Uncovering the 'lost' cemetery of Guiguinto

This is all that remains of the entrance to the colonial-era cemetery of Guiguinto.

Would you ever think that just along a major highway lies the remains of a once-imposing cemetery? That's what the Pinoy Taphophile uncovered recently in Guiguinto, Bulacan.

Situated along busy McArthur Highway amidst commercial establishments is a nondescript cemetery. But beyond concrete markers and gaudy grillework, one uncovers here and there the remains of ancient structures dating from colonial times.

The ruined stonework of a now-collapsed gate still stands, along with the remains of a stone wall enclosing oven-type niches, already half-submerged or cemented over. Based on the thickness of the adobe blocks, the gate may have supported a large arch with sloping volutes.

Inside the now-expanded burial grounds is the still-visible foundation of another set of walls. Are these the remains of a mortuary chapel?

Guiguinto was already mentioned in Spanish records as early as 1591. The riverine position of its church, said to be founded in 1641, conforms to the ancient Filipino preference for establishing settlements by the riverbanks. Interestingly, the cemetery is located a short distance from behind the church.

Those looking for ornate facades or detailed walls will be disappointed, for there are none. But the satisfaction derived from discovering moss-covered, eroded blocks lies in the uncovering of something that once glittered in Guiguinto.

Is this the foundation of a mortuary chapel
or part of a low stone wall? 

Parallel to McArthur Highway are the remains of this low stone wall with massive adobe blocks,

Another low stone wall inside the cemetery. Is the cemented portion covering a niche?

An almost-hidden opening in the old walls--presumably a burial niche.

Another defined line of adobe blocks inside the cemetery. Part of it
has been used to delineate a modern grave, hence the cement. 

The remains of the left side of the old entrance.
Note the sloping design of the corner block. 

The remains of the right side of the old entrance.