Sen. Ambrosio Padilla

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

DECEMBER 7, 1910

Ambrosio Bibby Padilla (December 7, 1910 - August 11, 1996), a basketball player, senator, and solicitor-general was born in Lingayen, Pangasinan. 

He played at the 9th Far Eastern Games Basketball Championship held in Tokyo, Japan in 1930 where the Philippines won the gold. 

In 1934, he helped the team retain the gold in the game held in the country. 

As team captain, he led his team to finish 5th place in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany and was the Philippine Amateur Athletic Federati on (PAAF) Basketball Committee Chairman in 1938 to 1954. 

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: http://www.geni.com/people

Gov. Gen. F. B. Harrison Approves 2nd Land Act

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

NOVEMBER 29, 1919

Governor-General Francis Burton Harrison (1913-21) approved the second Public Land Act (Act No. 2874) that hastened the disposition of public agricultural lands by introducing the system of land classification and increased the homestead area of 16 hectares to 24 hectares. 

The law provided that citizens of the Philippine Islands or of the United States, over 18 years of age or head of a family, who did not own 24 hectares of land, might enter a homestead not to exceed 24 hectares in area. 

Individuals can purchase up to 100 hectares of public land and up to 1024 hectares in the case of corporations provided that 61% of the capital stock of which, however, had to be owned by citizens of the Philippine Islands or the United States. 

Leases were limited to 1024 hectares for 25 years and renewable for another 25 years. 

The Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources through the Director of Lands has the executive authority for the enforcement of the law.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: digital.commons.nys.edu

RP Hosts 23rd SEA Games

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

November 27, 2005

The Philippines for the third time hosted the 23rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) from November 27 - December 5, 2005 in Manila. 

40 sports in 443 events with 7,000 athletes and officials from 11 countries came to compete. 

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo opened and closed the games at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park. 

The motto was “One Heritage, One Southeast Asia” while the logo, called the "Ethnic-Masked Athlete" depicts an athlete wearing a gold festival mask and a headgear. 

The mascot featured a Philippine eagle named “Gilas” designed by Filipino sportswriter and columnist Danny Simon. 

The official hymn “We’re All Just One” was composed by singer-composer Jose Mari Chan and lyricist Rene Nieva. Julie Abueva sang the hymn and was accompanied by the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. 

The Philippines ranked first in the final medal tally followed by Thailand and Vietnam.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: wikipedia.com

Philpost Issues Fernando Poe, Jr. Stamps

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):

NOVEMBER 25, 2010

Fernando Poe, Jr., a Filipino actor, cultural icon and the 2010 National Artist for Film was featured on stamps to highlight the November Stamp Collecting Month issued by the Philippine Postal Corporation. Series 1 was released on November 10 , 2010 while Series 2 came out on November 25, 2010. 

The stamps became a big boost to the campaign to promote letter writing in the age of electronic media, cellphone technology and social media. 

“Nothing can compare to the personal touch in writing letters, and the smell that goes with love letters," said veteran actress Susan Roces, Poe’s wife who herself continues her family tradition of collecting stamps. 

FPJ or Da King as he was called began his acting career in the 1950s where he played the hero defending the common people. 

These roles earned for him the respect and admiration of the masses where he won numerous awards and prizes both as an actor and film director. 

FPJ ran in the 2004 Presidential election but lost to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. 

Poe was formally conferred the National Artist for Cinema post humous award on August 16, 2012 by President Benigno "Noynoy" S. Aquino III.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: fpj-daking.blogspot.com

Cecilia Muñoz-Palma

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

NOVEMBER 22, 1913

Cecilia Muñoz-Palma (November 22, 1913 - January 2, 2006), a jurist, first woman Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, and assemblywoman, was born in Bauan, Batangas. 

Pres. Ferdinand Marcos appointed her to the Supreme Court and served until she retired at age 65. 

She dissented against Marcos and came out with rulings against martial law policies. 

Justice Muñoz-Palma joined the opposition and was appointed by Pres. Cory Aquino to be a member of the 1986 Constitutional Commission and was chosen to be its chairman.    

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: gov.ph

Elpidio Quirino

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

NOVEMBER 16, 1890

Elpidio Rivera Quirino (November 16, 1890 – February 29, 1956), the sixth President of the Philippines and the second President of the Third Republic, was born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. 

He was vice president when Pres. Manuel A. Roxas died. Two days later, he took his oath as president. 

