia of General Emilio Aguinaldo. The General's remains are stored in a marble tomb just behind the house. The Aguinaldo Shrine will be the site of the centennial celebration of Philippine independence in 1998.

The General Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit A 15-30 minutes drive from Manila would take one to Cavite City, the site of a colonial naval station, Sangley Point which is now being used by the Armed forces of the Philippines. It was an important installation of the American defense network in the Philippines till the late 1960's. Other important historical markers in Cavite City are the Thirteen Martyrs Monument, Ruins of Porta Varga and Fort San Felipe Shrine.

Cavite is a picturesque, scenic province and a major tourist attraction. It provides a place conducive not only to business but to leisure as well. The province has a booming tourism industry with its wide array of prime places of recreation. After a tiring day at work, one can look forward to places of leisure very near the work areas.

Brief history. Cavite, the name of the province, is derived from "Kawit", a Tagalog word for "hook". This refers to the hook shaped land on Old Spanish maps. The land was known as "Tangway" where Spanish authorities evolved a fort from which the city of Cavite grew.
Archaeological evidence in the coastal areas of Cavite show prehistoric settlements. Folklore says that the earliest settlers of cavite were from Borneo. In the 1600's encomiendas or Spanish royal landgrants were given in Cavite and Maragondon. The Jesuit priests who first came brought with them settlers from Mollucas. These settlers, known as Mardicas, settled on Ternate and Maragondon. Other settlements grew over the centuries and by the turn of the century Cavite towns were already trading with one another. Traditional industries began to thrive as Manila's commerce grew. Cavite like other provinces provinces of Southern Tagalog, began its involvement for reforms and later on revolution as its educated citizens began to assert themselves like many Filipino illustrados of the time.
In 1872, Filipinos revolted against Spain. Three Filipino priests - Jose Burgos, Mariano Gomez and Jacinto Zamora - were implicated in the Cavite revolt in which 200 Filipinos rose in arms against the Spanish forces in the garrisons.
On August 28, 1896, when the Philippine Revolution against Spain broke out, Cavite became a bloody theatre of war. Led by Emilio Aguinaldo, Cavetoños made surprise attacts on the Spanish headquarters and soon liberated the whole province. Aguinaldo directed the Revolution to its end: the proclamation of the first Republic in Asia, the Republic of the Philippines, on June 12, 1898 in Kawit.
Cavite and its people, what they are today, and what will be tomorrow, will remain with infinity, as a place with glorious history and a people fortified with strenght to live and die for a worthy cause.

Historical
Imus Historical Marker. Found in the town plaza, the marker is set near two vintage artillery pieces set on the well-known town plaza lawn. The marker is only a street across from the Imus Catholic Church and the Imus Municipal Hall.
Battle of Alapan Marker and Flag (Imus). The site of the Battle of Alapan Marker is highlighted by a 90-foot tall flagpole where the Philippine flag waves proudly. The marker is set on concrete wherein on top are three large rocks each encrusted with painted cement stars while a statue of a woman holding the Philippine flag boldly stands on the center rock.
Battle of Julian Bridge Marker (Brgy. Bayang Luma, Imus). An old 1859 cannon is the remnant and reminder of a battle that took place long ago between the Spanish and Filipino forces. The marker is placed on the cannon while old ammunition are set on its concrete base. The cannon and marker are found near the north side of the bridge where steps briefly descend to this old emplacement.
The house of Tirona (Brgy. IV, Imus). The house is well-maintained and restored except perhaps for its galvanized roofing. The place has a garden and a marker set within the lot attesting to the numerous significant people who once dwelled in the house.
Fort San Felipe (Sangley Point Naval Base). Fort San Felipe is an old fort structure dating back to 1609 when the Spaniards built it to protect part of the rowing Cavite City. The structure is made of granite blocks and the wall is approximately 30 feet high. A wide stairway leads to the top of the fort where a concrete house structure could be found. Mementos of the navy in the Philippine history are displayed in the fort including antique cannon and cannon balls which decorated the lawn.
General Artemio Ricarte Marker (Poblacion, General Trias). A pebble wash-out platform encloses the marker made in tribute to the late General Artemio "El Vibora" Ricarte. Two lamp posts flank the structure.
House where Andres Bonifacio lived (Poblacion, General Trias). The facade of the house is of red bricks and adobe. Although renovated, its Spanish style is never changed.
General Mariano Trias Marker (Poblacion, General Trias). The marker is located in front of the house where he once stayed, near the town plaza. The marker is set on white concrete and a solitary lamp post directly behind it. The monument of this person is located else where in the poblacion.
House where Bonifacio was court martialed (Maragondon). The place is of old wooden and concrete design and a marker is set in the middle of the structure.
House of General Riego de Dios (Maragondon). The house is an old stucture made of wood with its architecture designed out of the past era. It is considered as one of the oldest houses in the area.

