Unknown Filipino Hero: Jose Maria Basa

 

Jose Maria Basa

Patriot; Hero-Smuggler

(1839 - 1907)

A successful merchant and the so-called “smuggler of the Filipino Revolution,” and one of the pillars of the propaganda movement, José Ma. Bása was instrumental in getting copies of the newspaper La Solidaridad, published by Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar, and others, sent to the Philippines every other week from Madrid, Spain. Basa also came up with a creative way to secretly smuggle and distribute copies of Rizal’s novels Noli me Tangere and El Filibusterismo to the Philippines.

Jose Maria Basa was a close friend of Jose Rizal and went on to become the family's most famous member. His smuggling of copies of Jose Rizal's writings, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, into the Philippines and his use of his Hong Kong mansion as a center of operations for Filipino revolutionaries are arguably his biggest contributions to Philippine history.

Jose Ma. Basa's greatest contribution to history was his smuggling of banned copies of Jose Rizal's novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, into the Philippines. As a wealthy merchant based in Hong Kong, he facilitated the entry of this subversive literature, which significantly fueled the Filipino nationalist consciousness against Spanish colonial rule. 

Birth and Early Years

José Ma. Matias Basa, a Spanish mestizo, and Joaquina San Agustin welcomed Basa into the world on December 19, 1839, in the busy streets of Binondo, Manila. He was a clever young man who graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a bachelor's degree in philosophy. By the time he was 20, he was running his family's successful distillery. In the shadow of Spanish colonialism, this early promise blossomed into a life of quiet bravery.

Thirst for Reform and Exile

Basa's merchant heart inspired bold ventures, but his spirit burned for reform, joining the Comite de Reformadores to advocate for Philippine autonomy and the rights of the native clergy. He smuggled out issues of El Eco Filipino, a liberal newspaper published in Spain by his brother-in-law Federico Lerma, husband of Basa's sister Rafaela, to avoid prying eyes. The 1872 Cavite mutiny cast a dark shadow; he was accused with Fr. Jose Burgos and others of plotting a revolution that led to the execution of the three priests GomBurZa (Gomez, Burgos, Zamora). Since Father Jose Burgos was also part of the said committee, Basa was implicated in the persecution of the said priest, and after the execution of the three priests Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora, Basa was among those exiled to the Marianas. Basa spent two years in the Marianas before going to Hong Kong. He endured arrest on trumped-up charges, exile to the Marianas, and later refuge in Hong Kong.

As a smuggler of enlightenment, Basa skillfully orchestrated his greatest works in Hong Kong's harbors, sneaking full shipments of Rizal's Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo past Spanish patrols through bribed officials and devoted Filipino sailors, as well as La Solidaridad editions and his own powerful anti-friar pamphlets that boldly exposed clerical abuses. His home turned into a beacon that welcomed exiles, and the Propaganda Movement's ferocious flame for equality, justice, and change was ignited by his extensive networks, which were skillfully and boldly weaved to spread these waking words like seeds throughout Manila and the provinces. His imaginative writings continued even in later years, when he was confined to a wheelchair due to a leg tumor. In 1898, he called for American protectorate, envisioning the bright light of democracy for his own country. Basa thought that the US government was the world's most liberal and compassionate democracy. In order to support the protectorate of the Philippines, he and a number of other Filipinos even made financial offers to the US government. They also wanted to become citizens of the United States.

Legal Battle

Ma Jose. Basa was personally embroiled in a dramatic legal battle. In order to obtain her fortune from her murdered husband, Josephine Bracken, Rizal's common-law wife, sued Rizal's family after his death. Jose Ma was one of her demands. Rizal trusted Basa with his vast and costly library, which she turned over to her. Rizal's Austrian friend Ferdinand Blumentritt received a series of letters from Josephine pleading with him to act on her behalf over Rizal's vast book collection. The case was dropped as Josephine could not produce documentation of her marriage to Rizal.

