Destinations: Cavite

Although Cavite province has lost much of its former Spanish-Era grandeur, Cavite has now developed into a thriving population, business, and tourism center; so much so that Cavite province, with its many tourist spots, Tagaytay City, and more modern attractions all nestled close to areas steeped in modern Filipino history, is now a popular tourist destination for Filipinos and overseas tourists.

With many of Cavite’s large population working in Manila, and as a major thoroughfare to the south and south west, Cavite boasts a number of large and multi-lane roadways. However, be warned that rush hour traffic can make driving around Cavite province a bit of a chore, especially on Monday mornings, Friday evenings, and during holidays. The situation is not helped by the heavy traffic causing potholes and rough patches even on the major highways. Against this, almost all secondary roads throughout Cavite are paved, so, if you wish to trade travel time against nice scenery, the many roads available make using alternative routes a feasible alternative.

History

On 12 June, 1898, the leader of the Filipino revolutionary forces, General Emilio Aguinaldo, declared Philippine independence from Spanish rule. He made this historic declaration and waved the first Philippine Flagfrom the balcony of his family home in Kawit, Cavite. Still standing, his house and the famous balcony are now a landmark shrine and museum. Many visitors come to view the museum’s many items of memorabilia, which cover both the Philippine revolution and General Emilio Aguinaldo himself. If you tour the house, (or more correctly, small mansion), keep a look out for its very unusual carved ceiling showing a relief map of the Philippines.

Resort 

Close to Kawit, Island Cove Resort, originally known as "Pulo Ni Burunggoy," can be found in Barangay Binakayan, Cavite. Renamed in 1976 to "Covelandia", and following a major refit in 1997 again renamed, this time as the Island Cove Resort and Leisure Park. In addition to the park’s deluxe accommodation, visitors can enjoy and unusual 2,978 square meter, two-layered swimming pool, with 4 giant slides, a wading pool for kids and several Jacuzi pools for grown ups. There is also a butterfly farm, mini zoo, and even a small crocodile park!

Tagaytay City      

Tagaytay City, with its spectacular panoramic views of the nearby Taal Volcano and Taal Lake is probably Cavitie’s main natural tourist area. A playground for Manila’s rich and famous, particularly on the weekends, Tagaytay City contains a number of very up-market sub-divisions as well as some rather exclusive resorts and country clubs.

Surprisingly, although accommodation within Tagaytay City tends to be a little expensive – at least at hotels that have a view of the lake – Tagaytay City surrounds have many excellent, low-cost café’s and restaurants. Nightlife is also thriving in Tagaytay City with a large number of clubs and bars offering various forms of entertainment. Though not as elevated as Baguio, the mountainous placement of Tagaytay City means that visitors can enjoy cooler air – which can be a blessed relief when lowland Manila is sweltering during the hot summer months. 

Manila Bay

Cavite faces Manila Bay to the west, and there are many small and large resorts scattered along the coastline. Probably the most popular beaches can be found in the southwest of the province; these being, Paniman and Caylabne Beaches. This area has some luxury resorts worth visiting, notably at Caylabne and Puerto Azul, and golf aficionados should note that Cavite’s Puerto Azul golf course is one of the finest in the Philippines – quite a distinction in a country is famous for its excellent golf resorts and courses.

The largest of five islands guarding the entrance of Manila Bay, tadpole-shaped Corregidor Island is also classed as part of Cavite province. The island was the last allied outpost of organized resistance against the Japanese imperial army in 1941 and remains as a poignant reminder of war. Ferries for tours of the island depart from Roxas Boulevard, Manila. However, for longer visits the island also now has first class hotel and resort facilities.