Guiguinto, Philippines
Region: Bulacan
Geographic Coordinates: 14.833300, 120.883000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 113415
Language: Tagalog
Guiguinto is a first-class municipality in the province of Bulacan, Philippines. It’s located 27 kilometers north of Manila and covers a land area of 45.90 square kilometers. The town is widely recognized for its rich history, Vibrant culture, And breathtaking natural attractions that make it an excellent tourist destination. One of the most prominent landmarks in Guiguinto is Barasoain Church or Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Church. This historical church played an essential role in Philippine history as it was where the Malolos Constitution was drafted and ratified during the First Philippine Republic.
The church’s intricate architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows are also worth admiring. Another must-visit attraction in Guiguinto is Biak-na-Bato National Park, Which spans over 2, 117 hectares featuring majestic rock formations, Waterfalls, Caves and rivers. It served as a sanctuary for Filipino revolutionaries during the Spanish colonial period and later used by General Emilio Aguinaldo as his headquarters during the Philippine-American War. For those who love shopping or trying out local delicacies, Guiguinto has two popular destinations: PTT Gas Station Market Place and Bahay Pari Pasalubong Center.
These places offer various products such as fresh fruits, Vegetables fish meat poultry products at affordable prices along with native delicacies like pastillas de leche (milk candies), Puto (rice cake), Bibingka (rice cake cooked with coconut milk) among others. Guiguinto also celebrates several festivals throughout the year that showcase its rich cultural heritage such as Buntal Hat Festival which features hats made from buntal fiber; Kneeling Carabao Festival which honors San Isidro Labrador; Santacruzan which commemorates Queen Helena’s search for Jesus’ cross; Pista ng Sto. Niño which is a celebration of the Holy Child Jesus.
In terms of transportation, Guiguinto is accessible via public buses and jeepneys that ply the Manila-Bulacan route. It also has its train station, Guiguinto Station, Which is part of the Philippine National Railways’ Northrail Line. Overall, Guiguinto offers a unique blend of history, Culture and natural attractions that make it an ideal destination for tourists looking to explore the beauty and richness of the Philippines.
- The Barasoain Church – a historic church where the first Philippine Republic was established.
- Biak na Bato National Park – a natural park with caves and waterfalls that played a significant role during the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule.
- El Masfino Country Club – a luxurious resort with golf courses, swimming pools, and other amenities.
- St. Augustine Parish Church – another historic church built during the Spanish colonial period.
- San Rafael River Adventure – an eco-tourism destination offering river cruises, kayaking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
- The Garden of Lilies Resort – a family-friendly resort with swimming pools and recreational facilities.
- The Philippine Arena – one of the largest indoor arenas in Asia located in Ciudad de Victoria complex near Bocaue Exit of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).
- Agriculture
- Rice farming
- Vegetable production
- Poultry and livestock raising
- Manufacturing
- Food processing (candies, pastries)
- Garments/textile production
- Retail
- Small shops and stores selling various goods such as clothing and household items
- Service sectors
- Transportation services (jeepneys)
- Healthcare (hospitals/clinics)
- Education (schools/universities)
- The Battle of Guiguinto occurred on April 23, 1899, during the Philippine-American War. Filipino revolutionaries led by General Antonio Luna fought against American forces led by General Arthur MacArthur Jr.
- Father Mariano Gomez was a Catholic priest from Guiguinto who played a crucial role in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule in the late 19th century. He was born on August 2, 1799.
- Francisco Balagtas is regarded as one of the most exceptional Filipino poets and writers in history, born in Bigaa (now Balagtas), which used to be part of Guiguinto.
- Marcela Agoncillo designed and sewed the first official flag of the Philippines during its revolutionary period against Spain. She was born in Taal, Batangas but lived most of her life in Barasoain (now Malolos), which used to be part of Guiguinto.
- Jose Abad Santos served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court during World War II and became a hero for refusing to collaborate with Japanese occupiers despite being offered his life if he did so. He spent most of his childhood years living with his grandparents in Guiguinto although he was born San Fernando.
- Benigno Aquino Sr., also known as Ninoy Aquino’s father, served as Speaker of House Representatives from 1943-1944 under Japanese occupation before he died at Fort Bonifacio alongside other political prisoners under orders from President Manuel Quezon due to their perceived collaboration with Japan.
- Genoveva Edroza-Matute is an acclaimed Filipino author and educator who was born on January 3, 1915, in Guiguinto. She wrote numerous novels, short stories, and plays that explored Filipino culture and society.