Death

Basa remained in Hong Kong and only visited the Philippines in 1888 and 1889. He contracted pneumonia and died on 10 July 1907. Eight years later, his remains were buried in the Cementerio del Norte, Manila on 18 April 1915.

Legacy

A street in Iloilo City was named in his honor now known as JM Basa St.

The street in Iloilo City named after the patriotic and nationalistic Jose Maria Basa

Sources:

"Basa, Jose Ma". CulturEd: Philippine Cultural Education Online. Retrieved 2026-01-25.

"Jose Ma. Basa was born in Binondo, Manila December 19, 1839". The Kahimyang Project. 2011-12-19. Retrieved 2026-01-25.

Doyo, Ma Ceres P. (2012-06-12). "Jose Ma. Basa: Hero-smuggler of Propaganda Movement". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2026-01-25.

"Patriot in Shadows". WVSU Maaram. Retrieved 01/26/2026. https://www.facebook.com/wvsumaaram/posts/patriot-in-shadowsjos%C3%A9-ma-basa-entered-the-world-on-december-19-1839-in-the-bust/837752312380281/

Unknown Filipino Hero: Candido Tirona

 

Candido Tirona

Revolutionary General and Secretary of War

(1863 - 1896)

Candido Tría Tirona y Mata was a Filipino revolutionary leader who participated and died in the Battle of Binakayan-Dalahican during the Philippine Revolution. He was a secretary of war in Magdalo chapter of the Katipunan and a close friend of Emilio Aguinaldo.

Early Years

Candido Tirona was born in Kawit, Cavite, on October 29, 1863 to Don Estanislao Tirona and Juana Mata. His father was a capitan municipal of Cavite Viejo. His brother Daniel Tirona also became a general in the revolution.

While studying in Manila, Candido's father died. He was forced to stop studying to manage the vast plantations and fisheries.

Call to Battle

The call to war came to Candido when the Katipunan was founded. He became known as a member of the Magdalo Group led by General Emilio Aguinaldo. He was close to General Aguinaldo because when he took office as Capitan Municipal of Kawit, Candido became a councilor.

When the Katipunan was exposed to the Spaniards, Governor General Ramon Blanco declared martial law in the provinces. This included Cavite. The arrival of many Spanish troops in Manila was taken advantage of by Candido to disarm the Guardia Civil who remained at the Tribunal.

Local Election in Cavite

When the elections were held in Kawit, Candido won as president. The former president, General Aguinaldo, had to serve as the commander of the battle.

For the courage shown in the battles in Imus and Talisay, he was appointed Secretary of War. On his shoulders fell the responsibility of providing food, ammunition and weapons to the fighting Katipuneros.

Battle of Binakayan and Death

Once, while Candido was going from town to town, he received a message that the Spaniards were going to attack Binakayan. He quickly joined forces with General Emilio Aguinaldo and General Pio del Pilar to build trenches to prevent the enemy's attack.

On the morning of November 10, 1896, the Spaniards did attack. Candido defended the left flank of Binakayan. General Aguinaldo held the center and the right flank was supported by Gen. Pio del Pilar.

The Spaniards fired on the Katipuneros. The Filipinos did not budge. Each time they were hit, they became more courageous. As the battle intensified, General Aguinaldo reminded Candido to be careful in the fight. He returned the warning to the tree when it also reminded him, "Be careful, General."

Even though the soldiers led by the three Filipino leaders were far apart, they improved their strategies in warfare. When the smoke of the battle cleared, it was only then that it was learned that while fifty Filipinos had died, hundreds of Spaniards had lost their lives in the horrific conflict. Although the Filipino revolutionaries were rejoicing in their victory, everyone was saddened that Candido was among the fallen Katipuneros.

During the Philippine Revolution against Spain on November 10, 1896, Candido Tirona, a Filipino commander and revolutionary, was killed by a Spanish soldier stabbing him in the neck with a bayonet during the Battle of Binakayan-Dalahican in Cavite. He and his older brother Daniel Tirona supported Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo's Magdalo group and assisted in enlisting Filipinos in the Katipunan.

