Blast from the past: May 31, 2014
After two years of Gabii sa Kabilin (Night of Heritage) events, Selyo ug Kasaysayan sa Fort (Stamps and History at the Fort) which opened on April 15, 2013 officially ended in 2015.
This was my one-man stamp and photo historical exhibit for Cebu Stamp Club held at the Cuerpo de Guardia, Fort San Pedro, Cebu City.
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):
MAY 31, 1764
After the Seven Years War (1756-1763) ended with the signing of the peace treaty in Paris in 1763, Spanish troops re-entered Manila with Simon de Anda taking possession of the city since Francisco de la Torre, the new governor ad interim was sick.
By evening, a banquet was prepared for the British commanders who, on June 4, 1764 gave Anda and other Spanish officials a banquet on board their ships.
The British left for India on June 10 and 11, 1764 leaving behind Sepoy troops who mutinied and refused to leave.
The Sepoys settled in Cainta and Taytay and married Filipino women.
The beginning of the British invasion of the Philippines was on September 23, 1762 when a flotilla landed in Manila Bay led by Admiral Samuel Cornish. General William Draper commanded the troops.
During the occupation, Diego Silang and his wife Gabriela, Juan de la Cruz Palaris, and the majority of the Chinese in Manila supported the British against the Spaniards.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: Filipinas Heritage Library
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
MAY 31, 1898
Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo’s troops made their second victory against Spanish forces in a place called El Polvorin in Binakayan, a barrio in Kawit, Cavite.
The Filipino Revolutionary Army attacked a Spanish detachment and captured 250 soldiers.
The Philippine flag was unfurled on top of Polvorin while another flag was flying over the steeple of Bacoor Church.
Aguinaldo used the flags for the international forces in Manila Bay to witness the victory of the Filipinos and the end of 300 years of Spanish rule.
The Filipinos won more victories and more Spanish prisoners.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: philippineamericanwar.webs com
Founding and running an active club composed of Filipinos and foreigners for twenty seven years is a great blessing. I could never have done it on my own.
I can still recall the first meeting I had in 1996 at the Cebu Central Post Office and no one came.
It was at that moment that I said to myself that it will never happen again.
I humbly requested a venue at the University of Cebu so we can hold our bi-monthly meetings and with God's grace, the administration approved it.
Through hard work, passion, commitment and the cooperation of our members, Cebu Stamp Club is what it is today!
We are known locally and in other countries and we excel in doing mega philatelic exhibits and presentations in various themes.
The longest one we had opened in 2013 until 2015, with a thousand daily viewers both local and foreign tourists.
This was a one-man exhibit for the club from my collections titled Selyo ug Kasaysayan sa Fort (Stamps and History at the Fort) @ Cuerpo de Guardia, Fort San Pedro, Cebu City with the cooperation of the Cebu City government, the Philippine Postal Corporation, private companies and individuals.
Soon to be launched is another philatelic/historical presentation and we thank everyone for the support extended to the club through the years. To God be the glory!
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):
MAY 30, 1892
Fernando Amorsolo y Cueto (May 30, 1892 - April 24, 1972), "The Grand Old Man of Philippine Art", portraitist, painter of rural landscapes and the first National Artist in Painting in 1972 was born in Paco, Manila.
He earned a degree at the Liceo de Manila Art School in 1909 and entered the University of the Philippines School of Fine Arts and graduated with honors in 1914.
He earned a grant in Madrid, Spain and travelled to New York where he encountered impressionism and cubism, which influenced his works.
He developed a backlighting technique which became his trademark.
Amorsolo did oil paintings of Philippine Presidents and famous personalities, and was the director of the College of Fine Arts of the University of the Philippines from 1938 to 1952.
He died at the age of 79 on April 24, 1972.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: ncca.gov.ph
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
MAY 30, 1946
Marcela Mariño de Agoncillo (June 24, 1860 – May 30, 1946), the Mother of the Philippine Flag died at the age of 86.
