Today in Philippine History: The First Mass

MARCH 31, 1521

The first Mass in the Philippines was held in Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte. It was officiated by Fr. Pedro Valderrama using an improvised altar with the presence of Ferdinand Magellan, Antonio Pigafetta, Gines de Mafra, Francisco Albo, Spanish soldiers, Rajah Kolambu with his men and Rajah Siagu of Butuan.

Short Meeting With My German Bestfriend

I heard from friends in Manila that a German guy named Hans Becker is bashing me and Cebu Stamp Club. 

Maybe he doesn't know that I do have a lot of German friends here in the country especially here in Cebu. These friends are good people and they are very professional and smart. Foremost among these friends is Edmund who travels to different countries.  

After I learned about what this Hans is doing, I got in touch with Edmund who happens to be my best friend. 

Together with my son Jerald Kervin, we met Edmund in one of the fast food restaurants in SM City Cebu. We had a good talk about this Hans guy. It sure was one good afternoon of catching up and sharing thoughts among friends.

Today in Philippine History: Spanish Governor Dasmarinas Bans Chinese Silk

MARCH 30, 1591

Twenty-six years after Miguel Lopez de Legazpi successfully established the first settlements in Cebu, Spanish Governor Perez Dasmarinas issued an ordinance in Manila that banned all Indios from wearing silk and other fabrics from China. This ordinance was aimed to protect the draining of the Treasury’s gold and silver. It was also a move to avoid the elimination of the Peninsular silk in Spain which is more expensive than the imported Chinese silk and cotton.

Today in Philippine History: The Magellan-Kolambu Blood Compact

MARCH 29, 1521
Rajah Kolambu, chieftain of Limasawa Island along with his brother Rajah Siagu of Butuan and Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan (1480 - April 27, 1521) sealed their friendship through a blood compact. Earlier, the natives were given gifts as they met the Spaniards. Kolambu on the other hand offered Magellan a basket of ginger and a gold bar which he refused to accept.

Today in Philippine History: Magellan Sets Foot on Philippine Soil

MARCH 28, 1521
Portuguese navigator and explorer Ferdinand Magellan (1480 - April 27, 1521) sets foot on Philippine soil for the first time in Limasawa Island. He was welcomed by the locals led by Rajah Kolambu who became his friend. Magellan’s slave named Enrique made their communication possible by speaking Malay to the natives.

Today in Philippine History: Luciano San Miguel Dies in Battle

MARCH 27, 1903

Luciano San Miguel (January 7, 1875 - March 27, 1903), a Magdiwang who became one of General Emilio Aguinaldo’s best generals of the Philippine-American War died in the battle of Corral-na-Bato in Morong (now Rizal). A year earlier, as the newly elected Captain-General and the Supreme Commander of what’s left of the revolutionary forces, he launched guerrilla tactics against American forces and was among the most wanted leaders until his death.  

Photo credit: http://philippineamericanwar.webs.com/

30 Posts for Today in Philippine History

It's exactly 30 posts today for "Today in Philippine History" series here in Still Stampin' and at my Facebook page. 

It's still a long way to go to finish the 365 days in presenting this one-of-a-kind way of showing our nation's history using stamps, the same as the various exhibits yours truly conceptualized and presented in various malls, schools and in Fort San Pedro. This is my simple way of promoting patriotism and love of country. 

The "Selyo ug Kasaysayan sa Fort" historical-cultural stamp and photo exhibit in Fort San Pedro that opened last year in April will end in March 31 but may be back in May till December in a different venue inside the fort.

Today in Philippine History: The Philippine Flag Becomes the Official Flag

MARCH 26, 1920
The Philippine Legislature passed Act No. 2928 making the Philippine Flag as the official flag of the Philippine Islands and to be flown next to the American Flag. The flag’s Cuban blue and red were changed with the American colors. This act repealed the Flag Law (Act No. 1696) passed on September 6, 1907, which banned the Philippine Flag or any nationalist flags, banners or symbols, particularly those identified with the Katipunan from being waved in any public place.

Photo credit: http://tumblr.malacanang.gov.ph/

Cebu Stamp Club's Jerald Kervin Uy Tops Again

Jerald Kervin Uy, Cebu Stamp Club's youngest stamp collector once again tops in academics as First Honor for Grade 3 at Benedicto College. He also grabbed the Best in English, Best in Math and Best in Science titles.

He has been a consistent first honor in grade one and two at the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion - Mandaue.

Thank you Heavenly Father and Senyor Santo Nino and also to Mama Mary, San Pedro Calungsod, Saint John Paul II and Saint John XXIII.

