KAWIT, CAVITE - will host the 34th Manila Studies Conference on September 15-16, 2026, at the NHCP Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo, bringing together historians and scholars to examine the deep historical and cultural connections between Manila and Cavite across centuries.
The Manila-Cavite Connection: A Historical Bond
Kawit will serve as the venue for a significant academic gathering that re-examines the intertwined histories of Manila and Cavite. The conference theme, "Manila-Cavite Connection," draws on a rich historical backdrop, visually represented by a 17th-century cartographic illustration by Johannes Vingboons detailing Manila Bay, Intramuros, and Cavite Puerto . This visual anchor reflects the deep historical ties between the two areas, which were linked by maritime trade, shared socio-political dynamics, and pivotal revolutionary events . The 1872 Cavite Mutiny, a key topic of scholarly inquiry, continues to be re-examined through primary sources that reveal the complexities of the event and its impact on Filipino nationalist consciousness . The conference will also explore historical infrastructure that connected the regions, such as the railway lines that once linked Manila to the Cavite towns of Bacoor and Naic .
The conference venue itself, the Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit, is a fitting location for this discussion. As the site of the 1898 Philippine Independence proclamation and a museum dedicated to the nation's first president, it stands as a testament to Cavite's central role in the country's history . The museum has also pioneered inclusive heritage experiences, such as the "Inside Out: Museum Unboxed" project, which translates art collections into 3D objects and tactile formats for visually impaired visitors.
Conference Details and Registration
Kawit will welcome participants for this two-day event supported by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), and the Geronimo Berenguer de los Reyes, Jr. Museum. The conference will be held at the Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo, located at 15 Tirona Highway, Kawit, Cavite . Those interested in attending can secure their participation through the MSA Registration Form, with walk-in participants also welcome . For further inquiries about the conference program or registration, interested parties may contact the Manila Studies Association directly or visit the museum's official Facebook page for updates .
