Unknown Filipino Hero: Sultan Kudarat

Sultan Kudarat

The Unconquerable Hero of Mindanao

(1581 - 1671)

Nowadays, many people would think of a province or a small town in Maguindanao whenever the name Sultan Kudarat is mentioned. However, Sultan Kudarat is a much bigger name than the province and the town named after him. He is a shrewd politician, strategist, brave warrior, and a just ruler.  He is a kind, benevolent, and fair ruler.

He was the 7th Sultan of Maguindanao and ruled a vast expanse of the region for 52 years from 1619 until he died in 1671.

During his time as ruler, he made a vast expansion of territories under his kingdom. He united together many kingdoms and successfully defended most parts of Mindanao from Spanish invasion and occupation. He is a brave and ferocious warrior that he was never captured by enemies.

When visiting Makati, Manila in the Philippines, anyone would notice the monument of Sultan Kudarat. It is standing as a heroic symbol for Filipino Muslims. This monument was created by Jose M. Mendoza in 1973 to retain the memory of the Muslim Hero. The name of the great hero is Sultan Kudarat who was the 7th sultan of Maguindanao. 

Origin and Meaning of His Name

Kudarat is the direct descendant of Shariff Kabungsuwan, a noble of Malay-Arab origins who brought Islam to Mindanao between the 13th and the 14th century. His full name is Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat or Muhammad Dipatuan Kurlat in Maguindanaoan dialect, or in Malay Muhammad di-Pertuan Kudrat. The Maguindanaoan term Dipatuan is taken from the Malay word di-Pertuan which means ruler or owner and literally means the one who has been made to rule. The term Kudarat is taken from the Arabic word qudrat which means power. 

Early Life and Rise to Power

The journey of life of the great hero Sultan Kudarat started in 1580. His birthland was Maguindanao, Philippines. He was named after the meaning “Master of Power”. He was educated by several teachers from Chinese, Arab, Malay, and the missionaries who visited the Sultanate. His education from diverse backgrounds helped him conscious of different cultures and broaden his perspective. He was taught sword fighting by his uncle. His uncle was an inspiration for him about his life and his upbringing. In 1619, Kudarat became the 7th Sultan of Maguindanao. He reigned for a long 52 years until 1671. 

During this rule, he overshadowed his father, Buisan by ruling with a strong control over his sultanate. His title as a Sultan was Katchil. At the beginning of his rule in 1619 there was a war with the Rajah Buayan about a contest for primacy in Pulangi. This war reigned till 1621 and later in 1622, he faced some trouble in his reign due to some reverse action by Buayan with combined propaganda against him. He went to Cebu with the motive to gather artillery from Spaniards. He successfully managed to pillage some of them and returned to Pulangi to have his crown of victory against the Buayan Sultanate. 

In 1625 Kudarat attacked a Datu since his ally in that area was exiled. He managed to capture the land of Sarangani and then burned its capital city in 1626. Then some people came under the Kudarat Sultanate from Sarangani to give him a tribute. 

Resistance Against Spanish Forces

One of Sulugs men joined him in attacking the Spanish Reduccion in Dapitan in 1634. This continued to the Visayas. Spaniards built a very strong fort in Sambuyangan in 1635. Hurtado de Corcuera was the Captain and Governor General of the Philippines who was the leader of an expedition against Kudarat in 1636. Considerable difficulty led to the reduction of his forces and resulted in defeat. With a massive collection of gunpowder and firearms, he enriched his fort. From this fort, the Spaniards captured nearly 100 muskets, 27 Culverins or Lantaka, and 8 Bronze cannons. 

Later in 1637, his fight against Spanish forces started. General Corcuera joined Spanish and Indio forces to attack on Muslim Citadel at Lamitan near Lake Lanao. This resulted in a bloody battle where Kudarat and his 2000 native warriors fought with brave hearts in front of larger forces. He fought vigorously but lost in the battle. He managed to avoid capture along with his wife and child.  

He was steadfast even after his loss in the first battle. There were other Muslim Chieftains who joined the Spaniards. He stood alone against the Spanish and defended his territory with faith. He gradually managed other leaders like Tagalogs and Visayans who set an example for other Muslim leaders. 

Leadership and Legacy

Leading the whole Muslim Filipino community, he proved his leadership by repelling the Spanish forces successfully from the Cotabato region in South-Central Mindanao. To memorize his significant role, he was declared a national hero. On January 13, 1975, he was enshrined in the National Hall of Fame by President Marcos with the names of other great national heroes. A whole province was built in his name which is Kudarat Province on November 22, 1973, in Soccsksargen. This separated the Cotabato through Presidential Decree No. 341. 

Diplomacy and Resistance

Kudarat showed diplomatic skills in leading the military along with creating diplomatic relations with other nations like Southeast Asian Sultanates like Johore, Ternate, Sulu, Brunei, and more. He made these nations alliance and consolidated a force of unity to resist Spanish incursions. This was another move of greatness that made him the center of unity among Muslim leaders.  

