Malolos Falls

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):

MARCH 31, 1899

Malolos, the seat of government of the First Philippine Republic fell into the hands of the Americans during the Philippine-American War. 

General Arthur MacArthur Jr.'s troops used the Manilan Railway to advance towards the capital of President Emilio Aguinaldo's government and engaged the Filipinos in the Battle of Malolos. 

Aguinaldo escaped and transferred his government to San Isidro, Nueva Ecija and gave an order to Gen. Antonio Luna to burn the Malolos Cathedral including the silver altar so everything will be useless to the Americans.

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

Photo credit: filipinoamericanwar.com

The First Mass

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

MARCH 31, 1521

The first Mass in the Philippines was held in Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte. 

It was officiated by Fr. Pedro Valderrama using an improvised altar with the presence of Ferdinand Magellan, Antonio Pigafetta, Gines de Mafra, Francisco Albo, Spanish soldiers, Rajah Kolambu with his men and Rajah Siagu of Butuan.

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

Photo credit: wikipedia.org

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse Lits Up

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):

MARCH 30, 1892

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, a 66-foot-tall octagonal stone tower in Burgos, Ilocos Norte was first lit. 

Constructed on Vigia de Nagpartian Hill and overlooking the South China Sea, it was part of the Spanish government's plan to put up lighthouses in the northern and western parts of the Philippines. 

It marked the northwestern-most point of Luzon and guided the galleons. 

The design was made by Magin Pers y Pers in 1887 and the construction was finished by Guillermo Brockman's Lighthouse Service. 

To this day, it continues to serve as a navigational guide for ships entering the country from the north. 

It became a National Historical Landmark in 2004 and a National Cultural Treasure in 2005.

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

Photo credit: wikipedia.org

Spanish Gov. Perez Dasmarinas Bans The Wearing Of Chinese Fabrics

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

MARCH 30, 1591

Twenty-six years after Miguel Lopez de Legazpi successfully established the first settlements in Cebu, Spanish Governor Perez Dasmarinas issued an ordinance in Manila that banned all Indios from wearing silk and other fabrics from China. 

This ordinance was aimed to protect the draining of the Treasury’s gold and silver. 

It was also a move to avoid the elimination of the Peninsular silk in Spain which is more expensive than the imported Chinese silk and cotton.

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

Photo credit: Wikipedia.org

Gen. Nicolas Capistrano Surrenders

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):

MARCH 29, 1901

General Nicolas Capistrano together with 160 men and 9 officers surrendered to American forces in Sumilao, Bukidnon and turned over 187 rifles and 80 shotguns during the Philippine-American War. 

Earlier, on January 16, 1900, leaders of the town signed a pact of resistance against the United States. 

Capistrano was elected to lead and was assisted by Major Apolinar Velez and Captain Vicente Roa. 

On April 7, 1900, he and his men fought U.S. troops in the Battle of Cagayan de Misamis (now Cagayan de Oro City) but ordered a retreat after realizing an imminent defeat. 

He later served in the Philippine Assembly in 1909 and in the Philippine Senate from 1916-1919.

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

Photo credit: wikipedia.org and filipinoamericanwar.com

Blood Compact In Limasawa

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

MARCH 29, 1521

Rajah Kolambu, chieftain of Limasawa Island along with his brother Rajah Siagu of Butuan and Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan (1480 - April 27, 1521) sealed their friendship through a blood compact. 

Earlier, the natives were given gifts as they met the Spaniards. Kolambu on the other hand offered Magellan a basket of ginger and a gold bar which he refused to accept.

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

Photo credit: wikipedia.org

Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):

MARCH 28, 1945

Rodrigo "Rody" Roa Duterte was born in Maasin, Southern Leyte. His early years were spent in Danao, Cebu, the hometown of his father Vicente Duterte who was a government worker. 

His mother Soledad, a public school teacher hails from Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte. 

The family migrated to Davao in 1949 and his father became governor of Davao from 1959-1965. 

Duterte is a lawyer by profession, city prosecutor, OIC Vice Mayor of Davao City, Mayor of Davao for 7 terms (a total of 22 years), Vice Mayor and Congressman. 

He was elected as the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines and the first Mindanaoan to occupy the post.

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

Photo credit: wikipedia.org