Congratulations Jerald Kervin for being the best and making us proud. To God be the glory!

Today in Philippine History: Cry of Candon

MARCH 25, 1898
Revolutionary General Federico Isabelo Abaya (1854 - May 3, 1900) led his men in the Cry of Candon (Ikkis ti Kandon) and drove away the Spaniards in the town of Candon, Ilocos Sur. He established the Republic of Candon with Fernando Guirnalda as president and himself as general and commander-in-chief.

Photo credit: http://wikimapia.org/

Today in Philippine History: The Tydings-McDuffie Law

MARCH 24, 1934
The Tydings-McDuffie Law or the Philippine Independence Act was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Authored by U.S. Senator Millard Tydings (Democrat) of Maryland and Alabama Representative John McDuffie (Democrat), this U.S. federal law provided for the complete independence of the Philippine Islands. Earlier, Manuel L. Quezon headed a “Philippine Independence Mission” to Washington, D.C. to secure the act’s approval in Congress.

Please visit my personal collection featuring the stamps of President Manuel L. Quezon at 
http://thephilippinepresidentscollection.yolasite.com/manuel-quezon.php

Photo credits: popdc.wordpress.com and http://tumblr.malacanang.gov.ph/

Today in Philippine History: Mariano Ponce

MARCH 23, 1863

Mariano Ponce (March 23, 1863 - May 23, 1918) was born in Baliuag, Bulacan. A doctor and a writer, he joined Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena, and other Filipino patriots in the crusade for reforms. He co-founded La Solidaridad with Lopez Jaena in Barcelona on February 12, 1889. He wrote using the pseudonyms Naning, Kalipulako and Tigbalang. He was also one of the founders of Asociacion Hispano-Filipino.

Today in Philippine History: General Funston Captures Aguinaldo

MARCH 23, 1901

American General Frederick Funston successful captured President Emilio Aguinaldo in a house in Palanan, Isabela. His capture was a well-planned action that involved 78 Macabebe Scouts who were loyal to the Americans. They posed as the added reinforcements to augment Aguinaldo’s forces along with the five ex-Philippine Army officers Gregorio Cadhit, Cecilio Segismundo, Hilario Tal Placido, Dionisio Bato and Lazaro Segovia.

Please visit my personal collection featuring the stamps of President Aguinaldo at http://thephilippinepresidentscollection.yolasite.com/emilio-aguinaldo.php

Photo credit: http://philippineamericanwar.webs.com/ 

Today in Philippine History: President Emilio F. Aguinaldo

MARCH 22, 1869

Emilio Famy Aguinaldo (March 22, 1869 - February 6, 1964) was born in Kawit, Cavite. He joined the Katipunan in 1894 and was known as Magdalo. Aguinaldo led the Filipino forces against the Spaniards during the Philippine Revolution (1896-98) and the Americans in the Philippine-American War (1899-1901). He was inaugurated as the 1st President of the Philippines on January 23, 1899 in Barasoain Church, Malolos, Bulacan.

Please visit my personal collection featuring the stamps of President Aguinaldo at http://thephilippinepresidentscollection.yolasite.com/emilio-aguinaldo.php 

Today in Philippine History: The Tejeros Assembly

MARCH 22, 1897

As the Philippine Revolution raged on, Andres Bonifacio’s Magdiwang and Emilio Aguinaldo’s Magdalo factions of the K.K.K. decided to hold a revolutionary assembly in Tejeros. A revolutionary government was established after an election. Aguinaldo became president; Mariano Trias, vice president: Artemio Ricarte, captain-general; Emiliano Riego de Dios, director of war and much to his dismay, Supremo Andres Bonifacio got the director of the interior post.

Today in Philippine History: Marcela Marcelo Dies in Battle

MARCH 21, 1897

A heroine of the Philippine Revolution, Marcela Marcelo (1869-1897) of Malibay is killed in the Battle of Pasong Santol in Imus, Cavite. Also known as Selang Bagsik and Henerala Sela, she was a woman of great courage. Feared by the Spaniards, she led her platoon to battle against the enemy with just a bolo in her hand. 

Photo credit: http://www.watawat.net/

Attention Stamp Dealers and Stamp Collectors

ATTENTION STAMP DEALERS AND STAMP COLLECTORS:
Cebu Stamp Club just learned that some unscrupulous individuals are using the name of the club and members in ordering stamps and not paying for them. Please ask full credentials in giving the orders of anyone posing as a Cebu Stamp Club member. Feel free to coordinate with us in vouching for a particular member. Thank you..