Challenges and Victories

In his ruling period, Sultan Kudarat faced numerous challenges. Even though he faced defeats but stayed unconquerable. He made his internal alliances stronger with different strategies like periods of peace. This helped in consolidating Maguindanao, Iranun, Maranao, and Samal forces. He also allied with other religious leaders for which he got support from Christianized natives in Luzon and Visayas. 

Speech and Call for Independence

Some of his famous speeches are still popular which he called for independence. This speech still bears his legacy. Such a speech was in Moro to make people stand against Spanish oppression. He pointed to the plight of other nations and urged people to resist subjugation. This was submitted to the Spaniards. The people of Moro formed a rallying cry for independence with his impassioned call. 

Later Years and Death

His leadership ability followed him to his old age. At the age of 70 in 1656, he declared war against the Spanish government. With his legacy in this age, he recognized other entities like the Spanish government, Ternateans, Dutch, Sulus, Bruneians, and other nations. He proved himself an intelligent and courageous leader. 

In 1671 he ended his grateful life with the victorious struggle for freedom and sovereignty. At the time of his death, he was 90 years old. His legacy is followed for his courage, symbol of freedom and resilience in Maguindanao. His heroic life strengthened Philippine history with heritage through various means underscore. With his death, an era came to an end, but the legacy followed with a symbol of resilience and freedom. Such heroic life of Kudarat is evident in his recognition as a great personality to be recalled by future generations in the Philippines.

Sources: 

https://filipino.cri.cn/20210113/c985bf25-c361-109c-e205-1c7d165e209a.html

https://www.facebook.com/FilipinoHistoryKasaysayan/photos/muhammad-kudarat-known-as-sultan-kudaratmuhammad-dipatuan-kudarat-15811671-was-t/1799804826706220/

https://www.ayalatriangle.com/attractions/sultan-kudarat-monument#:~:text=He%20was%20a%20fearless%20fighter,Mindanao%20sultan%20that%20ever%20lived.

https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/sultan-kudarat-the-philippines-most-powerful-sultan-a00293-20190703-lfrm

https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/759/sultan-kudarat-a-mindanao-hero-mindanaos-most-powerful-ruler

https://www.bayaniart.com/articles/sultan-kudarat-biography/

https://www.facebook.com/bayannijuan.biz/photos/a.10150662002943750/10159072957543750/?type=3

Prayer To Be Read or Worn for Protection and Blessing

This prayer was found in the sepulcher of our Lord Jesus in the year 1709 and was sent by the Pope to the Emperor Charles on the eve of his departure to fight his enemies and by him sent to St. Michael in France. Whoever reads or wear it on itself will never be burn or drown nor will any poison effect on any person who wears or read this. He will never be a prisoner of war or will never be vanquished. When a woman has labor pains, let her wear this prayer and she will immediately delivery the baby and when the child is born, let her place this prayer on the right side of the child and the child will be preserved or protected from any accidents. Whoever carries this prayer with him or her will never have any epileptic attacks and if you see someone having bouts of anxiety and/or epileptic attacks, place this on their right side and they will be cured or healed immediately. Whoever writes this prayer for himself or for others "I WILL BLESS" says the Lord BUT whoever scoffs or laughs at it WILL BE DOOMED. When this prayer is in the house, the house will be safely guarded against thunder and lightning and whoever read this prayer daily will be warned three days before his or her death by a holy sign on the day before his death.

You can print this prayer and make it a pamphlet folded to be worn by anyone by keeping it in any pocket of the garments or clothes someone is currently wearing. 

Oh! Lord Almighty you have suffered death at the cross for our sins. Oh! Holy Cross, help in my salvation. 

Oh, Holy Cross of Jesus, be my true light. 

Oh, Holy Cross of Jesus, fill my soul with godly thoughts. 

Oh, Holy Cross, safely guard me against unholy thoughts and worldly dangers that I may worship the Holy Cross of Jesus of Nazareth crucified have pity on me. 

Oh, Holy Cross of Jesus be my hope. 

Oh, Holy Cross of Jesus have mercy on me forever and ever. Amen.

In honor of the precious blood of Jesus and his fearful death and resurrection and his glorifications which leads to everlasting life, as true Jesus is born at Christmas and crucified on Good Friday. 

As true as Joseph and Nicodemus took Jesus down from the cross. 

As true as Jesus ascended to heaven may be preserve me from my enemies all visible and invisible forever and ever. Amen. 

Lord Almighty, unto your hands I give my soul and body. Oh Lord Jesus, grant me the strength to bear the cross as yourself, teach me to bear with humility, all the ills, that the Virgin Mary may fill me with Holy Spirit, preserve my soul and lead it to life everlasting. Amen.

