Cavite Province and Its History – Part IV

The Philippine Revolution started in 1896 when a small, flamboyant general, Emilio Aguinaldo (1869-1964) of Kawit, came to prominence as he led the Katipuneros in taking Kawit, Binakayan, and several other settlements. His success made Cavite the focal point of the revolution. Shortly before the Katipunan was uncovered, Emilio Aguinaldo planned to attack the Spanish … More Cavite Province and Its History – Part IV

Cavite Province and Its History – Part III

In 1869, the Spanish Cortes recognized individual freedom of expression, association, and worship, legalized civil marriage, and introduced the jury system. A wealthy liberal, Carlos Maria de la Torre, was sent to the Philippines as the new governor-general. Once installed, de la Torre banned flogging in the military, lifted restrictions on the press, public demonstrations, … More Cavite Province and Its History – Part III

General Macario Sakay – Was He an Outlaw or a Patriot?

General Macario Sakay y de Leon was born on Mar. 1, 1878, along Tabora Street in Tondo, Manila. and died 114 years ago today on Sept. 13, 1907, at age 29. He first worked as an apprentice in a kalesa (carriage) manufacturing shop. He was also a tailor, a barber, and a stage actor. Sakay … More General Macario Sakay – Was He an Outlaw or a Patriot?

General Miguel Malvar and the Philippine Revolution – Conclusion

On February 23, General Antonio Luna needed Malvar and his unit to participate in a Filipino counterattack planned to regain ground lost earlier by Filipinos and capture Manila. However, the Filipino offensive collapsed. In mid-March, an expeditionary force under Brig. Gen. Loyd Wheaton moved eastward, clearing Filipino troops from the vicinity of the Pasig River, … More General Miguel Malvar and the Philippine Revolution – Conclusion

General Miguel Malvar and the Philippine Revolution – Part II

After the revolt of South America and Mexico from Spain, the Philippines became Spain’s richest possession, and the spirit of colonial exploitation grew. In 1896 the Filipinos, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, revolted. Reforms, as promised by the Spaniards in the Pact of Biak-Na-Bato, were very slow in coming, and small bands of rebels, distrustful of … More General Miguel Malvar and the Philippine Revolution – Part II

General Miguel Malvar and the Philippine Revolution – Part 1

Not generally known are the historical facts that Miguel Malvar succeeded Aguinaldo as president of the Philippine Republic, the last revolutionary general to lay down his arms in the war against Spain, and the last Filipino rebel to surrender to the Americans. Malvar was born in Barrio San Miguel, Santo Tomas, Batangas, on September 27, … More General Miguel Malvar and the Philippine Revolution – Part 1

Battle of Bankusay Channel and Macabebe

Bankusay refers to the Bankusay creek located off the north shore of Manila Bay. It was here where the bloody Battle of Bankusay took place in 1571, a battle which would immortalize the heroism and extraordinary courage of a young warrior whose name continues to elude the Filipino consciousness. While several Filipino patriots sacrificed their … More Battle of Bankusay Channel and Macabebe