Happy Independence Day Philippines

Today marks the 112th anniversary of the Philippine Declaration of Independence which occurred on June 12, 1898 in Kawit Cavite. Filipino revolutionary forces then under General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the sovereignty and independence of the Philippine Islands from the colonial rule of Spain for hundreds of years.

The monument of Emilio Aguinaldo, first President of the Republic of the Philippines, in front of Barasoain in Malolos.

This momentous event is observed yearly in different parts of the country especially in the very historic city of Malolos. The first Congress was held in 1898-1899 to draft the constitution for the first Philippine Republic. It was the first Republican constitution in Asia.

ABOVE: Barasoain convent photo taken June 12, 1898 (Source: wikipedia) and BELOW: Barasoain convent June 12, 2010.

I am very fortunate to be a resident of this historic place and somehow glad to share some photos of landmarks in Malolos that made history.

The Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan was the seat of first Congress of the new Republic of the Philippines in 1898.

This century old tree named 'Kalayaan' or Freedom Tree is located at the grounds of Malolos Basilica Minore. Many people believed that meetings during the early government were convened under the shade of this tree.
Malolos town proper. This is where the then Presidential Palace is situated. The government was lead by Emilio Aguinaldo.