Cavite Adventure: Maragondon

Our adventure today takes us 54 kilometers southwest of Kilometer 0 in Manila. Join me as we visit the historic tour of Maragondon in the province of Cavite.

Cavite Adventure: Maragondon

Maragondon History

The town of Maragondon was originally founded in 1611 by Franciscan priests. However, the Fundacion Ecclesiastical was founded in 1690 when the Jesuits dedicated it to Our Lady of the Assumption. Its Fundacion Civil, on the other hand, was in 1727 when the original barrio separated from Silang during the administration of the Recollects.

Maragondon Arch

Maragondon got its name from the Tagalog word madagundong or maugong which means "too much sound". The sound being referred to here is actually from a river called Kay Albaran in Barrio Capantayan. However, since the river usually overflows, the town relocated to its present site. The townspeople then changed its name to Maruigundong in honor of the town's patron saint, Nuestra Senora Maria Asuncion. It was during the American period when its name was changed to its present name Maragondon.

Maragondon Municipal Hall

Maragondon is famously known today as the place where the Katipunan's Supremo -Andres Bonifacio and his brothers were tried (Bonifacio Trial House) and executed (Mt. Nagpatong).

The plaza in front of the Maragondon Municipal Hall

Emiliano and Mariano Riego de Dios brothers monument

I got to visit Maragondon during our ocular of the suggested places for our school's outbound education (field trip). The town was like most of the other towns in the province, historic but modernized and progressive. What I like about the town was its cleanliness aside from that, the people there were also friendly and accommodating, and as a matter of fact, the tourism officer of the town personally joined and brought us to Bonifacio's execution site (He has the keys to the gate that's why).

Places to see and visit in Maragondon:

Maragondon Church/ Our Lady of the Assumption Parish

Bonifacio Trial House

Maragondon River

Bonifacio Execution Site/ Bonifacio Eco-Tourism Park

Mt. Nagpatong

Pico De Loro

Maragondon Stone Sculptures / Inukit Site

Mt. Buntis

Caingin Hanging Bridge 

Patungan Beach

Things to do in Maragondon:

1. Visit the historic places in town.
2. Hike Mt. Nagpatong or Pico de Loro
3. Swim in the Maragondon River
4. Attend mass at Maragondon Church

Maragondon Day Tour Itinerary:

6:00AM Departure from Manila to Maragondon 
7:30AM Arrival at Maragondon
7:35AM Visit the historic Maragondon Church
7:50AM Register at Municipal Hall. Secure a guide.
8:00AM Ride a trike to the jump-off point -Bonifacio Execution Site/ Eco-Park
9:00AM Arrival at jump-off point/ Start trek
9:10AM Summit, documentation
9:40AM Descent/ documentation of Bonifacio Shrine
10:00AM Head back to town
11:00AM Arrival at the town
11:10AM Visit the Bonifacio Trial House
12:00NN Lunch
1:00PM Check out the Maragondon River and the Maragondon Stone Sculptures
2:00PM Bus ride home

Why visit Maragondon?

Maragondon is one of those historical towns near Metro Manila that still has that tinge of Spanish Colonial Era feel in it. You can visit several historical sites in and around its town proper. However, for those looking for adventure, they can also hike Mt. Nagpatong, Mt. Buntis, and Pico de Loro. Patungan Beach is also a must-visit destination in Maragondon.

Getting to Maragondon:

From the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) in Paranaque City, ride a provincial bus going to Maragondon.

Travel time: 1 hour - 1 1/2 hours depending on traffic. 

Fare: 80 - 100 pesos

Ratings:

Crowd

Cleanliness

Overall rating