This Week in Philippine History and Culture (March 15 to 21)

Mar. 15, 1565: Bohol chieftain Sikatuna and Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi did the sandugo blood compact in the Visayan island. The act was done to establish their friendship and begin amicable relations between the two parties. It is celebrated and commemorated annually through the Sandugo Festival in Bohol.


Mar. 15, 1818: Revolutionary general Mariano Alvarez (d. August 25, 1924) is born in the town of Noveleta in Cavite province. Alvarez was known as the president of the Magdiwang faction of the anti-Spanish secret society Katipunan. In 1981, the Carmona Resettlement Project in Cavite was incorporated as the municipality of General Mariano Alvarez in his honor.


Mar. 15, 1941: The Philippine Airlines takes its maiden flight between Manila (from Nielson Field) to Baguio City with a Beechcraft Model 18. This milestone made the Philippine's flag carrier the first and oldest commercial airline in Asia operating under its original name.


Mar. 16, 1521: After leaving the Landrones (presently known as Mariana Islands), Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan sees what is now called Samar Island. Magellan was sailing westward looking for the Moluccas. 


Mar. 16, 1960: Araneta Coliseum, considered the biggest coliseum in Asia during its time, is inaugurated. The facility, commonly known as "The Big Dome," was named after its owner J. Amado Araneta. It opened with a boxing match between Gabriel "Flash" Elorde and Harold Gomes for the World Junior Lightweight. Elorde's win was witnessed by more than 33,000 spectators. The cost of general admission then was 80 centavos and reserve section was five pesos. 


Mar. 17, 1957: Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay (b. August 31, 1907) was killed when the presidential plane, Mt. Pinatubo, crashed into Mt. Manunggal in Cebu.  Magsaysay was the first Philippine president to die while in office.


Mar. 18, 1928: Fidel Valdez Ramos, the first post-EDSA Revolution President of the Philippines, is born in the town of Lingayen in Pangasinan province. Ramos ran in the 1992 presidential elections under a coalition of Partido Lakas Tao (Tagalog: "People Power Party") and the National Union of Christian Democrats. 


Mar. 18, 1968: The Jabidah commando was said to be massacred in Corregidor island. The alleged massacre resulted from the failed "Operation Merdeka", a plot to destabilize Sabah. The plot was intended to capitalize on the instability by either intervening in the island on the pretext of protecting Filipinos living there, or by "the residents themselves deciding to secede from Malaysia."


Mar. 19, 1723: Josefa Gabriela Silang (d. September 29, 1763), the first Filipino woman to lead a revolt during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, was born in the town of Santa in the province of Ilocos Sur.

Following the assassination of her husband Diego, Gabriela continued the revolt Diego started against Spanish authorities. The masses who admired Gabriela named her "Generala" due to her policy of harassment against the enemy. The women's advocacy organization GABRIELA (short for General Assembly Binding Women for Reforms, Integrity, Equality, Leadership, and Action) was named after her. 


Mar. 20, 1942: General Douglas MacArthur says the famous line "I came out of Bataan and I shall return." while conducting a speech in Terowie, South Australia. MacArthur was the commander of the U.S. Army Forces in the Far East when the Philippine Commonwealth was in exile in Australia. The exiling followed the Japanese Imperial Army's invasion of the Philippines. Two years later, on October 20, 1944, MacArthur in the shores of Palo, Leyte. 


Mar. 21, 1947: The Joint United States Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG) was established as a result of the military cooperation agreement with American advisers placed in all branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. JUSMAG played a crucial role in suppressing the Hukbalahap Rebellion, a Communist insurgency that lasted from 1946 to 1954, against the Philippine government.



SOURCES:  The Kahimyang Project and Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia

This Week in Philippine History and Culture (February 22 to 28)

Feb. 22, 1899: Filipino forces under the command of General Antonio Luna started counterattacks against the American forces during the Philippine-American War. Manila, however, is not regained from the Americans. 


Feb. 22, 1927: Florencio Campomanes (d. May 3, 2010), the first Filipino to hold the presidency of the Federation internationale des echecs (FIDE) or World Chess Federation, is born in Manila. Campomanes held office as FIDE president from  1982 to 1995. 


Feb. 22, 1942: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt orders General Douglas MacArthur out of the Philippines as the victory of the Japanese military forces in the Pacific theatre of the Second World War becomes imminent. 


Feb. 22, 1971:  Actress and singer Maria Lea Carmen Imutan Salonga, more popularly known as Lea Salonga, is born in Angeles City, Pampanga. Salonga is known for playing the lead role of Kim in the original West End and Broadway productions of the musical Miss Saigon. For her performance, Salonga won the Olivier, Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics and Theatre World awards.

Aside from being the first Filipino artist to be signed to an international record label (Atlantic Records in 1993), Salonga is also the first Philippine-based artist to have received a major album release and distribution deal in the U.S. Salonga is also the first Asian actress to play the roles of Eponine and Fantine in the musical Les Miserables on Broadway.


Feb. 22, 1986: The People Power Revolution started in the Philippines.


Feb. 23, 1945: The 11th Airborne Division, with the assistance of Filipino guerrillas, free the captives of the internment camp in Los Baños, Laguna.


Feb. 23, 1945: Manila, the capital of the Philippine Islands, is liberated by combined Filipino and American forces.


Feb. 24, 1945:  Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declares Proclamation 1017 placing the country in a state of emergency in an attempt to avert a possible military coup.


Feb. 25, 1965: Award-winning film and television actress Maricel Soriano is born in Manila. Popularly known as "The Diamond Star," Soriano's filmography encompasses different genres including drama, comedy, fantasy, horror, suspense, action and romance. 


Feb. 25, 1986: The People Power Revolution culminates with the President Ferdinand Marcos fleeing the Philippines after two decades of rule. On the other hand, Corazon Aquino is sworn in as the Philippines' first woman president.


Feb. 25, 1993: Mary Walter (b. September 10, 1912) dies at the age of 80. Walter's career as an actress spanned almost seven decades, starting with the 1927 film Ang Lumang Simbahan. She retired to her hometown in Sorsogon province in 1948 but was persuaded to act again a decade later, appearing in Kastilaloy, an LVN Studios production.

Walter was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences in 1980 and the Gawad Urian in 1992.


Feb. 26, 1937:  Zamboanga is declared a city by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 39.  Located in the tip of Zamboanga Peninsula, the city was formerly known as Jambangan or "Land of Flowers." 