Unknown Filipino Historical Figure: Princess Urduja

Princess Urduja

Pangasinan Warrior Princess

(ca. 1304 - c. 1368 or 1377 AD)

Princess Urduja is a colorful historical Filipino figure that has been a subject of contentions and so many debates and discussions about her existence. Many scholars and historians considered her as a fictitious personality and her story a myth, but others say that she may be a true heroine who existed and lived elsewhere. She would have been a great heroine from Pangasinan.  

Urduja is thought to be a legendary warrior princess the one being referred to in the journals of Maghrebi traveler, explorer and scholar Ibn Battuta, but scholars and historians alike doubt her existence and considered her as a fictitious figure or someone who lived elsewhere and not in Pangasinan especially historians Henry Yule and William Henry Scott.

Princess Urduja is famous for being a brave and fierce warrior princess leading other women warriors who were skilled fighters and equestrian called Kinalakihan or Amazons. She always defends her kingdom of Tawalisi (in the supposed to be modern-day Pangasinan) in warfare.

The Indian name Urduja turns out to be Sanskrit in origin and a variation of the name "Udaya" which means arise or rising sun or the name "Urja" which means energy, life force or breath.

The only account that exists which tells about this legendary princess is from the journals of one of the greatest traveler and explorer in history the Maghrebi Ibn Battuta. 

 

On Battuta's accounts, Urduja was described as a tall and beautiful woman with bronze skin, straight black hair and deep eyes and adorned with bejeweled ornaments and was a fierce warrior in the battlefield. The princess was a valiant warrior, skilled in swordsmanship and horseback riding whose penchant is a duel combat. Ibn Battuta was even impressed that she can speak the Turkish language aside from the fact that she is fluent in Arabic and provided the Maghrebi traveler with generous gifts for his trip to China and even prepared a banquet for him. 

Sources: 

https://www.facebook.com/PMPonFB/photos/a.251529181653283/293299540809580/?type=3

https://www.aswangproject.com/princess-urduja/

https://owlcation.com/humanities/The-Enduring-Princess-Urduja-Hoax

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urduja

https://medium.com/@AsinBolo/existence-of-princess-urduja-in-pangasinan-still-a-folklore-or-already-a-truth-400fd9701cb3

https://survivalarts.org/articles/urduha

http://snml.weebly.com/princess-urduja.html

https://journals.upd.edu.ph/index.php/rws/article/download/3044/2863/ (ADOBE FILE see DOWNLOADS)

https://www.hellapinay.com/article/2016/12/8/princess-urduja-legendary-warrior-princess

Gay Filipino In History: Arsenio de Guzman

Arsenio de Guman

Patriotic Cult Leader

Name: Arsenio de Guzman

Hometown: Barrio Sinalhan, Santa Rosa, Laguna

The cross dressing colorful individual Arsenio de Guzman founded the nationalistic sect Iglesia ng Watawat ng Lahi on December 25, 1936. (The followers of early leader Gaudioso Parabuac is contesting the claim). 

De Guzman who is from Barrio Sinalhan, Sta. Rosa, Laguna is a former storekeeper and has been the face and voice of the sect ever since. He is fond of wearing feminine attire, make-up and printed nails. He is known to assume different personalities and was called by various names such as Tatay Ada, Anda Malakie, Maria Consuelo, and Ka Senyong.

De Guzman claimed that he was commissioned by his friend and hero to carry out his will after his death in 1896 making Rizal the sect's patron saint. He further claimed that he was 100 years old at the time of his interview. 

He placed a set of 10 principles that all members and followers should adhere and follow the examples of heroes, attend regularly masses in Latin and internalize the slogan:  "Maka-Dios. Maka-Tao. Maka-Bayan."

In the 1956 report, the religious nationalistic cult has a following over 50,000 with 30-cassock or sutana wearing priests, seminarians and bishops. 

The Iglesia ng Watawat ng Lahi firmly believes that Rizal is the Holy Spirit reincarnate, and that Jose Rizal was never really killed during his execution at the Bagumbayan on December 30, 1896. The sect stressed out that when his family attempted to exhume his body in the Paco Park where it was buried after his executive, it is nowhere to be found and that a tree trunk and a pair of shoes were found at the site.

The Samahan Rizal nationalistic cult believes that there are four personas of God: God the Father, God the Mother (Mary), God the Son (Jesus Christ) and God the Holy Spirit.

At its peak in the 1980, the group reached over 100,000 members. However, by 2012, its number dwindle down to a staggering of at least 90 percent. In the same year, the sect was led by Bonifacio Relleta.

In the year 1987, the group was divided into four factions: The Samahan ng Watawat ng Lahi Presiding Elders, Iglesia ng Watawat ng Lahi Malvarosa Faction, Iglesia ng Lipi ni Gat Dr. Rizal and Pilipinas Iglesia ng Watawat ng Lahi.

The charismatic cult leader was buried in the grounds of the Iglesia ng Watawat ng Lahi headquarters in Laguna where people still visit his tomb.