Doña Marcela or Lola Celay as she was called during her old age greatly mourned the passing of her husband Don Felipe in 1941 that led to her failing health.
She was a strong woman who survived the anguish caused by the burning of their house by the Japanese during the war that made her decide to take her children to Taal.
Agoncillo’s greatest legacy was the hand-sewn “sun and stars flag” that embodied the aspirations of the Filipino people.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: wikipedia.org
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):
MAY 29, 1963
Doña Maria Reyes Agoncillo-Aguinaldo (February 15, 1879 - May 29, 1963), died at the age of 84 at the Veterans Memorial Hospital in Quezon City.
She was born in Taal, Batangas and was the niece of Felipe Agoncillo, a lawyer and the country's first diplomat.
Felipe's wife Marcela was the one who hand-sewn the Philippine flag in Hongkong together with her daughter Lorenza and Jose Rizal's niece Delfina Herboza de Natividad.
Maria was the second wife of President Emilio Aguinaldo whose wife Hilaria died 9 years earlier.
Aguinaldo and Maria were married at Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan on July 14, 1930.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
MAY 29, 1899
Major General Elwell S. Otis, the military governor of the Philippines re-established the Audiencia Territorial de Manila (Regional Court of Manila), the highest court in the country next to the Supreme Court of Spain in Madrid prior to the U.S. occupation.
This move was made after he consulted with Cayetano Arellano, a pro-American lawyer who held a high position in Emilio Aguinaldo’s cabinet.
On August 13, 1898 after the fall of Manila, Gen. Wesley Merritt replaced the Audiencia Territorial with military commissions or court martials or provost courts.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: en.wikipedia.org and philippineamericanwar.webs.com
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
MAY 29, 1896
Cesar Bengzon (May 29, 1896 – September 3, 1992) was born in Camiling, Tarlac.
He graduated Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws and placed second in the 1919 bar exams.
Bengzon was a law clerk, Solicitor General, Undersecretary of Justice under Gov. Gen. Frank Murphy, Court of Appeals Judge, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Secretary of Justice under Pres. Elpidio Quirino and appointed as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court by Pres. Carlos P. Garcia.
He later became the first Filipino to be in the International Court of Justice.
Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: http prabook.org
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
MAY 28, 1763
Diego Silang (December 16, 1730 – May 28, 1763), the revolutionary leader of Ilocos was assassinated by his friend Miguel Vicos and Pedro Becbec who were paid by the magistrate of the Royal Audencia, Simon de Anda.
Silang led a revolt against Spain with the aim to establish an independent Ilocano nation and an end to Spanish rule.
He conspired with the British after they invaded Manila and overthrew the Spanish government.
The British installed him as governor of Ilocos. After his death, his wife Gabriela continued the Ilocos revolution.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: visitilocandia.com and tumblr.malacanang.gov.ph
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):
MAY 28, 1898
The Philippine flag was unfurled for the first time after General Emilio Aguinaldo's troops defeated the Spanish forces in the Battle of Alapan.
On June 12, 1898, the flag was hoisted officially to the public while the Philippine National March was played during Aguinaldo's declaration of Philippine independence.
At present starting on May 28 until June 12, the nation celebrates Flag Days and Filipinos are encouraged to display the Philippine flag in offices, agencies and instruments of government as well as in business establishments, schools and private homes.
However, all must abide by Republic Act 8491 (The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines), a law governing the proper use and display of the flag.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: wikipedia.org
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
MAY 28, 1898
The Battle of Alapan was the first military victory of General Emilio Aguinaldo after his arrival from exile.
The 12,000 newly-armed Philippine Revolutionary Army engaged and defeated Gen. Leopoldo Garcia Pena’s troops in Alapan, Imus, Cavite.
