Guiguinto: A Golden Blend of History, Culture, and Natural Beauty
Guiguinto, officially known as the Municipality of Guiguinto (Bayan ng Guiguinto in Tagalog), is a first-class municipality in the province of Bulacan, Philippines. With a population of 113,415 people according to the 2020 census, Guiguinto is one of the rapidly growing municipalities in the country.
Initially an agricultural town, Guiguinto has undergone gradual urbanization and development, becoming part of the Metro Manila conurbation. Situated 34 kilometers (21 mi) from Manila and 11 kilometers (6.8 mi) from Malolos City, it benefits from its proximity to these urban centers.
Notable features of Guiguinto include being the birthplace of composer Constancio De Guzman, renowned for composing songs like “Maalaala Mo Kaya”. The town is also home to the Immaculate Conception Seminary, a Diocesan Seminary of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Malolos located in Barangay Tabe.
The name “Guiguinto” translates to “Gold” in both Tagalog and Kapampangan, reflecting the town’s abundance of golden rice stalks during harvest season, shimmering under the sun.
The Historical Journey of Guiguinto
The fascinating story of Guiguinto, a first-class municipality in the province of Bulacan, Philippines, is an intriguing blend of legend and historical fact. With a current population of 113,415, Guiguinto has evolved from an agricultural economy to an urbanized center, part of the Metro Manila conurbation.
Born as a barrio of Bulakan, the original capital of Bulacan province, Guiguinto’s identity was carved from a peculiar misunderstanding. Spanish forces, establishing a resting military post in the locale, misheard a Filipino guide’s repeated calls of “Hinto” – meaning “stop” – as the name “Hihinto.” Modifying the term with the Tagalog “Gui,” the Spaniards unwittingly coined the name Guiguinto.
Deeply rooted in folklore, Guiguinto is known for the legend of the golden bull. Residents believe that jars of gold buried in the town are indicated by the mystical bull, which, under the moonlight, emerges from the church to drink from the river before vanishing at the altar. This legend, in part, justifies the name Guiguinto, translating to “Gold” in Tagalog and Kapampangan.
The narrative of Guiguinto reflects the town’s development and engagement in significant historical events. The first steps towards urbanization were noted in 1800 when an Augustinian friar erected a chapel in the Santa Rita barrio. Infrastructure improvements continued into 1873 with road construction in Malis barrio.
By the time of the 1896 revolution, Guiguinto had become a hotbed of revolutionary fervor. With many residents suspected of joining the secret revolutionary society, the Katipunan, a local priest advised people to sleep in the town at night and work in the fields by day. Guiguinto answered the call to arms, contributing a significant number of soldiers to the revolution.
Guiguinto’s modern history saw a temporary amalgamation during the American occupation when Bulacan province was reorganized. Guiguinto was incorporated into Bulakan for nearly 11 years. However, in 1915, with a population of around 4,000, Guiguinto reestablished its township status under the leadership of Antonio Figueroa, its municipal mayor.
Today, Guiguinto stands as a bustling municipality, a testament to its resilient spirit and intriguing history. It continues to thrive, priding itself on its golden past while looking ahead to a promising future.
Culture, Nature, and Festivities
Guiguinto, a municipality rich in both cultural heritage and natural beauty, hosts a variety of attractions that cater to different interests. Among the notable places to visit is the historic San Ildefonso Parish Church with its rich architectural design. For nature enthusiasts, the lush Guiguinto Gardens located in Santa Cruz and Tabang, the tranquil Garden City in Santa Cruz, and the Guiguinto Municipal Garden in Poblacion offer a refreshing escape. Those seeking adventure can visit the Hidden Mountain Rocks in Tiaong, while anyone looking for a leisurely day can head to the C.M. Farm in Cut-Cut or Alcor Center in Tiaong.
The municipality is also known for its vibrant Halamanan Festival. This annual event, established in 1999 by Mayor Ambrosio Cruz, Jr., embodies the spirit and creativity of the Guiguinteño people. Celebrated every January 23 in honor of the patron saint St. Ildephonsus, the festival features grand street dancing with participants from various schools and villages, and even from different towns of Bulacan. Dressed in attire adorned with flowers, the dancers bring the streets alive with color and energy. Moreover, the festival is a platform for showcasing the locals’ horticultural skills in aspects such as landscaping, seedling propagation, plant growing, flower cutting, arranging, and interior decorating.