Stepping Back in Time: My First Dive into Muntinlupaâs Heritage
I've been living in Muntinlupa since the day I was born, yet I never really took the time to learn about its rich history. It was always just home to meâa place I was familiar with but never deeply explored beyond the daily routines of life.
However, last Wednesday, I had the opportunity to visit the Museo ng Muntinlupa for an ocular inspection. Our church is planning to hold a concert in their theater area, and this visit was part of our preparations. Interestingly, this isnât the first time weâve used the venue. Back in 2019, we also held a concert there, and I remember taking a guided tour of the museumâs second floor, where various historical collections were displayed. Unfortunately, over time, I had forgotten many of the details from that visit.
This time, though, I paid closer attentionâand I was completely blown away. As our tour guide began recounting the history of Muntinlupa, I found myself utterly amazed. Every story, every fact, and every piece of history she shared left me in awe. It was as if I was seeing my hometown in a completely different light. I had lived here all my life, yet I never truly understood the depth of its past. With each word the guide spoke, I felt my perspective shifting, and by the end of the tour, I realized just how much I had been missing.
Now, I want to take you along on this journeyâto share with you the history of the city I call home, a place that is far more than just familiar streets and landmarks. Muntinlupa has a story worth telling, and I canât wait to dive into it with you.
Whenever people hear about my city, their first reaction is often a question: âInside or outside?â Theyâre referring, of course, to the New Bilibid Prison, which is located in Muntinlupa. For many, thatâs the only thing they associate with our city. But Muntinlupa is so much more than just the site of the national penitentiary, and Iâm excited to share its deeper history with you.
Upon entering the Museo ng Muntinlupa, I was immediately captivated, especially when we reached the second floor, where artifacts and replicas were displayed. The museum itself is divided into three sectionsâLakas (Strength), Talino (Wisdom), and Buhay (Life)âeach representing different aspects of Muntinlupaâs past and cultural identity.
Before stepping into the exhibit halls, the first thing that caught my eye was a reproduction of the Murillo Velarde Map from 1734. This historical map is not only a crucial guide to understanding the early geography of the Philippines, but it also serves as evidence that Scarborough Shoal rightfully belongs to the Philippinesâa claim that China has been disputing. Seeing this centuries-old map was fascinating because its appearance was vastly different from the maps weâre used to today. It was a glimpse into how our ancestors saw and understood their land.
Next, I came across another important mapâthe Laguna de Bay map. This map reveals that Muntinlupa was once part of Rizal Province before it became an independent city. It also provided insight into the origins of Muntinlupeñosâmost of whom were Tagalos, or native Tagalog-speaking settlers from Southern Luzon. Historically, Muntinlupa has always been situated in the southernmost part of Metro Manila, bordering the provinces of Laguna and Cavite.
Given its close proximity to Laguna de Bay, itâs no surprise that fishing was the primary livelihood of Muntinlupaâs early settlers. One of the traditional fishing tools they used was the salakab, a dome-shaped fish trap made of woven bamboo designed to catch fish efficiently. Interestingly, the very structure of the Museo ng Muntinlupa was inspired by the shape of the salakab, making the museum itself a tribute to the cityâs roots in fishing and aquatic life.
Walking through the museum, I felt a newfound appreciation for my city. There is so much history hereâfar beyond what most people assume. Itâs not just a place tied to the New Bilibid Prison; itâs a place rich with stories of strength, intelligence, and resilience. And I canât wait to share more of what I learned.
In 1680, Muntinlupa was established as a hacienda by the Augustinian friars, marking the beginning of its transformation into an organized settlement. The Augustinians divided the land into six distinct areas: Girense, Bule, Copang, Alabang, Malosac, Italon, and Muntinlupa. Interestingly, some of these areasâBule, Cupang, and Alabangâstill exist today as barangays of modern-day Muntinlupa.
Due to its fertile soil, Muntinlupa became an ideal location for agriculture. The land was highly suitable for farming, and early settlers cultivated a variety of crops, including palay (rice), mais (corn), algodon (cotton), niyog (coconut), and munggo (mung beans), among others. This agricultural abundance sustained the livelihoods of many locals and contributed to the economic growth of the area.
Beyond its agricultural significance, Muntinlupa also played a role in Philippine history. One of the notable encounters between Filipino revolutionaries and American forces took place here, marking one of the victories of the Filipino forces during the Philippine-American War. It was incredible to learn that the city I have lived in my entire life was once a battleground where Filipinos fought bravely for freedom.