The Philippine flag sewn by Marcela Marino de Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo, and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad in Hong Kong was unfurled by Aguinaldo and hoisted for the first time at the Teatro Caviteño in front of Filipino troops, captured Spanish soldiers and American troops of Commodore George Dewey.(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: nhcphistoricsites.blogspot.com
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
MAY 27, 1958
Jesus “Jesse” Robredo (May 27, 1958 – August 18, 2012), was born in Naga, Camarines Sur.
A mechanical engineer who became the mayor of Naga City in 1988, he was the youngest mayor in Philippine history and well-loved by his people.
In 2010, Pres. Benigno Aquino III appointed him as secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government.
On August 18, 2012, after leaving Cebu, the plane carrying him crashed off the shore of Masbate.
He left behind his wife Maria Leonor Robredo and three children.
Jesse was a recipient of the Quezon Service Cross.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: davaocitybybattad.blogspot.com
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):
MAY 27, 1893
Magdalena Gonzaga Jalandoni (May 27, 1893 - September 14, 1978), a poet, playwright and novelist was born in Jaro, Iloilo City.
Her works portray the history of Panay and the evolution of the Ilonggo culture.
One of her poems, "Ang Guitara" is read in all the classrooms in the country.
She wrote novels, short stories, novelettes, long plays as well as short plays, dialogos and personal essays.
Jalandoni's other works include "Anabella", "Sa Kapaang Sang Inaway" (In the Heat of War), "Ang Dalaga sa Tindahan" (The Young Woman in the Store) and "Ang Kahapon ng Panay" (The Past of Panay).
She was a recipient of the prestigious Republic Cultural Heritage Award in 1977 for her literary achievements. Jalandoni died in 1978 at the age of 85.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: wikipedia.org
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):
MAY 26, 1956
"Lupang Hinirang" was proclaimed as the official version of the Philippine National Anthem by Pres. Ramon Magsaysay.
Ildefonso Santos and Julian Cruz Balmaceda translated it from Spanish to Tagalog and named it Lupang Hinirang.
Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo tasked Julian Felipe to compose a musical score to be used for the June 12, 1898 Declaration of Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite.
It was first called Marcha Magdalo but was later named Marcha Nacional Filipina when the Philippine Republic was established on January 23, 1899.
Jose Palma's poem Filipinas was used as the lyrics of the Marcha and was published in La Independencia on September 3, 1899.
It was later translated to English by Sen. Camilo Osias and Mary A. Lane and Commonwealth Act 382 adopted it as the Philippine National Anthem.
In 1998, through Republic Act 8491 or the Flag Law, Felipe Padilla de Leon's revised version made in 1966 was adopted as the Philippine National Anthem.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: wikipedia.org
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
MAY 26, 1940
The Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) was chartered under Philippine Commonwealth Act No. 542 with a mission to help girls and young women realize the ideals of womanhood and prepare themselves for their responsibilities in the home, and to the nation, and the world community.
Pilar Hidalgo-Lim and Josefa Llanes Escoda spearheaded the organization of a scouting movement for girls and asked the help of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.
In 1939, Escoda left for the U.S. and Great Britain to be trained and with the help of civic groups, the GSP was born.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: girlscouts.org.ph
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
MAY 26, 1859
Felipe Agoncillo (May 26, 1859 – September 29, 1941), known as the first Filipino diplomat was born in Taal, Batangas and married to Marcela Agoncillo.
As auxiliary fiscal in his hometown, he gained the ire of corrupt Spanish authorities and church officials who hated his righteous practice of the law and defense of the poor.
During the Philippine Revolution, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo made him Minister Plenipotentiary to negotiate treaties with foreign governments.
After the end of the Philippine-American War in 1902, he won a seat in the Philippine Assembly.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: wikipedia.org
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):
MAY 25, 1899
A heated confrontation ensued between Gen. Antonio Luna and Felipe Buencamino during Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo's cabinet meeting.
Gen. Luna, known for his temper slapped Buencamino and called him a coward for proposing to enter into negotiations with the United States.
America offered autonomy for the Filipinos if they stopped the war against the US.
Luna and Buencamino would later meet again on June 5, 1899, the day Luna was treacherously killed by his fellow soldiers.
