Educational Tour 2014

Aurora A. Quezon Elementary School

Narrative

Report

EMILIO AGUINALDO SHRINE

As the Philippines National Shrine, the Aguinaldo Shrine is the ancestral house of General Emilio Aguinaldo, the president of the First Philippine Republic. This became the place where the proclamation of the Republic of the Philippines was made, where the independence of the Philippines from Spain was declared on June 12, 1898.

The Aguinaldo House in Kawit is the most visited and well-restored national landmark in the Cavite. Designed by a patriot and self-made architect, the sprawling structure along the old royal highway was bequeathed by General Emilio Aguinaldo in 1963 as his architectural and historical legacy to the Filipino people.

The extensive ground of the Aguinaldo Shrine covers a lot area of about 5,000 square meters, with lush trees and tropical plants. It has been said that the Aguinaldo garden was at one time tended by a Japanese gardener who turn out to be an Imperial Army officer during World War II.

A bronze figure of General Emilio Aguinaldo riding a horse proudly stands in front of the ancestral house.

The mansion has three sections the main house, the tower, and the family wings. The ground floor of Aguinaldo Shrine was transformed into a museum shows exhibits of memorabilia of Emilio Aguinaldo. A hologram depicting Aguinaldo can be seen.

The old sword of Gen. Aguinaldo, before he got the sword of Gen. Aguirre in 1896. This was designed by Gen. Jose Ignacio Pawa and forged in Kawit Cavite.

An Oath Taking of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo & Gen Mariano Trias, Aguinaldo and Trias are sworn into office as president and vice president, respectively of the revolutionary government in the convent of Sta. Cruz de Malabon on March 23, 1897.

This samurai sword with a sheath was presented to General Aguinaldo in the 1930’s by former Japanese Premier Inukai on behalf of Emperor Hirohito

A carrying case use by Gen. Aguinaldo during camping and a brown leather shoes.

A replica of the cannon used at the battle of Binakayan Kawit Cavite.

Flag Draped over the casket of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo during the funeral on Feb 16, 1964.

On the east wing are three bedrooms for the general’s three daughter’s Cristina Suntay, Maria Poblete and Carmen Melencio, and their portrait with Gen Emilio Aguinaldo.

The second floor is crowded with fine antique furniture, photos and paintings of Emilio Aguinaldo and his family. A Portrait of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.

At the other side of this second floor the room of the widowed Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and his second wife Maria Agoncillo, in it are found a secret passageway. The hat rack near the second floor entrance is a secret door leading to this bedroom, behind his closet is a wide opening, inside the bathroom a floor panel and a door lead to the swimming pool.

Located on the second floor is the grand hall, a large meeting room where from its historic front window, the Declaration of Independence was read. The ceiling of this room is adorned with a relief map of the Philippines.

The patio at the end family wing was humorously named by the General as Galeria de los Pecadores for it is in this hall of sinners where subversive plots were said to have been planned. The intimate venue is also preferred by its residents for sharing of secrets and even courtship.

At the back of the house is where General Emilio Aguinaldo was laid to rest. The general died on February 1964 at the age 0f 94.

The Davao crocodile Park all started from the fascination of the owner, Mr. Philip Dizon, to Saltwater and Freshwater Crocodiles. He did not think of it as a lucrative business until he learned that crocodiles are raised in United States not just for public viewing but as well as for production of leather purposes. It was in November 1995 when the government has given the ownerthe accreditation and permit to operate the 1st Davao Crocodile Park. 10 years later , on August 18, 2005, the world-class Davao Crocodile Park was opened with the help of the consultant Dr. Gilbert Buenviaje. The Davao Crocodile Park Inc. is owned and operated by a group of businessmen headed by Mr. Sonny Dizon, a resident of Davao City.

The Davao Crocodile Park is an establishment that showcases a “state of the art” crocodile farming system in the Philippines. It has the most recent crocodile farm design equipped with modern facilities and equipments. The presence of other exotic animal species like raptors, monkeys, bearcats, snakes, birds, and other reptiles makes it one of the most desired tourist destinations in Davao. The purposes of this Davao Crocodile Park are as follows:

Tourism Public viewing and entertainment Venue for educational tours Promotion of public awareness through regular

lectures Conservation of crocodiles and other wildlife

animals and Acts as a field laboratory for students in

Biology, Zoology, Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine as well as for wildlife animal enthusiasts.

