The History of Cavite

Introduction

Cavite is a province in the Philippines' Calabarzon area, bordered by Metro Manila and the
provinces of Rizal, Batangas, and Laguna. Despite being one of the most industrialized provinces
in the Philippines, Cavite is the second-smallest province in Calabarzon containing; Bacoor,
Imus, Cavite City, Dasmarinas, General Trias, Tagaytay and Trece Martires, a province with a
fascinating history, distinctive scenery, and courageous people who have made significant
contributions to the history of the Philippines.

The History of the Local Place

Cavite is derived from the word "kawit" since the entire province resembles a hook or kalawit in
tagalog. Because of the accent, it became Kawite. Since there is no letter K in the Spanish
alphabet, they replaced it with a letter C, and "w" was substituted with the letter "v" for a clear
pronunciation, and it became Cavite.

Some of the significant historical occurrences took place in Cavite decades ago. The province of
Cavite is regarded as the "Land of the Brave" because it produced many national heroes and was
the scene of significant revolutions against colonists that were both begun and witnessed there.
Additionally, it is known as the "History Capital of the Philippines," Cavite had a significant role
in the colonial history of the Philippines, particularly in the country's war for independence. It
was one of the first provinces in the Philippines to declare Independence.

Cavite was already a popular destination before the arrival of the Spaniards. However, it all
began when the colonists considered Cavite as a possible location for them to repair and launch
their ships, making it the most crucial port connecting it to Manila Bay. One of the places that
were most significantly impacted by the Spanish era was Cavite.

Cavite Mutiny

One of the most well-known events to have taken place in Cavite was the Cavite Mutiny, which
took place in 1817. The mutiny was all about a revolt of the Filipino laborers regarding the
abolition of the privilege by their governor. The three priests known as the GOMBURZA fathers
—Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora—martyrdized there, they have been
accused of being in charge of the mutiny against the Spaniards.
Proclamation of the Philippine Independence

The declaration of Philippine independence in Kawit by Emilio Aguinaldo, who was also born
and reared in Kawit, Cavite, and later served as the municipality's chief, is one of the most
significant events to have taken place here. The Philippine flag was raised at the event, and the
Marcha Filipina Magdalo, also known as the "Lupang Hinirang," was first performed.

Battle of Imus or Siege of Imus

It was the first significant conflict of the Philippine Revolution, fought over three days between
September 1 and 3, and led by General Emilio Aguinaldo and colonel Jose Tagle of the Imus
against the Spanish forces of General Ernesto Aguirre, whom they ultimately defeated.

Battle of Binakayan

It was the most decisive fight between the Spaniards forces and Filipino revolutionaries (The
Katipunan) who was led by Emilio Aguinaldo and General Candido Tirona from November 9 –
11, and was said as the first major victory of the Philippine Revolution and the first defeat of the
Spaniards. This win ushered in a period of peace known as “Ang Panahon ng Tagalog” or
“Tagalog Era” and saving most of Cavite for being recaptured by the Spaniards.

The Historical and Heritage Sites of the Place

Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine

The general issued the proclamation of Philippine Independence from Spain on June 12, 1898, at
his ancestral home in Kawit, Cavite. It is also known as the "House of Many Secrets", as the
house has several hidden passages and a hidden room where Bonifacio hid from the Spaniards
when they raided his home. The house's site was converted into an Aguinaldo's Park, and it is
now a museum featuring artifacts related to the historical figure.

Bonifacio Trial House

Bonifacio Trial House in Maragondon, Cavite, is the ancestral home of the Teodorico Reyes
family. On May 5, 1987, Andres Bonifacio and Procopio (his brother) went on trial by court
martial on trumped up charges, and was later given a death penalty. This home served as a
museum detailing Bonifacio's life, and Gregoria De Jesus was given her own section.
Corregidor island

Corregidor Island is located at the entrance of the Manila Bay. The island was given the title
"Island of the Corrector" by the Spaniards because it served as a key defense point and was
where Manila-bound ships were subjected to inspection. It is an island where there are traces of
the fierce battle during World War 2. During the Japanese invasion, Philippine troops used it as a
defense island. The island has been declared a national monument and serves as a war memorial
with many tragic memories.