Gen. Luna was appointed by Aguinaldo as commander of the Philippine Republican Army. He studied military science and warfare in Belgium.
He established the Academia Militar for Filipino soldiers. Felipe Buencamino was known as a turncoat.
He was a judge for the Spanish government. When the Philippine Revolution broke out, he sided with Spain but switched to the rebel side and was even appointed to be in Aguinaldo's cabinet.
When the Americans arrived, he switched sides again in favor of Uncle Sam.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: wikipedia.org
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
MAY 25, 1898
A day after he announced his dictatorial government at the mansion of Maximo Inocencio at Calle Arsenal in Cavite Puerto, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo established the Teatro Caviteño as the Cuartel Heneral or General Headquarters.
He also made the Hospital de San Juan de Dios as the hospital for Filipino revolutionaries and transferred his government to the Casa Gobierno Civil of the Spanish authorities at Cavite Puerto.
Soon, arms shipments of 1,999 rifles, 200,000 rounds of ammunition and special armaments of war arrived at the dock of Cavite Arsenal.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: philippinemasonry.org
I saw this set in 2014 and bought it as an addition to my collection.
The Santo Niño Postcard Collection features watercolor images of the Fluvial Procession, Solemn Foot Procession, Pilgrim Center, Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño and a photo image of the Señor Santo Niño de Cebu.
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):
MAY 24, 1898
General Emilio Aguinaldo established a Dictatorial Government making himself as dictator following the advise of Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista.
It nullified all the orders made by the Revolutionary Government established at Biak-na-bato, as well as all commissions issued to officials of the army, towns and provinces.
The new government was provisional in character.
This was the first step towards the declaration of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite.
Aguinaldo thought that declaring Philippine independence with a government in operation was necessary and it would inspire the Filipinos to eagerly continue the fight against the Spaniards.
Apolinario Mabini, his unofficial adviser objected and advised him that instead of declaring independence at an early stage, he should reorganize the government to convince the foreign powers of the competence and stability of the new government. Aguinaldo had it his way.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: wikipedia.org
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
MAY 24, 1898
Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo established a dictatorial government upon the advice of Ambrosio Bautista his legal adviser. As dictator, he immediately reassumed command of all the Filipino forces. The dictatorship was necessary to continue the war against Spain and was temporary until a republic was in place. On May 19, Aguinaldo together with his staff arrived in Manila from their exile in Hong Kong aboard the USS McCulloch and learned that the truce signed between the revolutionaries and Spaniards in Biak-na-Bato have been violated in many areas.
Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: philippineamericanwar.webs.com
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
MAY 24, 1893
Pilar Hidalgo-Lim (May 24, 1893 – December 8, 1973) born in Boac, Marinduque, was an educator and civic leader who spearheaded the women’s suffrage movement.
She was married to World War II hero Gen. Vicente Lim. She and Josefa LLanes-Escoda founded the Girl Scouts of the Philippines.
The first woman to graduate cum laude in the University of Philippines, Hidalgo-Lim became president of the Centro Escolar University after the war.
She sat as a member of the Board of Censors for Motion Pictures, the Parole Board and the Integrity Board.
Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: atingtahanan.com
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):
MAY 23, 2017
The Marawi Siege began when ISIS-inspired Maute group occupied the Islamic city of Marawi.
Many lives were lost and properties damaged during the siege.
The terrorists belonged to the Maute group headed by brothers Omar and Abdullah, together with Abu Sayyaf bandits under Isnilon Hapilon.
Pres. Rodrigo Duterte mobilized the military and the police to neutralize the militants and declared Martial Law in Mindanao.
Five months of urban combat saw 974 terrorists killed, 169 government forces killed, 87 civilians dead, more than 1,400 government troops wounded, 12 militants captured and 17 billion worth of properties damaged.
Marawi was in ruins after the authorities regained control and the terrorists neutralized.
