Philippine Canadian Inquirer (National)
What’s on in Kawit this Christmas
KAWIT, CAVITE — This historic town is inviting the public to experience Christmas the “Kawitenyo” way by joining activities lined up for the season.
Kawit tourism officer Rhouz Camposanto said the various festivities, which range from choral competition, lecture, story-telling, Christmas lighting and night mass, “promotes the educational yet fun way to enjoy the holiday season with family and friends.”
“The activities, which cater to various ages, from kids to adult, are consistent with what the town is known for - a repository of culture and tradition,” Camposanto said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency.
The town kicks off its monthlong celebration with the choral competition at St. Mary Magdalene Church at 2 p.m. on Wednesday (Dec. 11), featuring 10 entries from the town’s various public and private schools.
A lecture on “Maytinis,” a yearly tradition of the town meant to highlight the journey of St. Joseph and Virgin Mary in search for an inn for Jesus Christ’s birth, is set on Friday (Dec 13, 2 p.m.) at the Audio-visual Room of Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo.
The lighting of the Liwasang Aguinaldo (Aguinaldo Park) complex is a must-see on Saturday (Dec. 14, 7 p.m.). Dubbed the “Kawit Symphony of Lights,” the lights move in sync with the festive Christmas carols played in the background.
The local library ( located at the Liwasang Aguinaldo) will host a story-telling activity for kids on Dec. 18 at 3 p.m.
Among the highlights include the “Simbang Gabi” or the traditional night mass practiced by Roman Catholics every 8 p.m. from December 15 to 23 at the Aguinaldo Park and the crowd drawer, “Maytinis” on Dec. 24, which entails a long stretch of the procession around town.
These activities are supported by the religious group, Confradia de Sagrada Familia, and the local library.
Kawit, a first-class municipality, is known as the birthplace of the first President of the Philippine Republic, General Emilio Aguinaldo, whose abode, now turned into a shrine and museum in his honor, is where the Philippine Independence from Spain was declared on June 12, 1898. ■