He was a teacher, lawyer, member of the House of Representatives representing Ilocos Sur’s 1st district, senator, and Senate President Pro Tempore. 

Quirino’s presidency was credited for post war reconstruction, economic gains and increased aid from the United States.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: malacanang.gov.ph

Elpidio Quirino Wins As President

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

NOVEMBER 8, 1949

Elpidio Rivera Quirino together with his running mate Fernando Lopez were elected President and Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Quirino earlier assumed the presidency on April 17, 1948, two days after the death of President Manuel Roxas. 

He ran in the 1949 presidential election under the Liberal Party and defeated former President Jose P. Laurel of the Nacionalista Party and former Senate President Jose Avelino, also from the Liberal Party. 

Quirino was the 6th President of the Philippines and 2nd President of the Third Republic.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: filipiknow.net

The Nation's Fiscalizer

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JUNE.  22, 1920

Jovito “Jovy” Salonga (June 22, 1920), known as “The Nation’s Fiscalizer” was born in Pasig, Rizal. 

He was a World War II hero, congressman, Presidential Commission on Good Government Chairman and consistently topped three senatorial elections in the administrations of Presidents Diosdado Macapagal, Ferdinand Marcos and Cory Aquino. He became senate president before he retired. 

During the martial law years, he fought the Marcos dictatorship. Salonga is a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service in 2007.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy)

Photo credit: http://www.rmaf.org.ph/

Jaime Cardinal Sin

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JUNE 21, 2005

Jaime Lachica Cardinal Sin (August 31, 1928 – June 21, 2005), the charismatic Archbishop of Manila died at the age of 76 due to renal failure. 

The government through Presidential Proclamation No. 863 gave him a state funeral and a period of national mourning with thousands attending his funeral. Cardinal Sin was instrumental in toppling Pres. Ferdinand Marcos’ regime through People Power 1 in 1986 that installed Cory Aquino as president. 

Again in 2001, he intervened that led to the ouster of Pres. Joseph Estrada and made Gloria Arroyo president.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy)

Photo credit: http://manilacathedral.org/

The Battle Of The Philippine Sea

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JUNE 20, 1944

The Battle of the Philippine Sea was history’s largest carrier to carrier battle between the U.S. Pacific Fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy. 

Admirals Raymond Spruance and Marc Mitscher’s force of 7 fleet carriers, 8 light fleet carriers, 7 battleships, 8 heavy cruiser, 13 light cruisers, 58 destroyers, 28 submarines and 956 carrier aircrafts defeated Admirals Jisaburo Ozawa and Kakuji Kakuta’s 5 fleet carriers, 4 light fleet carriers, 5 battleships, 13 heavy cruiser, 6 light cruisers, 27 destroyers, 24 submarines, 6 oilers and 750 carrier and land-based aircrafts.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy)

Photo credit: http://www.angelfire.com/fm/odyssey/philippinesea.htm

and http://en.wikipedia.org/

Jose Protacio Rizal

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JUNE 19, 1861

Jose Protacio Rizal (June 19, 1861 – December 30, 1896), the national hero of the Philippines and pride of the Malayan race was born in Calamba, Laguna. 

He was the seventh of the nine children of Francisco Mercado Rizal and Teodora Alonzo y Quintos. 

Rizal was a novelist, poet, journalist, ophthalmologist and a nationalist. His two books, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo exposed the injustices of the civil and church officials that led to his arrest, trial and execution.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy)

The Preparatory Committee For Philippine Independence

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JUNE 18, 1943

The Japanese High Command gave an order to create a Preparatory Committee for Philippine Independence with the aim of making a constitution. 

The task was given to the KALIBAPI (Kapisanan sa Paglilingkod sa Bagong PiIipinas), a political party created by the Philippine Executive Commision headed by Jorge Vargas. 

After the constitution was finished and ratified, an election was held for the members of the unicameral National Assembly. Benigno S. Aquino Sr. became the speaker. Jose P. Laurel was elected president of the 2nd Philippine Republic.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy)

Photo credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/

University Of The Philippines

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JUNE 18, 1908

The University of the Philippines, the national university was founded after the First Philippine Legislature passed Act No. 1870 also known as the “University Act” upon the recommendation of Secretary of Public Instruction W. Morgan Schuster. 

Act No. 1870 authorized the Governor General to establish the University of the Philippines in the “city of Manila, or at any point he may deem most convenient.” 