- The Malolos Congress held from September 15-November 13, 1898, in Barasoain Church (now Malolos), which used to be part of Guiguinto. It resulted in the drafting of the Malolos Constitution and the establishment of the First Philippine Republic.
- Barasoain Church is a historical church where the First Philippine Republic was established in 1899.
- The Balagtas Monument is a monument dedicated to Francisco Balagtas, a Filipino poet and author of the epic poem Florante at Laura.
- The Guiguinto Municipal Museum and Library showcases the town’s history, culture, and heritage.
- The Marcelo H. del Pilar Shrine is dedicated to Marcelo H. del Pilar, one of the leaders of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule.
- The Garden of San Jose Del Monte Bulacan is an eco-tourism park that features various flora and fauna species.
- The Gat Blas Falcasantos Ancestral House is an ancestral house turned museum that showcases traditional Filipino architecture and lifestyle during the Spanish colonial period.
- Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Parish Church is a beautiful church with intricate designs and architecture dating back to 1776.
- The Fruit Stand (Tiangge ng Prutas) – A popular stop for travelers looking for fresh fruits from nearby provinces like Pampanga or Nueva Ecija.
- Pulilan Butterfly Haven- A nature park with butterfly garden.
- Lakbay Museo ng Kalikasan – An educational tour spot featuring displays about environment conservation efforts in Bulacan.
- Kneeling Carabao Festival – held every May 14 to 15, this festival celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage with a parade of decorated carabaos (water buffaloes) and street dancing.
- Guiguinto Fiesta – celebrated every January 23 to honor the town’s patron saint, San Ildefonso de Toledo. The fiesta features religious processions, street parties, and fireworks.
- Singkaban Festival – held every September in nearby Malolos City, this festival showcases the arts and culture of Bulacan province through exhibits, performances, and competitions.
- Flores de Mayo – a month-long celebration in May that honors the Virgin Mary with daily masses, processions, and floral offerings.
- Christmas Lantern Parade – held every December 24th where residents showcase their creativity by decorating their homes with colorful lanterns that light up the streets at night.
- Betute-Tugak Restaurant – known for their specialty dish betute or stuffed frogs.
- Hapag Vicentico’s – offers traditional Filipino dishes such as adobo, sinigang, and kare-kare.
- LJC Restaurant – serves classic Filipino dishes with a modern twist.
- Kusina ni Lola Nidora – specializes in Bulacan delicacies such as ensaladang pako and guinataang bilo-bilo.
- Pares Mami House – famous for their beef pares and mami noodles.
- R.Lapid’s Chicharon & Barbecue – offers crispy pork rinds or chicharon and grilled meat skewers.
- Mama Chit’s Coffee House & Restaurant – serves coffee blends and comfort food like pancit palabok and bibingka.
- Estrellas Delicacies- offers various kakanin (rice cakes) like sapin-sapin, kutsinta, biko.
- Tito Jun’s Grill- known for its grilled chicken inasal with unlimited rice.
- Gerry’s Grill – a casual dining restaurant that offers classic Filipino dishes like sisig, lechon kawali, crispy pata among others.
- Guiguinto Sports Complex is a multi-purpose sports facility that offers basketball courts, tennis courts, and a jogging path.
- Guiguinto Municipal Park is a public park that features playgrounds, picnic areas, and a small pond.
- Balagtas Eco Park is an eco-tourism destination that offers nature trails, bird watching, and camping facilities.
- San Juan de Dios Wellness Center is a health and wellness center that offers spa treatments, yoga classes, and fitness programs.
- Pritil River Park is a scenic park located along the Pritil River that offers fishing opportunities and boat rides.
- Bulacan Golf & Country Club is a golf course with beautiful scenery for golf enthusiasts to enjoy their sport.
- Villa Concepcion Wetland Nature Park is an eco-park with different species of birds where visitors can appreciate the beauty of nature while walking on trails or kayaking in the river nearby.
- Pinagrealan Cave is a natural cave formation located in Barangay Tiaong which is perfect for spelunking enthusiasts who want to explore its chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
- Guiguinto Bike Trail – A cycling trail located near the town proper which is perfect for biking enthusiasts who want to explore different terrains while enjoying scenic views of rice fields along the way.
- Balite Falls – A picturesque waterfall located in Barangay Sto Cristo where visitors can swim in its cool waters or have picnics by its banks surrounded by lush vegetation.