Immediately after, the government began rehabilitating the city.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: Widad Ibrahim Mahdi-Banocag
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
MAY 23, 1948
Jesus Balmori (January 10, 1887 – May 23, 1948) suffered from partial paralysis while traveling to Mexico then died of throat cancer.
Shortly before his death, he finished writing his last poem, “A Cristo” (To Christ) which was dedicated to his wife.
Balmori was the presidential technical assistant and member of the Philippine Historical Research Committee.
Born in Ermita, Manila, he was a Spanish language journalist, playwright and poet. He held the post as the Philippine Ambassador of Goodwill to Spain, Mexico, South America and Japan.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: wikipedia.org
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
MAY 22, 1867
Julio Nakpil (May 22, 1867 – November 2, 1960) was born in Quiapo, Manila.
A composer and a general during the Philippine Revolution, he commanded the revolutionary forces in the north under Andres Bonifacio.
Nakpil composed songs that were inspired by the revolution and one of his compositions became a candidate to become the Philippine National Anthem but was rejected by Emilio Aguinaldo in favor of Julian Felipe’s Lupang Hinirang.
After Bonifacio’s death, he married the Supremo’s wife Gregoria de Jesus.
Famous architect Juan Nakpil was their son.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: en.wikipedia.org and jesusabernardo.blogspot.com
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):
MAY 22, 1991
Film director Catalino "Lino" Ortiz Brocka passed away.
He made 66 films which expressed his being a social activist.
Some of his notable films include "Santiago" (1970), "Wanted: Perfect Mother" (1970), "Tubog sa Ginto" (1971), "Stardoom" (1971), "Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang" (1974), "Maynila: Sa Kuko ng Liwanag" (1975), "Insiang" (1976), "Ang Tatay Kong Nanay" (1978), "Jaguar" (1979), "Bona" (1980), "Macho Dancer" (1989), "Orapronobis" (1989), "Hahamakin Lahat" (1990) and "Makiusap Ka sa Diyos" (1991).
He received numerous awards and citations which included those given by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards, and Cannes Film Festival.
Direk Lino Brocka was born on April 3, 1939. In 1997, he was posthumously named National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts and was the founding president of the Kapisanan ng mga Direktor ng Pelikulang Pilipino (KDPP).
He directed Dolphy, Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos, Susan Roces, Philip Salvador, Hilda Coronel, Boots Anson Roa, Eddie Garcia, Jay Ilagan and a lot more.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: malacanang.gov.ph
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):
MAY 21, 1967
Valentin de los Santos called Tatang or Supremo marched with around 500 of his Lapiang Malaya (LM) followers from Taft Avenue to Malacañang Palace to call for the resignation of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos.
Armed with bolos, amulets, and capes in red, white and yellow colors, they believed that they were invincible to bullets.
The Philippine Constabulary tried to disperse the armed group leaving 33 dead.
De los Santos and his men were arrested, charged with sedition and imprisoned.
The Lapiang Malaya was established by de los Santos in the 1940s with around 40,000 members mostly peasants from Southern Luzon.
The members used amulets and latin prayers and believed they have supernatural powers.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: wikipedia.org
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
MAY 21, 1885
Santiago Fonacier (May 21, 1885 – December 8, 1977), a clergyman, journalist and legislator was born in Laoag, Ilocos Norte.
A priest of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, he founded and edited Spanish periodicals such as La Lucha and translated Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo into Ilocano.
Fonacier was a reporter for La Democracia and El Grito del Pueblo.
An assemblyman (1912) and senator (1919), Bishop Fonacier succeeded Gregorio Aglipay in the Aglipayan Church and became Obispo Máximo II (Second Supreme Bishop).
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: wikipedia.org
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):
MAY 20, 1999
Carlos Quirino (January 14, 1910 - May 20, 1999), biographer and National Artist for Historical Literature passed away.
He wrote The Great Malayan, a biography of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.
His books and articles focused on varied topics not only on history and culture.