Iglesia ng Watawat ng Lahi Flag

One of the symbols of the Iglesia ng Watawat ng Lahi, clearly influenced by Masonry is the triangle with the " eye of God " and three stars on it. 

 

The Nationalistic Cult Church

 

Iglesia ng Watawat ng Lahi Headquarters Building

Sources:

Filipiknow (Author: Alex R. Castro) - https://filipiknow.net/lgbt-personalities-philippine-history/

Wikimedia Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:8430jfSierra_La_Paz_Dumarais_Church_Roads_Tarlacfvf_06.JPG

Maharlika kingdom of God Lupah Sug Empire Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/107718370926612/photos/a.107736270924822/117618116603304/?type=3

Unknown Filipino Hero: Francisco del Castillo

Monument of Candido Iban, Francisco del Castillo's best friend, co-worker and closed-in command of Aklan's Katipunan Chapter, the first Katipunan chapter in the Visayas, ctto

 

The monument and mausoleum of General Francisco del Castillo and the Nineteen (19) Martyrs of Aklan called Aklan Freedom Shrine and the Historical Marker by the NHCP, ctto

Francisco del Castillo

Katipunan Revolutionary Leader of Aklan

(? - March 17, 1897)

Francisco del Castillo who was also known as Francisco Castillo is one of the leaders of the Katipunan in the Visayas. He was with the 19 Martyrs of Aklan, the first group of heroes of the province (which was then under the province of Capiz) during the Philippine revolutionary period who were slain in the town of Kalibo on March 23, 1897.

Early Years and Previous Occupation Before Katipunan

The date and place of Castillo's birth is not known but he worked as a pearl diver in Australia. It is at this work as pearl diver where he met Candido Iban who will eventually be his fellow Katipunero. 

In Australia, Castillo and Iban won the lottery (in some sources only Iban won). They sailed back to Manila in 1893, who felt deeply the conditions of the Filipinos under the cruelty of the Spanish regime.

Life as Katipunero

They settled in Tondo where they met and befriended Procopio Bonifacio, the younger brother of Andres Bonifacio. Del Castillo and Iban were sponsored by Procopio to become members of Katipunan and initiated by Andres himself in the caves of Montalban. They were part of Bonifacio's group which explored Montalban mountains on April 12, 1895. In Pamitinan Cave, the group declared the intention to fight for Philippine Independence where they wrote "Viva la Independencia Filipina" (Mabuhay ang Kalayaan ng Pilipinas) on the walls of the cave. This event is considered as the First Cry of the Revolution. They donated a part of their lottery winnings to the Katipunan movement and to purchase a small printing press to be used for the publication of Kalayaan, the official newspaper of the Katipunan movement. The first issue was released in March 1896. 

In January 1897, Bonifacio sent the two newly sworn Katipuneros to Aklan to establish the first chapter of Katipunan in the Visayas and to recruit new members. At the time, people of Visayas were mere spectators of the uprisings and revolution that began in Luzon through the leadership of Andres Bonifacio. 

The two friends put together what was left of their savings and bought a fishing boat which they named "Santisima Trinidad" and used it to sail from Manila to Aklan. Running against time, they gathered weapons and recruited more men. They patiently went to every household and teach about the Katipunan and its objectives.

Soon Katipunan in the Visayas grew in numbers. Francisco and Candido plotted out its organizational structure. Del Castillo was elected the general of the Katipunan revolutionary forces in Aklan while Iban became the second-in-command to Castillo as colonel. 

They established two headquarters in Aklan. Castillo headed the headquarters in Barangay Mabilo, Kalibo while Iban led the headquarters of Barangay Lilioan in Malinao town. Easily new recruits in the Visayas numbered to as many as a thousand.

Foiled Revolution and Capture

In 1897, believing that the time was ripe to start the revolution, Iban, coming from the West, led the 82 Katipuneros to march to province capital of Kalibo and persuaded the local authorities to join the revolution. On the other hand, Francisco would lead from the South to merge with the contingent of Candido. Unfortunately, the uprising failed.  A Filipino was paid to spy on the Katipuneros, and their planned attack was tipped off to Captain Lucas de Manuel, the capitan municipal of Liloan. Iban was captured by his fellow Akeanons serving for the Spaniards as guardia civil. 

Death 

A hundred troops of Katipuneros under the leadership of Francisco del Castillo who is riding a white horse marched towards Kalibo and stopped in front of the mansion of Capitan Municipal Juan Azcarraga which was the stronghold of the town's officials and the guardia civil. Francisco del Castillo was left with his regiments to continue, and he gathered the remaining Katipuneros, however, what might could bolos, bows and arrows do with the endless volleys of bullets fired at them. After Castillo persuaded Azcarraga to come out, del Castillo was shot by Moises Elicito, an Akeanon Filipino soldier paid by Spaniards as guardia civil on March 17, 1897. 