CENTURIES-OLD TRADITIONS
Cavitenos cherish their centuries-old traditions. Fiesta celebration is common fare in Cavite. This special occasion, in honor of the town's patron saint, entails much preparation of food and decoration to enhance the festive mood.
A war dance called "Mardicas" has become a custom and a traditional presentation in the Town of Ternate especially the Santa de Mayo. This war dance depicts the remarkable bravery of the Mardicas, said to be the first inhabitants of Ternate who were very religious. The spanish government employed them in fighting the pirates that ravaged the Filipino and in suppressing Filipino uprisings. One of the greatest fights that took place in Ternate was when the pirates decided to get the Holy Image of Sto. Nino from their possession because of the many miracles that have been known to them. They believed that the image may help them in their invasions and attacks.
The Karakol dance in honor of the patron saint
&n bsp;
Karakol is a colorful form of thanksgiving practiced in the coastal towns of Cavite. The patron saints is paraded in the coastal towns of Cavite. The patron saints is paraded in the streets and then a fluvial procession follows while devotees from all walks of life and ages dance with both their hands in the air and swing and sway to the tune of "Pandango" music of the town band.
In barrio Marahan, Alfonso, an exclusive sect perfomrs the "Sayaw sa Apoy" or Dance on Fire. A thanksgiving ritual, the Dance requires the performers to dance on glowing coal. All those who have witnessed the Dance could only marvel how the dancers brush through the presentations unscathed. ; &n bsp;
A "Sayaw sa Apoy" performance
Other cultural traditions include the Santacruzan being done in the whole month of May and Maytinis in Kawit, a festive celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Climate
Cavite has two pronounced seasons, the dry season which usually begins in November and ends in April and the rainy season which starts in May and ends in October. Cavite's cooler periods are during December to February while summer months start from April to May.

Location
Bounded on the northwest by Manila Bay, on the east by Laguna de Bay in the province of Laguna and in the south by the province of Batangas.

Natural
Cabag Caves (Brgy. Luksuhin, Silang). The place could be found at the bottom of the slope which runs down a steep angle to a brook. Lush greenery surround this little valley where at its bottom corner one could find the Cabag Cave where clear water strongly flows out. Inside the cave, an underground river flows and runs for about 50 meters inward. A pool of water is formed immediately of the mouth of the cave which leads to the brook.
Malicbilic Falls. A valley borders the Malicbilic Falls, where a boulder strewn river cuts across the middle made by the gushing water from the falls. While at one far end of the river is the NAIA irrigation project, the other river route nearer the falls is a large pond, which could be viewed from a top of the border hills of the valley. A large pool of water forms at the base of the falls while coconut trees, shrubs and other greenery flank its sides.
Balite Falls (Amadeo). Two falls could actually be seen in the area, one which flows naturally, gushing strong clear water while the other one is outfitted into a pool of water with a deep part for the adults and the shallow for the children.
Ulong Tubig (Carmona). A pool formed by natural spring water that comes from an adjacent hill. The pool leads to an irrigation pump which supplies a vast number of rice fields in Carmona. The area is shaded by coconut trees and other greenery. It is said that during the morning, the water is very clear. However, it becomes tinged green due to algae disturbed by swimmers during the afternoon.
Puerto Azul (Ternate). The plushiest resort in the area. It is equipped with modern and varied facilities and offers a wide range of sports and recreation from golf to a number of water sports. It has been the site of many international aquasports competitions.
Tagaytay. Cavite's highest elevation which is a natural promontory overlooking Taal. It is home to several convents, seminaries (the most picturesque is the Pink Sisters' Chapel), retreat and seminar houses. It is located on the huge rim of the world's largest volcano. When Taal exploded, the crater-lake formed another crater which now is called Volcano island.