Today in Philippine History: "I Shall Return"

MARCH 20, 1942

U.S. General Douglas MacArthur issues his speech “I came out of Bataan and I shall Return” in a small railway township in Terowie, South Australia. In his journey to Adelaide, MacArthur shortened his words to “I came through and I shall return”. These words made him dear to the Filipinos and repeats it often in public appearances until his return two and a half years later. 

Today in Philippine History: Gabriela Silang

MARCH 19, 1731

Maria Josefa Gabriela Silang (March 19, 1731 - September 29, 1763) was born in Santa, Ilocos Sur. After the 1763 assassination of her husband Diego who led an uprising against the Spanish regime, she continued the fight as “La Henerala”. She led the insurgents and won many victories against the Spaniards. Gabriela was captured and hanged in Vigan on September 23, 1763.

Photo credit: http://jowanabueser.com/2010/07/17/formidable-filipina/

Today in Philippine History: President Fidel V. Ramos

MARCH 18, 1928

Born on this day in Lingayen, Pangasinan, Fidel V. Ramos is the 12th President of the Philippines. Popularly called FVR, he was a civil engineer and a soldier prior to taking his oath of office as president on June 30, 1992 before Chief Justice Andres Narvasa. He is credited for the international confidence and economic turnaround of the country during his six years in office.

Please visit my personal collection featuring the stamps of President Ramos at 
http://thephilippinepresidentscollection.yolasite.com/fidel-ramos.php

Today in Philippine History: President Ramon Magsaysay Dies

March 17, 1957
President Ramon Magsaysay’s term ends abruptly after his presidential plane crashes in Mt. Manunggal, Cebu and killing him instantly along with 24 other passengers. The 7th President of the Republic of the Philippines, 49-year old Magsaysay earned the title “Champion of the Masses” for his leadership and commitment for the Filipino people. 

Please visit my personal collection featuring the stamps of President Magsaysay at http://thephilippinepresidentscollection.yolasite.com/ramon-magsaysay.php

Today in Philippine History: Legazpi and Sikatuna's Blood Compact

MARCH 16, 1565

Spanish Conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Bohol chieftain Rajah Sikatuna forge their friendship in a ritual called Sandugo or blood compact. This ritual involves the cutting of their  wrists and pour their blood into a cup filled with wine and then drink the mixture. Juan Luna came out with an award-winning masterpiece featuring this event. 

Today in Philippine History: Magellan Arrives in the Philippines

MARCH 16, 1521

Portuguese-born explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrives in the island of Homonhon with around 150 crew members of what’s left of the original 270. He claims the island for Spain and calls it Isla de San Lazaro. Everyone in this expedition earn the distinction as the first Spaniards to arrive in the Philippines.

Today in Philippine History: Philippine Airlines

MARCH 15, 1941

Philippine Airlines (PAL) flies the skies with a twin-engine, five-seater Beech Model 18 aircraft from Nielsen airfield in Makati to Baguio. Considered as the first and oldest commercial airline in Asia and the flag carrier of the Philippines, PAL serves numerous destinations in the country as well as in other parts of the world.

Jerald Kervin Uy Plays Dopey in Walt Disney's Treasures

 

 

I am one proud dad as I watch my son Jerald Kervin act on stage in Benedicto College's musical play Walt Disney's Treasures (From Classroom to Stage). He plays the part of Dopey the dwarf in the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs scenes.

Cebu's well-known educator and director, Dr. Milagros Espina creates a potpourri of selected scenes from Disney movies such as The Lion King, Tarzan, Aladdin, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Mulan, The Little Mermaid, Frozen and Sleeping Beauty.

The show opened at the school's Artist Hall at 10:00AM and 4:00PM on March 14, 2014 which is also Jerald Kervin's 10th birthday.

Director Mila Espina auditioned students from the grade school, high school and college departments of Benedicto College while the production crew comprise the faculty and students. 

Walt Disney's Treasures is the first of a series of stage presentations that Benedicto College will come up with. 

Congratulations to everyone from the director, the cast, the production crew, the school administration, the teachers and parents for a very successful event. We all enjoyed watching the hour and a half presentation.

Jerald Kervin Turns 10 Today!

Today you will be having two digits for your birthday! It's a perfect ten and it also coincides with your Walt Disney Treasures stage play in school as you do the role of Dopey. 

You have consistently made me and your mom proud. In academics you are always the first honor in school whether it's at Little Angel's Montessori School, Colegio dela Inmaculada Concepcion Mandaue and now at Benedicto College. 

