I had the chance to walk down memory lane with my lolas. They went home to Malolos, to the place they grew up in. It was a pleasant tour around the city, with my lolas pointing out old houses and landmarks and constantly remarking how much the place had changed.

The highlight of the trip was the Casa Real Shrine, which gives tribute to the Women of Malolos. It was special not just because it advocates women's rights, but because our family was part of it. The Tiongsons were relatives and two of my grandmothers were even named after their grandaunts: Feliciana Tiongson, whom Lola Fely was named after; and Filomena Tiongson, Lola Nena's grandaunt.

The first floor has 2 main areas. One area contains a few pieces of antique furniture. The second area pays tribute to the women of Malolos, showing pictures and some memorabilia. The second floor has one room on exhibit. It pays tribute to the more contemporary women of Malolos. Famous examples would be Josie Natori, Dalisay Aldaba and Cecile Licad. And not to be missed at the back (by the driveway, parking area) are the antique culinary tools. The kalukati (though not exactly a culinary tool) which was a shear used on betel nut (nga nga) is a term I find to be quite naughty.

For more, read Dr. Nic Tiongson's book "The Women of Malolos" (Ateneo de Manila University Press 2004) or visit their website at http://www.womenofmalolos.org/

Also in this album is Meralco, Malolos --which is housed in a preserved ancestral house. Kudos to Meralco for preserving history! This is also a stone's throw from our old house in Malolos. We also tried the famous Citang's Eatery and I must say they do have the right to call their puto special.