SHORT HISTORY

 Philippines is named after King Philip II  Then in 1898 came war between the
of Spain USA and Spain. On 30 April 1898 the
 From the 10th AD century Filipinos Americans defeated the Spanish fleet
in Manila Bay.
traded with China
 Meanwhile Filipino revolutionaries had
 the 12th Century AD Arab merchants surrounded Manila. Their leader, Emilio
reached the Philippines and they Aguinaldo declared the Philippines
introduced Islam. independent on 1898, 12 of June.
 Magellan baptized a chief called However as part of the peace treaty
Humabon and hoped to make him a Spain ceded the Philippines to the USA.
puppet ruler on behalf of the Spanish The Americans planned to take over.
 War between American forces in
crown.
Manila and the Filipinos began on 4
 The Spaniards did not gain a foothold in February 1899. The Filipino-American
the Philippines until 1565 when Miguel War lasted until 1902 when Aguinaldo
Lopez de Legazpi led an expedition, was captured.
which built a fort in Cebu.
 Later, in 1571 the Spaniards landed in The Philippines in the 20th Century
Luzon. Here they built the city of
 In 1935 the Philippines were made a
Intramuros (later called Manila), which commonwealth and were semi-
became the capital of the Philippines. independent.
 1762 the British captured Manila. They  Manuel Quezon became president.
held it for two years but they handed it The USA promised that the Philippines
back in 1764 under the terms of the would become completely
Treaty of Paris, signed in 1763. independent in 1945.
 However in December 1941 Japan
 In 1892 Jose Rizal founded a movement attacked the US fleet at Pearl Harbor.
called Liga Filipina, which called for On 10 December 1941 Japanese troops
reform rather than revolution. As a invaded the Philippines. They captured
result Rizal was arrested and exiled to Manila on 2 January 1942. By 6 May
Dapitan on Mindanao. 1942 all of the Philippines were in
 Meanwhile Andres Bonifacio formed a Japanese hands.
more extreme organisation called the  However American troops returned to
Katipunan. the Philippines in October 1944. They
 In August 1896 they began a recaptured Manila in February 1945.
revolution. Jose Rizal was accused of  The Philippines became
supporting the revolution, although he
did not and he was executed on 30 independent on 4 July
December 1896. Yet his execution
merely inflamed Filipino opinion and 1946.
the revolution grew.
 Manuel Roxas was the first President of the 
newly independent nation.
 The Philippines, officially known as the
 By June 1898, General Emilio
Aguinaldo had captured the whole of
Republic of the Philippines (Filipino:
Repúblika ng Pilipinás), is a sovereign state Luzon and was ready to storm Manila
in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific with the help of Gregorio del Pilar,
Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait Artemio Recarte,
lies Taiwan. West across the South China Antonio Montenegro,
Sea sits Vietnam. Pantaleon Garcia, and many other
able generals. At that time, the term
 The Battle of “Manila” referred to the walled city of
Manila Bay Intramuros. Aguinaldo’s men
surrounded the walls of Intramuros.
 George Dewey,
Nearby areas like Tondo, Sta. Cruz,
then a
San Juan, and Caloocan were likewise
Commodore
secured. The Spaniards
United States
stubbornly hoped for the arrival of
Navy’s Asiatic Squ
reinforcements from the
adron was waiting
Spanish mainland, but none ever
in Hong Kong
came. Aguinaldo on the other hand,
when He received
was firmly convinced that it just was
a cable from the
a matter of days before the Spaniards
then secretary
surrendered. Therefore, he started
of Navy, Theodore
planning for the declaration of
Roosevelt, stating that the war had
Philippine independence.
begun between the US and Spain.
The Malolos Congress
Dewey sailed from Hong Kong on
board his flagship Olympia with six
other heavily armed ships. He Emilio Aguinaldo issued a decree on July
brought with him a report on the 18, 1898 asking for the election of
location of the Spanish ships in delegates to
Corregidor and Manila at dawn of May the
1, 1898. Dewey entered Manila revolutionary
Bay almost undetected. When he saw congress,
the Spanish ships, which were under another decree
the command of General was
Patricio Montoya, he ordered his men promulgated
to fire. The battle began at 5:41 in five days later,
the morning and by 12:30 of the which declared that Aguinaldo would
same day, the Spaniards were raising appoint representatives of congress
the white flag in surrender. Although because holding elections is not practical
The Spanish ships outnumbered those at that time. He appointed 50 delegates in
of the Americans; the weapons of the all (but this number fluctuated from time
Americans were far more superior to to time). In accordance with these two
those of the Spaniards. The battle decrees, Aguinaldo assembled the
proved to be too costly for the Revolutionary Congress at the Brasoain
Spaniards, who lost 167 men and had Church in Malolos, Bulacan on September
214 others wounded. As for the 15, 1898.
Americans, no ships were destroyed,
and no soldier was killed or injured. The atmosphere was festive and the Pasig
The Battle of Manila Bay is considered Band played the national anthem. After
one of the easiest encounters ever Aguinaldo had read his
won in world history. speech congressional elections were held
 The Siege of Manila among the delegates present. The
following were among the most important Republic was inaugurated in Malolos,
achievements of the Malolos Congress: Bulacan on January 21, 1899. After being
proclaimed president, Emilio Aguinaldo
1. In September 29, 1898, ratified the took his oath of office. The constitution
declaration of Philippine independence was read article by article and followed by
held at Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898 a military parade. Apolinario Mabini was
2. Passage of a law that allowed the elected as a prime minister. The other
Philippines to borrow P 20 million from cabinet secretaries were: Teodoro
banks for government expenses Sandico, interior; Baldomero Aguinaldo,
3. Establishment of the war; Gen. Mariano Trias, finance & war;
Universidad Literatura de Filipinas and Apolinario Mabini, foreign affairs; Gracio
other schools Gonzaga for welfare, Aguedo Velarde,
4. Drafting of the Philippine Constitution public instruction; Maximo Paterno, public
5. Declaring war against the United works & communication; and Leon María
States on June 12, 1899 Guerrero for agriculture, trade &
commerce.

Malolos Constitution

The Philippine National Anthem

A committee headed by Felipe Calderon
and aided by Cayetano Arellano, the
constitution was drafted, for the first time Aguinaldo commissioned Julian Felipe, a
by representatives of the Filipino people composer from Cavite province was asked
and it is the first republican constitution in to write an an instrumental march for the
Asia. The constitution was inspired by proclamation of independence ceremony.
the constitutions of Mexico, The original title was "Marcha Filipina
Guatemala, Costa Rica, Magdalo". This was later changed to
Brazil, Belgium and France. After "Marcha Nacional Filipina". The lyrics was
some minor revisions (mainly due to the added in August 1899 based on the poem
objections of Apolinario Mabini), the titled "Filipinas" by Jose Palma. The
final draft of the constitution was original lyrics was written in Spanish, then
presented to Aguinaldo. This paved the to English (when the Flag Law was
way to launching the first Philippine abolished during the American period)
Republic. It established a democratic, then later, was translated to Tagalog,
republication government with which underwent another change of title
three branches - the Executive, Legislative to “Lupang Hinirang”, the Philippine
and the Judicial branches. It called for the National Anthem.
separation of church and state. The
executive powers were to be exercise by
the president of the republic with the help
of his cabinet. Judicial powers were given Filipino-American Hostilities
to the Supreme Court and other lower
courts to be created by law. The Chief
Emilio Aguinaldo agreed to hold a peace
justice of the Supreme Court was to be
conference between Filipino and American
elected by the legislature with
leaders. The conference lasted from
the concurrence of the President and his
January 9 to 29 in 1899. It ended without
Cabinet.
definite results, because the Americans
were actually just biding time, waiting for
First Philippine more reinforcements to arrive from the
Republic US. Hostilities finally exploded between
the Filipinos and Americans on February 4,
The first Philippine 1899 in San Juan. An American
soldier named Robert Grayson, saw 4 most brilliant military strategist of the
armed Filipino men on San Juan Del Mote Philippine Revolution. He was brave,
Bridge and ordered them to stop, but they intelligent, and well educated; but he also
ignored him. This prompted Grayson to had a fiery temper, and was a strict
fire at the men, who immediately fired disciplinarian. His harsh and rough
back. The following day MacArthur manner earned him a lot of enemies, who
ordered his troops to openly engage the latter plotted to kill him. In June 1899
Filipinos in battle. The FilipinoAmerican Luna was at his command post in
War was on. From San Juan, American Bayambang, Pangasinan when he received
soldiers marched on to Pasig and nearby a telegram allegedly sent by Aguinaldo.
areas. In a matter of days, they were able The telegram instructed him to proceed to
to overrun Guadalupe, Pateros, Marikina, Aguinaldo’s headquarters in Cabanatuan,
and Caloocan. Nueva Ecija. On June 5, Luna arrived at
the headquarters, a convent on the town
General Antonio Luna and his men showed plaza in Cabanatuan, but was told that
great heroism when they attacked Manila Aguinaldo left for Tarlac. Angry, Luna
on the night of February 24, 1899. They went out of the convent and was met and
burned the living quarters of the killed by Captain Pedro Janolino with
Americans in Tondo and Binondo, and Kawit, Cavite troops. General Luna was
reached as far as Azarraga Street (now buried at the nearby churchyard.
Claro M. Recto Avenue), where they met Aguinaldo's role on his death is not clear
by formidable American troops. Luna was and his killers were never charged or
forced to retreat to Polo, Bulacan two days investigated.
later. When American reinforcements
arrived in the Philippines, General Elwell Aguinaldo Flees. Philippine military
Otis immediately attacked the northern strategies began to fail with the death of
part of Manila, while General Henry Antonio Luna. The generals started to
Lawton went to the south. General Arthur disagree among themselves, and the
MacArthu, Jr. marched to Malolos, which Filipinos began losing battles. On
was then the capital of the Philippine November 13, 1899, General Emilio
Republic. Malolos was taken on March 31, Aguinaldo fled to Calasiao, Pangasinan
1899. By this time, however, Aguinaldo with his wife, son, mother sister, and
had already moved his headquarters to some Cabinet members. The Americans
San Fernando, Pampanga. followed in hot pursuit; but Aguinaldo still
General Fredrick Funston crossed the managed to elude them. However, he
Pampanga River in April 1899 and entered soon realized that being constantly on the
San Fernando. On May 5, the Americans run put the women in his group at
had gained control of Pampanga. great disadvantage. So, on December 25,
Fortunately, Aguinaldo was able to flee to 1899, he surrendered them to the
San Isidro, Nueva Ecija. American Aguinaldo then continued his
march from Pangasinan to Palanan,
The death of Isabela. There he stayed for some time,
Antonio Luna. since the place was mountainous and
A significant difficult to approach. Aguinaldo’s loyal
event that men guarded all roads leading to the area.
greatly End of the Philippine
weakened
Aguinaldo’s
Revolution
forces was the
death of General Aguinaldo is Captured
Antonio Luna,
acknowledged as Gen. Funston plotted the capture of Gen.
the best and Emilio Aguinaldo. On the night of March 6,
1901, He boarded the American warship
Vicksburg and docked at Casiguran Bay on The first commission was chaired by
March 14. From Palanan Dr. Jacob G. Schurman, president
Funston group reached of Cornell University. Thus it became
Aguinaldo’s headquarters in Palanan on known as the Schurman Commission.
March 23, 1901. The Macabebe Scouts Their group arrived on the Philippines on
pretended to have been sent by Lacuna, February 4, 1899. The commission
with the American officials as their proposed the following:
prisoners. Thus Aguinaldo have no idea of
his impending capture until Tal Placido of 1. Establish civil governments in areas
the Macabebe Scouts embraced him. The were peace and order had been restored
Americans then declared the arrest of 2. Set up a bicameral legislature with
Aguinaldo and his men in the name of the members of the lower house to be
United States government. Aguinaldo was all elective
brought to Manila and presented to then 3. Appoint American and Filipino member
military Governor-General Arthur of the Upper house to head the cabinet
MacArthur, Jr. (father of General Douglas 4. Preserve Philippine natural resources
MacArthur) at Malacanang Palace. On April 5. Create a civil service system
19, 1901 he finally pledged allegiance to 6. Assign highly qualified Filipinos to
the United States. important government positions

The Philippine Revolution Ends The US Congress adopted all the

recommendation of the Schurman
The first to yield to the Americans was by commission.
General Simion Ola. He surrendered to
Colonel Harry Bandoltz in Guinobatan
Albay on September 25.1903. Other The Taft Commission
revolutionaries soon followed.

Military On March 16, 1900, United

Government States President William
McKinley appointed the
General Wesley then Judge William Howard Taft to head
Merritt was the the second Philippine Commission, which
highest-ranking would also be known as the Taft
American official in Commission. Taft would become
the Philippines after Governor-General of
Spaniards
surrendered Manila McKinley wanted to hasten the transition
on August 13, 1898. of the Philippine military government into
He established a military government and a civil one. The Taft Commissions was
became the first American given executive and legislative powers it
Military governor of the Philippines. The could use to achieve the President’s
objectives of the Military government are: objective.
1) to establish peace and order to the
Philippines, and 2) to prepare Philippines The Commission arrives in
for civil governance. The government in the Philippines on June 3, 1900. It began
the Philippines can be classified into legislative work on September 1, the first
opposition and collaboration. The law it passed set aside P2 million for the
Americans used propaganda and other construction of treads and bridges. From
means to win the Filipinos to their side. September 1900 to August 1902, the
Commission was able to enact 440 pieces
The Schurman of legislation for the Philippines. Some of
these laws included the Municipal and for under the Philippine Independence Act
Provincial codes, which established or more popularly known as the Tydings-
municipal and provincial governments all McDuffie Law. The Commonwealth era
over the country, and laws organizing the was interrupted when the Japanese
Philippine Constabulary and the occupied the Philippines in January 2,
countries judicial system. Aside from 1942. The Commonwealth government,
enacting laws the commissions also visited lead by Manuel L. Quezon and Sergio S.
various provinces and help it in the Osmeña went into exile in the U.S.,
government peace efforts. Quezon died of tuberculosis while in exile
and Osmeña took over as president. At
The Spooner Amendment the same time, the Japanese forces
installed a puppet government in Manila
The modification sponsored by headed by Jose P. Laurel as president.
Senator John C. Spooner, allowed the US This government is known as the Second
president to fully administer the Philippine Republic. On October 20, 1944,
Philippines. Thus, the military government the Allied forces led by Gen. Douglas
of the Philippines was replaced with a civil MacArthur landed on the island of Leyte to
one albeit temporary pending liberate the Philippines from the Japanese.
the legislation of permanent colonial Japan formally surrendered in September
government by the United States. 2, 1945.