You also showed your charm in modeling for SM Kids Fashion in different occasions and appearances in TV through ABS-CBN's Ina Kapatid Anak, Mag-TV and the Kapamilya Run 17th Anniversary. Now let your star shine more as you play the lead role in Ang Higala. 

You never cease to amaze us and we love you very much.. 

Happy birthday dear Kervin!

Today in Philippine History: The RP-US Military Bases Agreement

MARCH 14, 1947
The RP-US Military Bases Agreement (MBA) is signed by President Manuel A. Roxas and United States Ambassador Paul V. McNutt in Malacanang Palace. The MBA grants the US to maintain military, naval and air bases in the country for the mutual defense of both countries.

The 4-cents stamp depicts President Manuel Roxas as he takes his oath of office before Chief Justice Manuel Moran as President of the Republic of the Philippines on July 4, 1946. Ambassador Paul McNutt is beside Roxas.

Today in Philippine History: General Leandro Fullon

MARCH 13, 1877

Brigadier General Leandro Locsin Fullon was born in Hamtik, Antique. General Emilio Aguinaldo appointed him as the commanding general of the Filipino forces in the Visayas region. He led his army to victory on different occasions in 1898 and 1900 against the Spaniards and Americans. He was one of the last generals to surrender to the Americans and became governor of Antique.

Photo credit: http://malacanang.gov.ph

Today in Philippine History: General Manuel Tinio Orders Guerrilla Attacks

MARCH 12, 1900

Brigadier General Manuel Tinio y Bundoc instructs his commanders to intensify guerrilla attacks against the American forces. Known as Magiting of the Magdalo faction and the youngest Filipino general in the Revolutionary Army, his military skills won for the Filipinos several battles against the Spaniards (1896-98) and the Americans (1901).

Photo credits: http://malacanang.gov.ph and http://philippineamericanwar.webs.com

Today in Philippine History: General Douglas MacArthur Retreats

MARCH 11, 1942
Gen. Douglas MacArthur escaped from Corregidor in a PT boat and headed for Australia This action was the result of US President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s order after fearing that MacArthur would be taken prisoner after the fall of Corregidor. MacArthur traveled from Corregidor to Cagayan in Mindanao amidst stormy seas patrolled by Japanese warships then flew to Australia.

Filipina Beauty Queens Appear on Stamps

The Philippines is known to produce beauty queens in different international pageants such as the Miss Universe, Miss International, Miss World and other pageants.

Gloria Diaz brought prestige to the country by winning the first Miss Universe crown in 1969 in Miami, Florida. Margie Moran grabbed the title in Athens, Greece in 1973 while Miriam Quiambao almost brought home the title in 1999. Others who nearly made it include Maria Rosario Silayan (3rd runner-up 1980), Maria Desiree Verdadero (3rd runner-up 1984), Maria Venus Raj (4th runner-up 2010), Shamcey Supsup (3rd runner-up 2011), Janine Mari Tugonon (1st runner-up 2012) and Ariella Arida (3rd runner-up 2013).

In the Miss International beauty pageant Gemma Cruz won the crown in 1964. The following year, Aurora Pijuan became Miss International followed by Melanie Marquez in 1979, Precious Lara Quigaman in 2005 and Bea Rose Santiago in 2013. Runners-up for the title were Evelyn Camus (2nd, 1971), Yolanda Dominguez (2nd, 1972) and Maria Elena Ojeda (4th, 1973).

The Miss Supranational crown was won by Mutya Johanna Datul in 2013 and became the first Asian to win the title. A year earlier, Elaine Kay Moll was 3rd runner-up. 

The Miss World title was grabbed recently by Megan Lynne Young. Other runners-up include Evangeline Pascual (1st, 1973), Ruffa Gutierrez (2nd, 1993), Maria Rafaela Yunon (4th, 2003), Maria Karla Bautista (4th, 2004) and Gwendoline Gaelle Ruais (1st, 2011).

The world-class beauty of the Filipina is highlighted on Philippine stamps featuring Miss World Megan Young, Miss Universe Gloria Diaz and Miss Universe Margie Moran.

Today in Philippine History: MacArthur's Eight Army in Zamboanga

MARCH 10, 1945

U.S. Eight Army invades Zamboanga Peninsula. Gen. Douglas MacArthur reported: We have landed near Zamboanga on the southwestern-most tip of Mindanao. The bulk of the enemy garrison, caught off guard, has fled to the hills in disorder. We now control the entire length of the western shores of the Philippine Islands from the northwestern tip of Luzon to the.southwestern tip of Mindanao..