The Orchard Golf Course in Dasmarinas, one of 5 world-class golf courses in Cavite.

The Tagaytay Highlands Golf Course, which entices Investors and tourist as well,
boast of its modern cable cars.

Tagaytay City is also the site of the Development Academy of the Philippines which is completely equipped training institution in management and career service for senior government officials. It also offers facilities for games, sports, communicatioin and restaurants.
Complementing Tagaytay's natural tourism endowment are several tourist establishment such as Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay Picnic Grove, Palace in the Sky, Villa Adelaida, Ridge Resort and Convention Center and world-class golf courses of Tagaytay Highlands and Royale Tagaytay.
The surrounding upland towns have also their respective tourism potentials.

Amusement centers, beaches, world-class golf courses, horseback riding, movie houses, picnic grounds, parks, restaurants, sports complexes, swimming pools, conference centers and casino are among the recreational facilities established in major tourist areas for recreation and enjoyment.

Tagaytay area, serving as the main tourist center, is characterized by a preponderance of natural tourist attractions like waterfalls, lush vegetation, crystal clear springs, caves and the world-famous Tagaytay Ridge overlooking the captivating panoramic view of Taal Volcano, the world's smallest live volcano and Taal Lake, where two delectable rare species of fish, the "Maliputo" and "Tawilis" are found. Tagaytay City, an hour-drive from Manila, is endowed with cool and invigorating climate with an average temperature of 22.7 degrees Celcius, and rich with tropical fruits and vegetables. This part of the province is most suitable for camping, picnicking, horseback riding, hiking, nature-study, plain relaxation, and other related activities.

At Caylabne Bay Resort, a myriad of pleasure and leisure awaits you. Ternate Area which has sunbaked white sand beaches and blue waters rich with protected marine species and most famous of the Philippines' biggest resort, the Puerto Azul Beach and Country Club which boasts of its unique hotel design, restaurants, entertainment, conference and shopping areas into a picturesque village setting. Almost equal in popularity with Puerto Azul is the Caylabne Bay Resort with modern facilities and amenities to both local and foreign tourists. The development of Ternate shorelines further boosts the historical image of this area, owing primarily to its contiguity and accessibility to Corregidor Island, Ternate Beach Park, Paniman and Limbones coves which offer tremendous potentials for their scenic locations that enhance the fast growth of tourism in this area. A yearly tourism project dubbed as "Paskuhan sa Imus" has been a source of great pride to Imus and Cavite given the attention it drew from both national and international sectors. This yearly Christmas celebration institutionalizea Imus as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines highlighted by a month-long daily festivities showcasing the best of Filipino traditions that include Carnival and Trade Fair, awesome fireworks, concerts, beauty contest, and most importantly, it provides the experience of the true meaning of Christmas in every sense of the word. There are also other resorts/restaurants located in the coastal municipalities of Noveleta, Kawit, Rosario, Tanza, and Naic where tourist can spend their summer holidays. The major thoroughfares leading to Cavite are the Aguinaldo Boulevard commonly called as Manila-Cavite Coastal Road; South Expressway; and the Tagaytay-Batangas Road.