Civil Government under Taft After liberation, the Commonwealth

government was restored. Congress
convened in its first regular
 The Philippine civil government session on July 9, 1945. It
was inaugurated on July 4, 1901, was the first time the
with William Howard Taft as its first people’s representatives
governor, the powers and duties of have assembled since their
a governor were passed on to Taft. election on November 11,
The Taft Commission continuing 1941. Manuel Roxas was
functioning as legislative body. elected Senate President,
Cayetano Arellano was the first and Elpidio Quirino was
Filipino to hold a high position of chosen President Pro Tempore. Jose
government he was named Zulueta was speaker of the house, while
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Prospero Sanidad became speaker pro
on May 28, 1899. Gregorio Araneta Tempore. The first law of this congress,
was appointed as Secretary enacted as commonwealth act 672,
of Justice and finance. Trinidad organized the central bank of the
Pardo de Tavera, Benito Legarda, Philippines. The commonwealth deal also
and Jose Luzuriaga were selected tackled the issue of collaboration. In
as members of the Philippine September 1945 the counter intelligence
Commissions. corps presented the people who were
The Philippine accused of having collaborated with, or
Commonwealth Era given aid to, the Japanese. Included were
prominent Filipinos who had been active in
The Commonwealth era is the 10
the puppet government that the Japanese
year transitional
had been established. ”A Peoples Court"
period in Philippine
was created to investigate and decide on
history from 1935 to
the issue.
1945 in preparation
for independence
Amidst this sad state of affairs, the third
from the United
commonwealth elections were held on
States as provided
April 23, 1946. Sergio Osmeña and ▪ Appointment of two Filipino resident
Manuel Roxas vied for the Presidency. commissioners who would represent the
Roxas won thus becoming the last Philippines in the US Congress but would
president of the Philippine not enjoy voting rights
Commonwealth. The Commonwealth ▪ Conservation of Philippine natural
era formally ended when the United resources
States granted independence to the
Philippines, as scheduled on July 4, 1946. The bill contained 3 provisions that had to
be fulfilled first before the Philippine
Important legislations and events during Assembly could be establishing these were
the American period that made the the:
Philippines a commonwealth of the United
States: ▪ Complete restoration of peace and order
in the Philippines
The Philippine Bill of 1902 - Cooper ▪ Accomplishment of a Nationwide census
Act ▪ Two years of peace and order after the
publication of the census

United States Congressman Henry Allen

Cooper sponsored the Philippine Bill of The Philippine
1902, also known as the Cooper Act. The Assembly
bill proposed the creation and
administration of a civil government in the The assembly was
Philippines. President Theodore inaugurated on
Roosevelt signed it into law in July 2, October 16, 1907 at
1902. the Manila Grand
Opera House, with
Here are some of the more important US secretary of
provisions of the Cooper Act: War William Howard
Taft as guest of
▪ Ratification of all changes introduced in honor. Sergio Osmeña was elected
the Philippine government by the Speaker while Manuel Quezon was elected
president of the U.S., such as Majority Floor leader. The Recognition of
the establishment of the Philippine the Philippine Assembly paved the way for
Commission, the office of the civil the establishment of the bicameral
governor and the Supreme court Philippine Legislature. The Assembly
▪ Extension of the American Bill of functioned as the lower House, while the
Rights to the Filipinos except the right of Philippine Commission served as the
trial by jury upper house.
▪ Creation of bicameral legislative body,
with the Philippine Commission as the Resident Commissioners
upper house and a still-to-be-elected
Philippine Assembly as the Lower House Benito Legarda and Pablo Ocampo were
▪ Retention of the executive powers of the the first commissioners. Other Filipinos
civil governor, who was also president of who occupied this position included
the Philippine Commission Manuel Quezon, Jaime de Veyra, Teodoro
▪ Designation of the Philippine Commission Yangco, Isaro Gabaldon,
as the legislating authority for non- and Camilo Osias.
Christian tribes
▪ Retention of the Judicial powers of the The Jones Law
Supreme court and other lower courts
To further train the Filipinos in the art of provided for a 10-year transition period
government, the U.S. Congress enacted before the United States would recognize
the Jones Law on August 29, 1916. It was Philippine independence. U.S. President
the first official document that clearly Herbert Hooverdid not sign the bill; but
promised the Philippine independence, as both Houses of Congress ratified it. When
stated in its preamble, as soon as a stable the Os-Rox Mission presented the Hare-
government was established. The Jones Hawes-Cutting Law to the Philippine
Law or the Philippine Autonomy act, Legislature, it was rejected by a the
Replace the Philippine bill of 1902 as the American High Commissioner representing
framework of the Philippine government. the US president in the country and the
It provide for the creation of Philippine Senate, specifically the
the executive powers. The vice governor provision that gave the U.S. president the
general, assisted by his Cabinet, would right to maintain land and other properties
exercise executive powers. The vice reserved for military use. Manuel Quezon
governor would act concurrently as the was tasked to head another independence
Secretary of Education. mission to the united States.

Creation of the Council of State The Tydings-McDuffie Law

Upon the recommendation of Manuel L. In December 1933, Manuel L. Quezon

Quezon and Sergio Osmeña, Governor returned to the Philippines from the
General Francis Burton Harrison issued United States with a slightly amended
an executive order on October 16, 1981, version of the Hare-Hawes-Cutting bill
creating the first Council of State in the authored by Senator Milliard Tydings and
Philippines. It was the Council’s duty to representative McDuffie.
advise the governor general on matters President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the
such as the creation of policies for new U.S. president, signed it into law on
administering government offices. March 24, 1934. The Tydings-McDuffie Act
(officially the Philippine Independence Act
The Council held meetings once a week of the United States Congress; Public Law
and whenever the governor general called 73-127) or more popularly known as the
for one. It was composed of the governor The Tydings-McDuffie Law provided for
general, the department secretaries, the the establishment of the Commonwealth
speaker of the Lower House, and the government for a period of ten years
Senate president. During Harrison’s term, preparatory to the granting of
the executive and legislative branches of Independence.
government worked harmoniously with Japanese Occupation of the
each other. Philippines
During Word War II
The Os-Rox Mission
On December 8, 1941,
One delegation, however, that met with Japan invaded the
partial success was the Os-Rox Mission, so Philippines. Clark Air
called because it was headed by Sergio Base in Pampanga was
Osmeña and Manuel Roxas. The Os-Rox first attacked and also
group went to the United States in 1931 Nichols Field outside
and was able to influence the U.S. Manila was attacked,
Congress to pass a pro-independence bill then on December 22,
by Representative Butter Hare, Senator The Japanese forces
Henry Hawes, and Senator Bronso landed at the Lingayen
Cutting. The Hare-Hawes-Cutting Law Gulf and continued on
to Manila. General Douglas compromises with the Japanese to
MacArthur declared Manila an open city on mitigate the sufferings of the people
the advice of commonwealth President under the iron-clad rule of the Japanese.
Manuel L. Quezon to avoid its destruction. On January 23, 1942 the Philippine
Manila was occupied by the Japanese on Executive Commission was established,
January 2, 1942. MacArthur retreated with with Vargas as chairman. the following
his troops to Bataan while the was appointed as department heads:
commonwealth government withdrew to Benigno Aquino, Sr., interior; Antonio de
Corregidor island before proceeding to the las Alas, finance; Jose P. Laurel, justice;
United States. The joint American and Claro M. Recto, education, health, and
Filipino soldiers in Bataan finally public welfare; and Quintin Paredes, public
surrendered on April 9, 1942. MacArthur works and communication; Jose Yulo was
escaped to Corregidor then proceeded to named Chief Justice of the Supreme court.
Australia. The 76,000 captured soldiers
were forced to embark on the infamous The following month, an election was held
"Death March" to a prison camp more for members of The Preparatory
than 100 kilometers north. An estimated Commission for Philippine Independence
10,000 prisoners died due to thirst, (PCPI). The purpose of PCPI is to draw up
hunger and exhaustion. a constitution for a free Philippines. Jose
Laurel became its head. Against the will of
The Huks the PCPI delegates the new Constitution
was finalized on July 10, 1943. Two
In the midst of fear and chaos, some months later it was ratified by
farmers of Pampanga banded together the KALIBAPI, which was the only political
and created local brigades for their party allowed to exist at that
protection. Luis Taruc, Juan Feleo, Castro time. KALIBAPI is the acronym for
Alejandrino, and other leaders of "Kapisanan sa Paglilingkod sa Bagong
organized farmers held a meeting in Pilipinas".
February 1942 in Cabiao, Nueva Ecija. In
that meeting, they agreed to fight the The new constitution, which noticeably
Japanese as a unified guerrilla army. lacked a bill of rights contained 12 articles
Another meeting was held the following lifted from the 1935 constitution that
month, where in representatives from fitted the wishes of the Japanese. It was
Tarlac, Pampanga and Nueva Ecija meant to be in effect only temporarily,
threshed out various details regarding while the Philippines still in chaos. After
their organization, which they agreed to the war, a new constitution would again
call "Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa mga be drafted for the new Philippine Republic.
Hapon" or HUKBALAHAP. Taruc was
chosen to be the Leader of the group, with The Second Republic
Alejandrino as his right hand man. The
members were simply known as Huks!
On September 20 1943, the KALIBAPI-
The Philippine Executive Commission under the leadership of its director
general, Benigno Aquino Sr. held a
party convention to elect 54 members of
In accordance the the National Assembly. The Assembly was
instructions actually made up of 108 members; but
of President Manuel half of this number was composed of
Quezon to Jorge incumbent governors and city mayors.
Vargas, the Filipino Jose P. Laurel was elected as president of
officials in Manila the second republic (the first republic was
were told to enter Aguinldo's Malolos Republic) and both
into agreements and Benigno Aquino Sr. & Ramon Avancena as
a vice-presidents. The new republic was signaled the beginning of Philippine
inaugurated on October 14 1943 on the liberation from the Japanese.
front steps of the legislative building in
Manila. The Philippine flag was hoisted as By mid-December, the American soldiers
the national anthem was played. had reached Mindoro. The Japanese,
Meanwhile, the Japanese started using meanwhile, secured other area where
propaganda to gain the trust and their thought other American units would
confidence of Filipinos who refused to land. Nevertheless, US liberation forces
cooperate with them. They hung giant successfully docked at Lingayen Gulf on
posters and distribute their materials that January 9, 1945. The news alarmed the
contains such slogans as "the Philippines Japanese. Lt. Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita,
belong to the Filipinos." they also used supreme commander of the Japanese
newspapers, movies, and others to troops in Manila, mobilize his kamikazes
publicize the same idea. Promoting (Japanese suicide pilots); but they failed
Japanese propaganda was one of the main to stop Americans. The Japanese also
objectives of the KALIBAPI, but still deployed MAKAPILI units to defend Manila
Japanese failed to gain the trust of the but neither succeeds.
Filipinos.