The Native Customs of the Place

Coffee Festival or Pahimis Festival (Amadeo)

"Pahimis," which also means "pasasalamat" in Tagalog, was the old Amadeo term for thank
you.
During the harvest season in Amadeo, farmers offered their final harvest of coffee beans to
the community to express appreciation and the goal of bringing fortune and bountiful crops
for the next harvest. The neighbors will split the beans over a meal, or the bean itself will be
distributed to the community. 

The Religions of the Place and their Ceremonies

Religions in Cavite are Roman Catholic, Aglipayan Church, Protestanism, Eastern Orthodoxy,
and Islam.

Live Via Crucis

Live Via Crucis is a dramatization of Jesus Christ's trial, suffering, death, and resurrection. It is
also known as "Sinakulo" in Tagalog. Every Lenten season, they would execute it as part of a
tradition. Residents of Cavite City, who have had training in portraying viewpoint roles, perform
it.

Karakol Dance

It is a religious dance that Cavite people perform at fiestas. It is performed to folk music that is
either played live or recorded by a marching band. When Nana Pilar appears, the guys carrying
the saint will dance with the people around it. The Imusenos are protected by their adored
patroness, Nuestra Senora del Pilar, also referred to as Nana Pilar, they also called it as their
source of strength.

Sanghiyang/ Sayaw sa Apoy

Sanghiyang, which means suitable entire or "nagkakaisang kabuuan" in Tagalog, is formed from
two Filipino words: "Isa," which means "one," and "Hiyang," which means "whole." Showing
the compatibility and of the people is the festival's primary goal. Additionally, Alfonso Cavite
performs a ritual in which they express gratitude for a plentiful harvest and curing sick people. It
is believed they are doing this before the arrival of the Spaniards.

A small portion of the festival is the "Sayaw sa Apoy." It represents the belief in God that the
people have. It is an activity where they are walking or dancing barefoot in a burning coal.

The Basang Gilagid, which was performed to celebrate a new home, and the lawit, which was
performed when they were doing this to treat sick people, are only two examples of the different
reasons offered today for doing the Sanghiyang.

Research Argument

In Ternate, Cavite, there was a tunnel with the name "Kaybiang Tunnel." It was an easy route
from Tagaytay to Batangas. It was the longest road tunnel in the Philippines. There are rumors
that this tunnel contains "aswang" and that some persons who passed through it were cursed and
required an "albularyo" to heal them. They named this tunnel "Barrio ng Aswang."

However, some of the myth said that the victims of the tunnel accident were the ones who
followed those who passed through it, and some of them claimed that they had heard whispering
while they did so. Many drivers, however, do not believe the reports because they have not
personally encountered such occurrences. They claimed that there is no issue with believing in
such tales, because your driving is what determines how safe you are.

Bibliography / References
Anonymous. (2022). Brief History of Cavite. Retrieved from

https://cavite.gov.ph/home/province/general-information/history/brief-history-of-cavite/

Anonymous. (2022, June 24). Cavite: The Land of the Brave. Retrieved from

https://www.crownasia.com.ph/news-and-blogs/lifestyle-blogs/selected/cavite-the-land-of-the-

brave

Anonymous,(n.d.). The Official Website of Cavite City. Retrieved from

http://cavitecity.gov.ph/index.php/about-lgu/historical-background#:~:text=The%20name

%20Cavite%20evolved%20from,to%20conform%20to%20their%20accentuation.

Anonymous. (2022, April 6). A Walk Into the Past of Cavite: The Land of Brave. Retrieved from

https://www.camella.com.ph/a-walk-into-the-past-of-cavite-the-land-of-the-brave/

Beess. (2021, November 10). Top Historical Sites in Cavite. Retrieved from

https://triptheislands.com/destinations/top-historical-sites-in-cavite/

Anonymous. (n.d.). Bonifacio Trial House, Maragondon. Retrieved from

https://trek.zone/en/philippines/places/150497/bonifacio-trial-house-maragondon

Anonymous. (n.d.). The Official Website of Province of Cavite. Retrieved from

https://cavite.gov.ph/home/tourism/cultural-rituals/

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/philippine-urban-legends-probably-haven-t-heard-090006028.html
https://news.abs-cbn.com/classified-odd/10/31/19/kaybiang-tunnel-sa-cavite-balot-ng-

kababalaghan

https://www.lumina.com.ph/news-and-blogs/blogs/festivals-in-cavite-the-souths-hidden-gem/