THE STATE OF THE ART TECHNOLOGY OF DAVAO CROCODILE PARK

The Incubator RoomAt Davao Crocodile Park, the eggs are taken from the nest within 24 hours of their being laid, and placed into an incubator. This ensures a better hatching rate than possible in the actual nest.

The incubator room is air conditioned, and is totally enclosed with two security doors. It has a footbath and a lavatory for disinfections. Aseptic measure is strictly imposed to avoid contaminating the eggs.

The Nursery RoomThe nursery room is provided with nursery pens made up of fiberglass. Half of the floor area in each nursery pen has a sloping area of about 450 angle.

The Operating Room

For 25 years, Davao Crocodile Park has been developing an educational program through interaction as their way of disseminating awareness to the viewing public. With their mission to spread this educational awareness, they have found their way here in Manila and established The Crocodile Park.

This park aims to provide wildlife experience and build enduring relationships between people and wildlife by creating a balanced ecosystem. Crocodile experts will orient you on all the interesting facts about crocodiles including their natural habitat, life cycle, feeding habits and more.

Known as the “Crocoseum”, short for “Crocodile Park’s Museum”, the main exhibit of the park was

the brainchild of park owner Philip Dizon. He got the term from naturalist Mr. Virgilio Pedo, Jr. who works at Crocodile Park Manila. In this exhibit, viewers can enjoy an anatomical safari, meaning that they get to explore and learn about how the animal body works and looks when the flesh is stripped away.

In the Crocoseum, you can also watch the 50-year-old Saltwater Crocodile Exhibit/Display. This is also the place where you get to explore and know the forests and caves of the Philippines via the Philippine Eagle Interactive Gallery.

Experience the unexplored wonders of forest and Bat Cave, Skeletal System of Brahminy Kite, Cow, Goat, snake, lizards, marine species, civet cats, and Bat - all found at the Crocoseum

More Shows, More Fun ActivitiesToday, the park has improved and expanded to include other shows and exhibits aside from the Crocoseum.

Regular park shows include an Interactive Wildlife Encounter tour, Tightrope Walking, Crocodile Dancing, Crocodile Feeding, and Super Bird Show.

Crocodile DancingCrocodile dancing showcases and higlights the leaping ability of the crocodiles. During the presentation, they use their strong tail to propel themselves up, making it look like their doing a certain dance. Saltwater crocodiles could leap up on water surface up to 6 feet.

Crocodile FrenzyCrocodile frenzy is basically the feeding of the juvenile crocodiles. These are crocodiles at the age of two to three years old having the length of three to five feet. In this show, an animal caretaker goes inside the pen to feed the crocodiles. In effect, the crocodile runs after the caretaker for food. Watch our crocodiles frenzy as they chase our caretaker for food.

Crocodile EncounterPangil Enounter or the Giant crocodile encounter is one of the highlights of Crocodile parks regular weekend show wherein it showcases how aggresive they are and how a crocodile would react once their teritory is being intrude.

Wildlife EncounterWildlife encounteris the show wherein the visitors are given the chance to interact with our exotic petable animals and given the opportunity to take pictures with it. During this show, the animal keeper is able to converse with the guest and explain to them the animal’s role in the ecosystem.The keeper can also explain the things that we can do for these animals.

Because of their extraordinary crocodile educational show, wildlife facilities and minds-on/hands-on interactive science exhibit, The Crocodile Park has stretched their knowledge towards other species

through The Butterfly House, Insectariums, an Ostrich Mini-Farm and Mini-Petting Zoo plus a new baby creature on the way in the form of Marine World.

The Exploreum is a total immersion experience that will stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone by creating fun, memorable experiences, because

we value science as an indispensable tool for understanding our world and enriching people’s lives.

All new interactive exhibits, will cover a wide range of topics related to life on Earth and the fundamental nature of the cosmos. You’ll be exposed to bold science and fun learning experiences in an eye-opening, awe-inspiring environment that will include 3D holograms, realistic wax models, virtual reality simulations, optical illusions, detailed replicas, entertaining games, audiovisual presentations, and more.