Another fascinating historical artifact that our tour guide showed us was the first tax booklet from World War II. This old document contained the names of Muntinlupaâs early taxpayers during the wartime period. At that time, Muntinlupa was still under the jurisdiction of Provincia de Manila, reflecting its historical ties before becoming an independent city.
As I absorbed all this information, I couldnât help but feel a deep sense of pride and amazement. I had never realized just how much history was woven into the very place I call home. Muntinlupa is more than just a bustling cityâit holds stories of resilience, triumph, and deep-rooted heritage that deserve to be remembered and shared.
The next section of the museum was Talino (Wisdom), where our tour guide introduced us to one of Muntinlupaâs most significant institutionsâthe Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). I had heard of RITM before, especially during the pandemic, but I never fully understood its importance until that day.
RITM is a renowned research institution specializing in the study of tropical and infectious diseases. It plays a crucial role in disease prevention and control in the Philippines, conducting medical research and producing essential treatments. But what truly caught my attention was when the guide discussed one of its most fascinating contributionsâthe Purified Cobra Antivenin (PCAV).
This antivenin is the only known effective antidote for snakebites caused by the Philippine cobra, a highly venomous snake native to the country. Just one bite from this snake can be fatal, as its neurotoxic venom can paralyze the respiratory system in mere minutes. Incredibly, RITM has been the sole producer and distributor of this life-saving cobra antivenom in the Philippines since the 1960s.
Curious about why Muntinlupa, of all places, became home to such a laboratory, I asked the tour guide about it. She explained that Muntinlupa used to have a significant number of snakes, which made it an ideal location for venom research and antivenom production. This made perfect senseâafter all, scientific research is often conducted where the problem is most prevalent.
But as we talked about antidotes, a thought came to my mindâa biblical parallel.
Did you know that the true antidote for a snakebite was once described in the Bible? In the Old Testament, when the Israelites were bitten by venomous snakes in the wilderness, God commanded Moses to lift up a bronze serpent on a pole. Anyone who looked at it in faith would be healed (Numbers 21:8-9). This was a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who would later say, "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in Him" (John 3:14-15).
Just as the antivenom neutralizes the deadly effects of a cobraâs bite, Jesus' blood is the antidote to the venom of sin. Sin, like snake venom, brings deathâbut the blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God, redeems and restores us. Thatâs why Christ is called the greatest Lambâbecause through His sacrifice, we are saved from the eternal consequences of sin.
Muntinlupa was once a stock farm before the land was sold to Filinvest, where some of the city's most well-known commercial establishments now standâincluding Festival Mall, Landers, and other major malls in the area. This stock farm, known as the Alabang Stock Farm, was officially established on December 30.
The Alabang Stock Farm played a significant role in livestock breeding and agriculture. It housed horses, cattle, goats, chickens, and pigs, which were carefully crossbred with animals from other regions. The goal was to produce stronger, disease-resistant livestock that could thrive in local conditions. This farm became a major source of high-quality breeds for Filipino farmers, contributing to agricultural advancements in the country.
While exploring this part of the museum, I was struck by one of Jose Rizalâs most famous quotes displayed on the wall:
"To foretell the destiny of a nation, it is necessary to open the book that tells of her past."
This quote resonated deeply with me. It reminded me of the importance of understanding historyânot just for knowledgeâs sake, but to shape the future. Muntinlupaâs past is often overshadowed by its association with the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), but this city holds so much more than that.
After exploring RITM and the Alabang Stock Farm, we had the opportunity to learn about the history of the New Bilibid Prison. A section of the museum displayed the old prison uniforms, which were black and white striped. This stood in contrast to the present-day uniforms worn by Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs), which are now in orange, blue, and brown.
Muntinlupa became home to the New Bilibid Prison because of the severe overcrowding of the Old Bilibid Prison in Manila during the American colonial period. Due to the increasing number of prisoners, authorities decided to transfer the facility to a more spacious areaâthus, the New Bilibid Prison was established in Muntinlupa. Over time, this prison became one of the most well-known correctional facilities in the country.
One of the most haunting artifacts in this section of the museum was a replica of the electric chair, or as it was commonly called, "Silya Elektrika." This execution method was adopted from the Americans and was once used for capital punishment in the Philippines. The setup included a red telephone placed beside the chair, symbolizing a crucial last-minute decision. During that time, only the President had the authority to grant clemency or allow the execution to proceed.
Above the electric chair, there was a clock permanently set to 3:00 PMâa chilling detail that drew a parallel to the time of Jesusâ death on the cross. The symbolism was striking, serving as a somber reminder of justice, sacrifice, and the weight of final judgment.