Aftermath

After the death of del Castillo, the mutineers withdrew to the mountains. Colonel Ricardo Carnicero Monet, head of the Spanish force, immediately announced that he would pardon the revolutionaries if they surrendered. Fifty rebels hiding in the mountains surrendered from March 19-22, 1897. But Monet did not keep his promise. 

These Nineteen Men, weak from hunger and thirst and racked with rain, were bound together and forced into a black hole of a stone cell on Amadeo Street (now Nineteen Martyrs Street) in Kalibo. Here their hands were manacled, and a long bamboo pole was passed through their locked arms across their mangled backs. Then they were strung high up against the wall of the cell, with their backs to the firing line, and during the first hours of March 23, they were shot to death. The few who did not die instantly were bayoneted. When all bullets have been fired, their tattered bodies were all piled up on a wagon and paraded around the town to serve as warning to any Filipino who dare challenge the Spanish authorities. After the parade, the nineteen bodies of our heroes were thrown in one grave. That was a day of darkness and terror in Kalibo. The town awoke to hear the sharply ringing rifle shots and the cries and groans of farewell of these Nineteen Martyrs of Aklan.

The brutal death of these nineteen martyr heroes awakened more men not just in Aklan, but all over the Visayas that was once a laidback province-tamed compliant and hushed! Such martyrdom moved countless of Filipinos to answer the call of the motherland.

The entire carnage did not serve its purpose of suppressing the revolution. Instead, it flared up anew as rage and hatred of the Spanish misrule swept the region. 

The Nineteen (19) Martyrs of Aklan consists of natives of the modern-day Aklan province; eleven hailed from Kalibo, three from Malinao, five from Lagatik (now New Washington). They were as follows:

1. Roman Aguirre

2. Tomas Briones

3. Domingo de la Cruz

4. Valeriano Dalida

5. Claro Delgado

6. Angelo Fernandez

7. Benito Iban

8. Candido Iban

9. Simon Inocencio

10. Isidoro Jimenez

11. Catalino Mangat

12. Lamberto Mangat

13. Valeriano Masinda

14. Maximo Mationg

15. Simplicio Reyes

16. Canuto Segovia

17. Gabino Sukgang

18. Francisco Villorente

19. Gabino Yonsal

Legacy

A monument dedicated to the brave Akeanon revolutionary leader was erected in the exact location where General Francisco del Castillo fell in Kalibo. A historical marker for Francisco del Castillo was put up in 1952 in Pastrana Park, the town's main public park and plaza. 

On the other hand, the nineteen martyrs are commemorated annually every March in the Kalibo in the modern-day province of Aklan. The Aklan Freedom Shrine which also has a little mausoleum was built in the town in their honor. Furthermore, the exact same street in Kalibo where the nineteen martyrs were held, tortured and executed to death was named in their honor. 

The martyrs were subject of a 2019 full-length documentary film titled Daan Patungong Tawaya (lit. 'Road to Paradise'). In the film, the martyrs were portrayed as having been empowered by anting-anting.  

Sources:

Advocates for Heritage Preservation (AHP) Facebook Group - FRANCISCO DEL CASTILLO & CANDIDO IBAN: Team for a dream.. https://www.facebook.com/groups/advocatesforheritagepreservationphilippines/posts/645704508925261/

Wikipedia - Nineteen Martyrs of Aklan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nineteen_Martyrs_of_Aklan

The Kahimyang Project - Francisco del Castillo and the 19 Martyrs of Aklan: https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/1712/francisco-del-castillo-and-the-19-martyrs-of-aklan

CulturED Philippines, Sagisag Kultura - Francisco del Castillo: https://philippineculturaleducation.com.ph/del-castillo-francisco/

Topical Philippines - Francisco del Castillo: http://topicalphilippines.com/People_Individuals/page196.html

Unsung Heroes of the Philippines Revolution, Western Visayas - Francisco del Castillo: http://www.msc.edu.ph/centennial/hero/wv/page2.html

Gay Filipino In History: Crispulo "Pulong" Trinidad Luna

Crispulo Trinidad Luna (1903 - 1976)

Early Filipino Transvestite

Birth Name: Crispulo Trinidad Luna

Birth: June 10, 1903 in Sasmuan, Pampanga

Death: May 1976

Pulong as he is fondly called is the first prominent Filipino gay crossdresser. Although obviously, he is not the first Filipino transvestite as there are Filipino transvestite during the Spanish colonial period, he prominently sits for portraits working for Victoria Studios and his life was well documented by his relatives. His life is colorful yet meaningful and paved the way for modern day transvestite now with the popular drag race. His story was first written and told by the award-winning writer J. Neil Garcia in his book "Performing the Self: Occasional Prose" and in fact, Pulong made the cover of his acclaimed book. Almost all of the information in this article came from his book and written journal, "Budhi: A Journal of Ideas and Culture" published by the Ateneo de Manila University publishing house.