On December 8, 1944, President Laurel

Gen. Douglas MacArthur Returns and his cabinet moved to Baguio upon
orders of Yamashita, who is also known as
From Australia, Allied forces slowly the tiger of Malaya. The Japanese forces
advanced toward the Philippines, bombing retreated to Yamashita line a
several Japanese strongholds until they jungle battlefront stretching along the
regained control of areas previously Sierra Madre Mountains from Antipolo,
occupied by the enemy. Rizal to Appari Cagayan.
The bombings began on September 21
1944, and barely a month later, on The Japanese in Manila would not give up
October 20, 1944, the Americans landed easily. In fact, it took 3 weeks of intense
triumphantly in Leyte. Once a shore, fighting before they finally surrendered on
General Douglas MacArthur said; "I have February 23. Gen. MacArthur continued to
Returned." liberate other parts of the country. And
finally proclaim general freedom from the
Sergio Osmeña was Japanese on July 4, 1945.
Part of MacArthur’s Philippine Independence from
group. He had taken the Americans
over Manuel L.
Quezon as president
after the latter past Freedom is among the rights that Filipinos
way at Saranac Lake, did not enjoy during the Spanish rule. It
New York on August was a struggle for the Philippine
1944. From October revolutionary leaders to achieve
23 to October 26, independence from foreign power. The
1944 the Americans Filipinos fought countless battles, resulting
engaged Japanese forces in the Battle of to bloody revolutions since the 19th
Leyte Gulf. Consider as the biggest naval century under the Spanish government.
battle in World History, this historic The Filipino forces were persistent to
encounter almost destroyed the entire achieve independence for the country. In
Japanese fleet and rendered in incapable 1896, the Philippine Revolution started,
of further attack. The US victory in the which incriminated Jose Rizal resulting to
battle of Leyte Gulf is said to have his execution on allegations of treason
and rouse the Katipunan in Cavite to
organize in two groups creating conflict. freedom conflicting with the interests of
At the break of the Spanish-American war, America to become a world power by
the Filipino leaders saw the war between establishing overseas empire to include
Spain and America as an opportunity to the Philippines under the US imperial rule.
free the Philippines from the claws of the The Filipino forces applied conventional,
Spanish colony; hence, supported then guerrilla tactics in fighting against
the United States with military forces the US army as they become fully aware,
including indispensable under the leadership of General Emilio
intelligence. America Aguinaldo, of the strength of the US
summoned Aguinaldo to military heavily equipped with superior
return to the Philippines firearms. Although,
from exile and with General Aguinaldo was
confidence towards the captured in 1901, the
pleasant US relations, insurgencies, particularly
Aguinaldo anticipated by the Muslim Moros in the
independence from Spain Southern part of the
with the help of America. Returning to the Philippines continued.
Philippines and leading the Filipino troops Nonetheless, America was
to hold the fort of Luzon with success preparing Philippines for independence
except for Intramuros, Aguinaldo declared that started with the creation of civil
the Philippine Independence from the government. The US President Woodrow
Spanish colonial government on June 12, Wilson promised Philippine Independence
1898 under the First Philippine Republic. and started to entrust authority over
The Philippine National flag was held up, Filipino leaders with the establishmentof
and swayed proudly before the the Philippine Senate by a democratic
joyous cries of the Filipinos by 4:20 in the election. The Philippine Commonwealth,
afternoon at General with elected President Manuel L. Quezon,
Aguinaldo’s balcony of his mansion in was instituted in 1935 under the Tydings-
Kawit, Cavite. Albeit, the fact that Spain McDuffie Act that granted Philippines its
lost the battle to the Filipino self-government, although the legislative
troops, Admiral George Dewey schemed power was not absolute, which still
to convince the Spaniards to surrender to required approval from the
America. It was an act of betrayal by US President. At that time,
America that no sooner short-lived the it was a good start towards
celebration of Philippine independence the eventual Philippine
when America annexed the Independence.
Spanish colonies to include the
Philippines. The Filipino forces were When the events were
determined to continue their efforts gearing towards Philippine
against imperialist power leading to a independence as promised
bloody fight against the American Army in by the United States of
February 1899 when America refused to America, the Japanese invasion and
grant occupation bolstered in a surprise. Bataan
Philippine was surrendered to the Japanese but
s the President Quezon along with Osmeña fled
long- to America. World War II broke out that
sought created immense damage to Filipinos with
Independ roughly about one million casualties. After
ence. the war, Manuel Roxas was elected
President in April 1946 for the
The Philip independent Second Republic of the
pine-American War erupted in February 4, Philippines. In a formal declaration,
1899 in the struggle of the Filipinos for the American flag was lowered in Luneta,
Manila and raised the Filipino National flag development. The autocrat assured the
in tri-color of red, white, and blue looked country of the legality of Martial Law
up by proud Filipinos. Finally, emphasizing the need for control over
independence was granted to the Republic civil disobedience that displays
of the Philippines dated July 4, 1946. The lawlessness. Marcos explained citing the
National anthem of the Philippines was provisions from the Philippine
played next to America’s. It was indeed a Constitution that Martial Law is a strategic
moment of liberating glory, for all Filipinos approach to legally defend the
after pools of blood were shed in many Constitution and protect the welfare of the
revolutions. Filipino people from the dangerous threats
posed by Muslim rebel groups and
July 4, however, holds less Christian vigilantes that places national
inspiration for the Filipinos security at risk during the time. Marcos
according to the elected explained that martial law was not a
President of the Republic of military takeover but was then the only
the Philippines in option to resolve the country’s dilemma
1961, Diosdado Macapagal. on rebellion that stages national chaos
Macapagal believes that threatening the peace and order of the
the June 12, 1896 country. The emergency rule, according to
declaration of the Philippine independence Marcos’s plan, was to lead the country
by General Emilio Aguinaldo brings to into what he calls a “New Society”.
memory the heroes of the revolution and
therefore, Philippine independence is best Marcos used several events to justify
commemorated in honor of the Filipino martial law. Threat to the country’s
revolutionary heroes. Hence, President security was intensifying following the re-
Macapagal changed the date of establishment of the Communist Party of
celebration of the Philippine independence the Philippines (CPP) in 1968. Supporters
from July 4 to June 12, which the Filipinos of CPP’s military arm, the New People’s
celebrate each year up to this time. Army, also grew in numbers in Tarlac and
other parts of the country. The alleged
attempt to the life of then Minister of
The Philippines During Martial Defense Juan Ponce Enrile gave Marcos a
Law window to declare Martial Law. Marcos
announced the emergency rule the day
Proclamation of after the shooting incident. Marcos also
Martial Law: On declared insurgency in the south caused
September 21, by the clash between Muslims and
1972, President Christians, which Marcos considered as a
Ferdinand E. threat to national security. The Muslims
Marcos placed the were defending their ancestral land
Philippines against the control of Christians who
under Martial Law. migrated in the area. The
The declaration issued minority group organized the Moro
under Proclamation National Liberation Front (MNLF) in
1081 suspended Malaysia and pushed for the autonomy of
the civil rights and imposed military Mindanao from the national government.
authority in the country. Marcos defended
the declaration stressing the need for The move was initially
extra powers to quell the rising wave of supported by most
violence allegedly caused by communists. Filipinos and was
The emergency rule was also intended viewed by some critics
to eradicate the roots of rebellion and as a change that
promote a rapid trend for national solved the massive
corruption in the country. Martial law efforts including the exposure of
ceased the clash between numerous human rights violations pushed
the executive and legislative branches of Marcos to hold an election in 1978 and
the government and 1981 in an aim to stabilize the country’s
a bureaucracy characterized by special chaotic condition. Marcos, in both events,
interest. Marcos started to implement won the election; however, his extended
reforms on social and political values that term as President of the Republic of the
hindered effective modernization. To Philippines elicited an extensive opposition
match the accomplishments of against his regime. Social unrest reached
its Asian neighbors, Marcos imposed the its height after former Senator Benigno
need for self-sacrifice for the attainment Aquino was murdered. The incident sent
of national welfare. His reforms targeted thousands of Filipinos to the streets calling
his rivals within the elite depriving them of for Marcos’ removal from post. Turning
their power and patronage but did not again to his electoral strategy, Marcos
affect their supporters (US Library of held a snap election in 1986 but what he
Congress, Martial Law and the Aftermath). hoped will satisfy the masses only
increased their determination to end his
Thirty-thousand opposition figures rule that seated Corazon Aquino, widow of
including Senator Benigno Aquino, Benigno Aquino, as President of the
journalists, student and labor activists Philippines ousting Marcos
were detained at military compounds from Malacañang Palace and ending the
under the President’s command twenty-one years of tyrant rule.
(Proclamation 1081 and Martial Law). The EDSA People Power
army and the Philippine Constabulary
seized weapons and disbanded private Revolution
armies controlled by prominent politicians  Filipino
and other influential figures (Proclamation  Martial Law
1081 and Martial Law). Marcos took  Freedom
control of the legislature and closed  Anomalie
thePhilippine Congress (Proclamation  Attacks
1081 and Martial Law). Numerous media  Administration
outfits were either closed down or  Line Time
operated under tight control (Proclamation  Mortgage calculator with taxes
1081 and Martial Law). Marcos also  Celebrity News
allegedly funnelled millions of the  Abus
country’s money by placing some of his  Filipino
trusted supporters in strategic economic  Martial Law
positions to channel resources to him.
 Freedom
Experts call this the “crony capitalism.”
 Anomalie
 Attacks
The deterioration of the
political and economic  Administration
condition in the  Line Time
Philippines triggered the  Mortgage calculator with taxes
decline of support on  Celebrity News
Marcos’ plans. More and  Abus
more Filipinos took arms  Filipino
to dislodge the regime.
Urban poor communities The Philippines was
in the country’s capital were organized by praised worldwide in
the Philippine Ecumenical Council 1986, when the so-
for Community and were soon conducting called bloodless
protest masses and prayer rallies. These
revolution erupted, called EDSA People Filipinos reached the height of their
Power’s Revolution. February 25, 1986 patience when former Senator Benigno
marked a significant national event that "Ninoy" Aquino, Sr. was shot and killed at
has been engraved in the hearts and the airport in August 21, 1983, upon his
minds of every Filipino. This part of return to the Philippines from exile in the
Philippine history gives us a strong sense United States. Aquino’s death marked the
of pride especially that other nations had day that Filipinos learned to fight. His
attempted to emulate what we have grieving wife, Corazon Cojuangco-
shown the world of the true power of Aquino showed the Filipinos and the world
democracy. The true empowerment of the strength and courage to claim
democracy was exhibited in EDSA by its back the democracy that Ferdinand
successful efforts to oust a tyrant by a Marcos arrested for his personal caprice.
demonstration without tolerance for Considering the depressing economy of
violence and bloodshed. Prayers and the country, Ninoy’s death further
rosaries strengthened by faith were the intensified the contained resentment of
only weapons that the Filipinos used to the Filipinos. In the efforts to win back his
recover their freedom from President popularity among the people, Marcos held
Ferdinand Marcos’s iron hands. The a snap presidential election in February 7,
Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) 1986, where he was confronted with a
stretches 54 kilometers, where the strong and potent opposition, Corazon
peaceful demonstration was held on that Aquino. It was the most corrupt and
fateful day. It was a day that gathered all deceitful election held in the Philippine
Filipinos in unity with courage and faith to history. There was an evident trace
prevail democracy in the country. It was of electoralfraud as the tally of votes were
the power of the people, who assembled declared with discrepancy between the
in EDSA, that restored the democratic official count by the COMELEC
Philippines, ending the oppressive Marcos (Commission on Elections) and the count
regime. Hence, it came to be known as of NAMFREL (National Movement for Free
the EDSA People Power’s Revolution. Elections). Such blatant corruption in that
election was the final straw of tolerance
The revolution was a by
result of the long the
oppressed freedom a Fili
nd the life pin
threatening abuses os
of
the
Ma
rco
s
reg
executed by the ime. Thedemonstration started to break in
Marcos government to the cry for democracy and the demand to
cite several events like oust Marcos from his seat at Malacañang
human rights violation Palace. The revolt commenced when
since the Marcos' Defense Minister Juan Ponce
tyrannical Martial Law Proclamation in Enrile and the Armed Forces Vice-Chief of
1972. In the years that followed Martial Staff command of Fidel V. Ramos, both
Law started the suppressive and abusive withdrew their support from the
years–incidents of assassination were government and called upon the
rampant, particularly those who opposed resignation of then President Marcos. They
the government, individuals and responsibly barricaded Camp Crame and
companies alike were subdued. The Camp Aguinaldo and had their troops
ready to combat against possible armed Philippines after it successfully toppled
attack organized by Marcos and his down almost a decade of dictatorship rule
troops. The Catholic Church represented through a peaceful demonstration tagged
by Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin along as the EDSA People’s Power Revolution.
with the priests and nuns called for the After the widowed wife of former
support of all Filipinos who believed in Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Sr. was
democracy. Radyo Veritas aired the elected into office, President Corazon
message of Cardinal Sin that summoned Cojuangco-Aquino faced both economic
thousands of Filipinos to march the street and political problems of the country. Her
of EDSA. It was an empowering rule as president began on February 25,
demonstration that aimed to succeed 1986 after taking oath at the Club Filipino
peacefully with the intervention of faith. in San Juan, Metro Manila. She was the
Nuns kneeled in front of tanks with 11th president of the Philippines and the
rosaries in their hands and uttering their first woman to become president of the
prayers. country. She was tasked to put together a
nation devastated by the rule of her
With the power of predecessor Ferdinand E. Marcos. It was
prayers, the armed not an easy task since the country’s
marine troops under economic condition was in its worse state
the command of since 1982. Filipinos living below the
Marcos withdrew from poverty line is alarmingly increasing in
the site. Celebrities number. Aquino also struggled with
expressed their Marcos’ supporters in the Armed Forces of
support putting up a the Philippines who attempted to remove
presentation to her from power. The group of soldiers,
showcase the who called themselves members of the
injustices and the anomalies carried out ‘Reform the Armed Forces Movement’ or
by the Marcos administration. Finally, in RAM, staged seven coup attempts against
the morning of February 25, 1986, the Aquino administration. The attack held
Corazon Aquino took the presidential oath in August 28, 1987, which killed at least
of office, administered by the Supreme 53 people and injured more than 200
Court Associate Justice Claudio Teehankee others, was the most serious attack the
at Club Filipino located in San Juan. government experienced. These attacks
Aquino was proclaimed as the 11th worsened the economic condition of the
President of the Republic of the Philippines as investors became wary
Philippines. She was the first lady about Aquino’s ability to rebuild the
president of the country. People rejoiced country. The International Monetary
over their victory proving the success of Fund (IMF), the World Bank and
the EDSA People’s Power Revolution, the the United States also forced the
historic peaceful demonstration. Although government to fulfill its obligations to pay
in 2001, there was an attempt to revive an estimated $27.2 billion worth of debt
People Power in the efforts to oust then Aquino inherited from the previous
President Joseph Estrada, it was not as administration. To be eligible for IMF’s
strong as the glorifying demonstration in rehabilitation programs, Aquino instigated
1986. The bloodless, People Power reforms towards a freer economy. These
Revolution in EDSA renewed the power of reforms ended monopolization of the
the people, strengthened the meaning of agricultural industry of the country,
democracy and restored the democratic reduced tariffs and lifted import controls
institutions of government. in the Philippines.

The political condition

Fifth Republic (1986–Present of the country at that
Time)The world’s eye was on the time did not look any
better. To resolve the issue, Aquino He was the previous mayor in the
commissioned a referendum that would be municipality of San Juan, Metro Manila
the framework for the new government. It and vice president of Ramos, Estrada was
tackled various issues from shifting the placed into office by a wide margin of
government from presidential to vote. He gained support in the election for
parliamentary, to economic reforms his promise to begin a pro-poor
involving foreign participations. Due to its administration that his predecessors failed
immediate necessity, details of the to promote in their respective platforms.
referendum were left to the legislature to This support dwindled down as his
determine. Released in February 1987, administration was rattled by corruption.
the new charter easily won the approval of Critics accused him of failing to live up to
the public. his promises due to the resurfacing of
cronyism in the government. Efforts made
The rule that followed by Ramos to resolve political conflicts in
Aquino’s presidency Mindanao were also threatened as Estrada
established steadier launched an all-out war against the
governance of the Islamic group in Mindanao called the Moro
Philippines. Fidel V. Islamic Liberation Front in March 21,
Ramos took office in 2000. In the same year, Ilocos Sur
1992 and immediately Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson accused
worked on the Estrada of receiving Php 400 million from
country’s recovery. him as payoff from illegal gambling
Ramos initiated the profits. The revelation led to Estrada’s
Social Reform Agenda or SRA that was impeachment in November 12, 2000 and
geared towards alleviating poverty. his ouster from presidency in January 20,
The Gross National Product reached an 2001. Then Supreme Court Chief Justice
average of 5 percent annually, which Hilario Davide, Jr. swore-in vice-president,
translated to a growth in the average Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as president the
family income of the Filipinos. He same day.
undertook the implementation of Build-
Operate-Transfer (BOT) law which The Philippine Constitution allows the
improved public infrastructure and president to ran for a second term if
deregulated several industries to help he/she was sworn into office by
liberalize the economy. The country also succession and served in less than 4
saw improvements in its relations to years, otherwise the
secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation president is limited to
Front or MNLF as Ramos achieved a peace one term of
agreement with the group. office. Arroyo was
Ramos bagged the first UNESCO Peace qualified to ran for
Award yet given to an Asian for this effort. another term. Indeed,
He also came to be known as the she did. In the 2004
‘Centennial’ President for his successful Philippine General
supervision of Election, Arroyo
the 100th anniversary declared her
of the country’s presidential candidacy
independence from and she was seated into office for the
the Spanish second time. Arroyo promoted a “Stronger
rule celebrated in June Republic” under her rule, which was
12, 1998. geared toward vigorous economic
reforms. However, her administration was
A film actor, Joseph bombarded with several controversies and
Ejercito Estrada, impeachment attempts in the last five
succeeded Ramos as president in 1998. years. Hence, as she announced her
disinterest to extend her term or run for PNoy, was proclaimed as the 15th
office in the 2010 elections, critics president of the republic together with
expressed their apprehensions. Once, Jejomar Cabauatan Binay as vice-
Arroyo had broken the people’s trust when president. Aquino is the eldest son of
she declared that she was not interested former president Corazon Aquino and the
to run in the 2004 elections. Protesters assassinated former senator Benigno
express their disappointment every so Aquino, Jr. Aquino's 6-year term is
often rallying at the streets calling against marked by both positive and negative
the Charter Change (Cha-Cha) and now events. He has
the Constituent Assembly (Con-Ass), been criticized with his
which is currently promoted by the government's slow
Arroyo’s supporters in Congress when the response to aid victims
Cha-Cha attempt has become improbable of Typhoon Haiyan, the
receiving critical disapproval. The Mamasapano massacre
representatives in the lower house and other crisis. In
of Congresswere said to have made the spite of these
move independently to pass the Con-Ass criticisms, Aquino left
however, many are skeptic of the true the presidency with a
agenda of the Arroyo administration as with a stable
the 2010 election countdown nears. democracy, higher credit rating, surplus
Supporters of Arroyo are pushing for a government funds and a
change of government from a Presidential Central Bank abundant in foreign
to a Parliamentary form. This will enable reserves. And unlike his predecessor, he
Arroyo run for parliament and become was never directly accused of corruption.
prime minister. In contrast, former Vice-President Jejomar
Binay, who run and lost the 2016
presidential elections, is implicated in
several anomalous government contracts.

