Our 2013 summer trip was planned long before Dennis came home for a vacation. We wanted to maximize our bonding time by scheduling all our activities and calendar them so that a day would not be wasted. We started with identifying places of historical significance within Pampanga, then Bulacan, Manila, and until we moved further south going to Cavite and Laguna. While he was still in the US, he began searching for these places until he came across the underground cemetery in Nagcarlan, Laguna. He shared the link to me and as I started reading, it seemed quite interesting. It was only when we went to this place that I have proven myself wrong. It was not only interesting but I was amazed by just looking at the facade along the highway. You could already see its historicity, the painstaking preservation that the National Historic Commission have exerted together with the government of Nagcarlan. It was indeed beautiful.
We took several steps from the main entrace to reach a small chapel inside. As was inscripted, it was not just an exclusive cemetery for the Spanish Friars but it served as a meeting place for the revolutionary leaders, the katipuneros.
The Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery Historical
Landmark is a fine example of Spanish colonial architecture. Built by
the Franciscan Friar Vicente Velloc in 1845, its octagonal grounds are
enclosed by a wall decorated with wrought-iron grills and stonework
meant to look like drapery.
An arched
gate leads to the chapel built into the cemetery's inner wall. Wings
radiate from the sides of the chapel, forming an arc where the
above ground niches are found. Under the chapel,
two flights down, is the crypt. This underground section of the
cemetery played an important role in our history. Throughout the
Revolution of 1896 and the Filipino-American War, our fighting patriots
used the crypt as a secret hideout, gathering here to plan their moves
or to seek shelter. Similarly, it became a safehouse for guerrillas
during the World War II. (Underground Cemetery)
As we were walking towards the Chapel/Cemetery, I could not help but be amazed by how well kept it was. It was so clean and green. There were a few tourists who were with us at that time.
The cemetary is indeed one of its kind. It is amazing how it was architecturally designed. You would enter through an arched wooden door which was preserved. You would feel an eerie feeling as you enter because it was so quiet and at the same time having the thought that it was an old cemetery. Although renovation has been done, they have preserved what was remaining of the wood on the ceiling. At the altar, you will see the centerpiece image. It was said that this is where the final funeral rites are done before entombment.
The underground cemetery consists of two flights of stairs going down. The underground was so cold and the feeling is quite different when you are there. We took some shots although we were not allowed to use the flash of our cameras.
No entrance fee was collected however, donation was very much welcome.
We were asked to register our names and personal details
in the logbook.
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