Welcome Arches

Welcome Arch, Maragondon

Back when I was a little boy, I have always been excited to see these welcome arches that signify borders between towns here in Cavite. These markers are reminders of how far my father's drive has been from home and I even get to count them just to know how many towns away we are at. Aside from route markers, these landmarks also serve a cultural purpose for its people and gives communities a sense of belongingness. 

With the expansion of towns and conversion of most into cities, some of these welcome arches have been brought down to give way to wider roads and more lanes to reduce traffic. But this one in Maragondon, still stands proud and continues to welcome its visitors with strength and might.

For more signs around the world, you can give yourself a tour by visiting my friend Tom's site at http://backroadstraveller.blogspot.com/

Pico De Loro - Guest Post Sunday

Overlooking the Parrot's Beak, Maragondon

Pico de Loro was named by the early Spanish sea-farers which means parrot's beak. The name was given to this mountain due to a monolith pillar that does look like a parrot's beak when viewed from Manila Bay. This dormant volcano is located in the town of Maragondon, the second largest in all of Cavite in terms of area, but portions of the mountain is already part of Nasugbu in the province of Batangas.

We started our hike through a night trek from the base camp so that us who are slow pacers can have ample time to reach the summit on time for daylight. Hiking is a hobby that me and my workmates on my former company developed and brought us closer and strengthened our friendship until now. The trek up is very tiring because not just the path was steep, it is made up of criss-crossing tree roots that if you are not attentive can trip you on your way so our steps should be high. When we reached the summit, the view was beyond breath-taking. Truly unforgettable. But what made it extra special is the fact that we were able to get to the top of the parrot's beak, then without guide ropes. It was very dangerous but our hiking training and classes equipped us with the necessary knowledge to make it to the top.

Me and my friends atop the parrot's beak.

We took lots of pictures to freeze these golden moments together and we took some time before we did our trudge down. What makes this hike extra special is that it is our first hike since one of our members/friends passed away. We brought some tree seedlings and planted them somewhere in the mountain in remembrance of our friend and of this memorable experience.

Cavite may be adjacent to the urban jungles of Manila, but this strong mountains in the Mount Palay-Palay Area of Maragondon gives us a different world. I have learned a lot of things through hiking, greeting everyone you cross paths with is necessary and to live up to the hiker's motto of "Live nothing but footsteps, take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time".

K. S. Peralta

General Trias, Cavite
Lived all her life in General Trias, Kheyiffe devoted her life to her family, taking care of her parents, her sisters, and now a loving wife and mother to her smart and beautiful daughter.

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Cavite Daily Photo is inviting Caviteño authors who would like to share their stories and experiences about life and living in the province we call home, Cavite! If you are interested to write and share your best photo, email me at stevensonque@gmail.com

Magallanes-Maragondon Bridge

Magallanes-Maragondon Bridge

Being close to Manila, the province of Cavite is highly urbanized, especially in the lowland districts of Bacoor, Imus, and Dasmariñas. But the upland portion of the province is still very much rural and one can enjoy the beauty of lush nature on a road trip. 

Magallanes and Maragondon are two of those upland municipalities that still enjoys the beauty of nature. The Maragondon river becomes a natural border between these towns where a concrete bridge connects them. This photo was taken during the wet season so heavy rains created a downpour on the Maragondon river which takes in muddy waters to the southern opening of the Manila Bay.

Slowly being turned into a huge chunk of commercialized cities, the province of Cavite has been a big facade of land use change. In just the past few decades, it transformed so much of the rain-forests and agricultural lands into residential and commercial areas for development. I just hope they can spare up a few towns, such as Magallanes and Maragondon and let it be lungs to the congested body parts of the province.

Inside Maragondon Church

During my last post about the town of Maragondon, I have featured about the famous Maragondon Church and its reconstruction. And by request of a friend from Eagan Daily Photo, Leif, here I present everyone the Interior of the Maragondon Church. Whitewash walls surround this magnificent interior that truly creates the feeling and aura of safety and security inside the church. 

The Trail inside the church is probably one of the longest in the Province which is one of the reason most weddings are being held here beside the beauty and the historical value of this church. The trusses on the whitewashed ceilings have encrypts of Latin prayers.

Maragondon Church

The Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption in Maragondon, Cavite is probably one of the most famous Landmarks of the Town of Maragondon, Located at the Mountain Districts of Cavite, Maragondon is truly one of the historical sites where Andres Bonifacio have been brought to be judged and executed in Mount Buntis (Pregnant Mountain).

The Church is built with River rocks during the Early 18th Century by the Jesuits. Also, the Maragondon Church is the main inspiration for the overall design of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in De La Salle University - Dasmariñas. Currently, the Church is undergoing Minor reconstructions in the facade.