The first recorded execution by electric chair in the Philippines was Baby Ama, a well-known figure in the countryâs criminal history. Seeing this part of the museum was chilling, as it was a reminder of how justice was served in the past and how the system has evolved over time.
As I walked through these exhibits, I couldnât help but reflect on Muntinlupaâs complex and fascinating history. From its beginnings as a hacienda and stock farm to its role in scientific research, agriculture, and correctional facilities, the city holds a deep and layered past. Learning about it firsthand made me appreciate Muntinlupa in a whole new light.
After the Japanese forces in the Philippines formally surrendered on September 3, 1945, Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa became their detention facility. A total of 138 Japanese soldiers were sentenced to death for war crimes, and 17 of them were executed. Within the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Reservation Compound, a garden cemetery was established as the final resting place for those who perished.
Despite the horrors and suffering caused by the Japanese occupation, the Japanese prisoners of war detained in Bilibid were treated with remarkable dignity and respect under the supervision of Prison Director Alfredo Bunye. This act of humanity stood in stark contrast to the brutality of war and reflected the Filipino people's capacity for compassion and forgiveness.
As time passed, the Japanese people sought mercy and forgiveness from the Philippine government, appealing for clemency on behalf of their countrymen. These appeals were eventually granted during the administration of President Elpidio Quirino. What made his decision even more profound was that Quirino himself had suffered immense personal lossâhis wife and three children were killed by Japanese soldiers during the Battle of Manila.
Yet, in an extraordinary act of grace, President Quirino granted executive clemency to those convicted of war crimes, including 114 Japanese prisoners of war. His decision was a testament to the power of forgiveness, choosing reconciliation over retribution to heal the wounds of the past.
As a gesture of gratitude, Her Majesty Empress Michiko of Japan presented President Quirino with a special apparition symbolizing his wife and three children, honoring his incredible act of mercy and the unbreakable spirit of peace between the two nations.
The final part of our tour was âBuhayâ (Life), where the tour guide introduced us to the various industries and factories that have shaped Muntinlupa over the years. One of the most vivid memories from my childhood was the NescafĂ© factory in Alabang. Every morning, the distinct aroma of freshly brewed coffee would fill the air, drifting through the streets and greeting the early risers. It was a familiar and comforting scent, a nostalgic reminder of simpler times. Sadly, the tour guide mentioned that most of the factories that once thrived in Muntinlupa have now closed, with only Amspec remaining. This company specializes in producing colors and crayons, continuing the cityâs legacy of industrial contribution.
Our guide then walked us through the symbolism of Muntinlupaâs official seal, each element representing a key aspect of the cityâs identity: The nine stars stand for the nine barangays of Muntinlupa. The city became an independent town in 1917 and officially gained city status in 1995. The words Lakas, Talino, at Buhay (Strength, Wisdom, and Life)âtaken from the Muntinlupa Marchârepresent the core values that guide the city towards progress. The bamboo (kawayan) symbolizes the resilience and adaptability of Muntinlupeños in the face of challenges. The Philippine eagle (agila) signifies the cityâs ambition to soar high and establish itself as a premier city in the country. And of course, the Philippine flag proudly reflects our national identity and patriotism.
One of the most fascinating facts I learned was that the Muntinlupa city logo was designed by Manuel Amorsolo, the son of National Artist Fernando Amorsolo. This historical connection added even more depth to the cityâs emblem.
As we moved on to the final part of the exhibit, we were introduced to the past mayors of Muntinlupa. Each leader played a role in shaping the city, but the one whose story struck me the most was Pedro E. DĂaz.
During the Japanese occupation, Pedro E. DĂaz was not just a mayorâhe was also a guerilla fighter, actively resisting the Japanese forces. His bravery made him a significant figure in Muntinlupaâs history, but it also made him a target. He was abducted during his term, and his body was never recovered. To honor his courage and sacrifice, the Pedro E. DĂaz High School in Alabang was named after him, ensuring that his legacy would never be forgotten.
At the end of the tour, I was left in awe of Muntinlupaâs rich history. I realized that my city is far more than just âtaga-loob o taga-labasââa common question people ask because of the presence of Bilibid Prison. Muntinlupa is a city of resilience, bravery, and progress.
Through this incredibly detailed and immersive tour, I developed a deeper love and appreciation for the place I call home. Muntinlupa is not just where I liveâitâs a city with a past worth remembering and a future worth looking forward to.