Feb. 27, 2004: A bomb planted by terrorist organization Abu Sayyaf Group in SuperFerry 14  explodes, killing 116 aboard. SuperFerry 14 was a 10,192-ton vessel that sailed out of Manila for Cagayan de Oro City via Bacolod City and Iloilo City. The explosion tore through the vessel an hour after its 11 p.m. sailing. The 3.6-kilogram TNT bomb was inside a television set placed in the vessel's lower decks.


Feb. 28, 1916: Cesar Climaco (d. November 14, 1984) a politician who served as mayor of Zamboanga City for 11 years and three nonconsecutive terms, is born in the said city. He was a prominent critic of the martial law regime of President Ferdinand Marcos.

Climaco became famous for his refusal to cut his hair until democratic rule was restored in the Philippines. An unknown gunman assassinated Climaco in 1984. Nobody has been convicted for the crime.

This Week in Philippine History and Culture (February 15 to 21)

Feb. 15, 1895: Jovita Fuentes (d. August 7, 1978)  is born in the capital town of Capiz (now Roxas City) in Capiz province. During the 1920s and 1930s, Fuentes gained renown as an opera singer abroad. In 1976, Fuentes became the first Filipina who earned the National Artist in Music.


Feb. 16, 1899: Apolinario Mabini, the Prime Minister of the Philippine Republic under President Emilio Aguinaldo, writes a letter to Galicano Apacible in Hong Kong. The letter informs Apacible of the outbreak of the Filipino-American war on February 4. Mabini blames the Americans for initiating the hostilities. At that time, Apacible is an adviser to the High Council of the Revolutionists.


Feb. 17, 1872:  Fathers Mariano Gomez, Jose Apolonio Burgos and Jacinto Zamora, better known for the acronym GOMBURZA, were executed by Spanish authorities in Bagumbayan (currently known as Luneta Park) in connection with the 1872 Cavite Mutiny.

GOMBURZA was apparently the target of a hate campaign for these priests' efforts to lead a campaign against abusive Spanish friars and advocate equal rights among priests. Their stand about secularization in the Philippines also led to animosity between religious regulars and church seculars. 


Feb. 17, 1897: The Battle of Zapote Bridge between the Spanish forces and the Filipino revolutionaries takes place. General Emilio Aguinaldo led Filipino revolutionaries to victory over Spanish troops under Governor-General Camilo de Polavieja. The bridge connected the provinces of Rizal and Cavite. 


Feb. 17, 2006:  A massive mudslide occurs in Guinsaugon village in the town of Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte province. It is preceded by a ten-day period of heavy rains and an earthquake measuring magnitude 2.6 on the Richter scale. According to official reports, the mudslide claimed 1,126 lives.


Feb. 18, 1976: Broadcast journalist Bernadette Sembrano is born in Manila. Sembrano currently hosts Salamat Dok!, a current affairs television program that deals with health-related issues. She also anchors Radyo Patrol Balita on radio.


Feb. 18, 1981: Pope John Paul II beatifies Lorenzo Ruiz, an altar boy in seventeenth-century Binondo, during his papal visit. The beatification, which was the first held outside the Vatican City, paved the way for Ruiz's elevation to sainthood six years later.


Feb. 19, 1886: Jose Abad Santos (d. May 2, 1942), the fifth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, is born in San Fernando, Pampanga. Abad Santos' refusal to cooperate with the Japanese led to his execution during the early years of the Second World War in the Philippines. In commemoration of Abad Santos' martyrdom, his image appears on the currently circulating 1,000-peso bill. 


Feb. 19, 1888: Aurora Aragon-Quezon, wife of Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon, is born in the town of Baler, Tayabas (now Aurora province.) She was known for her involvement in civic organizations.

Aragon-Quezon served as the first chairperson of the Philippine National Red Cross when it was established as an independent Red Cross Organization in 1947. She was also appointed as honorary vice president of the Philippine Tuberculosis Society.


Feb. 19, 1993: Actress and commercial model Empress Schuck. She is currently part of Star Magic, ABS-CBN's roster of talents. She started her showbiz career as an award-winning child performer in the 2000 film Nine Mornings. Empress' latest films include On the Job and Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay. 


Feb. 20, 1862: Francisco Balagtas (b. April 2, 1788), the so-called "Prince of Tagalog Poets" for his contributions to Philippine literature, dies. Balagtas was known for writing Florante at Laura. A form of debate in extemporaneous verse is named balagtasan in his honor.


Feb. 21, 1853: Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo (d. March 13, 1913), one of the greatest nineteenth-century Filipino painters, is born in Manila's Binondo district. Hidalgo's silver-medal finish for the painting, Las virgenes Cristianas expuestas al populacho, at the 1884 Madrid Exposition of Fine Arts is one of the highlights of his career.

In 1904, Hidalgo received a gold medal for his overall participation at the Universal Exposition in St. Louis, Missouri. Another gold medal was accorded to his El Violinista.

The Last Ten Days of January in Philippine History and Culture

Jan. 22, 1952: Ace Vergel (d. December 15, 2007), popularly known as "The Original Bad Boy of Philippine Movies," is born in Manila. Vergel started young in show business: At the age of seven, he portrayed the human friend of the titular giant bird in the 1959 film Anak ng Bulkan.

Vergel started as an action star in the late 1970s. He continued starring in lead roles in the genre until the mid-2000s. Some of Vergel's notable action movies include Batang City Jail, Kanto Boy, Hari ng Tondo, Pieta, Bomba Arienda, Seth Corteza and Masamang Ugat. 


Jan. 22, 1957: Rene Requiestas (d. July 24, 1993) is born in Manila's Tondo district. Requiestas started playing bit roles in the late 1970s. A stint in the 1980s satire TV program Sic O' Clock News led to the rediscovery of Requiestas' knack for comedy, resulting in him being cast as sidekick in movies.

Requiestas eventually became top comedian, topbilling movies such as Pido Dida, Cheetae! Ganda Lalake and Hulihin: Probinsyanong Mandurukot. 


Jan. 22, 1987: Philippine security forces open fire on a crowd of at least 10,000 demonstrators at Mendiola Street near Malacañan Palace in Manila, killing 13. The incident later became known as the Mendiola Massacre. The demonstrators were demanding fulfillment of the campaign promises that had been made during the campaign of President Corazon Aquino. 


Jan. 23, 1899: The Malolos Constitution is inaugurated at the Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan. The event marks the inauguration of the first republic in Asia. Emilio Aguinaldo is also sworn in as President of the First Philippine Republic. 


Jan. 24, 2011: Journalist, environmentalist and community organizer Gerardo Valeriano "Doc Gerry" Ortega (born August 28, 1963) is assassinated apparently due to his advocacy against mining on the island of Palawan. Ortega was also known for promoting crocodile farming in the Philippines. 


