Church, Clay Pot and A Hero's House in Calamba, Laguna

I remember that in primary years, your educational trip would not be complete without visiting the ancestral house of Dr. Jose Rizal in Calamba. So as we travel in Laguna, a visit on the house of Dr. Jose Rizal is definitely in the list. The house of Dr. Jose Rizal is also known as the Rizal Shrine. Although I’ve been there few years back when I attended a friend’s wedding I was still eager in setting my foot again at our National Hero’s abode.

Just across the Rizal Shrine is the Calamba Church and in front of the church is the large clay pot with the names of Calamba’s Barangays written on it. We opted to visit the church first. Unfortunately there was a funeral service so we didn’t stay long inside the church. Outside the church are carved stone tablet of the Stations of the Cross. A tablet of the Ten Commandments is also located near the Stations of the Cross.

There was an educational trip when we went to the house of Dr. Jose Rizal so the place was crowded and a bit noisy. Students are everywhere in the place.

The original house of Dr. Jose Rizal was already destroyed in World War II and subsequently demolished. The government bought the ruins of the house and a project was made to rebuild the house. The task of rebuilding the house was supervised by Architect Juan Nakpil.

The lower part of the house is made of stone while the upper part is made of wood. It has rooms, kitchen, bathroom and a library. The surviving feature of the old house is the well that is next to the dining room. The house is painted green however its original color was white. 

The famous quote of Dr. Jose Rizal about loving our own language is written on a ceiling outside of the house.

Outside the house is a gallery, library and a shop of memorabilia. A replica of a nipa hut was also built in the shrine. A statue of a young Rizal and a dog can also be seen in the Shrine.

Down to Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery

Before reaching Liliw, you’ll have to pass by Nagcarlan. I know nothing about Nagcarlan so I was like a little child ready to learn anything on this place.

Before we went to Laguna, my sister already told me that Nagcarlan is known for its Underground Cemetery. I was scared when she told me about it. Honetly, a creept feeling just went into my body when she told me about it. I never thought that a cemetery can be part of an itinerary. Why would anyone spend their vacation on a cemetery? Anyway, since my companions seems so eager to go there I just tag along. It also sounds a good adventure and the creepy feeling faded away as our trip came nearer.

The Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery is considered as a national historical landmark and museum that was built in 1845 below Mt. San Cristobal. It was declared as a National Historical Landmark in 1973 which was amended in 1978. Since the declaration, no more burials were allowed. It was said that only elite people are allowed to be buried here. The priests or friars are buried on the crypt.

Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery has a circular shape in a 1 hectare property. Aside from the red stone walls that give the place its beauty, the place is now surrounded by houses. In front, of the cemetery is a gasoline station.

Inside the chapel

Inside the circular walls are tombs. The whole place was covered with lush green grasses and few trees. There is a pathway that leads to the small chapel where burial masses were held before. On the right side is the stairs going down the crypt. When I look the pictures on the web, it seems like the crypt has a lot of tunnels that you might get lost in it but the crypt was actually just small. It was also not that dark. Lights are placed on every corner and there's a small opening that also let natural light inside. No sudden cold feeling or hair raising sound to be heard. In short, its not scary. Maybe you'll just feel a bit weird just thinking you're inside a crypt.






Our stay on the place was just short because there is nothing else to do there aside from taking pictures.