Lolo Pulong was born Crispulo Trinidad Luna on June 10, 1903. He is the third child of four children of the couple Pedro Luna and Candelaria Trinidad both of Sasmuan, Pampanga. He grew up in Orani, Bataan where his father earned a living for his family as a fisherman. When his husband died, Candelaria moved the family to Tondo until her children are old enough to become independent and have a family of their own. 

Even as a very young boy, Pulong had been "soft" and "effeminate" - he has a light skin which makes him appear like a mestizo and his features is delicate which is no surprise for his family that he did not get married as all of his siblings did. His sister recalls that each time a well-meaning family offer to find him a wife, even at the ripe old age of 50, invariably, his response, delivered with unflappable grace, was, "Pero por Dios, babae ako!" (For heaven's sake, I'm a woman!). Pulong was never subjected to a moralizing judgment by his siblings or by anyone in their families in fact, petty jealousies erupted among them whenever Pulong chose to live with any one family for too long. 

In the late 1920s when he was at least 25 years old, Pulong had made friends with the owner of the Victoria Studios in Paco, Manila where some of these pictures of Pulong (and a picture with his live in partner Juan) were taken. This studio was located close to the home of the sibling with whom Pulong is staying at the time. 

As was the case with other photo studios and establishments of its kind, a customer wishing to be photographed by the Victoria studio could choose to avail himself or herself of any of the costumes which the studio kept in its wardrobes. Pulong had pictures of himself taken well into his twilight years. He ended up with a sizable collection of these visual self-representations which, arranged chronologically, comprises the narrative of his life. In them, we find him all dressed and made up in feminine poses and styles, reflective of the fashion of the time. 

In one photo, Pulong has transformed himself into "Madame Butterfly" complete with kimono and geisha headgear in a homage to Puccini's benighted heroine, whose opera had just opened in Manila. In another photo, Pulong is wearing a more contemporary American-style dress standing beside a seated woman in a traje de mestiza (a Spanish-inspired dress usually cut out of cloth made from pineapple fibers). 

 

Although Pulong's effeminacy shifted effortlessly from being a "simple" (speaking in a soft and sing song manner, walking demurely acting like a modest dalagang Filipina or Filipino maiden, etc.) to "moderate" (putting on a little makeup, wearing women's undergarments and accessories), to "elaborate" (going in full drag), but only occasionally and inside the privacy of this friend's studio did he let his hair down, and go the whole hog to pursue the dream of crossing over.

Soon after these pictures were taken, Pulong became involved with and eventually became a supposed to be "wife" to a certain maestro carpentero or master carpenter (equivalent to foreman in a construction site), a strapping man five years younger, whose name was Juan. They live in their own dwelling place - a "love nest" of some sorts. This was an arrangement that the families of both side of the relationship involved have no problem or issues with. Years living with Juan were the happiest years in Pulong's life. Pulong's nieces remember that their uncle Pulong occasionally told them that Juan was the first and last "love" of his life. It was while living with Juan that Pulong had sharpened his home making skills, the most noteworthy of which were cooking and sewing. Pulong kept a clean and cozy house for his partner, and later in his life, he would continue to do the same for the family of his sister Miguela, and much later on with the family of this sister's daughter, Patricia or Aling Pat. This "conjugal bliss" last only a few years. Working on a house one day during the Japanese occupation, Juan fell from the scaffolding, and from the fall suffered an internal injury which caused his death about a month later. 

After World War II following the liberation from the Japanese forces, Pulong moved into Miguela's (Gelay), house in Santa Ana district, Manila. As if providing Gelay house help and assistance managing her household was not enough, he worked as a part-time sari sari store attendant owned by Aling Sabel, a family friend and accepted to do handwash laundry services as well as perform many other housekeeping chores for friends and acquaintances who could afford to pay for his service fee. Pulong decided to stay with her sister Gelay because she suffered from the tragic fate of losing her babies to crib death one after the other. Out of a total of 14, only six of her children survived including Aling Pat. He played important role raising these children, teaching them, particularly the girls, how to be "decent", how to keep themselves clean all the time, to wash, iron, mend clothing properly. He gave them strict instructions in the matter of boyfriends, and imposed curfews whenever they went out. Of course, it was not beneath Tio Pulong to size up his nieces' prospective suitors. We can only imagine how terrorized those poor boys must have been, every time they came to the house to call. 

Ever if he devoted a good part of his life helping his sister raise her family, he usually managed to get a few moments to himself. Aling Pat recalls that after Tio Pulong had moved in with her in 1970, the old man would sometimes go out to watch movies with an effeminate friend, a bubbly, grey-haired man he called Tiago. Other than the movies, the two of them also like taking long, leisurely strolls down Hardin Botanico which later eventually be called as Mehan Gardens.