Jan. 25, 1933: Corazon "Cory" Aquino (d. August 1, 2009), the 11th President and first woman president of the Philippines, is born in the town of Paniqui in the province of Tarlac. Aquino was regarded as the most prominent figure of the 1986 People Power Revolution, which ousted the two-decade regime of Ferdinand Marcos.

Aside from being named as Time magazine's "Woman of the Year" in 1986, Aquino was also the first Philippine president without any prior political experience as she had not held any other elective position. 


Jan. 26, 1930: National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon Isabelo Veloso Abueva is in Tagbilaran, Bohol. He is a sculptor given the distinction as the Philippines' National Artist for Sculpture.

Among other works, Abueva's best known sculpture commemorates the international treaty of friendship between Spaniards and Filipinos in the 16th century. Popularly known as the Sandugo (Blood Compact), the sculpture is now one of his home province's tourist attractions. 


Jan. 27, 1961: Film and television actress Geraldine Schaer Bonnevie, better known as Dina Bonnevie, is born in Quezon City. Bonnevie first appeared in teen dramas Underage, Temptation Island, and Katorse. She continues to portray dramatic roles in television. 


Jan. 27, 1961: Television host, comedian and recording artist Willie Revillame is born in Manila. Revillame hosted the ABS-CBN variety game show Wowowee from 2005 to 2010. When he left ABS-CBN in favor of rival TV5, Revillame also hosted programs with the same format. Those programs were Willing Willie, Wil Time Bigtime and Wowowillie.


Jan. 27, 1989:  Dancer-turned-actor Bayani Casimiro Sr. (b. July 16, 1918)  dies in Manila. Casimiro was among the leading stars of bodabil (vaudeville) in the 1930s and 1940s. Due to his excellent skills in tap dancing, Casimiro was earned the moniker "Fred Astaire of the Philippines." 


Jan. 27, 2004: Salvador Roman Hidalgo Laurel (b. November 18, 1928), the 10th Vice-President of the Philippines, dies in  Atherton, California. Laurel also briefly served as the Prime Minister of the Philippines from February 25, 1986 to March 25, 1986.


Jan. 28, 1861: Julian Felipe (d. October 2, 1944), the composer of Lupang Hinirang, the Philippine national anthem, is born in Cavite. Felipe's composition was originally titled Marcha Nacional Magdalo. It was was played during the raising of the Philippine flag following President Aguinaldo's declaration of Philippine independence in 1898.


Jan. 28, 1904: Stage performer and Canuto Francia (d. September 4, 1979), better known as Canuplin, is born in Manila's Tondo district. Francia's screen named is a portmanteau of his given name, Canuto, and the comedian Charlie Chaplin's surname. Francia became known for impersonating the said comedian in Filipino movies and in bodabil (vaudeville) performances.


Jan. 29, 1979: Actor-turned-entrepreneur Marvin Agustin is born in Manila. In 1995, Agustin started his show business career at ABS-CBN, where he stayed for ten years. He spent another six years at GMA Network until transferring to TV5. Agustin has also ventured into concert production, bringing popular foreign acts to the country.


Jan. 30, 1911: Taal Volcano in Batangas erupts at about 2:30 in the morning. Official records show that the eruption claimed 1,335 lives and injured 199. Some sources report at least 1,500 casualties. 


Jan. 30, 1945: A force comprising 126 Filipino resistance fighters and American Rangers raids a camp held by the Japanese Imperial Army in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija. Over 500 prisoners-of-war are later liberated. The daring rescue is the subject of the 2005 film The Great Raid. 


Jan. 31, 1876: Pedro Abad Santos (d. January 15, 1945), founder of the Partido Sosyalista ng Pilipinas (Philippine Socialist Party), is  born in San Fernando, Pampanga.

This Week in Philippine History and Culture (January 15 to 21)

Jan. 15, 1954: Palanca Award- and National Book Award-winning writer Jose Y. Dalisay Jr. is born in the island province of Romblon. Dalisay's body of work covers a wide array of genres including fiction, poetry, drama, nonfiction and film scriptwriting.


Jan. 16, 1979: Film and television actor Mark Anthony Fernandez is born in Manila. Fernandez's popularity increased when he was part of Gwapings, a teen trio that saw fame during the '90s. He belongs to a family of renowned entertainment personalities: He is the son of the late actor Rudy Fernandez and the late director Gregorio Fernandez. 


Jan. 17, 1981: President Ferdinand Marcos lifts martial law eight years and five months after declaring it. The purported threat of communist insurgency, terrorism, and the ambush of then Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile were among the justifications for the declaration of martial law. 


Jan. 19, 1607: The San Agustin Church in Manila's historic walled city of Intramuros is officially completed on this date.  It was designated as a National Historical Landmark by the Philippine government in 1976. Seventeen years later, the UNESCO named the San Agustin Church as a World Heritage Site. 


Jan. 20, 1984: Actress and television host Celestine Cruz Gonzaga better known as Toni Gonzaga, is born in the town of Taytay in Rizal province. Gonzaga became popular when she appeared in a TV commercial with Piolo Pascual in 2001. Aside from being a part of the musical variety show ASAP, Gonzaga is also a recording artist. 


Jan. 20, 2001: President Joseph Estrada is ousted in a nonviolent four-day revolution, which was dubbed EDSA Dos. Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo succeeded Estrada. Teofisto Guingona was appointed as Macapagal-Arroyo's vice president.


Jan. 21, 1883: Eulogio "Amang" Adona Rodríguez Sr. (d. December 9, 1964), the seventh and tenth President of the Senate of the Philippines, is born in the town of Montalban (now called Rodriguez) in Rizal province. Rodriguez served as Senate President from April 30, 1952 to April 17, 1953 and May 20, 1953 to April 5, 1963.


Jan. 21, 1918: Film and television actress Amparo R. Custodio (d. March 31, 1993), popularly known as Chichay, is born in Manila's Tondo district. With a career spanning almost fifty years, Chichay portrayed grandmother roles in many comedy movies. 


Jan. 21, 1984: The twins Richard and Raymond Gutierrez is born in Beverly Hills, California. Both started their careers in show business as children. They were introduced in the 1987 horror-comedy movie Takbo, Bilis ... Takboooo! (Run, Fast ... Runnnn!).

A few months later, they were launched in the Kambal Tuko (Siamese Twins), a fantasy-comedy movie. Richard grew up to become an actor and commercial model, while Raymond focused on television hosting.

This Week in Philippine History and Culture (January 8 to 14)

Jan. 8, 1945: As part of the Asia-Pacific theater during the Second World War, troops under the Philippine Commonwealth Army units enter the province of Ilocos Sur in Northern Luzon and attack the forces of the Imperial Japanese Army.