U.P. today provides the largest degree programs in the country and Senate Resolution No. 276 recognizes it as the “nation’s premiere university”. 

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy)

Photo credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/

Lazaro Francisco, National Artist For Literature

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JUNE 17, 1980

Lazaro Francisco (February 22, 1898 - June 17, 1980), the National Artist for Literature and the recipient of the Republic Cultural Heritage Award for Literature in 1970 passed away on this day.

Born in Orani, Bataan, Francisco wrote short stories and plays. He also wrote novels that were serialized in Liwayway, the weekly Tagalog magazine. 

His nationalism showed in his novels that include: Singsing na Pangkasal, Bayang Nagpatiwakal, Sa Paanan ng Krus, Ilaw sa Hilaga, Binhi at Bunga, Cesar, Sugat ng Alaala, Ama, Maganda Pa Ang Daigdig, and Daluyong.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy)

Photo credit: http://www.lazarofrancisco.com

Battle Of San Fernando

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JUNE 16, 1899

Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo gathered his army of around 4,000 with the purpose of retaking the town of San Fernando in Pampanga. 

The Battle for San Fernando began when Aguinaldo’s revolutionary army attacked U.S. positions in the strategic town and used several pieces of artillery. 

The American troops under Gen. Arthur MacArthur repulsed the Filipinos who retreated. Earlier on May 5, 1899, the Americans captured San Fernando with the defeated Filipino troops of Gen. Antonio Luna burning the church, several buildings and railway station before they left.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy)

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

Justice Secretary Sabino Padilla

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JUNE 15, 1986

Sabino Padilla (August 21, 1894 - June 15, 1986), a native of San Miguel, Manila and one of the pillars of the Supreme Court of the Philippines passed away on this day. He was a legal luminary and staunch defender of justice. 

He started his career as a special attorney of the Bureau of Justice in 1919 then judge of the Court of First Instance and appellate judge of the Court of Appeals. 

On June 25, 1946, Pres. Manuel Roxas made him Associate Justice of the Supreme Court and later became the Secretary of Justice. He was the brother of Sen. Ambrosio Padilla.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy)

Photo credit: http://www.doj.gov.ph/

Dr. Casimiro del Rosario

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JUNE 13, 1896

Casimiro del Rosario (June 13, 1896 - September 15, 1982), the “Dean of Filipino Physicists”  was born in Bantayan, Cebu. 

He was the National Scientist for Physics, Astronomy and Meteorology who also co-founded the Bartol Research Foundation in Philadelphia, an institution that pioneered researches in Physics. 

Dr. del Rosario became the director of the Weather Bureau from 1946 to 1958 and the first Vice Chairman of the National Science and Development Board. He was known for his researches that were published in prestigious international journals.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy)

Battle Of Zapote Bridge

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JUNE 13, 1899

The Battle of Zapote Bridge was the second largest battle in the Philippine-American War next to the February 4, 1899 Battle of Manila. 

Gen. Henry Ware Lawton assisted by Generals Loyd Wheaton and Samuel Ovenshine led 3,000 troops to crush the Philippine Revolutionary Army in Cavite. They were repulsed several times by the 5,000-strong infantry force of Gen. Artemio Ricarte and Gen. Mariano Noriel. 

Admiral George Dewey unleashed a hundred sailors armed with machineguns that forced the Filipinos to retreat after many in their ranks lay dead.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy)

Photo credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/

1898 Declaration of Philippine Independence

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JUNE 12, 1898

After the successive victories of the Philippine Revolutionary Army against the Spanish troops in different battlefields, President Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the independence of the Philippines from Spanish colonial rule in his ancestral home in Cavite El Viejo now Kawit, Cavite at around 4:00 and 5:00 in the afternoon. 

Before a huge crowd, the Act of the Declaration of Philippine Independence was read, the Philippine Flag was unfurled and the National March was played.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy)

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

Julian Felipe's Marcha Nacional Filipina

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition:)

JUNE 11, 1898

Maestro Julian Felipe presented his draft composition Marcha Nacional Magdalo to Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo and was asked to play it on the piano in the presence of other revolutionary leaders for the following day’s Declaration of Philippine Independence event. 

After a short consultation and discussion with his generals, Aguinaldo agreed to adopt it as the Marcha Nacional Filipina. It was on June 5, 1898 when Felipe gave a letter of introduction to Aguinaldo that came from Gen. Mariano Trias recommending him to compose the independence march.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy)

Photo credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/