Patricia remembers that toward the end of his life, Lolo Pulong received regular visits from his friends, Josie and Tessie, a pair of garrulous gay beauticians from the neighborhood who have the tendency to be a little loud and swishy. These two were given to calling the old man, endearingly, their "Lola Pulonia." Sometimes when Lolo Pulog could no longer abide their brash  and unladylike ways, he would shush and promptly reprimand them. The three of them comprised a happy bunch, breaking out in giggles over stories of sexual escapades both remembered and imagined. During these times, Lolo Pulong's face could be seen to light up, as though in his mind he was already somewhere else, sashaying in a floral sun dress in a life he'd always wanted and once probably did get to have, dreaming he was with his beloved Juan once more, young and looking fabulous as always and free.

Crispulo Trinidad Luna who was fondly called Lolo Pulong by his loved ones and people who knew him passed away in May of 1976 due to a stroke or a ruptured aneurysm.

On the right, Pulong is wearing a more contemporary American-style dress standing beside a seated woman in a traje de mestiza (a Spanish-inspired dress usually cut out of cloth made from pineapple fibers). Lest the viewer be misled, the third figure in this photo to their left wearing a Commonwealth-period Filipiniana native dress is probably also another man.

Sources:

J. Neil Garcia - Performing the Self: Occasional Prose, Budhi: A Journal of Ideas and Culture

Unknown Filipino Hero: Pantaleon Villegas

Pantaleon Villegas 

Katipunan Revolutionary Leader

(1873 - 1898)

 

Pantaleon Villegas better known by his pseudonym Leon Kilat (literally "Lightning Lion in local dialect) was a revolutionary leader who started the uprising in Cebu on April 3 (called the Tres de Abril Revolt). He also led the revolutionary groups in Panay and Negros Island against Spaniards. He was the leader of the Cebu chapter of the Katipunan. Leon Kilat was very popular for his courage and lightning bolt speed for which he earned his moniker, Leon Kilat. He was also known for his amulets he gave his fellow Katipuneros giving them enough bravery to fight the Spanish forces.

Birth and Early Years

The boy who was destined to be a great leader was born on July 27, 1873, in the town of Bacong, Negros Oriental to the couple Policarpio Villegas, a farmer and Ursula Solde, a sinamay weaver. His Spanish mestizo and mestiza grandparents were Pedro Villegas and Dorotea Vergara, the daughter of a Vallehermoso (Negros Oriental) town captain.

Due to poverty, the young Pantaleon did not receive formal education. He was taught how to read, write and recite prayers by the Spanish priest in Tolong whom he worked for as a servant. 

He had the chance to be in Manila when the Spanish priest took him along the trip to the city. However, he ran away due to the mistreatments he took from the priest. How he survives the hustle and bustle of the busy city of Manila remains unknown. He attempted to return to his native town but found himself in Cebu engaging himself in different jobs.

Various Jobs 

In 1895, he worked for the port town of Cebu and later became an abaca press laborer for MacLeod & Co., a British firm. Villegas also worked for Botica Antigua, a well-known drugstore frequented by the Cebuanos and owned by a German named Dr. Andreas Krapfenbauer. The drugstore was located in the corner of Calle del Palacio and Calle Legaspi (now Burgos and Legaspi). There he worked with Ciriaco Murillo and Eulogio Duque. It was Duque who told the writer Manuel de la Calzada that Villegas used the name Eulogio instead of his real first name. Why he used the name Eulogio was not known. Since there were two Eulogios working in the drugstore, the German owner had to call him Leon instead.

After some time at the drugstore, Villegas transferred to Pascuala Cala's bakery in Pahina. He was also a jockey-horse trainer for Federico Laing and later also worked in the branch office of the Singer Sewing Machine Co. He later joined a traveling circus act bound for Manila in 1896 owned by the Tagalogs of which one of the co-owners is a Katipunero or Katipunan member. It was on this job that he was recruited into the secret council of the Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) or simply called Katipunan. In some accounts, it was claimed that he killed some Visayan sailors in September 1896 was captured and imprisoned by the Spaniards but escaped and joined the Katipunan revolutionary forces in Cavite in 1897.  

It was possible that he was also brought to the centers of the revolutionary movement in Luzon such as Cavite, Malabon, Calamba, Pasig and Malolos. Villegas was known for his audacity, his loyalty to his comrades and his firm stands on issues.

Arrival in Cebu and Villegas Introduction and Reception Among Local Leaders

Leon Kilat was asked by Emilio Aguinaldo to expand the revolutionary movement in Cebu in 1897. He was commissioned as a general in Cebu to propagate the ideals of the revolution. He lived in the residence of Eulogio Duque at General Serrano Street (now M.J. Cuenco Avenue) upon his arrival from Manila to carry out his mission for the Katipunan. No exact date was given when Villegas arrived for his final mission in Cebu. Some sources say he arrived in mid-February or late March of 1898. But according to Andres Abellana, a Cebuano leader, Villegas visited him sometime in December 1897. Afterwards, he was introduced to other cabecillas and leaders of the local chapter. 