Jan. 9, 1945: The United States invades the Philippine island of Luzon, three years after being under the Japanese forces. 


Jan. 12, 1911: The University of the Philippines College of Law is formally established. Its first permanent dean was Associate Justice George Malcolm. Malcolm Hall is the building that currently houses the main offices and classrooms of the college within the U.P. Diliman Campus in Quezon City. 


Jan. 12, 1977:  Film and television actor Piolo Jose Pascual, popularly known as Piolo Pascual, is born in Manila. Pascual is also known for recording award-winning albums such as My Gift, Timeless and Decades. He has also ventured into movie production, most notably in the Kimmy Dora comedy film trilogy. 


Jan. 14, 1899: Carlos P. Romulo (d. December 15, 1985), who became the first Filipino President of the United Nations General Assembly is born in the town of Camiling in Tarlac province. Romulo served as the President of the Fourth Session of U.N. General Assembly from 1949-1950.

The First Seven Days of January in Philippine History and Culture (January 1 to 7)

Jan. 1, 1892: Manuel Acuña Roxas (d. April 15, 1948), the fifth President of the Philippines, the last of the Commonwealth of the Philippines and the first of the sovereign Third Philippine Republic is born in the town of Capiz (now Roxas City).


Jan. 2, 1942: As an implication of the outbreak of the Second World War II in Asia-Pacific, Manila in the Philippine Islands is declared "Open City" after being captured by Japanese military forces.


Jan. 2, 2006: Cecilia Muñoz-Palma (b. November 22, 1913), the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court of the Philippines dies at the age 92. Muñoz-Palma was appointed to the highest judicial court by President Ferdinand Marcos on October 29, 1973. She served until reaching the then-mandatory retirement age of 65.


Jan. 3, 1949: The Central Bank of the Philippines, precursor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), is established by virtue of Republic Act No. 265, which was signed by President Elpidio Quirino.


Jan. 6, 1812: Filipina revolutionary Melchora Aquino de Ramos (d. March 2, 1919), popularly known as Tandang Sora (Elder Sora) is born in Balintawak, Caloocan. Tandang Sora was known for giving refuge for the sick and wounded Filipino revolutionaries during the fight for independence from Spain. Her house functioned as a venue for the revolutionaries' secret meetings. 


Jan. 6, 1966: Multi-awarded singer, actress and TV host Sharon Cuneta is born in Pasay City. Cuneta is popularly known as the Megastar of Philippine Entertainment. She currently leads the cast of the TV5 series Madam Chairman.


Jan. 6, 1995:  A chemical fire in an apartment complex in Manila results in the discovery of plans for Oplan Bojinka, a large-scale three phase Islamist attack by Ramzi Yousef and Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. Oplan Bojinka would involve a plot to assassinate Pope John Paul II, an air bombing of 11 airliners flying from Asia to the United States and a scheme to crash a plane into the Central Intelligance Agency's headquarters in Virginia. 


Jan. 7, 1901: Major General Arthur MacArthur Jr. orders the deportation of Filipino leaders of the Revolution, including Apolinario Mabini, to the island of Guam.

This Week in Philippine History and Culture (August 15 to 21)

Aug. 15, 1945: The liberation of the Philippines from Japanese military becomes apparent as the Empire surrenders to end the Second World War. At noon that day, Emperor Hirohito read out the Imperial Rescript on the Termination of the War during a radio broadcast.

The Battle of Okinawa, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the declaration of war against Japan by the Soviet Union happened days before the Emperor's speech took place.

Aug. 15, 1945: Teen actress Gabriela Annjane U. Cruz, popularly known as Ella Cruz, is born in the town of Angat in Bulacan province. Cruz is part of the principal cast of the weekly miniseries Wansapanataym: OMG (Oh My Genius). She is also known for playing a mermaid in the defunct fantasy series Aryana.

Aug. 18, 2012: Jesus "Jesse" Manalastas Robredo (b. May 27, 1958) dies after the Piper PA-34-200 Seneca I aircraft carrying him crashed off the shore of Masbate. At the time of his death, Jesse Robredo was the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government.

Robredo was mayor of Naga City in Camarines Sur from 1988 to 1998 and from 2001 to 2010. He was a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service in 2000.

Aug. 19, 1878: Manuel L. Quezon, the president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from 1935 until his death in 1944, is born in the town of Baler in the province of Tayabas. (Note: Tayabas province was renamed Quezon in 1946. The town of Baler is now part of the province of Aurora).

Among his many achievements, Quezon was known as the Ama ng Wikang Pambansa ("Father of the National Language). Through Commonwealth Act No. 184, s. 1936, Quezon established the Institute that was tasked with the development of a Philippine national language.

Aug. 20, 1572: Miguel Lopez de Legazpi (b. circa 1502), the first Governor-General of Spanish East Indies, passes away in Manila. As Governor-General, Lopez de Legazpi founded the city of Cebu in 1565. This makes Cebu the oldest Philippine city. He also designated Manila the capital of the Spanish East Indies in 1571.

Aug. 20, 1939:  Actor, film producer, and director Fernando Poe Jr. (d. December 14, 2004) is born. Dubbed as "The King of Philippine Movies," Poe is also popularly known as FPJ and Da King. In many of his movies, Poe played a character who champions the cause of the masses. Through the years, Poe developed a screen persona that propelled him to box-office and critical success.

Poe is also one of the few actors who ventured into film production. As a result, he developed an archive that includes almost 200 titles. Poe also directed some of his movies under the name Ronwaldo Reyes. In 2004, Poe unsuccessfully ran for President of the Philippines against the incumbent Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. In 2006, he was was posthumously declared by Macapagal-Arroyo as a National Artist of the Philippines for Film. Six years later, President Benigno Aquino III confirmed the award.

Aug. 21, 1971: An explosion during a Liberal Party campaign rally kills nine people and injuring 95 others in Plaza Miranda, Manila. Among those injured on the campaign stage were senatorial candidates Jovito Salonga, Eddie Ilarde, and Eva Estrada-Kalaw. Party president Gerardo Roxas and mayoral candidate Ramon Bagatsing were also injured.

Aug. 21, 1983: Opposition leader Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. (b. November 27, 1932) is assassinated at the Manila International Airport upon returning from the United States. After the imposition of Martial Law in 1972, Ninoy was arrested and incarcerated, along with other dissidents. Seven years later, he was allowed to travel to the U.S. for medical treatment following a heart attack. Aquino stayed there until 1983.

