Jaime Corpuz and his Marilao

MANILA, Philippines - It is one thing to be a historian, but to be a historian in a place where events leading to the birth of a nation happened, and where heroes lived is, as they say, priceless.

That is what makes historian and book author Jaime Corpuz a perfect guide around his hometown of Marilao and the rest of Bulacan as well. A descendant of Filipino migrants to Hawaii at the turn of the century, he is a Bulakeno by birth and at heart.

As chairperson of the Bulacan Heritage Conservation Society, Cultural Director of the Arte Bulakenyo Foundation and as a consultant and official of various historical groups like the Marilao Historical Society, and the Kulturang Yaman ng Santa Maria, Jaime goes around Bulacan and other interesting places in “search of a new story to share with my kababayans.”

And he has shared so much and kept Bulacan’s rich historical and cultural tradition alive with books like Isang Kasaysayan, Isang Marilao (1996), Bulakena: Anyo at Kasaysayan ng Baro’t Saya (1999, co-author), Ang Malulos sa mga Dahon ng Kasaysayan (2000,ed), Lupang Tinubuan Mga Tula at Liham Pag-ibig nina Leoncio Gonzales at Montano Esguerra ng Marilaw, Bulacan (2007), and Calendario Bulakeno 900 AD — 2007 (2009).

Here, he takes us on a historical and cultural tour around his Marilao, his SM.

Jaime at different historical sites in Bulacan: (from left) at Kamistisuhan Street, in front of the Institute del Mujeres Ruins, the schoolhouse of the Women of Malolos to whom Jose Rizal addressed his famous letter. The Women of Malolos were 20 women from prominent Chinese-Filipino families who signed and presented a letter requesting permission to open a night school where they could be taught Spanish to Governor General Valeriano Weyler on December 12, 1888. Inside the Paniki Cave at Biak na Bato is one of the many caves that served as the refuge of the Katipuneros. It is where the Malolos Constitution was signed by General Emilio Aguinaldo and Pedro Paterno, and where the Biak na Bato Republic was established. At the Malolos Cathedral, the Basilica Minore de la Nuestra Senora Immaculada Concepcion, where Emilio Aguinaldo lived after he was legally adopted as President of the First Philippine Republic. The Kalayaan Tree inside the Malolos Cathedral Compound was planted by General Aguinaldo during a lull in the Malolos Convention, and it is said that many important political discussions were held there.

In every place you visit, try to know its history... the story behind it. That way you can fully experience and enjoy it.

Marilao has many historical sites like the Saint Michael the Archangel Church.

SM has helped many Bulakenos by providing jobs and by its support for cultural and historical events.

“I love SM! It’s my second cultural home, my museum, and my cultural haven. It’s special for me because this is where I launched two of my historical books.