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My Red Owner-Type Jeep Driving Adventures in Cavite, Philippines

About a year ago, I was really fortunate for having this second-hand owner-type jeep. Since then, I was given the chance to drive on nearby places here in Cavite I always wish I had been into before. I am also happy to say that my low-cost camera now has a good companion in blogging, a low-cost red jeep. I could say that telling good stories is now a bit better for I can capture the right views at the right angle, at the right point (not when I used to commute and take photos from the passenger’s window, just like when I travel to Baguio City years back). Now, I can pull over and take the best shots I can, though not at all times.


My Red Owner-Type Jeep 

And so I have this great experiences in exploring the inner side (places not often talked about) of the province of Cavite where I had been living for almost a decade. Places like Pala-Pala, Trece Martires, Aguinaldo Shrine, Indang and Tagaytay are now within reach, of course with some money for the gasoline and eating. The previous blog I wrote about Tagaytay is actually made possible because of my red owner-type jeep, so to speak. Still fresh to my mind, that travel was really awesome!

Let me begin now my Cavite travel blog or should I say my driving story and tell you what is something different when I’m with my owner-type jeep. Why not just imagine you’re on the back seat comfortably wondering around. Let’s drive.

First Stop
Our first stop is in Indang, Cavite. Quite a remote town but when you reach the place, it looks like just any other typical town. There is a plaza and near the plaza is the Catholic Church. My wife and I used to attend a usual Sunday mass here. And right after that, we walked around the plaza and the surrounding places. Have a look on what we’ve discovered.








Second Stop
Our second stop is in Ternate, Cavite. It’s just a small town near the sea. People used to do their normal chores. Stores are open, kids and teens are playing around, and vehicles are just passing by back and forth. Have a look on some of Ternate’s good spots.








Third Stop
Let’s go to our third stop, this time in Kaybiang Tunnel found at Mt. Palay-Palay and in between Nasugbu, Batangas and Ternate, Cavite. My jeep was actually parked at home this time, so both of us are now in a car pool. Together with our friends, we drop by at this famous tunnel connecting the provinces of Batangas and Cavite. The scenery is breathtaking. Green trees, blue ocean and spectacular mountain ranges are what you will see as you travel going to and from this tourist destination. There has been a lot of blogs written about this amazing Kaybiang tunnel and so it is up to you to discover why they love to be in this place. But to give you a clue, below photos will surely speak a bit about it.










Fourth Stop
We’re now in our fourth stop - Maragundon, Cavite – more specifically in “Museo ng Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio”. Going back in time is the highlight of our stop over here. A vintage house located at the heart of the town of Maragundon is what simply describes this museum. A distinguishing symbol, the flag of the Philippines, is bannered on its front. The house being too old (but well-restored) is what one could say that this is really a museum built for one of our national heroes – Andres Bonifacio (Ang Dakilang Ama ng Rebolusyon, Ang Supremo).

We spent about an hour inside this historic place starting from watching a short clip on how the place came to be, then touring the whole house containing visual, audio and written information about Andres Bonifacio and his unfortunate captivity, trial in this house and then execution. There is a lot of story to tell about this historic museum and therefore I suggest that it would be better if you’ll pay a visit here one of these days. For now, here’s a glimpse of what the museum has to share about Andres Bonifacio, a Philippine national hero and Maragundon, Cavite in general.








Fifth Stop
Our fifth stop and most likely the last as we’re already heading back home is in the city nearest to my place, Trece Martires City. I consider the city’s road as the path where my owner-type jeep felt the hardness of road once again after several months (or maybe years) of being parked because of defects and need for repair and maintenance.

When SM Trece was opened several months ago, my jeep’s tires were the first to feel the spacious underground parking area of the mall. There is a lot to talk about Trece Martires or simply pronounce locally as “Trece”. In Trece is where we discovered the “Lihim ni Lola” kakanin or rice cake, particularly in the Republic of Cavite Restaurant. My another discovery in this city is the Lolo Claro’s restaurant where the best fried chicken in town is served.

Well, as a church-goer, my wife and I also used to attend Sunday masses in the city’s old church whenever there is time. The “Pamilihang Bayan ng Trece Martires” (the market) is always a place-to-be for us. This is where the best kakanin of Cavite can be found. In this market is where luscious fruits and vegetables can also be bought, aside from the famous Mahogany Market in Tagaytay. To sum it up, Trece Martires is a city filled with amazing wonders – food, fruits, people, places

Before we leave the place, let me tell you that the city got its name from the thirteen (13) martyrs of Cavite who were executed for cooperating in the Katipunan. A shrine is built for them. The exact place on where it can be found, it’s for you to find out. Let me just share with you what I just talked about in some of these photos.












Some Pieces of Advise
To be honest, it is my first time to own an automobile. And to be true, owner-type-jeep is my dream car ever since I learned how to drive. If there are automobile enthusiasts out there who loves driving owner-type-jeeps like mine, why not contact me for a ride. Well, as a trivia, did you know that in Cavite is where owner-type-jeeps originated? True. Drive along Aguinaldo Highway and you’ll see tons of jeeps for sale. The Tamiya style, the American vintage jeep and the lengthened and buffed version, the passenger utility jeepney, they are all in Cavite.

It is just that from getting a driver’s license to registering my jeep to repairing the defects to changing the oil, everything is done here in Cavite. That being said, driving along the highways and roads of Cavite is really fun. The province still has lots of trees to share it shade. From Bacoor to Tagaytay, the street may seem too crowded these days but the destinations are always persistent in waiting for visitors like you. I can say that Cavite is really persistent in providing relaxation and fun to every Filipino despite of the problems and issues it faces amidst progress and development.

Speaking of progress and development; these days where petroleum is really expensive and owning a car is already a big liability, there is still a chance for everyone to drive and enjoy what this country has to offer. One day, you can have your own car or maybe a motorcycle or perhaps a good bicycle. One day, you will have the money to treat yourself a travel in the places you always dreamed about.

When that day comes, go ahead and have fun for after all we all work to make our life blessed with what this planet has in it. I may have this second-hand, old, defect-prone red owner-type jeep, but one way or the other, I am feeling the simple fun of life when driving it. And for everybody, there is always the option to commute or even just hop on your friend’s car. Whatever the available option might be, go ahead and don’t be left behind in seeing and feeling the beauty that this country has to offer.


Hi! I'm Noriel. This photo was taken during one of my road trips. 

Hope that you’ve enjoyed driving with me along good places here in Cavite. You may also explore this blog site for more interesting and informative travel articles about the beautiful Philippines. Have a nice ride and see you again on our next stop over!

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