Spark your imagination and indulge your curiosity at the Exploreum.

 Exploreum is Science on a Sphere, a six-foot diameter globe where animated images of the atmosphere, oceans, and land are projected on. With over a hundred installations around the world, it has finally found its way to the Philippines. Learning about atmospheric storms, climate change, and ocean temperature is sure more fun through the Science on a Sphere.

The Exploreum also houses the Planetarium, the country’s only full dome theatre. With its 180-degree digital screen and using the Digi-star 5, a best-selling operating system for full dome theatres, the 158-seater Planetarium is perfect for a kid’s first-time movie experience, especially with shows such as “Journey to the Stars,” “We are Astronomers,” “Timespace,” “The Zula Patrol,” “Down to Earth,” and “One World One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure” that will all make the audience feel as if the stars and planets are right in front of them.

360-degree full-dome theater video with digital graphics and sounds.

PLANETARIUM

Journey to the StarsFeaturing extraordinary images from telescopes on the ground and in space and stunning, never-before-seen visualizations of physics-based simulations, the

dazzling new Journey to the Stars launches visitors through space and time to experience the life and death of the stars in our night sky, including our own nurturing Sun.

We Are AstronomersWe Are Astronomers reveals the global collaboration, technology and dedication required to answer the unresolved questions of the universe.

TimespaceTimeSpace transports audiences across the universe over 14 billion years to see and experience the Big Bang, the doom of the dinosaurs, the sudden appearance of Halley’s Comet in the Yucatán sky, Apollo 11’s lunar landing and man’s first steps on the Moon, and a leap into the future to 3001. Produced entirely at America’s First Planetarium—the only museum in the world with two full-size planetarium theaters.

Zula Patrol: Under the WeatherWhen the Zula gang accidentally hurts Gorga’s feelings, he leaves planet Zula to find a new home. Interplanetary villain Dark Truder then tricks Gorga into stealing weather from other planets so he can become ruler of the universe. The ZPers find out and go after him – in the process learning all about weather, both terrestrial and interplanetary. Based on the award-winning PBS TV series.

Zula Patrol: Down to EarthIn their latest fulldome adventure, The Zula Patrol takes a rollicking ride into the past to save Earth from almost certain disaster!In the process, our heroes discover all about the formation and development of Earth and the life forms who call it home. The Zula Patrol: Down to Earth is based on the award-winning TV series, The Zula

Patrol, now reaching 300 million households worldwide.

AstronautThe exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken. Experience a rocket launch from inside the body of an astronaut, explore the amazing worlds of inner and outer space, and discover the perils that lurk in space as we subject Chad our test astronaut, to everything �that space has to throw at him.

Wonders of the UniversePeer deep into space through the eyes of the orbitingHubble Space Telescope and travel back billions of years in time to witness the birth of the universe. On this breathtaking excursion you’ll witness the formation of galaxies and explore some of the most wondrous nebulae and astronomical structures yet discovered. As your travels continue, you’ll fly deep into our own Milky Way galaxy and return home to Earth on a spectacular tour through the solar system.

One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s AdventureTogether, they take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the Moon, where they discover how different it is from Earth. One World, One Sky is a brilliant spectacle of light and color as the furry friends watch the stars twinkle over Sesame Street. Children attending the show can interact as they watch, drawing constellations and counting the time it takes the sun to set. One, World, One Sky is a production of Adler Planetarium, Sesame Workshop, Beijing Planetarium, and Liberty Science Center and was produced with major support from the National Science Foundation.

The Human AdventureSight, sound, smell, perception–the human body and the systems that help us relate to the world around us is a fascinating machine. Spend some time at The Human Adventure and learn more about your own brain and the different organs that make up the entire body.

CybervilleExplore the growing world of technology that is all around you. CyberVille features robots, solar powered devices, local inventions–a one-of-a-kind, hands-on exhibit that makes complex technology user-friendly and easy to understand.

ConnectConnect investigates all the ways we express ourselves: written, spoken, gestural, symbolic, electronic, digital and more, from totem poles to texts. Explore the origins and history of human language and learn about the physics behind some of the communication technology we use today.