At 12 noon, June 30, 2016, Rodrigo

"Digong" Roa Duterte (a.k.a. Rody) takes
oath as the 16th president of the
Number 1 Victim Of Crime Philippines at Malacanang Palace in
2004 Tsunami and Haiti Genocides Manila. Duterte is a lawyer and politician,
On the May 10, 2010 he is the former mayor and former 1st
general elections, district congressman of Davao City in
Arroyo run and won Mindanao -an island in the southern
for congresswoman for Philippines where Muslim insurgents are
the 2nd district of based. He is the first president to come
Pampanga province. from Mindanao. He is clamoring for a
Making her the first change in the constitution from a
president to hold a presidential to a federal form of
lower office after government. Duterte won the presidential
occupying the highest elections as an outspoken, strong-willed
office of the land. On crime fighter with an anti-establishment
her first day as stance. He is however criticized for his
congresswoman, Arroyo filed a resolution alleged support of vigilante groups
calling for Congress to hold involved in extra-judicial killings to fight
aConstitutional Convention to amend the crime.
constitution.
The First “Filipinos”
On June 30, 2010, Benigno Simeon Many historians and scientists believe that
Cojuangco Aquino III, a.k.a Noynoy and the first inhabitants of the Philippine
islands emerged during the Pleistocene The Aetas were already in
period. There are two theories on where the Philippines when the land bridges
the inhabitants (first Filipinos) came from disappeared due to the thinning of the ice
namely: Beyer’s “Migration Theory” and glaciers and the subsequent increase in
Jocano’s “Evolution Theory”. Noted social seawater level. This natural events
scientist Henry Otley Beyer believes that “forced” them to remain in the country
Filipinos descended from different groups and become its first permanent
that came from Southeast Asia in inhabitants.
successive waves of migration. Each
group had a distinct culture, with it’s own Because of the disappearance of the land
customs and traditions. While Jocano bridges, the third wave of migrants was
believes that Asians, including Filipinos necessarily skilled in seafaring. These
are the result of a lengthy process of were the Indonesians, who came to the
evolution and migration. islands in boats. They were more
advanced than the Aetas in that: they had
Migration Theory tools made out of stone and steel, which
The first migrants were what Beyer caked enabled them to build sturdier houses:
the “Dawnmen” (or “cavemen” because they engaged in farming and mining, and
they lived in caves.). The Dawnmen used materials made of brass; they wore
resembled Java Man, Peking Man, and clothing and other body ornaments.
other Asian Home sapiens who existed
about 250,000 years ago. They did not Last to migrate to the Philippines,
have any knowledge of agriculture, and according to Beyer, were Malays. They
lived by hunting and fishing. It was were believed to have come from Java,
precisely in search of food that they came Sumatra, Borneo, and the Malay Peninsula
to the Philippines by way of the land more than 2,000 years ago. Like the
bridges that connected the Philippines and Indonesians, they also traveled in boats.
Indonesia. Owing perhaps to their
migratory nature, they eventually left the The Malays were brown-skinned and of
Philippines for destinations unknown. medium height, with straight black hair
and flat noses. Their technology was said
The second group of migrants was to be more advanced than that of their
composed of dark- predecessors. They engaged in pottery,
skinned pygmies weaving, jewelry making and metal
called “Aetas’ or smelting, and introduced the irrigation
“Negritoes”. About system in rice planting.
30,000 years ago,
they crossed the Jocano’s Theory
land bridged from
Malaya, Borneo, Renowned
and Australia until Filipino anthropologist Felipe Landa
they reached Jocano disputes Beyer’s belief that
Palawan, Mindoro Filipinos descended from Negritoes and
and Mindanao. They Malays who migrated to the Philippines
were pygmies who thousands of years ago. According to
went around Jocano, it is difficult to prove that
practically naked Negritoes were the first inhabitants of this
and were good at country. The only thing that can positively
hunting, fishing and food gathering. They concluded from fossil evidence, he says is
used spears and small flint stones that the first men who came to the
weapons. Philippines also went to New Guinea, Java,
Borneo, and Australia.
In 1962, a skullcap and a portion of a jaw- to the to the Spice Islands of Indonesia.
presumed to be a human origin-were On March 16, 1521, Magellan's expedition
found in the Tabon Caves of Palawan landed on Homonhon island in
by archaeologist Robert Fox and Manuel the Philippines. He was the first European
Santiago, who both worked for the to reach the islands. Rajah Humabon of
National Museum. Carbon dating placed Cebu was friendly with Magellan and
their age at 21,000 to 22,000 years. This embraced Christianity, but their enemy,
proves, Jocano argues, that man came Lapu-Lapu was not. Humabon wanted
earlier to the Philippines than to the Malay Magellan to kill Lapu-Lapu while Magellan
Peninsula; therefore, the first inhabitants wanted to convert Lapu-Lapu into
of our islands could not have come from Christianity. On April 17, 1521,
the region. The “Tabon Man” is said to Magellan sailed to Mactan and ensuing
resemble Java Man and Peking Man. He battle killed Magellan by the natives lead
gathered fruits, leaves and plants for his by Lapu-Lapu. Out of the five ships and
food. He hunted with weapons made of more than 300 men who left on the
stone. Although further research is still Magellan expedition in 1519, only one ship
being done on his life and culture, (the Victoria) and 18 men returned
evidence shows that he was already to Seville, Spain on September 6, 1522.
capable of using his brain in order to Nevertheless, the said expedition was
survive and keep himself safe. considered historic because it marked the
first circumnavigation of the globe and
Instead of the Migration Theory, Jocano proved that the world was round.
advances the Evolution Theory, as a
better explanation of how our country was Juan Sebastian de Elcano, the master of
first inhabited by human beings, Jocano ship "Concepcion" took over the command
believes that the first people of Southeast of the expedition after the death of
Asia were products of a long process of Magellan and captained the ship "Victoria"
evolution and migration. His research back to Spain. He and his men earned the
indicates that they shared more or less distinction of being the first to
the same culture, beliefs, practices an circumnavigate the world in one full
even similar tools and implements. These journey. After Magellan's death in Cebu, it
people eventually went their separate took 16 more months for Elcano to return
ways; some migrated to the Philippines, to Spain. The Magellan expedition started
the others to New Guinea, Java and off through the westward route and
Borneo. Proof, Jocano says, can be found returning to Spain by going east; Magellan
in the fossils discovered in different parts and Elcano's entire voyage took almost
of Southeast Asia, as well as the recorded three years to complete.
migrations of other peoples from the Asian
mainland when history began to unfold. Spain sends other expedition
Spanish Expeditions to the
Philippines After the Spain had celebrated Elcano’s
return, King Charles I decided that Spain
should conquer the Philippines. Five
The Magellan Expedition
subsequent expeditions were then sent
to the Islands. These were led by Garcia
Ferdinand Jofre Loaisa (1525), Sebastian Cabot
Magellan, a (1526), Alvaro de Saavedra (1527), Rudy
Portuguese in Lopez de Villalobos (1542) and Miguel
the service of Lopez de Legazpi (1564). Only the last
the Spanish two actually reached the Philippines; and
crown, was only Legazpi succeeded in colonizing the
looking for a Islands.
westward route
The Villalobos Expedition Mexico. They built the the port of Fuerza
de San Pedro which became the Spanish
Ruy Lopez de Villalobos set sail for the trading outpost and stronghold for the
Philippines from Navidad, Mexico on region.
November 1, 1542. He followed the route
taken by Magellan and reached Mindanao Hearing of the riches of Manila, an
on February 2, 1543. He established expedition of 300 men headed by Martin
a colony in Sarangani but could not stay de Goiti left Cebu for Manila. They
long because of insufficient food supply. found the islands of Panay and Mindoro.
His fleet left the island and landed on Goiti arrived in Manila on May 8, 1570. At
Tidore in the Moluccas, where they were first they were welcomed by the natives
captured by the Portuguese. and formed an alliance with Rajah
Suliman, their Muslim king but as the
Villalobos is remembered for naming locals sensed the true objectives of the
our country “Islas Filipinas,” in honor of Spaniards, a battle between the troops of
King Charles’ son, Prince Philip, who Suliman and the Spaniards erupted.
later became king of Spain. Because the Spaniards are more heavily
armed, the Spaniards were able to
The Legazpi conquer Manila. Soon after Miguel Lopez
Expedition de Legazpi arrived to join Goiti in Manila.
Legaspi built alliances and made peace
with Rajahs Suliman, Lakandula and
Since none of
Matanda. In 1571, Legaspi ordered the
the expedition
construction of the walled city of
after Magellan
Intramuros and proclaimed it as the seat
from Loaisa to
of government of the colony and the
Villalobos had
capital of the islands. In 1572, Legaspi
succeeded in
died and was buried at the San Agustin
taking over the
Church in Intramuros. In 1574, Manila
Philippines, King Charles I stopped
was bestowed the title "Insigne y Siempre
sending colonizers to the
Leal Ciudad de España"
Islands. However, when Philip II
(Distinguished and ever loyal city of
succeeded his father to the throne in
Spain) by King Philip II of Spain.
1556, he instructed Luis de Velasco, the
viceroy of Mexico, to prepare a new
expedition – to be headed by Miguel Lopez Why the Philippines was easily
de Legazpi, who would be accompanied conquered
by Andres de Urdaneta, a priest who had
survived the Loaisa mission. Through largely outnumbered, the
Spaniards who came to colonize the
On February 13, 1565, Legaspi's Philippines easily took control of
expedition landed in Cebu island. After a our country. How did this happen?
short struggle with the natives, he
proceeded to Leyte, then to Camiguin and The best possible explanation is that the
to Bohol. There Legaspi made a blood natives lacked unity and a
compact with the chieftain, Datu Sikatuna centralized form of government. Although
as a sign of friendship. Legaspi was able the barangays already functioned as units
to obtain spices and gold in Bohol due to of governance, each one existed
his friendship with Sikatuna. On April 27, independently of the other, and the
1565, Legaspi returned to Cebu; powers that each Datu enjoyed were
destroyed the town of Raja Tupas and confined only to his own barangay. No
establish a settlement. On orders of the higher institution united the barangays,
King Philip II, 2,100 men arrived from and the Spaniards took advantage of this
situation. They used the barangays that established the “Economic Society of
were friendly to them in order to subdue Friends of the Country”, which
the barangays that were not. gave incentives to farmers for planting
The Galleon Trade cotton, spices, and sugarcane;
encouraged miners to extract gold, silver,
When the Spaniards came to tin, and copper; and rewarded investors
the Philippines, for scientific discoveries they made.
our ancestors
were already Tobacco Monopoly
trading with The tobacco industry was placed under
China, Japan, government control during the
Siam, India, administration of Governor General Basco.
Cambodia, Borneo In 1781, a tobacco monopoly was
and the Moluccas. implemented in the Cagayan Valley, Ilocos
The Spanish Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Isabela, Abra,
government Nueva Ecija, and Marinduque. Each of
continued trade these provinces planted nothing but
relations with tobacco and sold their harvest only to the
these countries, government at a pre-designated price,
and the Manila leaving little for the farmers. No other
became the center province was allowed to plant tobacco.
of commerce in the East. The Spaniards The government exported the tobacco to
closed the ports of Manila to all other countries and also part of it to
countries except Mexico. Thus, the the cigarette factories in Manila.
Manila–Acapulco Trade, better known as
the "Galleon Trade" was born. The tobacco monopoly successfully raised
The GalleonTrade was a government revenues for the colonial government and
monopoly. Only two galleons were used: made Philippine tobacco famous all over
One sailed from Acapulco to Manila with Asia.
some 500,000 pesos worth of goods, The Secularization of
spending 120 days at sea; the other sailed
Priests During Spanish
from Manila to Acapulco with some
250,000 pesos worth of goods spending Period
90 days at sea.
The Opening of the Suez Canal
It also allowed modern, liberal ideas to
enter the country, eventually inspiring the The Suez Canal, which connected the Red
movement for independence from Spain. Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, was
And because the Spaniards were so inaugurated in 1869. It was built by a
engrossed in making profits from French engineer named Ferdinand de
the Galleon Trade, they hardly had any Lesseps. By passing through the Canal,
time to further exploit our natural vessels journeying between Barcelona and
resources. Manila no longer had to pass by
the Cape of Good Hope, at the southern
Basco’s Reforms tip of Africa. Thus, they were able to
Filipino farmers and traders finally had a shorten their traveling time from three
taste of prosperity when Governor months to 32 days.
General Jose Basco y Vargas instituted
reforms intended to free the economy Thanks to the Suez Canal, trading in the
from its dependence on Chinese and Philippines became increasingly profitable.
Mexican trade. Basco implemented a More and more foreign merchants and
“general economic plan” aimed at making businessmen came to the colony, bringing
the Philippines self sufficient. He
with them a lot of progressive ideas. The The regulars resented the move because
Filipinos not only gained more knowledge they considered the Filipinos unfit for the
and information about the world at large; priesthood. Among other reasons they
they also gained the desire cited the Filipinos’ brown skin, lack of
for freedom and improvement in their education, and inadequate experience.
lives.
The controversy became
The Secularization Controversy more intense when the Jesuits returned to
the Philippines. They had been exiled from
Two kinds of priests served the Catholic the country because of certain policies of
Church in the Philippines. These were the the order that theSpanish authorities did
regulars and the seculars. Regular priests not like.
belonged to religious orders. Their main
task was to spread Christianity. Examples The issue soon took on a racial slant. The
were the Franciscans, Spaniards were clearly favouring their own
Recollects, Do regular priest over Filipino priests.
minicans, and
Augustinians. Monsignor Pedro
Secular priests Pelaez, ecclesiastical governor of the
did not belong Church, sided with the Filipinos.
to any religious Unfortunately, he died in an earthquake
order. They that destroyed the Manila Cathedral in
were trained 1863. After his death, other priests took
specifically to his place in fighting for the secularization
run the parishes and were under the movement. Among them were Fathers
supervision of the bishops. Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos and Jacinto
Zamora.
Conflict began when The Death of Gomburza &
the bishops insisted on visiting the
parishes that were being run by regular The Propaganda Movement
priests. It was their duty, they argued, to
check on the administration of these In February 17,
parishes. But the regular priests refused 1872, Fathers Maria
these visits, saying that they were not no Gomez, Jose
under the bishop’s jurisdiction. They Burgos and Jocinto
threatened to abandon their parishes if Zamora
the bishops persisted. (Gomburza),
all Filipino priest,
In 1774, Archbishop Basilio Santa Justa was executed by
decided to uphold the diocese’s authority the Spanish
over the parishes and accepted the colonizers on
resignations of the regular priests. He charges of
assigned secular priests to take their subversion. The
place. Since there were not enough charges
seculars to fill all the vacancies the against Fathers Gomez, Burgos and
Archbishop hastened the ordination of Zamora was their alleged complicity in the
Filipino seculars. A royal decree was also uprising of workers at the Cavite Naval
issued on November 9, 1774, which Yard. The death of Gomburza awakened
provided for the secularization of all strong feelings of anger and resentment
parishes or the transfer of parochial among the Filipinos. They
administration from the regular friars to questioned Spanish authorities and
the secular priests. demanded reforms. The martyrdom of the
three priests apparently helped to inspire in Manila. They could be divided into three
the organization of the Propaganda groups: The first included Filipinos who
Movement, which aimed to seek reforms had been exiledto the Marianas Islands in
and inform Spain of the abuses of its 1872 after being implicated in the Cavite
colonial government. Mutiny. After two many years in the
Marianas, they proceeded to Madrid and
The illustrados led the Filipinos’ quest for Barcelona because
reforms. Because of their education and they could no
newly acquired wealth, they felt more longer return to
confident about voicing out popular the Philippines.
grievances. However, since the illustrados The second group
themselves were a result of the changes consisted of
that the Spanish government had been illustrados in the
slowly implementing, the group could not Philippines who
really push very hard for the reforms it had been sent
wanted. The illustrados did not succeeded to Europe for their
in easing the sufferings of the Filipinos; education. The
but from this group arose third group was
another faction called the intelligentsia. composed of
The intelligentsia also wanted reforms; Filipinos who
but they were more systematic and used a had fled their
peaceful means called the Propaganda country to avoid
Movement. punishment for a
crime, or simply because they could not
Goals of the Propaganda Movement stand Spanish atrocitiesany longer. Still,
not all Filipinos living in Spain were
Members of the Propaganda Movement members of the Propaganda
were called propagandists or reformists. Movement. Jose Rizal, Graciano Lopez
They worked inside and outside the Jaena and Marcelo H. del Pilarwere it most
Philippines. Their objectives were to seek: prominent members.