Ninoy's assassination put his widow, Corazon "Cory" Aquino, into the political arena. Cory run against the incumbent Ferdinand Marcos in the 1986 snap elections. Allegations of massive electoral fraud contributed to the People Power Revolution which ousted Marcos. In honor of Ninoy, Manila International Airport has  been renamed Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The anniversary of his death is now a national holiday in the Philippines.

Aug. 21, 1988:  Guitarist and songwriter Teodoro "Teddy" de Villa Diaz (b. April 1, 1963), a founding member of the band The Dawn, is stabbed to death in Quezon City.

This Week in Philippine History and Culture (August 8 to 14)

Aug. 8, 1927: The Manila Stock Exchange, Inc. (MSE) is established by W. Eric Little, Gordon W. Mackay, John J. Russell, Frank W. Wakefield and W.P.G. Elliot. MSE, along with the Makati Stock Exchange is a precursor of the Philippine Stock Exchange.


Aug. 8, 1967: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a geopolitical and economic organization is formed by Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. Membership in the ASEAN has grown to include Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.


Aug. 10, 1519: Ferdinand Magellan's five ships set sail from Seville in an attempt to circumnavigate the globe. The five ships were Trinidad, San Antonio, Concepcion, Santiago, and Victoria.Juan Sebastian Elcano will complete the expedition after Magellan's death in April 1521 in the island of Mactan.


Aug. 11, 1976: Actor and dancer Virgilio Hilario Jr., more popularly known by his nickname Jhong, is born. Jhong Hilario is a member of the dance group Streetboys in the Philippines. Hilario also ventured into portraying character roles on movies and television. He is now one of the hosts of the variety program It's Showtime.


Aug. 12, 1969: Actor and product endorser  Ariel Aquino "Aga" Muhlach is born in Manila. Despite his matinee idol image, Aga Muhlach also won awards such as the FAMAS Best Actor award for the 1992 film Sinungaling Mong Puso and the Gawad Urian Best Actor award for the 1995 film Sana Maulit Muli. Muhlach is also known for topbilling the defunct sitcom Oki Doki Doc.


Aug. 12, 1982: Actress and television host Maria Izzadora "Iza" Usher Calzado is born in Quezon City. Iza Calzado started her showbiz career as a homegrown contract artist of GMA Network. In 2012, she transferred to ABS-CBN. Calzado will host the upcoming The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition: Doubles.


Aug. 12, 1984: Marian Rivera, one of GMA Network's prime artists, is born in Madrid, Spain. Aside from being a movie and television actress, Rivera is also one of the country's leading product endorsers. She also released two studio albums, namely,  Marian Rivera Dance Hits and Retro Crazy.

In 2013, Rivera was again named as FHM Philippines' Sexiest Woman in the World. She first gained that recognition four years ago.


Aug. 13, 1898: Spanish and American forces engaged in a mock battle for Manila as part of the Spanish-American War. After the mock battle, the Spanish forces capitulated in order to prevent Filipino revolutionaries from entering the city.


Aug. 13, 2012: Salvador H. Escudero III (b. December 18, 1942), a former Cabinet official and incumbent Congressman, dies in Quezon City. Escudero was Minister of Food and Agriculture from 1984 to 1986 under President Ferdinand E. Marcos. He served as Secretary of Agriculture from 1996 to 1998 under President Fidel V. Ramos.

Escudero represented the First District of Sorsogon in Congress from 1984 to 1998; and from 2007 up until his death in 2012.

The Last Nine Days of April in Philippine History and Culture (April 22 to 30)

Apr. 22, 1970: Singer and actress Regine Velasquez, known by the moniker "Asia's Songbird" is born in Manila. According to the Philippine Association of the Record Industry, Velasquez is the country's Best-Selling Female Artist of All Time in the Philippines. Aside from selling more than 7,000,000 albums in the country, Velasquez has sold more than 1,500,000 albums in other Asian countries.

Apr. 23, 1946: Manuel Roxas is elected the last President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines and first President of the Third Philippine Republic. Roxas, standard-bearer of the Liberal wing of Nacionalista Party, clinched 54.94% of the vote. Sergio Osmeña of the said party's conservative wing garnered 45.71%, while Hilario Moncado of Partido Modernista had 0.35%.

Apr. 23, 1934: Song composer George Canseco (d. November 19, 2004) is born in the town of Naic in Cavite province. About 300 songs are credited to Canseco's name. Many Filipino singers' rise to popularity is also attributed to Canseco's works such as Ngayon at Kailanman, Hanggang sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan, Anak, Langis at Tubig, and Kastilyong Buhangin.

Apr. 23, 1985: Film and television actress Angel Locsin (born Angelica Colmenares) is born in the town of Sta. Maria in Bulacan province. Locsin is best-known for portraying the superheroine Darna in GMA Network's eponymous television series. Now a part of ABS-CBN's roster of talents, Locsin is also a perennial topnotcher in FHM Philippines' Sexiest Woman of the World list.

Apr. 24, 1972: Fernando Amorsolo (b. May 30, 1892), the first Filipino to be distinguished as National Artist of the Philippines, dies in Manila. Amorsolo was known for portraying rural scenes and landscapes in a very idyllic setting. His most enduring legacy is the image of St. Michael vanquishing Lucifer on the label of the Ginebra San Miguel gin.

Apr. 25, 1994: An Angeles City court finds actor Robin Padilla guilty of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The court meted out a minimum jail term of 17 years, four months, and one day.

Apr. 26, 1945:  Filipino troops of the 66th Infantry Regiment, Philippine Commonwealth Army, USAFIP-NL and the American troops of the 33rd and 37th Infantry Division, United States Army was liberated in Baguio City. Together, they fought Japanese forces that were led by General Tomoyuki Yamashita.

Apr. 26, 1995: Actor and recording artist Daniel Padilla is born in Manila. Padilla's team-up with Kathryn Bernardo was launched in the 2013 movie Must Be ... Love. He will also headline a birthday concert titled "Daniel Live!"

Apr. 27, 1521: Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan is killed by natives led by chief Lapu-Lapu in the island of Mactan. At that time Magellan was leading an expedition to sail from the Atlantic Ocean into the Pacific Ocean. Juan Sebastian Elcano continued the expedition, which turned out to be the first circumnavigation of the globe.

Apr. 27, 1565: Explorers led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi establishes in Cebu the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines. Cebu was eventually renamed Villa del Santíssimo Nombre de Jesus (Town of the Most Holy Name of Jesus).

Apr. 28, 1611: Miguel de Benavides, the Archbishop of Manila, establishes the Colegio de Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario, which was elevated by Pope Innocent X to a university, A La Real y Pontificia Universidad de Santo Tomas de Aquino, in 1645. The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines, is now popularly known as the University of Santo Tomas.

