Casa Real Shrine: The Museum of Philippine Political History, Malolos Bulacan

Just a few minutes away from the Barasoain Church is the Casa Real Shrine. During the Spanish period, it served as the residence and office of the Gobernadorcillo. It was also the Imprenta Nacional or the Printing Press which printed copies of the 1896 Constitution and several newspapers during the Philippine Revolution.

Now, it is the Museum of Philippine Political History that showcases several memorabilia of our nation's past presidents. Since it is located along the main street, we parked at the nearby Malolos Cathedral and walked about 2 minutes to the Casa Real Shrine.

Parking fee is 25 pesos while entrance to the museum is free.

Whenever I go to museums, I am always in awe and really impressed that we are able to preserve remnants/items/relics from our past. Museums are important because it makes us appreciate not only our heroes but also the ordinary people who sacrificed and endured various challenges so that the present and future generation can experience freedom and democracy. Sometimes, we take for granted our civil, social, spiritual and even political liberties. Sad truth, unfortunately.

Malolos Cathedral 

Immaculate Conception Parish Cathedral and Minor Basilica

Barasoain Church and Museum of the Republic of 1899

On the first day of February in the year 2024, I tagged along with the hubby. He needs to interview several curators as part of the final thesis writing in his masteral studies. I serve as Waze operator as hubby doesn't rely on technology to get around. He uses the ask.the.tricycle.driver.for directions method LOL

Bulacan was our first destination because it is nearer to Metro Manila. First stop was in Malolos. Located inside a spacious compound with ample parking slots is the famous Barasoain Church, along with a Catholic cemetery and the former convent which now houses the Museo ng Republika ng 1899 or the Museum of the Republic of 1899. 

The Barasoain complex played a significant part in our rich, colorful history. It was the site of the first Philippine Congress, known as the Malolos Congress. An assembly of notable, prominent members of Philippine society who convened on September 15, 1898 to draft the Malolos Constitution. On January 23, 1899 the inauguration of First Philippine Republic was held in the Church with Emilio Aguinaldo as our President.

Entrance to the museum is free. Parking fee is 20 pesos.

2024 - It's a new year =]

 Hello everyone. =)

I wonder if anyone missed my blogging.

Or if  anyone read my online corner of ramblings, at all

Anyway, yes it is the first month of the year 2024.

So much has happened since I last ranted in my blog.

In a span of three months, I lost both my parents.

Mommy passed away in March 2021 from a rare form of cancer.

June 2021, my dear Dad tragically fell from a flight of stairs.

We were still reeling from losing Mommy.

Then seeing Dad all bloodied on the floor as we frantically tried to 'save' him.

It was very traumatic.

Suddenly, my sister and I were orphans.

Grief is a gut wrenching, heart breaking experience.

So much stress and numbing pain, I lost so much weight, my hair was thinning, my eyes were
bulging, I lost my appetite. I had nightmares for days.

April 2021, I consulted an endocrinologist and was officially diagnosed with Graves Disease or hyperthyroidism. 

November 2021, D and I left our rented home of 13 years because it lost its appeal.

It was getting dilapidated, the new neighbors were too noisy and nosy!

Our new place was a 2 bedroom unit on the 3rd floor of a walk up building in a quiet subdivision.

It was located near a forest/ park with fresh air, green foliage creeping into the dirty kitchen section of the unit. 

BUT it was really far from the workplace, far from civilization.

Traffic was terrible, our gasoline expenses soared, and our old yet classic car often needed repairs.

December 2022, I experienced uterine bleeding even though I was already menopausal.

My OB-GYN suggested total hysterectomy because of multiple myomas, ovarian cysts, and a case of mild endometriosis. 

March 2023 after finally getting cardio and endocrine clearance, and a good colonoscopy result, my TAHBSO surgery pushed through. 

I was confined for 5 days. No major complications. Recovery was faster than expected. 

In November 2023, we made another major decision. 

We NEED to move to a place that is nearer to his workplace.

Our financial situation was dire. Rising prices of commodities, gasoline expenses.

Credit card bills, high interest personal loans - all needed to be paid.

Luckily, we found a suitable place just a few days before our contract expired.

November 5, 2023, we moved into a studio in a very central location.

I had to throw everything that would just take up space in our new place.

2 months now here, we are nicely settled.

I am getting used to the small compact space.

Everything inside is within reach LOL

The bed, the stove, the refrigerator, the dining table, the aircondition unit.

The view from our 31st floor unit is breaktaking.

We wake up with the sun shine caressing our faces.

His workplace is just a 30 - 35 minutes drive.

2024 is looking good, so far.

I want plan to travel more this year.

Indulge more in my passion: watching movies.

Health-wise: I still have hyperthyroidism but it is now CONTROLLED.

Cholesterol and blood sugar levels are rising, though.

Mostly due to menopause which I blame for everything. LOL

I'm now back to exercising 3 - 4 days a week.

I still wear face masks when I go out because I am immuno-compromised.

Plus I like how the mask hides my now chubby cheeks. 

So let's all have a wonderful 2024 filled with everything our hearts desire.

We all deserve it. =)

Merry Christmas! =)