Calamba, Laguna: Keeper of the Memories of Jose Rizal

Calamba is a peaceful, moderately large city in Laguna, a province in the southern part of Manila which is famous for being the birthplace of our national hero. When newcomers reach the town proper, this giant earthen pot, sitting atop a cave-like structure is what greets them. Some words are scribbled on the body of the pot, these are the names of the barangays in Calamba and unlike other similar markers in Manila, the surrounding areas here do not smell remotely of excreted human fluid.




A mythical character named Mariang Makiling in Laguna is fabled to be protecting the dense forest of the mountain in Laguna called Mount Makiling. This is a small statue of the mythical character inside the cave-like structure.



To get a better view of the pueblo, the Spanish term for town proper, visitors can come up and walk around (you can memorize the places, while doing this...:-)) or just take in the fresher atmosphere.



Adjacent to the town marker is the biggest keepsake of our national hero Jose Rizal, the house where he spent his childhood and young adulthood. The house that shaped our national hero, in short. It also stores the other keepsakes of Jose Rizal to us, his countrymen. It fell into a state of disrepair but with the help of many, was restored and turned into a museum. Hundreds of thousands of students come every year in order to see what Rizal was like as a growing child and young adult and how he effected the KKK and the Philippine Revolution in 1898.





A mounted lifesize photo of young Pepe welcomes visitors into the house which has been turned into a museum. In this area of the former Rizal abode, are chronicles of the life of Rizal framed along the concrete walls.



This staircase made of hardwood leads to the rooms of the masters of the house and their children: 2 males and 9 females. Before going up the grand stairs, you need to register and make a donation, of any amount, for the upkeep of this historical site.



This particularly caught my attention and probably one of the most interesting features of 17th century homes. This is what was used by the wealthier families in driving away insects from the dining table. I can only conclude one thing: Rizal's helpers probably have well-toned arm muscles.



Their version of present day's 'dirty kitchen.' Some utensils or kitchen materials made use of the ubiquitous coconut shell.



A miniature of Jose Rizal's house is displayed in the museum just behind the main house. Other items used by Jose Rizal are also displayed here and a video presentation may also be played if guests request it.



The national hero's bust made of bronze would make a good centerpiece in my house. If only it were not heavy.



Outside the home, in the wide lawn under tall fruit-bearing trees stands a small nipa hut where Jose Rizal would spend his leisure time. Guests would find trees such as anonas, makopa, balimbing, santol, nangka among the variety of trees planted here.




The back facade of the house. From here, a staircase takes guests to the wide lawn where fresh fruits can be picked from trees. There isn't a "no picking" sign, so guests are free to taste the fruits around the area, but not to fill their bags with these.

How to get here:

Ride an HM Transport bus that goes to UP College at Los Banos and get off at Calamba. You will be dropped off at the highway so you need to take a jeepney or walk towards the town proper.

HM Transport is located along EDSA, across NEPA Q-mart.

The bus fare is less than a P100; additional fare would be the jeepney going to the town proper, that is if you opt to commute than walk.