Trece Martires: Where to Go and What to Do
Named after the Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite executed due to cooperation with the Katipuneros during the Revolution against the Spanish regime. The Spaniards executed them on September 12, 1986.
Geographically-speaking, Trece Martires is at the heart of Cavite. Tanza is on the north and northwest area, Naic on the west and southwest area, Indang at the south, Amadeo on the southeast portion, and General Trias on the east. It is also known as the “Character City of the South.”
Trece Martires serves as the seat of Cavite’s government. Several provincial government offices are located here. Collecting real property taxes is its major income generating-service, proving that the place is a suitable location to reside in.
The local government also boasts of two things: the cleanliness of the city and the absence of all forms of gambling.
Trece Martires, which was the de facto capital city before it was changed to Imus, Cavite, has thirteen barangays. Each of these barangays is named after one of the martyrs to commemorate their heroism.
Where to go in Trece Martires
There are distinct places of interest in Trece Martires including the following.
Bantayog ng Labintatlong Martir ng Kabite
Located along Governors Drive, the Cavite’s 13 Martyrs Monument depicts what happened during the execution at Plaza de Armas. The thirteen martyrs were killed through musketry. Built in 1906, the remains of the Caviteño martyrs lie here. A few meters away from the monument is the St. Jude Thaddeus, a parish church known for its yellow and green stained glass, dome-like facade.
Republic of Cavite Restaurant
A restaurant-cum-coffee-shop with a tagline of Culture. Cuisine. Legacy., The Republic of Cavite is a mini replica of the historic Aguinaldo Shrine. It was officially declared open for business on June 12, 2002, to coincide with the celebration of the Philippine Independence. It has an al fresco dining area named Plaza de Armas in honor of the Trece Martires. The second floor is called Bulwagang Cuenca and the third floor, Sala del Gobernador. The menu is a lineup of indigenous food items true to Caviteño taste. Lihim ni Lola, Lihim ni Aguinaldo, and Paborito ni Aguinaldo are three of its most popular dishes. Suffice to say, a historical, gastronomic experience awaits every diner here. Amaia Scapes Trece Martires 2 is just 4 kilometers away from Republic of Cavite Restaurant via Conchu Rd.
Katitay’s Barbecue Grill
Katitay’s Barbecue Grill offers pork and chicken barbecue grilled to perfection. Aside from barbecue, the hole-in-the-wall restaurant is also famous among the locals for its silog meals, banapuno, and turones. The colorful, spray painted restaurant is located in Regina Ville in Barangay Inocencio. Boardgames are also available while the patrons wait for their orders.
Mayang Falls
Also called Sta. Rosa Falls, Mayang Falls is the only waterfall in Trece Martires. The basin is deep, so kids can explore the shallow parts, about 10 meters away from the basin. Mayang Falls is perfect for adrenaline junkies who want to try cliff jumping. A short trail is required as well as going up the concrete staircase. Makeshift native cottages are available. It is located in Barangay Conchu, and the locals frequent the place during the Holy Week.
Cavite Provincial Capitol
Locals call it Capitolio where a monument of Emilio Aguinaldo was erected. Beside is a mini-park equipped with benches to lounge and relax. The compound also houses the opulent legislative building.
Cabuko Resort
Cabuko Resort is one of the most popular resorts in Trece Martires. It has two adult pools and two kiddie pools with several native cottages available for rent. Located along Governors Drive, the resort is 2 kilometers away from the Provincial Capitol.
Sherwood Hills Golf Club
Sherwood Hills Golf Club is known for its greenest and perfectly mown fairways. Golfers need not go far because it has an in-house shop to buy golf equipment from clothes, shoes, bags to clubs and other golfing needs. The place has a restaurant with a resident chef. Guests can dine al fresco at the veranda overlooking the vast golf course. It has a game room equipped with a billiard table, foosball, air-soft hockey, darts, and chess. The golf club also has a swimming pool and wading pool. Pool parties and events can be held here.
Trece Tower Mall
Trece Tower Mall got its name because of the tower that offers a 360-degree view of Trece Martires was built inside the town center. The three-level mall is a place where locals enjoy shopping and dining experiences.
What to do in Trece Martires
Dine at Republic of Cavite Restaurant
Taste the historic ideals of the Republic of Cavite Restaurant through the food they prepare. The delectable recipes, as well as the ambiance, will make one feel patriotic. Aside from the three main dishes already mentioned above, the nostalgia-inducing restaurant also offers chicken barbecue, crisypy binagoongang baboy, fried lumpiang bangus, and kinilaw na puso ng saging. The owners use locally available ingredients to support the locals. It also supports the local producers, selling tahong chips and Amadeo coffee on its premises.
Watch the reenactment of the martyrdom of the Thirteen Martyrs
Every September 12, the Death Anniversary of the Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite, the local heroes’s martyrdom was celebrated through a reenactment as the highlight of the event. Nevertheless, other related activities such as exhibits are planned for both the locals and visitors.
Witness the celebration of Trece Martires City’s town fiesta
Every October 27 to 28, the locals celebrate the town fiesta to honor their patron saint, St. Jude Thaddeus. Street dance, parades, dancing and singing contests are all part of the program. On the other hand, the people anticipate the coronation of the Mutya ng Trece Martires and the pageantry involved.
Trek to Mayang Falls
While the drop off point is Conchu Road, Mayang Falls is off-the-road. Thus, there is a trail (muddy and slippery during the wet season) that one needs to traverse first going to the concrete stairway. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes from the road and another 15 minutes of climbing up to reach the falls. From the foot of the falls, one can climb up on both edges and cliff jump. The falls is about 10 feet high.
How to go to Trece Martires
Trece Martires is two hours away from Metro Manila. It is accessible from South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). Take exit 33 going to Carmona. Follow signs for General Trias and merge onto Governor’s Drive. Trece Martires is on the right side.