Ramon Blanco's soldiers were soundly defeated during the November 9–11, 1896, Battle of Binakayan. In addition to Tirona, the battle was fought by Emilio Aguinaldo, the commanding general, Pio del Pilar, Vito Belarmino, Crispulo Aguinaldo, Baldomero Aguinaldo, and Pantaleon Garcia.

The Filipino revolutionaries commanded by Emilio Aguinaldo achieved their first clear victory over the Spanish in Cavite during the Battle of Binakayan.

Even though the clan he belonged to was wealthy, Candido Tirona still sacrificed his life for the sake of the liberation of the people.

If you dedicate your last breath to the people, it can be said that you have upheld your heroism. That is what Candido Tirona did, which is why the people appreciate him.

Media

He was portrayed by Ronnie Lazaro in the 2012 Mark Meily's film El Presidente. 

Sources:

"Candido Tria Tirona died in Binakayan battle November 10, 1896". The Kahimyang Project. 7 November 2012. Retrieved 9 February 2022.

"Talambuhay ni Candido Tirona - Bayani - Pinoy Edition". www.pinoyedition.com. Retrieved 2026-01-19.

"Who Is General Candido Tirona?". Bluedreamer27.com. Retrieved 9 February 2022.

Unknown Filipino Hero: Leandro Fullon

 

Leandro Fullon

Hero and Liberator of Antique

(1874 - 1904)

During the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine-American War, Leandro Fullón y Locsín, a general and government administrator from the Philippines, battled both the Spanish and the American invasion army.

Fullón, a Katipunan member, assisted in setting up the Philippines' first revolutionary government. He founded a Revolutionary Provincial Government in Antique after leading the invading army to Panay. Later, from 1901 until 1904, Fullón served as the Province of Antique's first Filipino governor.

Early Years and Education

Justo Guerrero Fullon and Fausta Gerona Locsin welcomed Leandro Fullón into the world on March 13, 1874, in Hamtic, Antique. Before moving to Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Manila in 1896, he attended Ateneo Municipal de Manila.

Personal Life

Fullon wed Petra Francisco, the daughter of Evaristo Francisco and Margarita Dairo, a well-known Binondo, Manila family, at the age of 22.

Conflict with Spain

General Emilio Aguinaldo sent Fullón, who was now a general in the Philippine troops, on September 6, 1898, and he returned to Antique with 350 men and 140 officers. Numerous local volunteers joined his army after he arrived in Antique on September 21.

In Pandan and Culasi, Fullón installed a revolutionary government. Fullón's troops took San Jose de Buenavista on November 22, 1898. Together with Vicente Gella (representative to the Malolos Congress), Anacleto Villavert Jiménez and José Gontanilla (Council of Justice), Anselmo Alicante (Council of Internal Revenue), and Santos Capadocia (vice governor), he established a Revolutionary Provincial Government.

In San Miguel, Pavia, and outside of Jaro in Iloilo City, Fullón's troops engaged the Spanish. Later, Fullón was named Politico-Military Governor of Antique by the new revolutionary administration in the Visayas.

Conflict with United States

The Spanish-American War came to a conclusion on December 10, 1898, when Spain gave the Philippines to the United States. Fullón joined the resistance on February 11, 1899, when American forces stormed Iloilo. He went back to battle in Antique at the beginning of 1900. Fullón and the other resistance fighter were compelled to surrender on March 22, 1901.

The American government named Fullón Provincial Governor of Antique on April 15, 1901. He served as governor until his death on October 16, 1904, at the age of thirty. The province was badly impacted by the cholera outbreak in 1902 and the escalating religious hostilities between Roman Catholics and Aglipayans during his tenure. Additionally, Fullon disclosed that most pueblo officials did not approve of the amalgamation of the municipalities under the province.

Since 1901, a number of disasters have severely damaged the province's finances by destroying almost all farmland. Less than half of the plantations were spread out in 1903 due to the cholera outbreak and fevers, which first appeared in May and peaked during the planting season.

