Wazzup Pilipinas!?
June 27, 2025 — Cavite, Philippines — A province where the nation’s soul once took its first breath, Cavite is more than just a place on a map—it is a living, breathing monument to history, faith, and culture. And on this special day, its stories unfolded anew, thanks to the immersive and unforgettable journey of “Tara! Let’s Explore Cavite”, a flagship campaign under Biyaheng South, the tourism advocacy program of Metro Pacific Tollways South (MPT South).
This full-day cultural experience, powered by the convenience of the Manila–Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), wasn’t just a tour—it was a time machine. A celebration. A rediscovery.
A Ticket to the Past
Dozens of lucky participants—selected through a social media raffle—embarked on a transformative journey, accompanied by media partners, influencers, and passionate reenactors who brought Cavite’s revolutionary past vividly to life. What might have been a typical road trip quickly became a moving theatre of history, culture, and pride.
From the moment the convoy exited the Marulas ramp of CAVITEX, the mission was clear: not just to visit Cavite, but to feel it.
Sanctuary and Significance: Cavite’s Revered Churches
The tour began in Kawit, at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Mary Magdalene. Centuries-old, with walls that have withstood wars and whispers of revolution, the church is not just a religious landmark—it is sacred ground. Here, General Emilio Aguinaldo, the country’s first president, was baptized—his first step on the path toward shaping a republic.
From there, the spiritual journey led to Tanza’s Diocesan Shrine of Saint Augustine, where stories of the town's devotion and the artifacts housed in the nearby Sta. Cruz Convent Museum spoke volumes about the province’s faith-driven legacy.
The third stop was the majestic St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church in General Trias, its Spanish-era architecture a proud remnant of an era that still echoes through the town’s cobbled pathways and ancestral homes.
Living Monuments of Revolution
After a soulful morning, the participants were treated to lunch at Café Antix in Cavite City—where Filipino dishes with creative twists served as a culinary tribute to Cavite’s evolving identity.
But the heart of Cavite beats strongest in its revolutionary landmarks, and the tour delivered in full.
At the Ladislao Diwa Shrine, the ancestral home of one of the Katipunan’s founding fathers, visitors stood in silent awe, imagining the quiet courage that once filled its halls.
Next was the 13 Martyrs Monument at Plaza De Armas—an emotionally stirring site commemorating Caviteños executed for their role in the Philippine Revolution. A walk through this plaza is a walk through valor, sacrifice, and the price of freedom.
The group then paused at Samonte Park, a charming break spot where locals mingle and history quietly lingers in the air. But perhaps the most exclusive experience came with a rare guided visit to Fort San Felipe, hidden deep within the Naval Base. Originally built in 1609 by the Spanish to repel pirates, the fortress now stands as a fortress of memory—its ancient corridors echoing the defiance of generations past.
Cavite City’s New Heartbeat
The final leg of the tour offered a glimpse into Cavite’s promising future. At the newly renovated Cavite City Hall, participants saw how the seat of local governance now doubles as a vibrant civic and cultural hub. Behind it lies a jewel: the Unlad Cavite Pier, a baywalk with sweeping views of Manila Bay—where sunsets feel like poetry. Beside it, the new amphitheater now awaits the stories, songs, and spirit of the people it was built for.
The Road That Makes It All Possible
What stitched all these experiences together was not just the carefully crafted itinerary, but the road that made it all possible—CAVITEX. Once dauntingly distant, Cavite’s heritage sites are now accessible in just under an hour from Metro Manila. Smooth, scenic, and efficient, the expressway has become a bridge not only between cities—but between eras.
A Drive Through Culture, A Drive Toward the Future
“We hold a deep conviction that heritage should be actively experienced rather than merely recalled,” said Arlette V. Capistrano, Vice President for Communication and Stakeholder Management at MPT South. “With Biyaheng South’s Tara! Let’s Explore Cavite, we are honored to illuminate these vital heritage sites and invite everyone to engage with the rich cultural tapestry they represent.”
Indeed, this initiative is more than tourism. It is remembrance in motion. A way for modern travelers to trace the steps of revolutionaries, saints, and visionaries—while enjoying the comforts of present-day infrastructure.
As Cavite rises with modern ambition while holding tightly to its past, MPT South ensures that the path toward rediscovery remains open—one toll road, one destination, and one story at a time.
So if you’re looking for a trip that nourishes not just your wanderlust, but your sense of identity and pride—Tara! Let’s Explore Cavite. The journey isn’t far. In fact, it’s right at the heart of who we are.
About MPT South
MPT South is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC). Its road networks—CALAX and CAVITEX—are designed not just for faster travel, but for deeper connections. MPTC also operates the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), NLEX Connector, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX)—all crucial links in the country's roadmap toward progress and unity.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
.jpg)
Post a Comment