The Living EarthForged from fire and ice, formed by floods, volcanoes, asteroids and earthquakes, our planet tells a dynamic geological story. What are mega-tsunamies? What happens in the Bermuda Triangle? With a visit to The Living Earth, peel back time like layers of rock to reveal the origins of the place we call home.

Science ParkScience Park is the learn-through-play space for kids and kids-at-heart. Here, they can play with shapes, sounds, and colors. Enriched with hands-on experiences, it’s sure to engage their natural curiosity and encourage exploration.

Space CampExperience the cosmos like never before. Let your imagination soar as you explore meteorites from Mars, black holes, cosmic rays, and more, making Space Camp a truly out-of-this-world experience.

The Discovery RoomYoung scientists can get hands-on with science in the Discovery Room. We provide a range of interactive exhibits that allow you to experiment with the different properties of matter as well as explore the ways in which simple machines work.

ZoomExplore all the most fascinating aspects of how humankind has flown, soared, chugged and sped throughout the years. Climb aboard a racecar, learn more about submarines, and find out how transportation shaped our lives, landscapes, culture, and communities.

The Natural WorldDiscover the connections between all life forms with a trip down The Natural World. Get in-depth info about amazing flora and fauna, including carnivorous plants, the world’s smallest animal, and how insects “talk” to each other.

FORT SANTIAGO

One of the most important historical sites in Manila, Fort Santiago was built by the Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi as a defensive fortress designed to protect the newly formed city of Manila. It is a key feature of the famous Walled City of Manila, which is referred to as Intramuros.

at the entrance of the Citadel

José Rizal, considered a national hero in the Philippines, was imprisoned at Fort Santiago before his execution in 1896, as were countless others. It played a role in the city’s penal and defense system all the way up to World War II, and has been occupied by: the Spanish, free Filipinos, the US (the Stars and Stripes were raised there in 1898), and the Japanese Imperial Army.

Today, this beautiful, 16th century structure is home to a shrine dedicated to Rizal, which includes an eerie set of footprints painted onto

the street outlining the great man’s final steps as he was led to his death. That said, it’s not a particularly macabre destination, despite its long and sordid history. It is frequented by both foreign visitors and locals seeking a pleasant afternoon of leisure with family and friends. While there, be sure to check out the Intramuros Visitors Center, which gives an overview of the various other attractions in the district.

Arch of Fort Santiago is marked by St. James the Great. I was amazed that a great artist of Pampanga, Wilfredo Layug of Betis, did the wood carving.

Intramuros is the Latin word that means “within the walls” thus Intramuros is known as the “Walled City.” It is also known as the original Manila for it was the country’s capital during the late 16th century Spanish colonial

era. The Philippines at that time was the most distant point of the empire of Madrid in the Far East. Intramuros was built and erected as defensive walls to protect the city from foreign invasions which were very vigorous at that time.

inside the 16th Century Fort

Jose Rizal’s Last Walk to Martyrdom Trail in Fort Santiago

“To commemorate the centennial of Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom, the National Centennial Commission and the Department of Tourism have included Rizal’s shoeprints embedded in the pavement and placed markers in areas where he passed on his way to Bagumbayan from his cell in Fort Santiago. Marking his last walk to martyrdom, this centennial freedom trail memorializes his brave path to martyrdom in the early hours of December 30,1896 and symbolizes the birth of Filipino nation.” – Fort Santiago

As shown, Jose Rizal before his final hours. Jose Rizal’s last foot prints in Fort Santiago started here (in this cell)

The last steps of José Rizal before his execution

Rizal Shrine inside Fort Santiago has a museum

Museum of Jose Rizal (Dambana ni Rizal)

Inside Fort Santiago

This cross marks the final resting place of approximately 600 Filipinos and Americans who were victims during February 1945.

These are the famous GOMBURZA – martyr priests Gomez, Burgos and Zamora

Former President Elpidio Quirino was in-captive in this building for 16 days when he was still a senator in 1943.

Outside Fort Santiago, you’ll see some buildings and structures designed and built in the 15th and 16 century when Manila was under the Spanish supremacy. Some buildings are still named in Spanish up to now.

