Tag Archives: historical

Directions and Surprises in Mount Samat Trip (Bataan)

There are two long weekends in November 2009 and maybe some may be interested to drop by the Dambana ng Kagitingan in Pilar, Bataan. Maybe when we remember and pray for our dearly departed on All Saints’/ Souls’ Day or … Continue reading →

Mt. Samat Trip: Journey to Dambana ng Kagitingan in Bataan

It was a slow Saturday. The Friday before that was capped with a client dinner-meeting that extended until late at night. Add the trip home and it was already past midnight when we slept. The problem with having a regular … Continue reading →

Independence Day: Philippine Holiday

June 12, a Friday. Is this the date of official holiday for 2009? Perhaps you’re asking this question and that’s why you’ve landed here. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s first step back and take a short peek in … Continue reading →

Vigan, Ilocos Sur: Philippine Heritage City

Postcard-perfect. That’s how I’ve always imagined Vigan would be. Kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) leisurely rolling through cobblestone roads, passing century-old houses that are witnesses to Vigan’s rich history. I thought it would feel like being brought back in time, walking through … Continue reading →

Syquia Mansion Museum (Vigan, Ilocos Sur)

A Philippine Historical Committee marker notes that the Syquia Mansion was constructed in 1830 and subsequently became the residence of a Philippine President and his spouse, Alicia Syquia (I don’t understand all the contents of the marker, as it’s in … Continue reading →

Malacanang of the North (Paoay, Ilocos Norte)

One would usually associate Paoay with the Paoay Church, also called San Agustin Church, and for good reason — this beautiful architecture that is a showcase of Spanish-era churches in the Philippines is listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage … Continue reading →

Corregidor Island: History in the Ruins

Corregidor Island is where the Filipino and American forces made a last stand against the invading Japanese forces in World War II, our school textbooks would tell us. The books bear photos of the guns and the ruins. Seeing the … Continue reading →

Corregidor Island: Araw ng Kagitingan

Every April 9, the Philippines commemorates the Araw ng Kagitingan, also known as the Bataan and Corregidor Day. The last two strongholds of the United States Armed Forces, Far East (USAFFE), which include the Philippine Army and the US Regular … Continue reading →

Bonifacio Day (November 30): In Honor of Andress Bonifacio

Among the legal holidays in the Philippines is Bonifacio Day, traditionally celebrated every November 30. This was changed, however, under Republic Act 9492 (an Act rationalizing the celebration of national holidays), which moved the official holiday to the Monday nearest … Continue reading →