I can vividly recollect that our visit to Casa Real Shrine was incidental. We were heading for the Malolos Cathedral when Dennis saw the marker. At first, the gate to the museum was locked but he pursued. He so wanted to see what was inside. We were welcomed in by Ms. Charito Reyes, or Tita Charito, as we called her. Dennis exchanged introduction with her and he was told that she flew in from the US for the preparation of an upcoming grand project, a historical exhibit, significant of the Malolos Heritage. This in in pursuit of the launching of their socio-civic, historico-cultural projects, a noble endeavor which is indicative of an intense desire and commitment to relive significant events commemorating Bulacan's great contribution in the making a republic.
It was a great privilege and an honor when we, Dennis and I, were invited as one of their guests during this celebration. We did not consider ourselves strangers, although that was our first time to meet these people, because we knew that they have the same advocacy as ours. Learning about our past history will bring us to greater heights of knowledge and wisdom in the sense that we are able to better understand what our forefathers have gone through in the name of freedom and democracy.
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The event was graced by none other than the National Historic Institute (NHI) Executive Director Ludovico D. Badoy. Dennis had the chance to talk to him and he mentioned that we were interested in tracing back our history through our trek to several historic sites. To top it all, Dennis was given a set of books with historical relevance. He was greatly pleased with the gift. we were indeed directed to the right people.
Moreover, we were also introduced to one of Bulacan's pride, Pablo S. Trillana III, a bar topnotcher, an author, a historian, a civic leader, former NHI Chairman and Executive Director and past Supreme Commander of the Knights of Rizal, to name a few of his achievements. We were so much impressed with his message. I felt bad and later realized that I should have recorded his message. I was awed and dumbfounded with the wit of this man, if this would be the best word to describe him. Coupled with this, he wrote a personalized dedication for us on his authored book about Hagonoy.
We were also introduced to several known personalities. We had the chance to chitchat with a former beauty queen, former actress and daughter of Bulacan, Ms. Alice Crisostomo, the mother of Mutya Crisostomo. Mrs. Marides Fernando, the wife of Bayani Fernando and the former Mayor of Marikina together with Dr. Lydia B. Echauz, former FEY President and a TOFIL Awardee also graced the occasion. The Malolos heritage Society was represented, too, by the Women of Malolos who equally share the same passion as Tita Charito Reyes.