The famous “Kalesa.” There are many of these all over Intramuros, Manila. It’s so relaxing to ride in one while exploring around Intramuros.

QUEZON MEMORIAL CIRCLE

The Quezon Memorial Circle is a national park and a national shrine located in Quezon City, which became the capital of the Philippines from 1948 to 1976.

Quezon City was founded by and named after Manuel L. Quezon, the president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. What more other structure then, would best grace its skyline than a monument to its founder and namesake? At the heart of the city stands the Quezon Memorial Shrine, which serves as the final resting place of one of the country's greatest leaders.

The Quezon Memorial Shrine can be found inside the Quezon Memorial Circle, a site originally intended for the construction of a national capitol. The advent of the Second World War effectively ended the plan and the area was instead set aside for a monument to Quezon. A national design contest was held for the monument and the winning entry was that of Federico S. Ilustre.

Quezon Memorial Shrine

The structure rests on a base in the shape of an equilateral triangle measuring 50 meters on each side. From the center rises three pylons representing the three main island groups of the Philippines- Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The

pylons rise up to a height of 66 meters. Quezon was aged 66 when he died. Atop each pylon rests a statue of a mourning

angel holding a wreath of sampaguita, the national flower of the Philippines. Part of the structure is made out of Carrara marble. The sides of the base are lined with bas reliefs depicting significant events in Quezon's life, as well as in Philippine history.

to help you go around .. directional signages are visible

The park is planted with several forest trees which provides abundant shades to the people who spent long hours on weekdays and on weekends. Among the parks regular habitués are fitness buffs that do their jogging, brisk walking and strolling and biking on trails meant for those activities.

There are several interesting spots inside the park such as playgrounds, bicycle rentals, Chess Plaza, Remote Control Car Racetrack, Rock Climbing Facility, Butterfly Garden and the World Peace Bell. However, the most interesting of all would be the Quezon Memorial Shrine.

Quezon Memorial Circle is among the largest of the several Quezon City parks together with the La Mesa Dam EcoPark and the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center. Surrounding the park is the Elliptical Road and the six national roads that converge on it.

Quezon Memorial Shrine Museum

The Quezon Memorial Shrine Museum is located inside the circle at the heart of the Quezon City.

At the very center of the shrine lies the sarcophagus containing Quezon's remains. He was reinterred there in 1979. It is lit from above by an oculus located in between the pylons.

As a family man Manuel Quezon married his cousin Aurora Aragon en route to the US as he headed the first independence mission when the shinyu maru docked in Hong Kong on December 14, 1918. They proceeded to the American Consulate where the nuptials where held. Three days

later a simple church wedding was solemnized.

They were blessed with four children Maria Aurora, Zenaida, Luisa Corazon Paz (died on infancy) and Manuel Jr. Despite his busy schedule he always took time to associate daily with his member of his family. His devotion and respect for Mrs. Quezon could be compared only to his devotion and loyalty to his people. Even in the midst of an absorbing discussion, he would promptly ask to be excused when notified that his wife would like to see him or was on the telephone line.

A museum showcases interesting collection of photographs, plaques, personal effects and formal clothes of the late president. Also on display is the stately desk and table use the Quezon during his term in office.

A set of the 1978 50-peso and 25-peso silver coins issued by the Central Bank of the Philippines to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Pres. Manuel L. Quezon .. Coins made at Franklin Mint in Exton Pennsylvania, USA

President Quezon died on August 1 1944 in Saranac Lake, New York and was first buried at Arlington Cemetery. His remains were flown home in the Philippines after 2 years July 27, 1946 and were re entered in Manila North Cemetery in August 1, 1946.

On August 19, 1978, his 100th birth anniversary, his remains were exhumed and finally laid to rest in the granite mausoleum, the central point of the shrine.

Doña Aurora Aragon Quezon was also buried in the mausoleum with her husband.

The establishment of the Commonwealth of the Philippines is watershed in the country's history. And the man who led the nation through this crucial phase deserves a place in every Filipino's memory. The Quezon Memorial Shrine serves as an prominent reminder of the great man who rests within it.