Barasoain Church: The Cradle of Democracy in the East

Since I am “Mae: The Explorer”, I love traveling and traveling and seeing places I’m not used off, but due to a yet limited budget, I always make sure my travels and explorations are student friendly. One of the places I’d recommend to wander lusters like me (who also loves historical ruins, structures and facts, I don’t know, I have an old soul) is the Barasoain Church which since grade school, this has been consistently seen on our historical books. And I swear, it’s worth a visit.

Having earned the title as the “Cradle of Democracy in the East”, Barasoain church is undeniably one of the most important and historical structure in the Philippines.

Barasoain church or also known as the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish was originally founded by Rev. Francisco Royo, O.S.A but was destroyed by fire on May 1884 and was rebuilt by Rev. Juan Giron, O.S.A in 1885. And after a decade and 3 years of its existence from it’s rebuilt, the church housed the first revolutionary congress of the Philippines on September 1898 called the “Malolos Congress” with 193 delegates lead by Pedro A. Paterno as the President. Among the most important events of the history that occurred within the four walls of the church were the convening of the first Philippine congress (as mentioned), the drafting and discussion of the Malolos constitution (September 29, 1898- January 21 of 1899) and the inauguration of the first Philippine Republic (January 23, 1899).

Aside from the historical treasures it has, another asset the church possess is its architectural design and internal adornments. It attracts and engages church goers and visitors with their medieval interior of which it has a floral motif and the frescoes of angels and saints along the ceiling, rose windows and the also medieval bell tower.

The place is consists of two structures, the church and the adjoining museum dedicated to the three important events that happened in its vicinity. Also, the church has a very pictorial friendly environment. It has a semi-garden on the right side corner in front of the museum’s entrance. 

Below are some of the photos taken around the area.

How to get there? Barasoain Church is 42 kilometers away from Manila. Take NLEX (North Luzon Expressway) then take Tabang Exit. Go straight along McArthur Hi-way then turn left at Malolos Crossing/Intersection and go straight along Paseo del Congreso and drop off to the church venue.

If commuting, (like me) from Cubao/Kamuning take Baliwag Transit bus going to Malolos/Hagonoy or an FX/Van beside the Baliwag Terminal, there’s also FX beside Centris Mall, if you’re facing the mall from MRT, it’s on the right side (It’s were I rode) then drop off to Malolos Crossing. From there, ride a jeepney with “Derecho/Bayan” signboard or a tricycle (trike’s much expensive tho) then drop off to Barasoain Church.

Thank you for reading! I hope to see your photos from this place too. Feel free to tag me so I'd know and congratulate you for a travel well done!