Today in Philippine History: Jose Palma

JUNE 3, 1876

Jose Palma y Velasquez (June 3, 1876 – February 12. 1903) was born in Tondo, Manila. A poet and a soldier who couldn’t cope with the hardships of war, he usually stayed in the camp and entertained his fellow soldiers with his kundiman. He joined the staff of the revolutionary  newspaper La Independencia and composed the patriotic poem Filipinas that was published in Spanish on September 3, 1899. It fitted perfectly with Julian Felipe’s Marcha Nacional Filipina, an instrumental piece used during the Declaration of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898. 

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

Today in Philippine History: Philippines Officially Declares War Against the U.S.

JUNE 2, 1899

Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo’s First Philippine Republic officially declared war on the United States that lasted until July 4, 1902. The Philippine-American war saw 20,000 Filipino troops killed in action with almost half a million civilian casualties while American deaths were around 4,165. However, some Filipino forces all over the Philippines continued to fight the U.S. that lasted until 1913. Earlier on February 4 and 5, the 1899 Second Battle of Manila took place and was the first and the largest battle fought between the American troops and the Filipino Revolutionary Army.

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

Today in Philippine History: Last Spanish Troops Finally Surrender

JUNE 2, 1899

Four Spanish officers along with fifty-three of their men ended their stake out at the Baler Church in Nueva Ecija that began a year earlier on June 28,1898. The troops held on despite of hunger, diseases, desertion among their ranks and calls for surrender by the Filipino forces. They finally gave up after being convinced that the Spanish-American War was over and the Filipinos were fighting the Americans. Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo decreed that they be treated as friends not enemies and were given safe-conduct passes. They became heroes upon their arrival in Spain.

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

Today in Philippine History: Gen. Gregorio del Pilar Resumes Attacks Against Spanish Troops

JUNE 1, 1898

Gen. Gregorio H. del Pilar arrived in Bulacan bringing along rifles recently purchased in Hong Kong and immediately distributed the arms to his troops. As the designated leader of the Philippine Revolutionary Army in the provinces of Bulacan and Nueva Ecija by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, he established his headquarters at Matungao and led his troops in attacking Spanish forces. After the Spanish troops surrendered to him, he and his men proceeded to Caloocan and Manila to reinforce other Filipino troops engaged in battle against the Spaniards.

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

Today in Philippine History: New Flag Flies in Victory in El Polvorin

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.    

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

Preparing "Selyo ug Kasaysayan sa Fort" for Gabii sa Kabilin 2014

Me and and my son Jerald Kervin got busy yesterday and today doing some last-minute retouches of my one-man stamp and photo exhibit for Cebu Stamp Club titled Selyo ug Kasaysayan sa Fort (Stamps and History @ the Fort) Stamp and Photo Exhibit at the Cuerpo de Guardia, Fort San Pedro in preparation for the May 30, 2014 Gabii sa Kabilin (Night of Heritage).

Selyo ug Kasaysayan sa Fort opened last April 15, 2013 and will end on June 30, 2014.

Today in Philippine History: Marcela Agoncillo

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.   

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