▪ Recognition of the Philippines as a Lopez Jaena was a brilliant orator who

province of Spain wrote such pieces as "Fray Botod,"
▪ Equal status for both Filipinos and "Esperanza," and "La Hija del Fraile,"
Spaniards which all criticized the abuses of Spanish
▪ Philippine representation in the Spanish friars in the Philippines. Del Pilar was an
Cortes excellent writer and speaker who put up
▪ Secularization of Philippine parishes. the newspaper Diarion Tagalog in 1882.
▪ Recognition of human rights His favorite topic was the friars. Some of
his most popular writings included
"Caiingat Cayo", "Dasalan at Tocsohan,"
The Propaganda Movement never asked and "Ang Sampung Kautusan ng mga
for Philippine independence because its Prayle". "Caingat Cayo" was a pamphlet
members believed that answering the criticisms received by Jose
once Spain realized the pitiful state of the Rizal’s novel Noli Me Tangere. "Dasalan…"
country, the Spaniards would implement was parody of the prayer books used by
the changes the Filipinos were seeking. the Church, while "Ang Sampung
Kautusan…" was a satirical take on the
The Propagandists Ten Commandments, which highly
ridiculed the Spanish friars.
The Filipinos in Europe were much more
active in seeking reforms than those
Jose Rizal was recognized as the great
novelist of the Propaganda Movement. He La Liga Filipina had no intention of rising
was the first Filipino become famous for up in arms against the government; but
his written works. He wrote a poem the Spanish officials still felt threatened.
entitled “Sa Aking mga Kababata” when On July 6, 1892 only three days after La
he was only eight years old. His Liga Filipina’s establishment, Jose Rizal
novels, Noli Me Tangere and El was secretly arrested. The next
Filibusterismo, clearly depicted the day, Governor General Eulogio Despujol
sufferings of the Filipinos and the rampant ordered Rizal’s deportation to Dapitan, a
abuses committed by the friars in the small, secluded town in Zamboanga.
colony. Because of his criticisms of the
government and the friars, Rizal made a La Liga Filipina's membership was active
lot of enemies. He was executed at in the beginning; but later, they began to
Bagumbayan (later renamed Luneta Park drift apart. The rich members wanted to
and now called Rizal Park) on December continue supporting the Propaganda
30, 1896. Movement; but the others seemed to have
lost all hope that reforms could still be
The writings produced by the Propaganda granted. Andres Bonifacio was one of
Movement inspired Andres Bonifacio and those who believed that the only way to
other radicals to establish achieve meaningful change was through a
the Katipunan and set the Philippine bloody revolution.
Revolution in place.
La Solidaridad & La La Solidaridad
Liga Filipina
In order to help achieve its goals, the
La Liga Filipina Propaganda Movement put up its own
newspaper, called La Solidaridad. The
In 1892, Jose Rizal (full Soli, as the reformists fondly called their
name: Jose Protacio official organ, came out once every two
Mercado Rizal y Alonzo) weeks. The first issue saw print was
returned to the published on November 15, 1895.
Philippines and
proposed The Solidaridad’s first editor was Graciano
the establishment of a Lopez Jaena. Marcelo H. del Pilar took
civic organization called over in October 1889. Del Pilar managed
“La Liga Filipina.” On the Soli until it stopped publication due to
July 3, 1892, the lack of funds.
following were elected
as its officers: Ambrosio Salvador, Why the Propaganda Movement
president: Agustin dela Rosa, fiscal; Failed
Bonifacio Arevalo, treasurer;
and Deodato Arellano, secretary. Rizal The propaganda movement did not
functioned as its adviser. succeed in its pursuit of reforms. The
colonial government did not agree to any
La Liga Filipina aimed to: of its demands. Spain itself was
undergoing a lot of internal problems all
▪ Unite the whole country that time, which could explain why the
▪ Protect and assist all members mother country failed to heed the
▪ Fight violence and injustice Filipino’s petitions. The friars, on the other
▪ Support education hand, were at the height of their power
▪ Study and implement reforms and displayed even more arrogance in
flaunting their influence. They had neither
the time nor the desire to listen to the funds for the association.
voice of the people.
The KKK members agreed on the
Many of the reformists showed a deep following objectives:
love for their country, although they still
failed to maintain a united front. Because ▪ The political goal was to completely
most of them belonged to the upper separate the Philippines from Spain after
middle class, they had to exercise caution declaring the country’s independence.
in order to safeguard their wealth and ▪ The moral goal was to teach the Filipinos
other private interests. good manners, cleanliness, hygiene, fine
Personal differences and petty quarrels, morals, and how to guard themselves
apart from the lack of funds, were also a against religious fanaticism..
hindrance to the movements success. ▪ The civic goal was to encourage Filipinos
Lastly, no other strong and charismatic to help themselves and to defend the poor
leader emerged from the group aside from oppressed.
Jose Rizal.
The “Kataastaasang Sanggunian”
The Katipunan Finally Starts (supreme council) was the highest
a Revolution governing body of the Katipunan. It was
The Katipunan is born headed by a supremo, or president. Each
Andres Bonifacio was also a member of La province had a “Sangguaniang Bayan”
Liga Filipina, although he soon lost hope in (Provincial Council) and each town had a
gaining reforms though peaceful means. “Sangguniang Balangay” (Popular
This feeling was especially heightened Council).
when Jose Rizal was exiled to Dapitan.
Bonifacio became convinced that the only The Leaders of the Katipunan:
way the Philippines could gain
independence was through a revolution. ▪ Deodato Arellano -Supremo
▪ Ladislao Diwa -Fiscal
▪ Teodora Plata -Secretary
▪ Valentine Diaz -treasurer
Bonifacio then founded the “Katastaasang ▪ Andres Bonifacio -controller
Kagalanggalangang Katipuanan ng mga
Anak ng Bayan” (KKK) on July 7, 1892 in Jose Rizal and the Katipunan
a house on Azcarraga street (now Claro M.
Recto), in Tondo Manila. Jose Rizal never became
involved in the
The Katipunan had colorful beginnings. As organization and
a symbol of the member’s loyalty, they activities of the
performed the solemn rite Katipunan; but the
of sanduguan (blood compact), wherein Katipuneros still looked
each one signed his name with his own up to him as a leader.
blood.. In fact, Rizal’s name
was used as
The members agreed to recruit more a password among the
people using the “triangle system” society’s highest-
of enlistment. Each original member ranking members, who were called
would recruit tow new members who were bayani.
not related to each other. Each new
member would do the same thing, and so
on down the line. Members were also
asked to contribute one Real (about Andres Bonifacio had already known Rizal
25 centavos) each month in order to raise during his La Liga Filipina days, although
Rizal did not know Bonifacio personally The information upset Honoria so much
Nevertheless, Bonifacio so respected that she told the orphanage’s Mother
Rizal’s intelligence and talent that in June Superior, Sor Teresa de Jesus, what her
1896, he sent Dr. Pio Valenzuela to brother had revealed. Sor Teresa
Dapitan to seek Rizal’s advice on the suggested they seek the advice of Father
planned revolution. Mariano Gil, the parish priest of Tondo.

Rizal told Valenzuela that the timing was After hearing Patiño’s revelations, Father
not right for a revolution. The people were Mariano Gil-accompanied by several
not yet ready and they did not have Guardias Civiles immediately searched the
enough weapons. He suggested that the premises of Diario de Manila and found
Katipunan obtain the support of wealthy evidence of the Katipunan’s existence. The
and influential Filipinos first, in order to governor general was quickly informed.
gain financial assistance. He also The printing press was padlocked and
recommended Antonio Luna as hundreds of suspected KKK members
commander of its armed forces, since were arrested.
Luna had much knowledge and expertise The Cry of Pugadlawin
in military tactics.
News about the
discovery of
the Katipunan spread to
Valenzuela returned to Manila on June 26 Manila and nearby
and relayed Rizal’s advice to Bonifacio, suburbs, and Andres
who admitted that it would indeed Bonifacio immediately
be fatal for the Filipinos to fight without called for a general
enough weapons. However, there was no meeting. Various wings
stopping the Revolution. Bonifacio ordered of the Katipunan
his men to prepare for battle. He directed gathered at the house of
them to store enough food and other Juan Ramos
supplies. Battle plans were made with the in Pugadlawin on August
help of Emilio Jacinto. It was suggested 23, 1896. Ramos was the
that the revolutionary headquarters be son of Melchora Aquino,
located near the seas or mountains to also known as “Tandang Sora” and was later
provide for an easy retreat, if necessary. acknowledged as the Mother of the Katipunan."