Apr. 28, 1949: Aurora Quezon, former First Lady of the Philippines,  is assassinated while on the way to Baler, Tayabas (now part of Aurora province) to dedicate a hospital in memory of her late husband, President Manuel L. Quezon.

Apr. 28, 1954: Comedian and producer Vic Sotto, popularly known as "Bossing," is born.

Apr. 30, 1937: The Philippines conducts a plebiscite for Filipino women on whether they should be extended the right to suffrage. More than 90% would vote in the affirmative.

Apr. 30, 1910: Composer and lyricist Levi Celerio (d. April 2, 2002) is born.

This Week in Philippine History and Culture (April 15 to 21)

Apr. 15, 1900: During the Philippine-American War, Filipino guerrillas led by Domingo Rebadulla instigate a surprise attack on U.S. 43rd Infantry Regiment and start a four-day siege of Catubig in the northern part of Samar island. Later known as the Siege of Catubig, the conflict claimed the lives of about 150 Filipinos and at least 21 Americans.

Apr. 15, 1985: Movie and television actress Rosemarie Joy Garcia, better known as Diana Zubiri, is born in the province of Bulacan. Zubiri's fame started to rise in 2002, when she posed on top of the EDSA-Shaw flyover in Mandaluyong City, wearing only a two-piece bikini, for FHM Philippines magazine. The ensuing controversy motivated the city mayor to file charges against her and the magazine. The charges were later withdrawn.

A discovery of Seiko Films, most entries in her filmography are sex-oriented movies produced by Seiko Films. Some of these movies are Itlog, Bakat, and Kasiping in 2002 Liberated in 2003, Liberated 2 in 2004, and Bikini Open in 2005. On television, Zubiri was part of the cast of the fantasy series Encantadia and the sitcom Bubble Gang, both on GMA Network. She is now with the cast of the ABS-CBN soap Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin.

Apr. 15, 1962: Journalist and politician Arsenio H. Lacson (b. December 26, 1912), the first mayor of Manila to be elected three times, dies at a hotel suite in the city. His career as a journalist started when he worked as a sportswriter before the start of the Second World War. Lacson then joined the military resistance against the Japanese Imperial Army. Lacson resumed his career after the war by hosting the social and political commentary radio program In this Corner.

In 1949, Lacson was elected to the House as representative of the Second District of Manila. Two years later, Lacson was elected as mayor of the City Manila. He won his reelection bids in 1955 and 1959. Lacson considered running in the 1957 presidential elections, but ruled against that possibility due to the lack of funds and machinery.

Apr. 16, 1899: Emilio Jacinto (d. Dec. 15, 1875), a Filipino revolutionary and writer known as the "Brains of the Katipunan," is born in Manila. At the age of 19, Jacinto joined the secret society and later became the advisor of leader Andres Bonifaction on fiscal matters. As a member of Katipinan, Jacinto assumed the alias Pingkian (Tagalog for "friction" or "flint"). He wrote for Kalayaan (Independence), the Katipunan newspaper, under the pseudonym Dimasilaw.

Apr. 18, 1877: Vicente Sotto (d. May 28, 1950), a senator who became the main author of Press Freedom Law, is born in Cebu City. He served in the Senate of the Philippines from 1946 to 1950. Sotto was also known for establishing La Justicia, the first newspaper to be published in Cebu by a Filipino citizen in 1899.

Other periodicals Sotto established include El Nacional, The Philippine Republic, and The Independent. Aside from being a politician, Sotto was also a playwright and short story writer. Among his works are Paghigugma sa Yutang Natawhan (Love of Native Land), Maming, and Elena, the first Cebuano play.

Apr. 19, 1937: Joseph Estrada, the 13th President of the Philippines, is born in Tondo, Manila. Estrada is the first movie actor to be elected to that position. One of Estrada's most famous movie roles was Asiong Salonga, which is also the title of the 1961 movie that catapulted him to stardom. His movie roles are typically those of a person of simple means who fights the corrupt elite.

Estrada's political career began in 1969 when he was elected mayor of the town (now city) of San Juan. He held this post until 1986. From 1987 to 1992, he served as Senator in the 8th Congress of the Philippines. Estrada was elected as for a six-year term as Vice President in 1992. He won in 1998 a six-year term as President, but was ousted by the so-called People Power 2 in 2001 over charges of plunder.

Apr. 19, 1990: Chinese-Filipino television and film actress Kim Chiu is born in Tacloban City. Chiu's fame rise after being declared as Big Winner in the reality program Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition in 2006. She went on to star in various ABS-CBN programs and Star Cinema movies. Chiu is currently seen in the primetime series Ina, Kapatid, Anak (Mother, Sibling, Child).

Apr. 19, 1994: A Quezon City court finds Fernando Galera, a 26-year-old fish vendor, guilty of rape and robbery. Judge Maximiano Asuncion meted the death sentence, the first since the Philippines restored capital punishment in 1993.

Apr. 21, 900: The Gregorian calendar date which is indicated in the the Laguna Copperplate Inscription, the earliest known document found in the Philippines. According to this document, "The Honorable Namwaran and his children, Lady Angkatan and Bukah, are granted pardon from all their debts by the Commander in chief of Tundun, as represented by the Honourable Jayadewa, Lord Minister of Pailah..."

Apr. 21, 1942: The most well-known - and first international - Aggie Muster is conducted in the island of Corregidor. Aggie Muster is a tradition at Texas A&M University which celebrates the camaraderie within the institution while commemorating the lives of Aggies who have died in the past year. In that year, Brig. Gen. George F. Moore led the observance, along with 25 fellow Texas A&M graduates who are under his command. The Aggie Muster was done while 1.8 million pounds of shells pounded the island over a five-hour attack.

Apr. 21, 1976: Professional basketball player Rommel Adducul is born in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. Adducul's professional career when he joined the Manila Metrostars team at the (now-defunct) Metropolitan Basketball Association in 1998. He played a key role in the team win as league champions in 1999. After the league's dissolution in 2002, Adducul joined the Philippine Basketball Association draft in 2003. He was then picked by the Barangay Ginebra team. Adducul also played for San Miguel Beermen, Red Bull Barako, and Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants. He is now part of the GlobalPort Batang Pier team.

Apr. 21, 1981:  Actor, television host, and model Luis Manzano is born in the town (now city) of San Juan, Metro Manila. Manzano is one of the most visible personalities in ABS-CBN as host of Minute to Win It, Kapamilya: Deal or No Deal, and co-host of Pilipinas Got Talent Season 4. Moreover, his filmography includes box-office hits such as Ang Cute ng Ina Mo, In My Life, and This Guy's in Love with U Mare!