He wrote about anything, from the lives of the presidents, tycoons, cartography, crops, culinary arts and a lot more.
His Maps and Views of Old Manila is the best book pertaining to the subject.
Pres. Fidel V. Ramos created Historical Literature as a new category in the National Artist Awards and Carlos Quirino was the first recipient of the award in 1997.
Quirino was the first Filipino correspondent for the United Press Institute.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: ncca.gov.ph
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
MAY 20, 1898
The Revolutionary Navy started on this day when the Filipino flag was hoisted on the ship Magdalo.
U.S. Commodore George Dewey turned over Admiral Patricio Montojos’ Reina Cristina’s small pinnace which the navy renamed Magdalo.
President Emilio Aguinaldo formed the Revolutionary Navy during the second phase of the Philippine Revolution.
It operated with eight steam launches captured from the Spaniards while wealthy Filipino patriots donated bigger ships.
The navy’s flagship, Filipinas was purchased in China and naval stations were built.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: navy mil ph/history php
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):
MAY 19, 1893
Don Antonio Maura y Montañer, the Minister of Colonies of Spain, authored the Maura Law which was promulgated on this day.
This law granted the Filipinos the right to elect their leaders and reorganized the local government structure.
With the exception of Manila, it gave the towns and provinces of Luzon and Visayas some autonomy.
They were divided territorially for administrative purposes. It established "tribunales municipales" and "junta provincial" with the concession of powers given to the localities but under the supervision of the parish priest, the provincial juntas and the central government.
The Governor-General, with the Board of Authorities and the General Directorate of Civil Administration handled the general government.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: wikipedia.org
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
MAY 19, 1571
Miguel Lopez de Legazpi (c. 1502 – August 20, 1572) took possession of Maynilad in the name of King Philip II of Spain.
Also known as El Adelantado and El Viejo, Legazpi left Panay in the middle of April with a force consisting of 27 vessels, 280 Spaniards and 600 Visayan allies.
Rajah Lakandula, the king of Tondo knowing that it is futile to resist the Spanish forces decided to welcome Legazpi and convinced his nephew Rajah Sulayman, the king of Maynilad to make peace with the Spanish Conquistador.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: wikipedia.org
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):
MAY 18, 1662
Spanish Governor-general Manrique de Lara ordered the troops at Fort Pilar in Zamboanga City to leave for Manila to help thwart the invasion of the Chinese pirate Zheng Chenggong also known as Koxinga.
This decision made the city vulnerable to raids by moro pirates.
Fort Pilar was built on June 23, 1635 and saw many battles between Spanish forces and the moros.
It was rebuilt in 1718-1719 by Juan Sicarra, a Spanish engineer upon the orders of Governor-general Fernando Manuel de Bustillo Bustamante y Rueda and was renamed as Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza (Royal Fort of Our Lady of the Pillar of Zaragoza) in honor of the patron virgin of Spain, the Our Lady of the Pillar.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: Filipinas Heritage Library
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
MAY 18, 1947
Col. Edwin Andrews, the head of the Philippine Army Air Force (now the Philippine Air Force) along with high ranking government officials boarded a Douglas C-47 transport plane called Lili Marlene.
The aircraft flew over Mt. Makaturing in Lanao del Sur but crashed killing everyone.
The Lili Marlene arrived in Manila a day after the granting of Philippine independence on July 4, 1946 together with other aircrafts and military equipments as part of the United States Military Aid.
These were intended to be used to suppress the guerrilla and communist movements.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: zamboanga.com and en.wikipedia.org
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):
MAY 17, 2010
Renato Corona was appointed by Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
During the term of Pres. Benigno Aquino III, CJ Corona led the highest court in issuing a controversial decision in favor of the tenants of Hacienda Luisita owned by the family of Aquino.
CJ Corona was then accused by the Land Registration Administration through a false report that he owned 45 properties.
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales also came out with a claim that the chief justice has a vast amount of money in the bank using twisted and erroneous computations.