The Katipunan is Discovered Bonifacio asked his men whether they were willing
to fight to the bitter end. Everyone shouted their
approval, except for Teodoro Plata, who though that
Rumors about a secret revolutionary
it was too soon for a revolution. Heartened by his
society had long been in circulation, men’s response, Bonifacio then asked them to tear
although no solid evidence could be found their cedulas (residence certificates) to pieces, as a
to support them. The big break as far as sign of their defiance and determination to rise
the Spanish authorities was concerned, against the Spaniards. The men immediately tore up
came on August 19, 1896 when a KKK their cedulas, shouting, Mabuhay ang Pilipinas (long
member, Teodoro Patiño told his sister live the Philippines) -known as the Cry of
Honoria about the existence of the Pugadlawin.
Katipunan. Patiño was a worker in the
printing press of Diario de Manila. Honoria The Katipunan in Cavite
was then living with nuns in a
Mandaluyong orphanage. Cavite soon became the center of the Revolution, and
the Katipuneros there divided themselves into the
Magdalo and Magdiwang factions. Baldomero
Aguinaldo, brother of Emilio Aguinaldo, headed the
Magdalo group, which was stationed in Kawit. later reversed the commutation upon pressure from
General Mariano Alvarez led the Magdiwang group, Pio Del Pilar and other officers. On orders from
which was stationed in Noveleta. General Mariano Noriel, Andres Bonifacio was
executed at the foothills of Mt. Buntis by Major
The two groups fought in Lazaro Makapagal on May 10, 1897.
separate battles. Emilio
Aguinaldo overran Kawit The Revolution Continues
on August 31, 1896,
while Alvarez attacked Bonifacio’s death did not deter the Filipinos from
Noveleta. In Bacoor, fighting for their freedom. The Spanish government,
Aguinaldo tried to for its part, doubled its efforts in trying to
intercept Spanish control Cavite, which was considered the seat of the
reinforcements coming Revolution. When Governor General Primo de
from Manila; but he was Rivera replaced Camilo Polavieja on April 27, 1897,
repulsed and forced to he immediately marched to Naic, Cavite to persuade
retreat to nearby Imus. the Filipinos to surrender. The rebels, however, stood
Here, on the morning of September 5, he defeated the their ground.
Spanish troops under the command of General
Aguirre. A hundred Spaniards were killed and 60 Aguinaldo realized that Cavite was no longer safe for
weapons were confiscated. Aguinaldo was hailed as a his men. They moved to Batangas, where they
hero. The adoring Caviteños referred to him as temporarily set up camp in the town of Talisay.
“General Miong” and no longer “Kapitan Miong.” However, Spanish soldiers were able to pursue them
there. Thus, they retreated to Morong on June 10,
General Aguinaldo’s numerous victories in the 1897 and proceeded to Biak-na-Bato in
battlefield made him the acknowledged revolutionary Bulacan. Click here to continue with Pact of Biak-na-
leader in Cavite. He issued a proclamation on Bato.
October 31, 1896 enjoining the people to take The Biak-na Bato Republic
courage and continue fighting for Philippine
independence. Emilio Aguinaldo established
his headquarters in Biak-na-Bato in
Owing to the defeat of the Spaniards in Bulacan province. The news immediately
Cavite, Camilo de Polavieja replaced Ramon Blanco spread throughout the country, and the
as governor general on December 13, 1896. Polavieja revolutionaries were once more in high
was more successful than his predecessor and slowly spirits. General llanera, who was in Nueva
regained one-third of the province. Ecija, declared his support for Aguinaldo.
In July 1897, Aguinaldo established the
Andres Bonifacio's Execution Biak-na-Bato Republic and issued a
proclamation stating the following
While Aguinaldo was recognized as leader by the demands:
Magdalo faction, Bonifacio was recognized as the ▪ Expulsion of the friars and the return of
leader of the Katipunan by the Magdiwang faction. the friar lands to the Filipinos
An assembly was held in Imus, Cavite on December ▪ Representation of the Philippines in the
31, 1897 to settle the leadership issue but was not Spanish Cortes
successful. Then on March 22, another assembly was
▪ Freedom of the press and of religion
held at Tejeros (known as the Tejeros Convention)
▪ Abolition of the government’s power to
to elect officers of the revolutionary government.
Aguinaldo won as president while Bonifacio was banish Filipinos
relegated as the Director of the Interior. Bonifacio ▪ Equality for all before the law.
rejected the elections and declared it void. Bonifacio
later formed the Naic Military A charter based on the Cuban
Agreement, essentially creating a government Constitution was also drafted by Felix
contending Aguinaldo's. Soon after, Bonifacio was Ferrer and Isabelo Artacho. It was signed
captured, stood trial, and was sentenced to death by a on November 1, 1897. The Biak-na-Bato
War Council of Aguinaldo's government. Aguinaldo Constitution provided for
initially commuted the sentence to deportation but the establishment of a Supreme council
that would serve as the highest governing 27, 1897. Some Filipino generals,
body of the Republic. It also outlined however, did not believe in the sincerity of
certain basic human rights, such the Spaniards. They refused to surrender
as freedom of religion, freedom of the their arms. Nevertheless, the Te Deum
press, and the right to education. Emilio was still sung on January 23, 1898.
Aguinaldo and Mariano Trias were elected
Supreme Council president and vice The Biak-na-Bato Pact Fails
president, respectively.
The Filipino’s and the Spaniards did not
The Pact of Biak-na-Bato trust each other. As a result, periodic
clashes between the two groups still took
Pedro Paterno, a Spaniard born in the place even after Aguinaldo’s departure
Philippines volunteered to act as from the country. The Spanish did not pay
the entire agreed amount.
The Spanish-American War

The US Helps Cuba

One year before the historic Cry of Pugad

Lawin, a revolution broke out in Cuba -
another Spanish Colony that rose against
the rampant abuses of the Spaniards. It
became independent in 1898 after three
negotiator between Aguinaldo and Gov. years of revolt, with the help of United
Primo de Riverain order to end the States. The Americans were supportive of
clashes. Paterno’s effort paid off when on, the Cubans for various reasons:
December 15, 1897, the Pact he sign the
Pact as the representative of
the revolutionaries, and de Rivera as the
▪ First- the US is a free country and
representative of the Spanish
Advocated democracy and freedom.
government. The Leaders are: Emilio
▪ 2nd- the US wants to protect its huge
Aguinaldo-President, Mariano Trias-Vice
economic interest in Cuba, in the amount
President, Antonio Montenegro-Secretary,
of $50,000,000.
Baldomero Aguinaldo-Treasurer, and
▪ 3rd- a lot of stories reached the United
Emilio Riego de Dios.
States about Spanish maltreatment of
Americans living in Cuba and
On December 23, 1897,
this greatly angered the US citizens.
Generals Celestino Tejero and
▪ Finally, since Cuba was located very near
Ricardo Monet of the Spanish army
the US it was deemed covered by the
arrived in Biak-na-Bato and became
protective mantle of the Monroe Doctrine.
hostages of the rebels. A ceasefire was
declared by both camps and an
The US interest in
agreement between Aguinaldo and the
the Philippines
Spanish forces was made -that the
Spanish government will grant self-rule to
At that time, Assistant
the Philippines in 3 years if Aguinaldo
Secretary of the
went to exile and surrender his arms. In
Navy Theodore
exchange, Aguinaldo will receive P800,000
Roosevelt, wanted a
(Mexican Pesos) as remuneration to the
war to erupt between
revolutionaries and an amnesty. After
the US and Spain so
receiving a partial payment of P400,000,
he could strengthen
Aguinaldo left for Hong Kong on December
and expand the US
Navy, he immediately put his plan into The Battle of Manila
place. On February 25, 1896, he ordered Bay
Commodore George Dewey to make Hong
Kong the headquarters of the George Dewey, then a
American Asiatic Squadron. He also Commodore United
directed Dewey to attack Manila Bay and States
destroy the Spanish fleet, the Navy’s Asiatic Squadro
moment hostilities between Spain and US n was waiting in Hong
break out. Kong when He
received a cable from
The Spanish-American War the then secretary
of Navy, Theodore
Spain did not relish Roosevelt, stating that
American intervention in its affairs. the war had begun
However, with the Philippine and Cuban between the US and Spain. Dewey sailed
revolutions going on, it could not afford to from Hong Kong on board his flagship
add the Americans to its enemy list, Olympia with six other heavily armed
especially since the United States had ships. He brought with him a report on the
more advanced technology and weaponry. location of the Spanish ships in Corregidor
In the face of Spain’s declining power, it and Manila at dawn of May 1, 1898.
tried to repair its rift with the US in order Dewey entered Manila Bay almost
to avoid a disastrous war. On February undetected. When he saw the Spanish
15, 1898, how ever a fateful event ships, which were under the command of
accrued in Cuba. The American warship General Patricio Montoya, he ordered his
Maine was blown up in Havana harbor, men to fire. The battle began at 5:41 in
resulting in the death of its 260 officers the morning and by 12:30 of the same
and crewmembers. Although it was not day, the Spaniards were raising the white
proven that the Spaniards had sunk the flag in surrender. Although The Spanish
Maine, the Americans called for war ships outnumbered those of the
against Spain. Roosevelt was one of many Americans; the weapons of the Americans
US officials who considered the were far more superior to those of the
destruction of the Maine as act of treason Spaniards. The battle proved to be
and supported the declaration of war. too costly for the Spaniards, who lost 167
men and had 214 others wounded. As for
Spain declared war on the United States the Americans, no ships were destroyed,
on April 23, 1898. The United Sates and no soldier was killed or injured. The
declared war against Spain on April 25, Battle of Manila Bay is considered one of
1898. On May 1, 1898, the United States the easiest encounters ever won in world
Navy lead by Commodore George Dewey history.
crushed the Spanish squadron in Manila
Bay and the Spanish naval base at The Siege of Manila
Sangley Point in Cavite. By June, 1898,
the American had control of portions of By June 1898, General Emilio
the Philippine islands. The Spanish- Aguinaldo had captured the whole of
American War ended with the Treaty of Luzon and was ready to storm Manila with
Paris signed on December 10, 1898. The the help of Gregorio del Pilar, Artemio
treaty conferred ownership of the Recarte, Antonio Montenegro,
Spanish colonies of Guam, Puerto Rico Pantaleon Garcia, and many other able
and the Philippines to the United States. generals. At that time, the term “Manila”
In turn, the U.S. paid Spain US$ 20 referred to the walled city of Intramuros.
million. Aguinaldo’s men surrounded the walls
of Intramuros. Nearby areas like Tondo,
Sta. Cruz, San Juan, and Caloocan were ● 1886 - José Rizal publishes anti-
likewise secured. The Spaniards Spanish novel, Noli Me Tangere (The
stubbornly hoped for the arrival of Lost Eden); and seers up
reinforcements from the independence sentiment.
Spanish mainland, but none ever came.
Aguinaldo on the other hand, was firmly ● 1896 - Spanish execute Rizal for
convinced that it just was a matter of instigating insurrection; public
days before the Spaniards surrendered. outrage spawns rebellion.
Therefore, he started planning for
the declaration of Philippine ● 1898 - American warship Maine was
independence. blown up in Havana harbour, triggers
the the Spanish-American war,
the battle of Manila Bay ensues.

TIMELINE OF PHILIPPINE ● 1898 - Emilio Aguinaldo assembled

HISTORY the Malolos Congress in Bulacan, then
declares independence in Kawit,
● 1380 - Muslim Arabs arrived at the Cavite
Sulu Archipelago.
● 1899 - Treaty of Paris
● 1521 - Ferdinand ends Spanish-American War, cedes
Magellan "discovers" the islands and Philippines to U.S. after payment to
names them: Archipelago of San Spain by U.S. of $ 20 million. Emilio
Lazaro. Aguinaldo declares independence
then leads a guerrilla war against U.S.
● 1542 - Spanish
expedition commandeered by Ruy ● 1901 - U.S. captures Aguinaldo;
Lopez de Villalobos claims the islands William Howard Taft arrives as first
for Spain; names them "Philippines" U.S. governor of Philippines.
after Prince Philip, later King Philip II
of Spain; the Philippines becomes ● 1902 - Insurrection
part of Spanish Empire. ends; Taft improves economic
conditions, settles disputes over
● 1872 - Gomburza (Fathers Mariano church ownership of land, establishes
Gomez, Jose Burgos and Jocinto "Pensionado" program, allowing
Zamora) were executed by the Filipinos to study in U.S., which
Spaniards. helped modernize and westernize the
country.
● 1892 - Jose Rizal founded the civic
organization La Liga Filipina. ● 1916 - U.S. congress passes the
Jones Law establishing elected Filipino
● 1896 - Katipuneros tear their legislature with house and senate.
cedulas & shout in contempt of the
Spaniards in what is called the Cry of ● 1934 - U.S. congress approves
Pugadlawin. the Tydings-McDuffie Law promising
Philippine independence by 1946;
● 1897 - General Emilio Aguinaldo transition to independence begins.
establishes the a new republic
at Biak-na-Bato in Bulacan. ● 1935 - Filipino
people approve constitution creating
the Philippine Commonwealth with ● 1992 - Endorsed by Aquino, her
Manuel Quezon y Molina as president. Secretary of Defense Gen. Fidel
Ramos wins presidential election. U.S.
● 1941 - Japanese invades the Philippine congress rejects a new
Philippines, and defeats Gen. Douglas treaty with the U.S. and Subic Bay
MacArthur at Bataan and Corregidor; naval base and Clark Air Field returns
Quezon establishes government in to Philippine government,
exile in the U.S. ending American military presence in
the Philippines.
● 1944 - Quezon dies in exile; Vice
President Sergio Osmeña assumes ● 1996 - The government of Ramos
the presidency; MacArthur returns to agrees to greater autonomy for
the Philippines and lands in Leyte with southern island of Mindanao. Moro
little resistance. National Liberation Front (MNLF) ends
the guerrilla war with the
● 1945 - Gen. MacArthur liberates government.
Manila and President Osmeña
establishes government. ● 1997 - Asian financial crisis grips
Asia and the Philippines escapes the
● 1946 - The U.S. gave the crisis despite series of currency
Philippines independence and Manuel devaluations.
Roxas y Acuña is elected as the first
president of the new republic. ● 1998 - Former movie actor Joseph
Estrada is elected president.
● 1965 - Ferdinand E. Marcos is
elected by a big majority as ● 2000 - On charges of corruption,
president. the lower house impeach Estrada.

● 1972 - Martial Law was declared by ● 2001 - Estrada was forced to step
President Marcos. This period is down due to public outrage over
marked with human rights abuses corruption allegations. Vice President
and corruption. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assumes the
presidency.
● 1981 - Marcos lifts Martial Law.
● 2004 - Presidential election takes
● 1983 - Opposition leader Benigno place. Arroyo's closest rival (a dear
"Ninoy" Aquino returns from exile and friend of Ex-President Estrada) is film
is assassinated on arrival at Manila actor Fernando Poe, Jr. Arroyo
International Airport; Aquino's widow narrowly defeats Poe, taking 39.5%
Corazon leads the "People Power" of the vote to Poe's 36.6%.
protest movement.
● 2005 - A taped conversation
between President Arroyo & an
● 1986 - Marcos was officially
election official surfaced during the
declared winner in a presidential
2004 elections implying she
election beating Corazon Aquino amid
influenced the official election results.
charges of fraud; demonstrations
Calls for her resignation and
erupt; Marcos flees to Hawaii; Aquino
demonstrations followed soon after.
is declared president and forms a new
In September 2005, Congress voted
government.
down the filing of an impeachment
against Arroyo.
● 2007 - Former President Joseph Early life[edit]
Estrada is convicted of plunder, the
first ever in the history of the Born in the town of Badoc, Ilocos Norte in the
Philippines. northern Philippines, Juan N. Luna was the third
among the seven children of Joaquín Posadas Luna
and Laureana Ancheta Novicio-Luna. In 1861, the
● 2010 - First automated national Luna family moved to Manila and he went to Ateneo
elections in the Philippines. Municipal de Manila where he obtained his Bachelor
of Arts degree. He excelled in painting and drawing,
and was influenced by his brother, Manuel N. Luna,
● 2010 - Benigno "Noynoy" Simeon
who, according to Filipino patriot José Rizal, was a
Cojuangco Aquino III wins the better painter than Juan himself.
Presidential elections and sworn in at
Manila's Rizal Park on June 30, 2010. Luna enrolled at Escuela Nautica de Manila
(now Philippine Merchant Marine Academy) and
became a sailor. He took drawing lessons under the
● 2016 - Rodrigo "Rody" Roa Duterte, illustrious painting teacher Lorenzo Guerrero
the former Mayor of Davao City of Ermita, Manila. He also enrolled in the Academy of
assumes the Presidency. He is the Fine Arts (Academia de Dibujo y Pintura) in Manila
where he was influenced and taught how to draw by
first president to come from
the Spanish artist Agustin Saez. However, Luna's
Mindanao. vigorous brush strokes displeased his teacher and
Luna was discharged from the academy. However,
● 2017 - Pres. Duterte declares Guerrero was impressed by his skill and urged Luna
Martial Law in Mindanao Island due to to travel to Cubao to further pursue his work.
the rebellion in Marawi City by ISIS-
affiliated Maute group on May 23 and
Travel abroad[edit]
extended by both houses of congress In 1877 Manuel and Juan Luna traveled to Europe,
to December 31, 2017. The where Manuel studied music and Juan painting. Juan
devastated city of Marawi was entered the Escuela de Bellas Artes de San
declared liberated by Duterte on Fernando, where he befriended the painter Don Alejo
Vera. Luna was discontented with the style of
October 17, 2017. teaching in school and decided that it would be much
better to work with Vera.
 Juan Luna y Novicio (Spanish: [ˈxwan
ˈluna] October 24, 1857 – December 7, Vera brought him to Rome for some of his
1899), better known as Juan Luna was commissions, and Luna was exposed to the art of
a Filipinopainter, sculptor and a political the Renaissance painters. It was in 1878 when his
activist of the Philippine Revolution during artistic talents was established with the opening of the
the late 19th century. He became one of the first art exposition in Madrid which was called
first recognized Philippine artists. the Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes (National
Demonstration of Fine Arts). From then on, Luna
 His winning the gold medal in the 1884 became engrossed in painting and produced a
Madrid Exposition of Fine Arts, along with collection of paintings that he exhibited in the 1881
the silver win of fellow Filipino painter Félix Exposition.
Resurrección Hidalgo, prompted a
celebration which was a major highlight in In 1881, his La Muerte de Cleopatra (The Death of
the memoirs of members of the Propaganda Cleopatra)[1][2] won him a silver medal and came in
Movement, with the fellow Ilustrados toasting second place. Luna's growing reputation as an artist
to the two painters' good health and to the led to a pensionado(pension) scholarship at 600
brotherhood between Spain and the pesos annually through the Ayuntamiento of Manila.
Philippines. The condition was that he was obliged to develop a
painting which captured the essence of Philippine
 Regarded for work done in the manner of the history which would then become the Ayuntamiento's
Spanish, Italian and French academies of his property.
time, Luna painted literary and historical
scenes, some with an underscore of political
commentary. His allegorical works were
inspired with classical balance, and often
showed figures in theatrical poses
style shows the influence of Delacroix, Rembrandt,
Artistic Career[edit] and Daumier.
Juan Luna masterpiece “¿A Do...Va la Nave?” sold
for P46.8M at Makati auction.[5]