— Leandro Fullon, Annual Report of the Governor of the Province of Antique (July 15, 1904)

Death

General Leandro Fullon, the liberator of Antique and its first Filipino governor, died on October 16, 1904, at the age of 30. 

The exact cause of his death is often linked to the severe health crises affecting his province at the time. Historical records and local accounts state the following: 

Disease: During his term as governor, Antique was ravaged by a major cholera epidemic and persistent fevers.

Circumstances: He died in office while managing the province's recovery from these epidemics and other natural calamities.

While some sources list his cause of death generally as "disease" during this period of epidemic, others specifically associate his passing with the health struggles prevalent in Antique in 1904. 

Philippine Mythological Creature: Tagareso (Bagobo)

 

The Tagareso is a type of malevolent spirit, or buso, in the traditional folklore of the Bagobo people of Mindanao, Philippines. This entity is known for causing social discord and personal distress.

On festive occasions, Tagareso is an ugly devil who incites animosity and a combative spirit. In order to make married men desire to flee and abandon their wives, he tries to make them unhappy.

Anger and small acts of wickedness are caused by a class of low spirits called Tagareso.  Sometimes they lead to madness.

Arguments and conflicts are caused by Tagareso, an unpleasant buso that occasionally makes men unhappy with their spouses.

Role and Behavior

The primary function of the Tagareso in Bagobo mythology is to stimulate ill-feeling and arouse a quarrelsome spirit. Its activities often lead to arguments and disputes among people, particularly during social or festival occasions when the community gathers. It is also sometimes blamed for causing insanity.

 

The Tagareso's presence is feared because it breaks the harmony of the community, an act that can lead to violence and even death, which provides sustenance for other evil spirits. One specific aspect of its mischief is sometimes making men dissatisfied with their wives. 

Classification and Appearance

Buso: The Tagareso belongs to the general class of Bagobo demons or evil spirits known as buso. These spirits generally prey on human flesh or cause sickness and death from afar.

Appearance: The Tagareso is generally described as an "ugly fiend". Unlike other buso like the Tigbanua, whose appearance is described in more detail (one eye, hooked chin, etc.), specific physical descriptions of the Tagareso are less common, with its actions being its defining characteristic.

Interaction with Humans

The Bagobo people would make offerings or use spells and magic to protect themselves from the malicious influences of various buso like the Tagareso. The mabalian (shamans or spirit mediums) played a key role in communicating with and appeasing these spirits to protect the community. 

Sources:

A study of Bagobo ceremonial, magic and myth, Laura Watson Benedict, New York Academy of Sciences, 1916)

Aswang Project - https://www.aswangproject.com/bagobo-buso/

”Extinction” - Creation by  Bienvenido “Bones” Banez, Jr., a Filipino surrealist painter born in Davao, now living in New York City.

Gay Filipino in History: Kevin Balot

 

Kevin Balot

First Filipino Transgender International Pageant Titleholder

Kevin Roxas Balot is a Filipino transgender model, actress, and beauty pageant titleholder, who was crowned Miss International Queen 2012, making her the first Filipino transgender woman to win the pageant.

Early Years and Education

Kevin Balot was born on September 25, 1991, in Tarlac to Renato Balot and Liberty Roxas.  She has two sisters namely Karen and Kimberly. Her father, Renato, encouraged her to pursue engineering as a child. Balot struggled to gain acceptance from her family because of these and other gendered standards, such as criticism for wearing makeup.

She lived alone after high school and competed in LGBTQIA++ beauty pageants to pay for her nursing education. She was a volunteer nurse in 2012 and holds a bachelor's degree in nursing. She also agreed to work as an English teacher in Thailand that year.

Life as a Beauty Queen

Balot was crowned Miss International Queen in Pattaya, Thailand, in 2012. She won US$13,000 and a free gender-affirming surgery if she so desired. This offer was later accepted by Balot.

Balot joined Pantene as an ambassador for their #StrongerNow campaign in 2018.

Filmography 

In the 2016 movie Die Beautiful, she portrayed Tonet. She also appeared in the 2019 music video for Donnalyn Bartolome's song "Di Lahat" and in the 2015 television series "Luv U".