He was then accused of not declaring in his SALN these informations.
An impeachment trial was started and the senators acting as judges declared him guilty.
Only Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Joker Arroyo gave a not guilty judgement.
CJ Corona served the Supreme Court from May 17, 2010 to May 29, 2012.
He died on April 29, 2016 due to cardiac arrest.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: wikipedia.org
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
MAY 17, 1899
Col. Owen Summers with a force consisting of a 3-gun section of the Utah Light Artillery Battery, soldiers of the 4th Cavalry and Infantry Regiments of the 22nd, 1st North Dakota, and the 2nd Oregon and Young’s Scouts upon orders of Gen. Lawton marched to capture San Isidro, Nueva Ecija, the headquarters of Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo.
As the Americans approached the town, 2,000 Filipino revolutionaries opened fire but withdrew.
The town was easily occupied by the U.S. forces with 15 Filipinos killed and 3 wounded while only 3 Americans were wounded.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: philippineamericanwar.webs.com
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):
MAY 16, 1899
La Democracia or "La Democracia: Diario Filipino Independiente", was published with Trinidad Pardo de Tavera as its editor.
As the Philippine-American War continued with Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo's forces fighting the American troops, this publication became the first Filipino newspaper which was in Spanish, to urge the Filipinos to recognize the sovereignty of the United States.
It was pro-American and became the organ of the "Partido Federalista", organized on December 23, 1900.
Its editorial announcement stated "We want peace. We are Filipinos, we deplore and consider useless the shedding of more blood of our brothers. No more human lives should be sacrificed. There is no necessity to resort to violence to secure our liberties. We believe in the noble purposes of the American people and in conformity with the proclamation of the commission and we propose through La Democracia to lend them our cooperation for the benefit of the just aspirations of our own people."
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: wikipedia.org and Negros Museum
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
MAY 16, 1999
Evangelina Macaraeg-Macapagal M.D. (November 1, 1915 – May 16, 1999) passed away on this day.
She was the second wife of Pres. Diosdado Macapagal and the mother of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
As first lady and a physician, she exuded simplicity and elegance and was passionate in wearing the patadyong kimona and the terno for women to emulate.
She founded health and educational centers nationwide that benefited the poor.
Eva campaigned for quality films and TV shows and transformed Malacanang into a clean and magnificent palace.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: Presidential Museum and Library
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):
MAY 15, 1900
Major General Arthur MacArthur became the commander of the American forces and governor-general of the Philippines replacing Major General Elwell S. Otis.
His troops fought the Filipino forces of President Emilio Aguinaldo during the Philippine-American War.
He organized his forces and increased the garrisons from 53 to 639.
In 1901, he ordered the deportation of Filipino revolutionaries to Guam which included Apolinario Mabini.
Gen. MacArthur was already a young officer during the American Civil War and earned the Medal of Honor at 18.
At the age of 19, he was a Lieutenant Colonel. After a few years, his son Douglas would also be given the Medal of Honor, making them one of only two Father-Son recipients of the award.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: Arlington Cemetery website
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
MAY 15, 1909
Dr. Rodolfo S. Cornejo (May 15, 1909 - August 11, 1991), a distinguished composer-pianist-conductor and lecturer was born in Singalong, Manila.
At 8, he was a church organist and composed “Glissando Waltz” when he was 10.
His “Salute”, a military march dedicated to Gov. Gen. Leonard Wood got published and he was only 13.
He became Pres. Manuel L. Quezon’s researcher and composer during the war.
He also wrote scores for 27 films in Sampaguita Pictures.
Cornejo wrote 300 compositions and his musical prowess gained for him many awards.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: philippine-trivia.com
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):
MAY 14, 1935
The 1935 Constitution was ratified through a plebiscite.
On July 10, 1934, 202 delegates were elected to the 1934 Constitutional Convention headed by Claro M. Recto.
It was finally drafted on February 8, 1935 and approved by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt on March 23.
The 1935 Constitution created the Commonwealth of the Philippines which separated the three branches of government.