This Week in Philippine History and Culture (April 8 to 14)

Apr. 9, 1942: The Battle of Bataan ends with the capitulation of joint United States and Philippine military forces to the Japanese Imperial Army. More than 60,000 Filipino and 15,000 American prisoners of war were then forced into the infamous Bataan Death March. The surrender in Bataan accelerated the fall of Corregidor island, a month later on May 6.

The event is observed every April 9 as a public holiday (Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor) by virtue of Executive Order No. 203, which was enacted on June 30, 1987.

Apr. 9, 1975: The first two games of the Philippine Basketball Association takes place at the Araneta Coliseum. The very first match pitted the Mariwasa-Noritake Porcelain Makers and Concepcion Carrier Weathermakers against each other. Joy Dionisio made the first shot for the Weathermakers. The Porcelain Makers, however, beat the Weathermakers, 101-98. In the second game, the Toyota Comets defeated the Universal Textiles Weavers, 105-101.

Other teams in the leagues inaugural season include Consolidated Foods Company Presto Ice Cream Makers, Crispa-Floro Redmanizers, Royal Tru-Orange Orangemen, Seven-Up Uncolas, and Tanduay Distillers.

Apr. 12, 1989: Dominic and Felix Roco, twin sons of actor Bembol Roco is born in Cebu, Philippines. They started their career in the entertainment industry through the reality dating program Qpids in 2005. Dominic is now seen mostly in GMA Network's programs, while Felix is recently seen in ABS-CBN's Angelito: Ang Batang Ama.

April 12, 2010: Veteran comedian Reynaldo Alfredo R. Hipolito Sr. (b. September 4, 1934), better known as Palito, dies in Manila. Known for having a thin frame, his screen name is the Tagalog word for matchstick. Typically cast as a zombie/corpse or sidekick roles, Palito also had his share of lead roles in action-comedy movies.

Some movies in which Palito was lead actor include Rambuto (a pun on Rambo with buto being the Tagalog word for bone) , No Blood … No Surrender, Kumander Kalansalay, James Bone (spoof of James Bond film series), and Walang Matigas na Buto sa Gutom na Aso (There's No Hard Bone to a Hungry Dog).

This Week in Philippine History and Culture (April 1 to 7)

Apr. 1, 1962: Avelino B. "Samboy" Lim, Jr., a former player for the San Miguel Beermen team in the Philippine Basketball Association, is born. Lim's career spanned more than a decade, from 1986 to 1997. Nicknamed "The Skywalker" because of his shooting skills, Lim also became popular for wearing knee-high socks.

Apr. 1, 1963: Teddy Diaz (d. August 21, 1988), a founding guitarist and songwriter of rock band The Dawn, is born.

Apr. 1, 1978: The Philippine College of Commerce, through Presidential Decree 1341, is converted into a chartered state university, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

Apr. 2, 1788: Francisco Balagtas (d. February 20, 1862), author of the epic Florante at Laura is born in Barrio Panginay, Bigaa (now Balagtas), Bulacan. Another legacy of Balagtas is Balagtasan, a debate that is recited through poetry.

Apr. 2, 1672: Saint Pedro Calungsod (b. 1654), the second Filipino saint (after Lorenzo Ruiz) is killed while conducting Catholic missionary work in Tumon, Guam. Calungsod was formally beatified on March 5, 2000 by Blessed Pope John Paul II. He was officially canonized by Pope Benedict XVI at Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City on October 21, 2012.

Apr. 2, 1976: Singer and actress Geneva Cruz is born in Manila. Cruz's career started with the now-defunct music group Smokey Mountain. As her popularity soared higher, Cruz's also ventured into television and movies.

Apr. 2, 2002: Levi Celerio (b. April 30, 1910), National Artist for Music and Literature, dies in Quezon City. Aside from being a composer, Celerio had over 4,000 songs to his credit. Celerio's ability to play music using leaves earned him an entry to the Guinness Book of World Records.

Apr. 3, 1939: Film director Lino Brocka (d. May 21, 1991) is born in the town of Pilar, Sorsogon province. Two among Brocka's works are the first Filipino entries to become part of the Directors' Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival: Insiang in 1978 and Bona in 1981. Another two are the first ones to get nominated for the festival's Palm D'Or award: Jaguar in 1980, and Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim (My Country: Clasping the Blade) in 1984.

Apr. 3, 1942: Japanese forces started to attack the United States and Filipino troops on the Bataan Peninsula, leading to the joint forces' capitulation six days later.

Apr. 3, 1946: Lt. General Masaharu Homma (b. November 27, 1888) of the Japanese Imperial Army is executed in Los Baños, Laguna for leading the Bataan Death March in 1942.

Apr. 3, 1994: Former New People's Army leader Leopoldo "Ka Hector" Mabilangan is shot to death at the front of St. Thomas Church in Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

Apr. 5, 1947: Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the 14th President of the Republic of the Philippines is born in the town of San Juan, Rizal province (now part of Metro Manila). Macapagal-Arroyo assumed and finished the term of Joseph Estrada, who was ousted by a popular revolt in 2001. She got elected to a fresh six-year term in 2004.

Apr. 5, 1971: Poet and rock musician Westdon Martin Abay, better known as Dong Abay, is born in Manila. Abay is a founding member, songwriter and lead vocalist of the band Yano, which became popular because of hit songs such as Tsinelas (Slippers) and Banal na Aso, Santong Kabayo (Holy Dog, Saintly Horse).

Apr. 6, 1988: Television personality Melisa "Melai" Cantiveros is born in General Santos City, South Cotabato province. Cantiveros' career started  to rise after becoming the Big Winner in the reality program Pinoy Big Brother in 2010. She is also the other half of the Melason love team, opposite Jason Francisco, whom she met in the Big Brother house.

This Week in Philippine History and Culture (March 24 to 31)

Mar. 24, 1934: The U.S. Congress passes the Tydings-McDuffie Act allowing the Philippines to become a self-governing commonwealth. On November 15, 1935 the Philippine Commonwealth is inaugurated with Manuel L. Quezon as President and Sergio Osmeña as Vice-President.

Mar. 24, 1990: Film and television actor Aljur Abrenica is born in Angeles City, Pampanga. A product of the reality-based talent-search program Starstruck, Abrenica went on to become a contract artist for GMA Network. He also appears in Regal Films' productions.

Mar. 25, 1935: Internationally renowned Filipino boxing icon Gabriel "Flash" Elorde (d. January 2, 1985) is born in Bogo, Cebu. On March 16, 1960, about 30,000 spectators at the newly built Araneta Coliseum witnessed Elorde's victory over Harold Gomes for the world junior-lightweight title. Elorde held the title until 1967.

