Malolos is a historic city with a rich revolutionary heritage, centred around the architecturally impressive Malolos Heritage Town. Today it is known as a major educational hub in Luzon, with some fascinating museums and galleries to explore.
Things to do in Malolos
Take the time to explore the historic architecture, walls and bridges of Malolos, with many Spanish colonial era churches and chapels set within the central Malolos Heritage Town. It is here that the Malolos Cathedral stands, having served as the Palacio Presidencia during the first years of the republic.
Near the cathedral lies the 19th-century Barasoain Convent, where the First Philippine Congress sat and where the Oath of Office for the country’s first presidents, Emilio Aguinaldo and Joseph Estrada, took place. A small museum is found within the convent honouring their legacy and showing how democracy was established in the Philippines.
Visit the Barasoain Convent’s Museo Diocesano de Malolos, an ecclesiastical art museum with an impressive collection of religious relics. The baptismal records of writer Marcelo H. del Pilar and poet Francisco Baltazar can also be seen, together with antique prayers cards and embroidered priestly robes.
Interested in the role women played in the establishment of the Philippines’ Republic? Visit the Museum of the Women of Malolos within Uitangcoy-Santos House. It showcases artefacts related to the push for women’s rights in the final years of the Spanish colony and their support for revolutionary fighters.
Getting around Malolos
Malolos is just over one hour’s drive north of Manila and connected by regular bus and train services. The Malolos Heritage Town centre is easy to explore on foot, with jeepneys available for journeys further afield.