The Executive, headed by the President, who shall serve for a single six-year term; the Legislative branch, handled by the unicameral National Assembly; and the Supreme Court, who exercised its power over the Judicial branch.
A few years earlier, on May 14, 1910, Manuel L. Quezon gave a speech before the U.S. Congress pleading the Filipinos desire for independence. Quezon became the first president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: wikipedia.org
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
MAY 14, 1935
An election was held to fill the position of the newly created Office of the President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines.
Manuel L. Quezon, a Nacionalista won the seat and was inaugurated into office on November 15, 1935.
The Commonwealth has a strong executive, a unicameral (later amended to bicameral) National Assembly, and a Supreme Court.
A plebiscite was also held to ratify the Constitution after Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt approved it on March 23, 1935 as conforming with Public Act No. 127 earlier passed by the U.S. Congress.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: wikipedia.org
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):
May 13, 1852
Doña Gliceria Legaspi Marella de Villavicencio (May 13, 1852- September 28, 1929), a heroine of the Philippine Revolution, was born in Taal, Batangas.
Her parents Vicente Marella and Gertrudis Legaspi belong to wealthy families.
In October 1871, she married Eulalio Villavicencio, a rich ship owner.
They gave 18,000 to Dr. Jose P. Rizal in 1892 and helped in the distribution of propaganda materials such as La Solidaridad.
A big portion of their wealth was given to support the Philippine Revolution.
Their house, which was Eulalio’s wedding gift to Gliceria, became a place of refuge and the secret meeting place of Katipunan leaders which included Andres Bonifacio, General Miguel Malvar, and General Eleuterio Marasigan.
The Spanish authorities soon learned about the couple’s revolutionary activities and ordered the Guardia Civil to conduct searches in their house.
In one of the searches, Eulalio was arrested and charged with sedition and inciting to rebellion.
Gliceria or Aling Eriang went to Manila to plead for her husband’s release.
The authorities agreed to release Eulalio in exchange for secret informations regarding the Katipunan but Gliceria turned down the offer.
In February 1898, her husband died, three months after he was released from prison.
Aling Eriang founded Batallon Maluya, and provided food, clothing and ammunition as well as financial and moral support to the troops.
She donated her ship, the SS Bulusan to General Emilio Aguinaldo, which became the first warship of the Revolution.
It transported troops, weapons, ammunitions and food supplies in the Bicol and Visayas areas.
During the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898, she was given the title “Godmother of the Revolutionary Forces.”
Doña Gliceria Marella de Villavicencio died on September 28, 1929.
Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: Nolisoli.ph
Today in Philippine History:
MAY 13, 1903
Apolinario Mabini died of cholera in Manila just weeks when he swore allegiance to the United States after his return from exile.
On December 10, 1899, Mabini was captured after months of hiding from the American authorities.
While in detention, he was asked to swear allegiance to America and withdraw his support for the Filipino insurgents but he refused.
After a year in prison, he was exiled to Guam and was allowed to return in February 1903.
Mabini wrote La Revolucion Filipina (The Philippine Revolution) which was published in 1907.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: wikipedia.org
Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):
May 12, 1938
The USS Enterprise (CV 6), one of the great ships of World War II is commissioned.
She was called the "Big E" and was the most decorated ship during the war.
She had 20 Battle Stars, The Presidential Unit Citation, and the Navy Unit Commendation.
She gave a notable service in the Battle of Philippine Sea, the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the Doolittle Raid, the Battle of Midway, the Guadalcanal Campaign, Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, and the Okinawa Campaign.
She destroyed 911 enemy planes, sank 71 ships, and damaged or destroyed 192 more.
The Japanese thought they sunk her, which earned her the additional nickname “The Grey Ghost.”
The Battle of the Philippine Sea was the largest carrier to carrier battle in history fought between the U.S. Pacific Fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: Naval History & Heritage Command/USS Silversides Submarine Museum
Posts
All Comments