Unknown Filipino Hero: Candido Iban

 

Candido Iban 

Katipunero; First OFW of Aklan

(1863 - 1897)

Candido Iban (Kán·di·dó Í·ban) was one of the leaders of the Katipunan in the Visayas, and one of the Nineteen Martyrs of Aklan, the first heroes of the province. He was also the first overseas Filipino worker (OFW) of Malinao town working as a pearl diver in Australia. Overseas Filipino workers are now considered modern-day heroes not only for supporting their families but also for their contribution to the Philippine economy.

Birth and Early Years

Candido was born on October 3, 1863, in Barangay Lilo-an in the town of Malinao which was then a part of the province of Capiz. Candido Iban was born with a spirit of adventure. The young Candido, the son of poor farmers, left his home province for Iloilo and subsequently Negros in search of a respectable profession. The difficulties faced by many Filipinos today are strikingly similar to his narrative.

Life and Work in Australia

Following a period of employment as a sugar worker, Candido and his friend Francisco del Castillo went to Australia to work as pearl divers. As a result, Candido became the first "OFW" from his town and likely the first in the Visayas.

As fate would have it, the two Filipinos won a lottery in Australia in 1894 and took home a P1,000 prize. They may have made the decision to eventually return to their country because of their win.

Becoming A Katipunero

They became acquainted with another Filipino they met on a boat on their way home. As it turned out, the stranger was Procopio Bonifacio, a revolutionary commander and Andres Bonifacio's brother.

Procopio Bonifacio soon succeeded in persuading his new acquaintances to become members of the Katipunan, a revolutionary organization founded to eliminate Spanish authority in the Philippines. A catalyst was required to accelerate the group's sluggish but steady progress.

The problem is that they don't have the money to purchase a printing press that would provide reading materials and eventually boost their membership.

The two patriotic Aklanons saved the day at this time. The Katipunan donated any remaining funds from its lottery winnings and savings to buy its own printing press.

The press had to be first kept at Andres Bonifacio's home, which was situated somewhere near the intersection of modern-day Zurbaran and Oroquieta Streets, in order to avoid being discovered by spies and Spanish authorities before being relocated.

What seemed to be a straightforward instrument purchased thanks to Candido Iban's generosity became an enormously powerful recruiting tool. The press published the fabled Kalayaan, the Katipunan's official newspaper, in addition to the organization's forms and Kartilla.

Emilio Jacinto was the editor of the aforementioned publication, which issued its first and last issue in March 1896.  It contains a poetry titled "Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa" by Andres Bonifacio, who wrote under the pen name Agapito Bagumbayan, and a narrative titled "Pahayag" by Jacinto himself under the pen name Dimas-Ilaw. The public was inspired by both pieces to overcome obstacles and ultimately assist the nation in escaping the constraints of colonization.

The newspaper and other reading materials had such an impact that, by the time the Spaniards found it, the Katipunan had grown from just 300 members in January 1896 to an incredible 30,000 members.

Thanks to Candido Iban's choice to donate his lottery winnings to a worthy cause and the founders' commitment to spreading the word.

The 19 Martyrs of Aklan and Death

Candido and his comrade Francisco responded to the call to arms when the Philippine Revolution broke out in 1896. After returning to Aklan, they established the first local Katipunan branch in the Visayas. In Lilo-an, the birthplace of Candido, the Katipuneros constructed a mansion that served as their headquarters.

Francisco Castillo led his troops to the village of Kalibo on March 17, 1897, with the intention of attacking it the next day. In an attempt to speak with the local authority, General Castillo rode up to Capitan Municipal Juan Azaraga's residence on a white horse. Instead, a guardia civil named Moises Ilicito greeted him with a barrage of gunfire that promptly killed him.

Candido was meant to accompany his companion, but he was apprehended en route and imprisoned at Lezo. In the meantime, those who managed to escape capture during the attack in Kalibo took refuge in the highlands.