Marriage[edit]
On December 4, 1886, Luna married Maria de la Paz
Pardo de Tavera, a sister of his friend Felix
and Trinidad Pardo de Tavera. The couple traveled
to Venice and Rome and settled in Paris. They had
one son, whom they named Andrés, and a daughter,
Maria de la Paz, nicknamed Bibi, who died in infancy.
Luna was fond of his wife. However, the jealous Luna
frequently accused Paz of having an affair with a
Juan Luna in his Paris studio. certain Monsieur Dussaq. Finally in a fit of jealousy,
he killed his wife and mother-in-law and wounded his
In 1883 Luna started the painting demanded of him by brother-in-law, Felix, on September 22, 1892. He was
the Ayuntamiento. In May 1884, he shipped the arrested and murder charges were filed against him.
large canvas of the Spoliarium to Madrid for the year's Luna was acquitted of charges on February 8, 1893,
Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes. He was the first on the grounds of a crime of passion. Temporary
recipient of the three gold medals awarded in the insanity; the "unwritten law" at the time forgave men
exhibition and Luna gained recognition among for killing unfaithful wives.[6] He was ordered to pay
the connoisseurs and art critics present. On June 25, the Pardo de Taveras a sum of one thousand six
1884, Filipino and Spanish nobles organized an event hundred fifty one francs and eighty three cents, and
celebrating Luna's win in the exhibition. That evening, an additional twenty five francs for postage, in
Rizal prepared a speech for his friend, addressing the addition to the 1 Franc of claims for damages
two significant things of his art work, which included ("dommages-intérêts"). Five days later, Luna went to
the glorification of genius and the grandeur of his Madrid with his brother, Antonio Luna, and his son,
artistic skills. Andrés.
Luna developed a friendly relationship with the King of
Spain and was later commissioned by the Spanish Murcia[edit]
Senate to paint a large canvas which was called
the La Batalla de Lepanto (The Battle of A few years later, in October 1889, the artist travelled
Lepanto).[3] He moved to Paris in 1885 where he to southeast Spain, Murcia, as contained in the news
opened his own studio and befriended Hidalgo. A release at the time, was provisionally installed in
year after, he finished the piece El Pacto de Moratalla where he made a portrait of the daughter of
Sangre (The Blood Compact) in accordance with the Juan Tamayo, an eminent man in this town. Passing
agreement he had with the Ayuntamiento of Manila. through Murcia gave two portraits of the Queen
Depicted in this piece was the blood Regent had made to the Provincial and City Council,
compact ceremony between the Datu Sikatuna, one respectively, and one of these was acquired by the
of the lords in Bohol island, and the Spanish provincial body for five hundred seventy-five pesetas
conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi.[4] It is now installed on top of the Hall of Sessions of the
displayed in the Malacañan Palace. He also sent two Provincial Palace and then going to the presidential
other paintings in addition to the one required; the office in April 1932, one year after the proclamation of
second canvas sent to Manila was a portrait of López the Second Spanish Republic, enters as a deposit
de Legazpi reconstructed by Luna from his Museum of Murcia along with several official portraits
recollection of a similar portrait he saw in the hall of of royal iconography, being included in the different
the Cabildo, and the third was of Governor- inventories and catalogs without sufficient data or
general Ramón Blanco y Erenas. references, just a terse "DJ.LUNA" as artistic
attribution.
In 1887, Luna once again traveled back to Spain to
enter in that year's Exposition two of his pieces,
the La Batalla de Lepanto and Rendición de
Final years[edit]
Granada (Surrender of Granada), which both won in In 1894 Luna moved back to the Philippines and
the exhibition. He celebrated his triumph with his traveled to Japan in 1896, returning during the
friends in Madrid with Graciano López- Philippine Revolution of the Cry of Balintawak. On
Jaena delivered Luna a congratulatory speech. Luna's September 16, 1896, he and his brother Antonio
paintings are generally described as being vigorous Luna were arrested by Spanish authorities for being
and dramatic. With its elements of Romanticism, his involved with the Katipunan rebel army.[7] Despite his
imprisonment, Luna was still able to produce a work
of art which he gave to a visiting priest. He was Revolutionary involvement[edit]
pardoned by the Spanish courts on May 27, 1897 and
was released from prison and he traveled back to
Spain in July.[8]:394 He returned to Manila in November
Relationship with Diego
1898.[8]:394 In 1898, he was appointed by the executive
board of the Philippine revolutionary government as a
Silang[edit]
member of the Paris delegation which was working for Main article: Diego Silang
the diplomatic recognition of the República Filipina
(Philippine Republic). In 1899, upon the signing of
the Treaty of Paris (1898),[9] Luna was named a
member of the delegation to Washington, D.C. to
press for the recognition of the Philippine government.
He traveled back to the Philippines in December 1899
upon hearing of the murder of his brother Antonio by
the Kawit Battalion in Cabanatuan. He traveled to
Hong Kong and died there on December 7, 1899 from
a heart attack. His remains were buried in Hong Kong
and in 1920 were exhumed and kept in Andrés Luna's
house, to be later transferred to a niche at the Crypt
of the San Agustin Church in the Philippines. Five
years later, Juan would be reinstated as a world-
renowned artist and Peuple et Rois, his last major
work, was acclaimed the best entry to the Saint Louis
World's Fair in St. Louis, Missouri.[10] Some of his
paintings were destroyed by fire in World War II.

 María Josefa Gabriela Cariño de Statue of Gabriela Silang

Silang (19 March 1731 – 20 September
1763) was a Filipina revolutionary leader After being widowed by her first husband, Gabriela
best known as the first female leader of a met insurgent leader Diego Silang and married him in
Filipino movement for independence from 1757. In 1762, as part of what would later be known
Spain.[1] She took over the reins of her as the Seven Years' War, Britain declared war on
husband Diego Silang's revolutionary Spain, which caused the British occupation of the
movement after his assassination in 1763, Philippines. After British naval forces captured Manila
leading the Ilocano rebel movement for in October 1762, an emboldened Diego sought to
four months before she was captured and initiate an armed struggle to overthrow
executed by the colonial government of the Spanishfunctionaries in Ilocos and replace them
the Spanish East Indies. with native-born officials. He collaborated with the
British occupiers, who appointed him governor of the
Early life[edit] Ilocos region on their behalf and promised military
reinforcement to help in the fight against the Spanish.
Gabriela Silang (March 19, 1731 – September 20, This reinforcement was, however, never delivered.
1763), born Maria Josefa Gabriela Cariño, was born During this revolt, Gabriela became one of Diego's
in Barangay Caniogan, Santa, Ilocos Sur to closest advisors and his unofficial aide-de-
a Spanish Ilocano father Anselmo Cariño, a trader camp during skirmishes with Spanish troops. She was
who ferried his wares from Vigan to Abra along also a major figure in her husband's collaboration with
the Abra River and a descendant of Ignacio Cariño, the British occupiers. Spanish authorities retaliated by
the first Galician from Spain to arrive in Candon, offering a reward for Diego’s assassination.
Ilocos Sur in late 17th century. Her mother was Consequently, his two former allies Miguel Vicos and
a Tinguian mother who was from a Pedro Becbec killed him in Vigan on May 28, 1763.[4]
Tinguian Barrio in San Quintin Abra (now Pidigan).[2]
Revolutionary leadership in
She received a Christian upbringing from the
town's parish priest, and attained elementary level Abra[edit]
education at the town’s convent school. After being
separated from her parents early in her childhood, After Diego’s assassination, Gabriela fled
she was raised by a priest, who eventually arranged a to Tayum, Abra to seek refuge in the house of her
marriage between her and the wealthy businessman. paternal uncle, Nicolas Cariño. There, she appointed
They married in 1751, and he died three years later. [3] her first two generals, Miguel Flores and Tagabuen
Infiel.[2] She later assumed her husband's role as
commander of the rebel troops and achieved a
"priestess" status amongst her community and instead transferred their powers to the
followers. Her popular image as the bolo-wielding la Catholic Bishop of Nueva Segovia (Vigan),
Generala on horseback stems from this period. who rejected Silang's offer. Silang's group
attacked the city and imprisoned its priests.
Assault on Vigan and He then began an association with the
British who appointed him governor of the
Execution[edit] Ilocos on their behalf and promised him
military reinforcement. The British force
On September 10, 1763, Silang tried to besiege Vigan never materialized.
but the Spanish retaliated, forcing her into hiding. She
retreated once more to Abra, where the Spanish later
captured her. On September 20, 1763, Silang and her
troops were executed by hanging in Vigan's central
 Assassination[edit]
plaza.[4]  Diego Silang was killed by one of his friends,
a Spanish-Ilocano mestizo named Miguel
 Diego Silang y Andaya (Spanish: [ˈdjeɣo Vicos, whom church authorities paid to
si.ˈlaŋg janˈdaʝa] : December 16, 1730 – assassinate Silang with the help of Pedro
May 28, 1763) was a Filipino revolutionary Becbec.[1] He was 32 years old.
leader who conspired with British forces to
 Melchora Aquino de Ramos (6
overthrow Spanish rule in the
northern Philippines and establish an January 1812 – 2 March 1919) was
independent Ilocano state. His revolt was a Filipina revolutionary who became
fueled by grievances stemming from known as "Tandang Sora" ("Elder
Spanish taxation and abuses, and by his Sora") because of her age during the
belief in self-government, that the Philippine Revolution.
administration and leadership of
the Roman Catholic Church and  She was known as the "Grand Woman
government in the Ilocos be invested in of the Revolution" and the "Mother of
trained Ilocano officials. He met
Balintawak" for her contributions.
an Itneg woman with the name
of Gabriela Cariño. He married her and
raised a family in the Ilocos Province. Early life and marriage
 Born in Aringay, Pangasinan (an area in Aquino was born on 6 January 1812 in Balintawak,
present-day Caba or Aringay, La Union), Quezon City.[1]
Silang's mother was Ilocano; his father Aquino, daughter of a peasant couple, Juan and
was Pangasinense. Young Diego worked as Valentina Aquino, never attended school. However,
a messenger for a local Castilian priest in she was apparently literate at an early age and
Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Bright, passionate, and talented as a singer and performed at local events as
fluent in Spanish, he ferried correspondence well as at Mass for her Church. She was also often
from the Ilocos to Manila; journeys that gave chosen for the role of Reyna Elena during the
him his first glimpse of colonial injustice and "Santacruzan", a processional pageant
that planted the seed of rebellion. commemorating Empress Helen's finding of the Cross
of Christ, celebrated in the Philippines in May.[1][2]
 Revolt Later in life, she married Fulgencio
Ramos,[1] a cabeza de barrio (village chief), and bore
 Spain allied with France during the Seven six children. Ramos died when their youngest child
Years' War, in opposition to Great Britain. was seven and she was left as a single parent for
The British in response sought to diminish their children. Aquino continued her life as
the Spanish Empire. The seizure of Manila an hermana mayor active in
by British naval forces in October 1762, and celebrating fiestas, baptisms, and weddings. She
the subsequent surrender of the Spanish worked hard in order to give her children an
Philippines to Britain during the British education.[1]
occupation of the Philippines, inspired
uprisings in the farthest north of Ilocos Norte Involvement in the revolution[edit]
and Cagayan, where anti-Spanish
sentiments festered. Though Silang initially In her native town, Tandang Sora operated a
wanted to replace Spanish functionaries in store,[3] which became a refuge for the sick and
the Ilocos with native-born officials and wounded revolutionaries. She fed,[1] gave medical
volunteered to head Ilocano forces against
the British, desperate Spanish administrators
attention to and encouraged the revolutionaries with novels, Rizal was arrested and later killed by
motherly advice and prayers.
musketry in Bagumbayan, Manila, on
Secret meetings of the Katipuneros (revolutionaries)
were also held at her house. Thus she earned the December 30, 1896. His execution was the last
names "Woman of Revolution", "Mother of straw for other Filipinos who called for a
Balintawak", "Mother of the Philippine Revolution",
and Tandang Sora (Tandang is derived from bloody revolution against Spain.
the Tagalog word matandâ, which means old). She
and her son, Juan Ramon, were present in the Cry of
Balintawak and were witnesses to the tearing up of
the cedulas.[1]
When the Spaniards learned about her activities and
her knowledge to the whereabouts of the Katipuneros,
she was interrogated but she refused to divulge any
information. She was then arrested by the guardia
civil and was deported to Guam, Marianas
Islands,[1] where she and a woman named Segunda
Puentes were placed under house arrest in the
residence of a Don Justo Dungca.[4][5]
Andres Bonifacio
After the United States took control of the
Philippines in 1898, Tandang Sora, like other exiles,
returned to Philippines until her death on 2 March (1863-1897)
1919, aged 107.[1] Her remains were then transferred
to her own backyard (now known as Himlayang
Pilipino Memorial Park, Quezon City).[citation needed] He founded the secret society, Katipunan, on
Philippine National Heroes July 7, 1892, to fight Spain. He was also
president of the Tagalog republic from August
24, 1896 to May 10, 1897. Born in Tondo,
Manila, on November 30, 1863. He grew up in
the slums and never knew the benefits of a
prosperous life. He married Gregoria de Jesus
in 1892. He was killed on May 10, 1897, near
Mount Buntis, Maragondon, Cavite.

