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: 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/

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/