Colonel Ricardo Carnicero Monet, the commander of Spanish forces in the Visayas, issued a declaration that would forgive rebels who came forward in an attempt to persuade them to surrender. A lot of people fell into his trap.

Those who turned themselves up were imprisoned at Kalibo rather than granted freedom. Nineteen of the inmates were chosen by hand to be executed by firing squad. These "19 martyrs of Aklan," who never had a trial, shed their blood and perished as patriots on March 23, 1897. The brothers Candido and Benito Iban were among them.

Candido's monument now stands in Lilo-an, Malinao's plaza. It is a bittersweet emblem that always brings to mind a guy who emerged from obscurity to demonstrate that even common laborers may make a lasting impact on history. This figure is well-known to the majority of Aklanons but unknown to the majority of Filipinos.

Sources:

Today in Filipino History, October 3, 1863 Candido Iban was born in Capiz by Kahimyang Project - https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/1292/today-in-philippine-history-october-3-1863-candido-iban-was-born-in-capiz

CulturEd Philippines - https://philippineculturaleducation.com.ph/iban-candido/

Candido Iban: The Lottery Winner Who Changed Philippine History by Filipiknow - https://filipiknow.net/candido-iban-lottery-winner-who-changed-philippine-history/

CANDIDO IBAN One of the XIX Martyrs of Aklan (October 3, 1863 - March 23, 1897) by Ro Akeanon Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/TheAkeanon/posts/candido-ibanone-of-the-xix-martyrs-of-aklanoctober-3-1863-march-23-1897candido-i/2993445254210535/

Philippine Mythological Creature: Sangkabagi (Ilocano)

 

The term "Sangkabagi" refers to a prominent entity in Ilocano folklore in the Philippines, typically associated with the transport of souls to the realm of the dead. Its portrayal varies, but it is generally a feared spirit or being.

The people of Ilocos Norte are afraid of these spirits.  These appear to be the same supernatural creatures that the Ilocos-Sur countryside refers to as katatao-an.  According to the legends of the peasants of Ilocos Sur and La Union, these are elves or dwarfs; they typically assume the guise of humans or other enormous beings and travel at night on an aerostatic ship, capturing individuals discovered in an uninhabited area and devouring their dead.

It is Sangkabagi who bestows upon man the ability to heal.  Typically, sangkabagi are depicted as lovely creatures who transport the deceased's souls at night on floating bancas.  Some even thought that on their nighttime rounds, they gave out medication to the ill.

Key characteristics and beliefs surrounding the Sangkabagi:

Appearance: Frequently compared to a grim reaper, they travel through the night sky on a flying bangka (boat) in pursuit of corpses or souls.

Role: Its primary role is to act as a psychopomp, guiding or taking the souls of the deceased to the afterlife or the underworld. It is also referred to as the anito (spirit) of space or the katatao-an.

Contradictory lore: While largely feared in Ilocano folklore, some older accounts, particularly from the book Way of the Ancient Healer, suggest that the Sangkabagi was originally a helpful entity. In these versions, they are beautiful beings who distributed medicine to the sick, healed people, and could even grant magical powers to friends before being antagonized by Spanish colonizers.

Harmful aspects: In the more common, fearsome legends, the Sangkabagi is said to snatch people in their sleep, feed on human livers, or command termites to destroy the belongings of those who have wronged them.

Description: A flying spirit that is dangerous and frightening. 

Transportation: Takes a ride in a bangka, a big flying boat. 

Activity: Travels around the underworld at night in search of cadavers to transport to its territory.

Other Name: Also referred to as the spirit of space or the katatao-an. 

Origin: Found in mythology and traditions of the Ilocano people, such as those compiled by Isabelo de los Reyes.

Sources:

DICCIONARIO MITOLÓGICO DE FILIPINAS, Ferdinand Blumentritt [1895], translated and republished by The Aswang Project, 2021)

Creatures Of Darkness (Philippines) Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/mganilalangngkadiliman/posts/the-sangkabagi-riding-on-his-flying-bangka-boat-in-the-middle-of-the-night-the-s/1991026804432699/