Making the Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition)

Making the installments of Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition), a first-of-its kind way of sharing history every day using stamps is no joke. Lots of research from different historical sources have to be to done to make sure that the info I write are accurate as they can be. I have learned that the internet information from different sources do have discrepancies in dates and information. 

The next process is finding the right photos and the corresponding stamps in each article. It takes an hour for me to finish one installment while others may take as long as 2 hours and 3 at the most.. but I don't mind. This is my simple way of sharing our rich history and promoting the hobby of stamp collecting. 

Thanks to all who have been consistent in sharing and liking the articles for the past 3 months in Facebook. There will be more until I have completed the 365th day which will be on February 27, 2015. I would appreciate it if you LIKE my page for Cebu Stamp Club at https://www.facebook.com/CebuStampClub

Today in Philippine History: The Wood-Forbes Mission

MAY 4, 1921

Maj. Gen. Leonard Wood and William Cameron Forbes arrived in Manila after newly-elected president Warren G. Harding (Republican) created the Wood-Forbes mission to determine whether the Philippines was ready for self-rule. After four months, they submitted a report that called for the postponement of Philippine independence. Month’s earlier during the term of Pres. Woodrow Wilson (Democrat), Senate Pres. Manuel Quezon and Senator Rafael Palma led a mission to the U.S. and convinced Democrats in Congress to hasten Philippine Independence.

Photo credit: http://diglib.amphilsoc.org/

Today in Philippine History: Nick Joaquin

May 4, 1917
Nicomedes Marquez Joaquin (May 4, 1917 – April 29, 2004) was born in Paco, Manila. He was the Philippines third best Filipino writer in English next to Jose P. Rizal and Claro M. Recto. His works include short stories, novels. plays and Philippine history. He also wrote books that give tribute to Jose Rizal. As a journalist, he used the pen name Quijano de Manila and raised the level of reportage in the country with his intellectual and provocative style of journalism. Nick Joaquin was conferred the rank and title of National Artist for Literature.

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

Today in Philippine History: Isabelo Abaya is Killed in Action

MAY 3, 1900

Major Federico Isabelo Abaya (1854 – May 3, 1900) was killed as he led an attack against a U.S. detachment composed of 30 soldiers from the 33rd Infantry led by Lt. McCleland during the Philippine-American War. Abaya, a member of the revolutionary group Espiritu de Candon was known for declaring a Republic of Candon on March 25, 1898. He led the Cry of Candon that successfully drove away the Spaniards. In the war against the U.S. he joined the revolutionary army under Gen. Manuel Tinio and later commanded guerrilla forces under Col. Juan Villamor.

Photo credits: http://philippineamericanwar.webs.com/ and http://philippines-islands-lemuria.blogspot.com/

Today in Philippine History: Dewey Cuts Telegraph Cable

MAY 2, 1898

After his victory in the Battle of Manila Bay, Commodore George Dewey told the Spanish Governor-General Basilio de Agustin y Davila that he wanted to use the underwater Manila-Hong Kong telegraph cable operated by the British-owned Eastern Extension Australasia China Telegraph Company and Manila’s only link to the outside world since it was considered neutral. After the Governor-General refused, Dewey dredged up and cut the cable. Agustin would later inform Dewey through British Consul Edward H. Rawson-Walker of his willingness to surrender.

Today in Philippine History: Labor Day in 1903

MAY 1, 1903

Labor day was first celebrated during the American period. Isabelo delos Reyes’ Union Obrera Democratica de Filipinas (UODF), the first labor group in the Philippines led by its new president Dominador Gomez enjoined 100,000 workers to march from Plaza Moriones, Tondo to Malacanang, the residence of Gov. Gen. William H. Taft. They demanded better working conditions and political independence. Gomez was arrested for illegal assembly and sedition. He was vindicated after being elected as a delegate to the Philippine Assembly in 1907.

Today in Philippine History: Battle of Manila Bay

MAY 1, 1898

The Battle of Manila Bay was a naval battle during the Spanish-American War. Commodore George Dewey’s U.S. Asiatic Squadron consisting of 9 new warships led by the U.S.S. Olympia sailed into Manila. The Spanish Armada of 10 old ships under Admiral Patricio Montojo was caught off-guard. Dewey’s fleet engaged and destroyed the entire Spanish navy with 167 Spanish sailors dead and 214 wounded with 0 casualty on the U.S. side. The battle marked the end of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines.