Navigating Laguna Loop: Magdalena

The welcome arch of Magdalena, Laguna.

Situated at the foothills of Mt.Banahaw, Magdalena is considered as one of the most peaceful towns in Laguna. The town is surrounded by Sta.Cruz on the north, Pagsanjan on northeast, Nagcarlan on the west, Majayjay on southeast, and Liliw on the south. You can go there via jeepney from Santa Cruz for less than fifteen minutes.

Magdalena is a town where the people are living on a typical provincial life. You can feel the rural ambiance through the coconut plantations, rice fields, clear rivers, lush vegetation and the traditional simple life among the people living in this town. 


I went there to experience the peaceful life and it is part of my journey in the Laguna Loop. First, I visited the Bahay Laguna. This landmark was established 14 years ago and it serves as a museum dedicated to Former Governor Felicisimo San Luis, who lead the province for almost 33 years. I had a chance to visit the house and it was surprising that Mrs. Felicidad San Luis, the wife of the former governor, was there during that time. She was able to conduct a leadership training in that house, along with the youth leaders from different parts of Laguna. I had a chance to tour around the museum and I saw all the memorabilla of Governor San Luis which reflects the progress in the province of Laguna during his administration for three decades. I also read a poem entitled "Pangarap" (Dreams) written by Gov. San Luis where it can be sung in the tune of Matt Monro's "The Impossible Dream." In the end of the house visit, I gave a souvenir to Mrs. San Luis as a token of appreciation for meeting her. I also visited the house for the second time where we exchange messages through letters as a remembrance.

The landmark in the foothills of Mt. Banahaw, Bahay Laguna which serves as a museum
for memorabilla of things and achievements during the administration of
 Felicisimo San Luis, the governor who served Laguna for three decades.
 In addition, it is also a museum of different local objects
which can be found in the province.

The office of Governor Felicisimo San Luis.

The statue of Gov. Felicisimo San Luis and below his figure,
the poem he wrote entitled "Pangarap" (A Dream).

The poem "Pangarap" can be sung in a tune of Matt Monro's classic "The Impossible Dream." 

The products from Laguna which can be found inside the museum.

In front of Bahay Laguna, there is a marker near in Maimpis River where Emilio Jacinto was shot by the Spaniards during the Philippine Revolution on 1898. He was brought to St. Mary Magdalene Church in order to sought refuge. Today, the markers found in front of Bahay Laguna and in St. Mary Magdalene Church are historical spots which shows that the town served an important role in country's history.

The Emilio Jacinto Marker which serves as a place where he was shot near in Maimpis River in 1898.

Also, the St. Mary Magdalene Church is one of the Spanish Baroque churches around the Laguna Loop. It was started constructing on 1825 and finished on 1851. It is located in the town plaza of Magdalena along with Rizal Park, a central elementary and secondary school, a stage, and the municipal hall. I had a chance to go around in the plaza where children were able to guide me to Emilio Jacinto marker inside the church.

The St. Mary Magdalene Church in Magdalena, Laguna founded in 1851
where Emilio Jacinto sought refuge in this church after he injured
because he was shot by the revolutionaries.

The Emilio Jacinto Marker inside the church. There is a part where his blood stains
 was covered by glass and  also a pair of bolo and his hat.

The municipal hall of Magdalena, Laguna.

The town plaza of Magdalena.

Children were able to play football as their pastime.

The most important thing I discovered about Magdalena is the simplicity of life. I enjoyed my trip there because of the rustic ambiance of the town in terms of the location where you can feel the cool air, verdant environment, the tranquil mood of the community, and the cleanliness of roads, rivers and farms. In my case, it was also rare to see the old ways of people which shows the typical life in a rural Filipino area that I witnessed in Magdalena. For example, there are men who used horses in transportation, some women made their laundry in the river, and residents enjoying their life in the farm. Finally, there are past events in the town that takes part in our colorful history of our country that reflects in different landmarks in the town. Therefore, Magdalena is a classic example of a place situated in the lush and verdant foothills which shows a peaceful and typical rural life among the residents and a historical glimpse that you can learn from the town's landmarks.

Philippine Independence Day

The proclamation of Indpendence in Kawit, Cavite. Source: Google Photos

Proclamation of Independence

It was June 12, 1898 where one of the most significant events in Philippine history happened in Kawit, Cavite which is the Proclamation of Philippine independence. Thousands of people from the provinces gathered in Kawit to witness the historic event. The ceremony was held at the balcony of General Emilio Aguinaldo's residence.

A dramatic feature of the ceremony was the formal unfurling of the Filipino flag amidst the cheers of the people. At the same time, the Philippine National Anthem was played by the band. Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista solemnly read the "Act of Declaration of Independence" which he himself wrote. The declaration was signed by 98 persons.

The Filipino Flag

The Philippine flag. Source: Google Photos

The Filipino flag was made in Hong Kong by Marcela de Agoncillo. During his exile in Hong Kong, General Aguinaldo designed the Filipino flag as it looks today. Agoncillo sewed it with the help of her daughter Lorenza and Mrs. Delfina Herbosa (niece of Dr. Jose Rizal). 

It was made of silk with a white triangle at the left containing a sunburst of eight rays at the center, a five-pointed star at each angle of the triangle, an upper stripe dark blue and a lower stripe of red. The white triangle stands for equality; the upper blue stripe for peace, truth and justice; and the lower red stripe for patriotism and valor. The sunburst of eight rays inside the triangle represented the first eight provinces that took up arms against Spain. The three stars symbolized Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The Philippine National Anthem

The Philippine National Anthem. Source: himig.com

The Philippine National Anthem was composed by Julian Felipe, a music teacher and composer from Cavite. He finished it on June 11, 1898 and showed it to General Aguinaldo who instantly liked it because of its stirring melody. The following day, the music band of San Francisco de Malabon played it for the first time during the unfurling of the Filipino flag in Kawit. For more than a year, the anthem remained without words. Towards the end of August 1899, a young poet-soldier named Jose Palma wrote the poem entitled "Filipinas." This poem expressed in elegant Spanish verses the ardent patriotism and the fighting spirit of the Filipino people. It became the words of the anthem. At last, the national anthem was complete with music and words.

Source: The Philippines: A Unique Nation by Sonia M. Zaide