Dr. Jose P. Rizal

(1861-1896)

The Philippines' national hero. Born in

Calamba, Laguna, on June 19, 1861. Published General
his masterpiece Noli Me Tangere in
Berlin(Germany) in 1887 and his second Gregorio del Pilar
novel El Filibusterismo in Ghent(Belgium) in
1891. His two novels stirred the conscience of (1875-1899)
his people. He contributed various literary
works to La Solidaridad. For his leadership in Hero of Tirad Pass. Born on November 14,
the reform movement and for his incendiary 1875, in Bulacan, Bulacan. Died on December
2, 1899, in the battle of Tirad Pass, to enable
Aguinaldo to escape from the Americans. One
Sublime paralytic and the brain of the
revolution. Born in Talaga, Tanauan, Batangas,
of the youngest and bravest generals ever
on June 22, 1864. He joined La Liga Filipina in
produced by the Philippines.
1892 and Aguinaldo's revolutionary
government from June 1898 to May 1899. He
was captured by the American forces in
December 1899 and deported to Guam in
January 1901. He died in Manila on May 13,
1903.

General Emilio
Aguinaldo Father Mariano Gomez
(1799-1872)
(1899-1964)

He officially proclaimed the Philippine

independence in Malolos, Bulacan, on January
23, 1899, with him as the first president. It
was the first republic in Asia. Born in Kawit,
Cavite, on March 22, 1869. Died at the
Veterans Memorial Hospital, Quezon City, on
February 6, 1964.

GOMBURZA

Apolinario Three intellectuals who crusaded for

Father Jose Burgos reform. Father
Mabini Jose Burgos Killed
(1837-1872) by garrote in
(1864-1903) Bagumbayan, Manila
on February 17,
1872, for allegedly
instigating the Cavite
mutiny.

General Antonio
Luna
(1866-1899)

The greates general of the revolution.

Younger brother of juan Luna, the famous
painter. Editor o La Independencia, whose
Father Jacinto Zamora
first issue came out on September 3, 1898.
(1835-1872) Born in Binon, Manila, on October 29, 1866.
He was one of the propagandists in Spain who
were working for piliticalreforms in the
Philippines. He contributed articles to La
Solidaridad. He assassinated in Cabanatuan
City, on June 5, 2899.
Emilio Jacinto
(1875-1899)

Brain of the Katipunan. Born in Trozo,

Manila, on December 15, 1875. He joined the
Katipunan in 1894 and became Bonifacio's
trusted friend and advicer. He wrote the
Kartilya ng Katipunan, theprimer of the
Katipunan which embodied the teachings of Melchora
the organization. He founded and edited the
Katipunan newspaper; Kalayaan, whose first
Aquino
issue came out in January 1896. Died on April (1812-1919)
16, 1899. He was one of the heroic figures in
the Phillipine history. B etter known as Tandang Sora. Born in
Banlat, Kalookan City, on January 6, 1812. She
helped the Katipuneros under the leadership
of Andres Bonifacio by providing them food,
shelter, and other material goods. She is
recognized as the Grand Woman of the
revolution and the Mother of Balintawak. She
died on March 12, 1919.
Graciano Lopez-
Mariano Ponce
Jaena (1863-1918)

(1856-1896)
Researcher, historian, bibliographer,
propagandist, diplomat, physician, folklorist,
Founder and first editor of the newspaper La and an outstanding reformist. Born in Baliwag,
Solidaridad, which became the vehicle of
Bulacan, on March 23, 1863. While in Spain,
expression for Filipino propaganda in Spain.
he joined the propaganda movement and
Together wtih Jose Rizal and Marcelo H. Del became one of the initiators of La Solidaridad,
Pilar, he undertook propaganda campaigns in
later becoming its managing editor. Died in
Spain. Born in Jaro, Iloilo, on December 18,
HongKong on May 23, 1918.
1856. He died on January 20, 1896, in
Barcelona, Spain.

Panday Pira
(1483-1576)

First Filipino cannon-maker. He forged the

cannons which Rajah Sulayman used in
defending the Muslim Kingdom of Manila Gregoria de Jesus
against the Spanish invaders. Born in one of
(1875-1943)
the islands in Southern Philippines in 1483. He
died in 1576.
One of the brave and patriotic women who
played a heroic role in the Philippine
revolution. Born in Kalookan City, on May 9,
1875. Wife of Andres Bonifacio and Lakambini
of the Katipunan. She actually fought
alongside her husband during the revolution,
aside from being the custodian of the
Katipunan documents. She organized the
Katipunan's Women Chapter. She died on
March 15, 1943.

Felipe Agoncillo
(1859-1941)

Outstanding diplomat of the Philippine

revolution. Born in Taal, Batangas, on May 26,
1859. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo appointed him as
Minister Plenipotentiary to the peace
conference in Washington and Paris. Died on
Fernando September 29, 1941, at the Manila Doctor's
Hospital.
Ma. Guerrero
(1873-1890)

Musician, journalist, politician, and lawyer.

Considered the greatest lyric poet in Spanish.
Born in Ermita, Manila, on May 30, 1873.
When the revolution broke out, General
Antonio Luna invited him to join the editorial
staff of La Independencia, the organ of the
revolution. Thus, he fought for the Filipino
cause with his pen. Died in Manila June 12,
1929.

Juan Luna
(1857-1899)
A genius of the brush and a patriot of the
highest order. Creator of the world-famous
painting, SPOLARIUM, which was awarded the
gold medal in the Exposicion Nacional de
Bellas Artes in Madrid in 1884. It is also known
as the greatest painting of all times. Born in
Badoc, Ilocos, Norte, on October 23, 1857. He
was closely associated with the Reform
Movement, together with Rizal, Lopez-Jaena, Marcelo H. Del Pilar
Ponce, etc. He died in Hongkong on December
(1850-1896)
7, 1899.

Political analyst of the Filipino colony in

Spain. Born in Kupang, Bulacan, Bulacan, on
August 30, 1850. In 1882, he founded the
nationalistic newspaper, Diariong Tagalog. In
December 1889, he became the editor of La
Solidaridad and became the moving spirit
behind the propaganda movement. Died on
July 4, 1896.

Rafael Palma
(1874-1939)

Orator, statesman, scholar, educator, and

writer. Born in Tondo, Manila, on October 24,
1874. He was involved in the propaganda
campaign against the Spaniards. He
cofounded with Gen. Antonio Luna the
revolutionary newspaper, La Independencia.
Later, he also founded El Nuevo Dia, Cebu's
first daily. Died in Manila on May 24, 1939. Pedro Paterno
(1858-1911)

Statesman, poet, writer, and peacemaker.

Born in Manila on February 27, 1858. He was
the negotiator/mediator of the Pact of Biak-
na-Bato. He helped prepare the Malolos
constitution. Died on April 26, 1911.

Isabelo delos
Reyes
(1864-1938)

Last of the propagandists. Gifted son of Leona

Florentino, first poetess of the Philippines.
Born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, on July 7, 1864. He
aroused the hostility of the friars and
government officials when he openly criticized
the evils of the Spanish rule and he advocated
reforms. He was the founder of the first
Philippine labor union, as well as the first
independent Filipino Catholic church. Died on
October 9, 1938.
Leona Florentino
(1849-1884)

First poetess of the Philippines. Born in Vigan,

Ilocos Sur, on April 19, 1849. Her poems were
given international recognition at the
Exposicion in Madrid in 1887 and in Paris in
1889. Died on October 4, 1884.

Artemio
Ricarte
(1866-1945)
The unconquerable hero of the revolution.
Born in Batac, Ilocos Norte, on October 20,
1866. Known as Viborra, he was a gentle
public school teacher who became a dashing
revolutionary general. Died in the jungles of
Sierra Madre on July 31, 1945.

Rajah Lakandola
( -1575)

One of the most illustrious ancient Filipinos.

Chief of Tondo, when Legazpi came to Manila
in 1571. He became a Christian and took the
name of Carlos, after the king of Spain. He
made the blood compact with Goiti. He fought
alongside the Spaniards against the Chinese
pirate, Limahong. Died in 1575.

Jose Palma
(1876-1903)

Poet and soldier. Born in Tondo, Manila, on

June 3, 1876. Younger brother of Dr. Rafael
Palma. He was a staff member of La
Independencia. He wrote Filipinas, a patriotic
poem in Spanish, which became the lyrics of
the Philippine National Anthem. Died in
Manila, on February 12, 1903.
Rajah Soliman
( -1571)

The last rajah of Manila, noted for his daring

and bravery. Nephew of Rajah Lakandola. Of
all of the early rulers of Manila, he was feared
most by the Spaniards. He was killed on June
3, 1571, in the Battle of Bangkusay.

Marcela Mariño Agoncillo

(1859-1946)

Maker of the first Philippine flag. Born in

Taal, Batangas, on June 24, 1859. Married to
Felipe Agoncillo. She labored to make the
Filipino flag in Hong Kong with the help of
Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, a niece of Rizal.
Died on May 30, 1946 in Taal, Batangas.

Leonor
Rivera
(1867-1893)

Cousin and fiancee of Jose Rizal. She was the

Maria Clara in Rizal's Noli Me Tangere.
Jose Ma. Panganiban
(1863-1890)

Avenger of Filipino honor. Born in Mambulao,

Camarines Norte, on February 1, 1863. A good
friend and co-worker of Rizal. He was
Bicolandia's greatest contribution to the
historic campaign for reforms, more popularly
called the Propaganda Movement. He wrote
articles for La Solidaridad, under the pen
names Jomapa and J.M.P. Died in Barcelona,
Galicano Apacible Spain, on August 19, 1890.

One of the founders of La Solidaridad.

Diego
Silang
(1730-1763)

He led the revolt of the Ilocanos in

opposition to the tribute and abuses of the
Spanish officials. Born in Aringay, La Union, on
December 16, 1730. The revolt started in
Vigan, Ilocos Sur. He was killed by Miguel
Vicos, a Spanish mestizo who bore grievances
against Diego Silang.

Lapu-Lapu
th
(c. 16 century)

Chief of Mactan who led the first successful

Filipino armed resistance against Spanish
aggression. He fought and killed Magellan in a
battle in Mactan, on April 27, 1521.

Maria
Josefa Gabriela Silang
After the death of Diego Silang on May 28,
1763, the fight was carried on by his wife,
MARIA JOSEFA GABRIELA SILANG, and his
uncle, Nicolas Cariño. She too lost her life for
freedom's sake on September 30, 1763.

Francisco
Baltazar
(1788-1862)

More popularly known as Balagtas, he is

considered the prince of Tagalog poets. Born
in Panginay, Bigaa, Bulacan, on April 2, 1788.
He wrote Florante at Laura, a masterpiece of
local versification, upholding moral and social
values; it served as the basic foundation of the
Philippine literature. Died in Orion, Bataan, on
February 20, 1862.

Francisco
Dagohoy
(c. Mid-18th century)

He led the longest revolt in Bohol against the

Spaniards. The immediate cause of the revolt
was the refusal of a Jesuit priest to give a
Christian burial to Dagohoy's brother. The
Spaniards needed 85 years before they were
able to suppress the rebellion. It was only in
Epifanio delos Santos 1829 that they finally succeeded in bringing to
end the revolt started by Dagohoy.
(1871-1928)

Lawyer, journalist, historian, philosopher,

bibliographer, biographer, painter, poet,
musician, literary critic, antique collector, and
librarian. Born in Malabon, Rizal, on April 7,
1871. Died on April 28, 1928, in Manila.
Mother of Biak-na-Bato. Born in San Miguel,
Bulacan, on November 18, 1848. Even though
women-members of the Katipunan were
exempted from the pact, she participated
in Sanduguan(blood compact). She fought
fearlessly in 12 bloody battles of the
revolution in Bulacan, including the famous
Battle of Biak-na-Bato. Later, she became
known as The Mother of the Philippine Red
Teresa
Cross. Died on June 28, 1928.
Magbanua
(1871-1947)

The first woman in Panay to fight in the

Philippine revolution. Known as the Visayan
Joan of Arc. Born in Pototan, Iloilo, on
November 4, 1871. Died in August 1947.

Agueda Esteban
Katipunan member who later married
Artemio Ricarte. She commuted from Cavite
to Manila to buy saltpeter, lead, and copper
which where used to make ammunitions. She
also carried secret messages about the
Trinidad Tecson planned offensives against the Spanish posts.

(1848-1928)
Marina Dizon
(1875-1950)

Julian Felipe Daughter of a Katipunan leader in Cavite,

who was one of the Trece Martirez, executed
(1861-1941) by the Spanish officials in 1896. Born in Trozo,
Manila, on July 18, 1875. She joined the
Composer of the Philippine National Anthem. Katipunan in July 1893, one of the first women
to have done so. She also kept important
Born in Cavite City on January 28, 1861. A
documents of the Katipunan. Died on October
dedicated music teacher and composer, he
25, 1950.
was appointed by Aguinaldo as Director of the
National Band of the Philippine Republic. Died
in Manila on October 2, 1941.
General Francisco
Makabulos
(1871-1922)

Leader of the revolt in Tarlac. Born in La Paz,

Tarlac, on September 17, 1871. He was the
first patriot in Tarlac, who joined the
Katipunan. General Aguinaldo appointed him
as one of the brigadier generals of the Central
Luzon area. He established the Central
Executive Committee, which had a
constitution called the Constitution of
Makabulos. Died in La Paz, Tarlac, on April 30,
1922.