Jose Rizal is the Philippines’ National Hero. He was born on June 19, 1861, to Francisco Rizal Mercado y Alejandro and Teodora Alonso Realonda y Quintos in Calamba, Laguna. He had nine sisters and one brother. His parents were leaseholders of a hacienda and an accompanying rice farm held by the Dominicans. Rizal was an … More Jose Rizal Executed on Dec. 30, 1896
On August 28, 1896, when the revolution against Spain broke out, Cavite became a bloody theater of war. Emilio Aguinaldo led the Caviteños on lightning raids on Spanish headquarters and soon liberated the entire province through the Battle of Alapan. The rivalry between Emilio Aguinaldo and Andres Bonifacio became intense after a split in revolutionary … More Cavite Province and Its History – Conclusion
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
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
Due to its military importance, Cavite had been attacked by foreigners in their quest to conquer Manila and the Philippines. In 1647, the Dutch made a surprise attack on the city, pounding the port incessantly, but were repulsed. At Sangley Point still stands the ruins of Porta Vaga Church which was destroyed during the attack. … More Cavite Province and Its History – Part II
Cavite province extends south of Manila along Manila Bay and includes Corregidor Island, and bounds the provinces of Rizal, Laguna, and Batangas. The proximity of Manila provides a job and agricultural market, particularly for coastal residents. In 1954, Trece Martires City was created as a planned capital city from portions of Tanza, Indang, Naic, and … More Cavite Province and Its History – Part I
As a leading province during the Spanish Colonial Era, the province of Iloilo is widely known for its beautiful old-world Spanish architecture similar to that of Latin American Countries. Spanish colonial churches are amongst the well-known tourist sites in the province. The presence of many old churches underscores the high regard the Spanish colonizers had … More Historic Churches of Iloilo
Islam predated the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines by at least a century and a half. Towards the end of the fourteenth century, Muslim missionaries from Islamic countries of Malaysia and Indonesia brought Islam to the southern Philippines, even reaching Palawan, Mindoro, and Luzon’s east coast, notably Maynila (the present-day Manila). With Islamicized communities … More Magellan Introduced Christianity to the Philippines 500 years ago
Iloilo City, the capital of Iloilo province, is on the southeast coast of Panay, the Ilonggos or Hiligaynons’ homeland. Iloilo City is on the Iloilo River’s wide mouth, which juts out into the Guimaras Strait. The offshore Guimaras Island shelters it. Iloilo is one of the country’s loveliest Spanish colonial settlements. Iloilo City is a … More Iloilo – The Heart of the Philippines
This is my hometown church, Invencion de la Sta. Cruz Parish Church in Alitagtag, Batangas. All photos are from the church Facebook page. Because of the social distancing, I watched the mass via live video from this church last night. Here is a picture of the altar. Here is the priest’s blessing at … More Easter Blessing from Alitagtag, Batangas
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