The Philippines Today, Yesterday, and Tomorrow
On June 7, 1904, General Artemio Ricarte began his seven and a half-year prison term at the Old Bilibid Prison (now Manila City Jail). He was convicted of illegal possession of firearms and rebellion after attempting to overthrow the U.S. Insular Government of the Philippines. He was noted for being the only Filipino general who … Read more
On this day, June 6 On June 6, 1951, World War II hero Tomas Confesor died due to a heart attack. At the age of 32, he became representative of the Third District of Iloilo (his home province) (1922-1930). A double-degree holder (commerce and economics), he was named the first Filipino Director of Commerce (forerunner … Read more
On June 5, 1898, Julian Felipe conferred to President Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit for a very special project: compose the Philippine National Anthem. Based on what Felipe remembered in that meeting, Aguinaldo wanted an anthem that would replace the Marcha Real, the national anthem of Spain. Six days later, 11 June 1898, the Cavite … Read more
Today, June 2, 2020, is the 121st anniversary of the Spanish surrender in Baler church, after 337 days. They surrendered on June 2, 1899. They were the last of the Spanish forces in the Philippines. Filipinos admired their resolve. After the siege, President Emilio Aguinaldo granted them safe passage to Manila for them to … Read more
On this day, May 23, in 1918, Mariano Ponce dies in HongKong on his way to visit his friend Sun Yat-sen. He left behind his Japanese wife, Okiyo Udangwa, and 4 children. He was Rizal’s friend, and advocate for recognition of Philippine independence among our Asian neighbors. Ponce’s remains were returned with the help … Read more