Mar. 26, 1989: Filipino-Italian film and television actor Matteo Guidicelli is born in Cebu. Prior to venturing into show business, Guidicelli was known for being a racer. Guidicelli was recently seen in the ABS-CBN series Paraiso.

Mar. 26, 1996: Film and television actress Kathryn Chandria Manuel Bernardo, popularly known as Kathryn Bernardo is born in in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. She is best known for playing the role of Mikay (later Princess Areeyah) in the primetime series Princess and I. Bernardo's most recent movie is Must Be ... Love, opposite Daniel Padilla.

Mar. 27, 1899: The Battle of Marilao River is waged. That was the only time Emilio Aguinaldo, President of the First Philippine Republic and leader of the resistance to the Americans, led Filipino forces during the Philippine-American War.

Mar. 29, 1911: Actor and musician Tito Arevalo (d. December 4, 2000) is born in Tondo, Manila. He won the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Award for Musical Scoring five times during a period spanning 1961 to 1972.

Mar. 29, 2002: Film and television actor Rico Yan (b. March 14, 1975) dies of pancreatitis in Palawan. At the time of his death, Yan was under an exclusive contract with the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Network. Yan's last movie appearance was with real-life girlfriend Claudine Barretto in the Star Cinema production Got 2 Believe.

Mar. 30, 1951: Broadcast journalist Tina Monzon-Palma is born. Monzon-Palma is also program director of the Bantay Bata 163 and Sagip Kapamilya public service initiatives of the ABS-CBN Foundation.

Mar. 31, 1899: As the Philippine-American War rages on, American forces capture Malolos, the capital of the First Philippine Republic.

Mar. 31, 1976: Comedian, television and movie personality Jose Marie Borja-Viceral, popularly known as Vice Ganda or Vice, is born in Manila. Vice Ganda is a regular host/judge on the noontime variety show It's Showtime and host of weekly talk show Gandang Gabi Vice! He is also part of the main cast of two of the highest-grossing films in Philippine cinema: The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin, This Guy's in Love with U Mare! and Sisterakas.

This Week in Philippine History and Culture (March 17 to 23)

Mar. 17, 1953: Revolutionary socialist and labor leader Filemon "Ka Popoy" Lagman (d. February 6, 2001) is born. Lagman was known for establishing the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP) and the multi-sectoral group Sanlakas after splitting with the Communist Party of the Philippines. 

Mar. 17, 1957: Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay (b. August 31, 1907), along with 24 others, dies in a plane crash in Mt. Manunggal in Cebu. Magsaysay was on the way to Manila early that morning after having speaking engagements in Cebu City on March 16. He boarded the presidential plane Mt. Pinatubo, which was named after a then-dormant volcano in his home province of Zambales.

Mar. 17, 1973: Rico Blanco, former lead vocalist of rock band Rivermaya is born. Blanco was one of the founding members of the band, in which he also assumed the roles of keyboardist, guitarist and songwriter from 1993 to 2007. Aside from being part of the ongoing ABS-CBN drama series May Isang Pangarap, Blanco is also host-judge in TV5's Kanta Pilipinas.

Mar. 18, 1928: Fidel V. Ramos, the 12th President of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998, is born in Lingayen, Pangasinan. Prior to being elected President, Ramos served for the military in various capacities for more than three decades. Ramos is also the first Protestant President to lead a predominantly Catholic Philippines. 

Mar. 18, 1994: World-renowned Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti performs at the Philippine International Convention Center. 

Mar. 18, 1996: A fire in the Ozone Disco nightclub in Quezon City kills 162 people, many of whom are young people celebrating their school graduation. The incident later became known in media circles as the Ozone Disco Tragedy.

Mar. 19, 1995: Television and film actress Mara Hautea Schnittka , better known by her stage name Julia Montes, is born in Quezon City, Philippines). She was part of the children's gag show Goin' Bulilit before portraying the role of Clara in the remake of Mara Clara (opposite Kathryn Bernardo). Montes was Coco Martin's leading lady in the recently concluded series, Walang Hanggan.

Mar. 20, 1942: General Douglas MacArthur, Commander of the U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, makes a speech in Terowie, South Australia where he says, "I came out of Bataan and I shall return." At that time, the Philippine Commonwealth was in exile in Australia following the invasion of the Philippines by the Japanese Imperial Army. His return happened two years later, on October 20, 1944, in the shores of Palo, Leyte. The event is depicted in the obverse side of the 50-peso bill.

Mar. 21, 1978: Film and television actress Joyce Jimenez is born in Los Angeles, California. Jimenez's career in Philippine show business spanned more than a decade since the mid-1990s. She is known for playing the lead roles in many sex-oriented films such as Scorpio Nights 2 (1999), Warat (1999), and Biyaheng Langit (2000).

Mar. 22, 1869: Emilio Aguinaldo, the first President of the Philippines, is born in the town of Cavite El Viejo (now Kawit) in Cavite province. Aguinaldo declared the independence of the Philippines in 1898. He later led the First Philippine Republic's military resistance to the Americans.

Mar. 23, 1901: Emilio Aguinaldo, President of the First Philippine Republic and leader of the resistance to the Americans, was captured in Palanan, Isabela by forces of General Frederick Funston. Aguinaldo later took an oath of allegiance to the United States on April 19, 1901, effectively dissolving the First Philippine Republic and recognizing the sovereignty of the United States over the Philippines.

Mar. 23,1935: The Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Philippines is signed. It provided for a unicameral National Assembly and the President was elected to a six-year term without re-election. It was amended in 1940 to have a bicameral Congress composed of a Senate and House of Representatives, as well the creation of an independent electoral commission (now known as the COMELEC).

The amendment granted the President a four-year term with a maximum of two consecutive terms in office. The 1935 Constitution was also adopted by the Third Philippine Republic from 1946 to 1972, the year when it was suspended through President Ferdinand Marcos' declaration of martial law.

Miscellaneous Dates in Philippine History

* January 17, 1981: President Ferdinand Marcos lifts martial law eight years and five months after declaring it.

* January 19, 1607: San Agustin Church in Manila is officially completed. The Church building still stands up to this day.

* January 20, 2001: President Joseph Estrada is ousted in a nonviolent four-day revolution. Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo succeeded Estrada.

* January 23, 1899: The Malolos Constitution is inaugurated at the Barasoain Church. As the First Philippine Republic is established, Emilio Aguinaldo is sworn in as its President.

* January 25, 1933: Corazon "Cory" Aquino, the 11th President and first woman president of the Philippines, is born.