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The Glossary

Hudhud - "it is recited and chanted during sowing and harvesting of rice even in funeral wakes. This oral tradition is practiced in the Mountain Province. It takes three to four days to recite the whole 40 or so chapters of the hudhud."

From Philippines Glossary

Among the many provinces in the Philippines, Bulacan is where the past and the present converge. Home to some of the most prominent heroes (Marcelo H. Del Pilar and Pio Valenzuela), artists (Francisca Reyes Aquino and Guillermo Tolentino), poets (Francisco Balagtas and Amado V. Hernández) and music (Honorata Atang dela Rama and Nicanor Abelardo), the highly urbanized province is dubbed as the "Gateway to the North" for its geography and proximity to the capital Manila.

Known for having a special place in the history of the Philippines, Bulacan was the prime location of the Biak na Bato Pack in 1897 and the signing of the Malolos Constitution by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. Today, the sprawling ground of Biak na Bato National Park, which once served as a hideout of the revolutionary forces during the Spanish regime, is now a famed tourist attraction that appeals to the adventurous crowd with its challenging rock formation, caverns and hanging bridges connecting rivers and caves. The park is also a good jump off point to other attractions, including the Tilandong Falls, Madlum Cave, Tanggapan Cave, Bahay Paniki Cave and Aguinaldo Cave.

Traversing the provincial capital of the province of Malolos will be the start of the trip down historical lane of Bulacan's glorious past. Visitors can pay a visit to the Barasoain Church, also known as Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish. The shrine is the site of the Constitutional Convention of the first Philippine Republic, making the country the first Asian government to promulgate an authentic constitution.

Nestled close is the Malolos Cathedral and Convent, popularly known as Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, which served as the presidential quarters of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in the long years of Spanish regime.

The Casa Real Shrine built in 1580 is also worth visiting for being the seat of power in the whole town. The casa also serve as Ayuntamiento,Tribunal and Presidencia Municipal during the first Republic where the revolutionary newspapers Kalayaan and Independiencia were printed. At present, the structure is now a museum which showcases the memorabilia and relics of the Brave Women of Malolos, among other significant remnants of Philippine history.

Aside from historical landmarks, much of the landscape of Bulacan is dotted with quaint ancestral house such as the Buencamino House, Viola House, Siojo House and the famous home of Doña Narcisa B. de Leon of LVN Pictures. After browsing the history of the town by visiting the illustrious landmarks, visitors can take a break and head to nature sanctuaries in the province like the Tumutulo, Verdivia and Tilandong Falls, tapped as source of hydro-electric power in the province.

A detour to the Aroma Beach in Hagonoy, frequented by locals during the scorching summer months, can also be another option. Island-hopping is possible on the Liputan Islands in Meycauayan. To those who want a total rejuvenation and rest can head to the Sibul and Pandi mineral hot springs tucked in the province famous for its curative effects.

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