Today in Philippine History: Magellan Arrives in Cebu

APRIL 7, 1521

Ferdinand Magellan arrived in Cebu together with Rajah Kolambu and his men. The Spanish fleet discovered that Cebu was an international seaport where ships from China, Brunei and other places bring goods to trade. Rajah Humabon, the king of Cebu suggested that the Spaniards pay tribute to him to be able to land which Magellan declined. That night, Humabon changed his mind and requested Magellan to have a blood compact with him the following day.

Today in Philippine History: Spaniards Capture Zamboanga

APRIL 6, 1635

Zamboanga was finally captured by the Spaniards and the Real Fuerza de Nuestra Senora del Pilar de Zaragosa (Royal Fort of Our Lady of the Pillar of Zaragosa), a military fortress was set up. Based on past battles against the Muslims, the Spaniards used a new approach which was to push forward to the enemy’s territories. This turned the tide in their favor during the Moro Wars. The fort became the launching pad in attacking and capturing Muslim strongholds and settlements that included Jolo and the Maguindanao Sultanate’s base in Lamitan. 

Today in Philippine History: President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

APRIL 5, 1947

The daughter of President Diosdado Macapagal, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was born in San Juan and spent her early years in Lubao, Pampanga. An economist by profession, she became Senator, Vice President and the 14th President of the Philippines. She served two terms, the first was the remaining term of deposed President Joseph Ejercito Estrada on January 20, 2001 to June 30, 2004. She won a second term until her defeat to President Benigno Simeon Aquino III in 2010. She is Pampanga’s 2nd District Representative and is under hospital arrest.

Please visit my personal collection featuring the stamps of President Arroyo at 

http://thephilippinepresidentscollection.yolasite.com/gloria-macapagal-arroyo.php

Today in Philippine History: Felipe G. Calderon

APRIL 4, 1868

Felipe Calderon (April 4, 1868 - July 6, 1908), the “Father of the Malolos Constitution” was born in Santa Cruz de Malabon, Cavite. He was a lawyer and politician who supported the cause of the Philippine Revolution. He authored the Malolos Constitution that the Malolos Congress approved on January 21, 1899 which became the basic law of the First Philippine Republic. Calderon founded two law universities, Colegio de Abogados de Manila (School of Lawyers of Manila) and the Escuela de Derecho (School of Duties). 

Today in Philippine History: Battle of Tres de Abril

APRIL 3, 1898

Pantaleon Villegas also known as Leon Kilat, the leader of the Katipunan revolutionary movement in Cebu led 6,000 Cebuano revolutionaries armed with bolos and guns. They fought and defeated the Spaniards in the Battle of Tres de Abril. The Spaniards retreated to Fort San Pedro. The Tres de Abril stamp issued by the Philippine Postal Corporation on June 12, 1998 was a project of Cebu Stamp Club in cooperation with the City Government of Cebu and the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC).

Read more on the Tres de Abril stamp here http://darthphilatelist.blogspot.com/2010/04/cebu-celebrates-tres-de-abril-today.html 

Today in Philippine History: Francisco Baltazar

APRIL 2, 1788

Francisco Baltazar (April 2, 1788 - February 20, 1862), the Father of Tagalog Poetry was born in Bigaa, Bulacan. Popularly known as Francisco Balagtas, he was an orator and a poet. His works in literature and poetry have greatly influenced Filipino culture. Florante at Laura published in 1838, is his masterpiece while Balagtasan, the Filipino debate in extemporaneous verse is named after him.

Today in Philippine History: Aguinaldo Swears Allegiance to the United States

APRIL 1, 1901

President Emilio Aguinaldo swore allegiance to the United Sates and issued a proclamation addressed to the Filipino people and called his generals and soldiers to recognize the sovereignty of the US over the Philippines. This was defied by some generals, Katipuneros and Moro fighters in Mindanao thereby extending the Philippine-American War.  

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