Malolos, Bulacan

THE first time I came to Malolos was in 1998 during the centennial celebration of Philippine independence. I was more curious then about looking for the cat on the roof of the Barasoain Church as shown on the P10 bill than learning about the role Malolos played in the founding of the First Republic of the Philippines.

Fast forward 26 years later, I returned as a wiser, older traveler with a deeper sense of history and heritage. Exploring Malolos recently — visiting its churches and museums, and viewing its monuments and heritage houses — gave me a sense of pride as a Filipino as I rediscovered how this place became the center of activities that ensured the gains of Philippine independence bore fruit.