Greetings, Hive Family! Hello, Worldmappin Community!
One Saturday of last month marked a deeply personal milestone in my life, one that blended history, healing, and heartfelt memories. I finally visited the iconic Barasoain Church, also known as Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, in Malolos, Bulacan. This wasn’t just another stop on my “Exploring Bulacan” bucket list. It was a long-awaited dream and a quiet tribute to my father, who passed away last July.
When I was still a student, I often stared at the reverse side of the old ten-peso Philippine bill, mesmerized by the image of Barasoain Church. It stood there like a silent witness to our nation’s past, and I promised myself that one day, I would see it in person. That day came on a Saturday, and it was everything I hoped for and more.
The moment I arrived, I stood in front of the church, soaking in its grandeur. Its facade, rich with colonial architecture and historical significance, felt like a portal to the past. I took photos, of course. How could I not? But more than that, I paused to appreciate the weight of the moment. I was finally here.
Since it was a Saturday, the main door was closed, but the side entrance was open for those who wished to pray. I stepped inside, heart full and eyes wide, and found a quiet corner to offer prayers. It was a deeply emotional moment for me, as I reflected on my father’s memory and the journey that led me here.
To my surprise, one part of the church housed a museum, the Barasoain Church Ecclesiastical Museum, also known as Museo ng Republika ng 1899. Open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, 8AM to 5PM, this museum is a treasure trove of Philippine history.
Inside, I wandered through exhibits that brought our nation’s story to life. Life-size figures of the congressmen who drafted the first Philippine Constitution stood proudly, surrounded by paintings, sculptures, and other works of art. Each piece told a story, and I listened with reverence.
It was humbling to stand in a place where the First Philippine Republic was born. The museum doesn’t just preserve history. It invites you to feel it.
This trip wasn’t just about checking off a location on my travel list. It was a healing journey. Losing my father has been one of the most difficult experiences of my life, and visiting Barasoain Church gave me a sense of peace I didn’t expect. It reminded me of the strength of our heritage and the importance of honoring those who came before us, both in our families and in our nation.
I left the church feeling lighter, grateful, and inspired. It was a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the places we visit can help us heal in ways we never imagined.
Thank You for Reading!
To everyone who took the time to read this blog, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sharing this experience with the Worldmappin Community means so much to me. May we all continue to explore, heal, and find meaning in the places we go.
Until the next adventure!
NOTE: All the photos shared are mine, originally captured using my mobile phone; just enhanced using the user-friendly CollageArt.