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CAVITE DELICACIES: Republic of Cavite Restaurant
Republic of Cavite: http://www.republicofcavite.com
A celebration of history and independence
Therese J. Camet On June 12, 1898, between 4 and 5 in the afternoon, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, in the presence of a huge crowd, proclaimed the independence
of the Philippines (from Spain) at his residence in Kawit, Cavite the same day the Philippine flag was first unfurled and the Philippine National Anthem Lupang Hinirang was first publicly played. On June 12, 1898, between 4 and 5 in the afternoon, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, in the presence of a huge crowd, proclaimed the independence
of the Philippines (from Spain) at his residence in Kawit, Cavite the same day the Philippine flag was first unfurled and the Philippine National Anthem "Lupang Hinirang" was first publicly played. Indeed a historic event and place that true-blue Caviteño Andrew Pacumio wants to relive day after day and impart to his fellow
Cavitenos. Thus, he built a replica of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldos mansion in the heart of Cavites capital Trece Martirez City and called it the "Republic of Cavite."
Strategically located behind the towns municipal hall on Martyrs Avenue, Republic of Cavite is actually a four-storey restaurant and occasions venue that features rooms named after some of Cavites momentous landmarks, a spacious garden, and a park patterned after the popular Picnic Grove in Tagaytay. REPUBLIC OF CAVITES HISTORY This (roughly) 4,000 square meter property was acquired by Pacumios parents ten years ago. "This was still a farmland back then. There were no roads, almost no signs of civilization; thats why we had to donate a portion of the land for the road project," recalls Pacumio who also owns and manages Cavites Towns Delight Catering.
"In 2001, the year before our catering business turned 30 years [old], I thought about doing something that would allow us to give back to our kababayans the support that they gave Towns Delight," he continues. "And since Im very patriotic, I thought about putting up something that would give pride to the Cavitenos and so we came up with this concepta venue that would showcase the historical places in Cavite and at the same time promote the provinces native delicacies. Dahil naniniwala ako na walang ibang magmamahal sa Cavite kung hindi ang mga Caviteño rin lang," stresses Pacumio. Set with his ingenious concept, he tapped other Caviteños--Architect Ritchie Corcuera and historian Prof. Emmanuel Calayro--to help him execute his ideas. In 2001, Architect Corcuera and his team started developing the property and after a year, the new Republic of Cavite was inaugurated. HISTORICAL ROOMS Republic of Cavite looks almost like the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit with red roofs symbolizing the provinces resistance (to the colonizers). It also has a watch tower and a stately balcony with the Philippine flag and two cannons installed at the center (of the balcony). The ground floor houses Plaza de Armas, another historical place in Cavite where the provinces 12 martyrs were executed. The three "meeting rooms" dubbed Silid Mapagtiis (a political party in Gen. Trias), Silid Magdiwang (in Noveleta), and Silid Magdalo (in Kawit-Gen. Aguinaldos party) are likewise found here--perfect venues for small gatherings. Bulwagang Cuenca, named after the ancestral Cuenca House in Bacoor,Cavite where Gen. Aguinaldo once held office, is situated on the second floor. This hall is ideal for big events such as weddings and venues and can accommodate a maximum of 100 (seated) guests. Sala de Gobernador (Seat of Supremacy) meanwhile is located at the attic. This is patterned after Gen. Aguinaldos living room or sala
where private meetings were held.
However, on a normal day, this room serves as Towns Delights showroom
complete with table settings, floral arrangements, cakes and other
wedding decorations.
On the other hand, those looking for an outdoor venue can rent out
Republic of Cavites spacious garden, which according to Pacumio is a
popular venue for weddings and debuts. This lush garden can accommodate a maximum of 300 guests.
CAVITES RECIPES
The basement is devoted to the hungry guests craving Filipino dishes
cooked Caviteño-style. The Republic Chicken BarbeQGrill offers the
Pacumios authentic recipes that Towns Delight Catering has built its
reputation on for over three decades, according to Pacumio.
"Our catering business has been around for 35 years, but its only this year that we decided to get into the restaurant business when we opened
the BarbeQGrill two months ago," shares Pacumio. "I said maybe its about time we share our recipes to the public, this way they will be familiar with the Cavite delicacies," he adds. "Here, we dont only cook our food Caviteño-style, but we also utilize ingredients that are widely found in town, for instance, tahong or mussels and so my wife Connie who acts as our chief chef, came up with
her own version of kilawing puso ng saging with tahong."
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