Villegas had doubts about Abellana being a former kapitan who might report him to the authorities. On the other hand, Abellana also had his hesitations about Villegas whom he suspected of being a spy so to clarify things Abellana told him he doesn't want the Spanish regime to fall however Abellana would still eventually introduce Villegas to other ring leaders like Candido Padilla and Florencio Gonzales, who, like Abellana, refused to trust him. Finally, they brought him to Mariano Hernandez who showed them Aguinaldo's letter introducing Villegas eliminating all the doubts surrounding him. 

As a Katipunan Leader in Cebu known as Leon Kilat

Villegas assumed command of the Katipunan in Cebu. He ordered every Katipuneros to arm themselves with any bladed weapons they can produce and addressed him as Leon Kilat. The Katipunan was growing fast. While Leon Kilat was in Cebu, many young men were drawn to the organization. 

An important meeting took place on March 11, 1898, at the sugarcane field of Jacinto Pacaina in San Nicolas.  Present in that meeting were the leaders of the katipunan in Cebu: Leon Kilat, Candido Padilla, Luis Flores, Eugenio Gines, Florencio Cavan, Jacinto Pacaïna, Atilano Lopez, Francisco Llamas, Alejandro Climaco, Justo Cabajar, Alejo Minoza, Hipolito Labra, Catalino Fernandez, Placido Datan, Alipio Barrera, Alejandro Villona, Nicanor Avila and others. It was decided at the meeting that the revolt will commence on Good Friday of April 8. Catalino Fernandez suggested this and argued that all the Spaniards would be joining the procession on Good Friday, and they could take all the leaders in one blow with the least resistance. All members resolved to keep their agreements in secret. They also conspired with the members of the voluntarios leales (royal volunteers) that in case of a simultaneous exchange of shooting, they would fire over their heads, or they would aim their guns at the Spaniards should the latter refuse to surrender. Everybody in the meeting agreed. 

The plan was unsuccessful when some participants were arrested. They changed their plan. They seized Talisay instead on April 1. After two days, they won a fierce battle against Spanish forces of Adolfo Montero and Captains Monfort, Gutierrez and Iboloen. 

After their success they entered Cebu City the following day. General Pantaleon Villegas lead the revolt against the Spanish forces in Cebu City with some 6,000 rebels armed with bolos and few firearms. He personally ordered the abrupt occupancy of the city as the 40 Spanish soldiers stationed at the garrison choose not to resists the sudden attack. The rebels took the convent, plundered the churches, sacked the home of Spanish inhabitants, looted and later burned the stores. They even killed three Spanish civilians, took eight Spanish friars from the Cota (little fort) on the beach as hostages and shot three escapees. The communication lines were swiftly cut-off as the uprising began to reach to the other coastal towns of the island of Cebu under the control of Francisco Llamas.

Leon Kilat's Anting-Anting

The local revolutionaries came up with a psychological tactic to strengthen their resolve to fight the Spaniards. Relatives in Bacong, Negros Oriental would testify that Leon Kilat had the uncanny ability to appear in places from seemingly out of nowhere and disappear by using his handkerchief which acts like a magic carpet hence earning him the name "Kilat" (lightning). Kilat willingly told his fellow Katipuneros his secret anting-anting or amulet.

First was the vistidora, a chasuble-like cloth worn over one's clothes. Printed on it were symbolic words and religious pictures and corrupted Latin and Spanish words and phrases. The frontal part of the vistidora had the image of God the Father at the upper portion. It also had images of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, heads of the Three Persons, the heads of the 12 Apostles, angels, archangels and seraphim carrying swords and chalices. Corrupted Latin and Spanish words that appeared on the cloth were Cruz passion y muerte cruz de Cristo salva mi tress Ave Maria, Adit Dium Empacturom en visto virgo Jesus. 

The back part of the clothing also bore the image of God the Father at the uppermost portion. The images of St. James the Apostle and St. Michael, both riding horses and carrying swords, occupied the lower part. The center lowermost portion was the palm of the right hand which had the usual Latin and Spanish inscriptions.

Another amulet was a triangle-shaped clothing inscribed with several words and numbers. It was divided into nine smaller triangles. Gibison Gaodio magnobaldi contra bala epica egosom pactom Dominom Diom Pactom Jesom Pleom Tom Jesus were some of the words found in that piece of clothing. This was wound around the Katipunero's head to shield him from head injuries. A substitute was a small triangular piece of cloth or paper on which the magical words have been written. This was attached to the brim of the hat. A third clothing, about two finger breadths in width, had the image of an angel carrying a kris, with the following Spanish words: Salvate Deus, los que defienden de la patria como nuestro defensa en la patria celestial contra los demonios.

The local katipuneros were also made to place inside their mouths a round piece of paper about the size of one peso, with the following words inscribed in the center: Hiesus lamuroc milano. Around the paper were written - Panes teurom nam butrates luz itirre quetram bobis viva buturiam. At the other side of that paper was written the letters K.K.K. It was called hostia redentora and believed to be powerful in preventing feelings of hunger or thirst during a long fight or long journey. 

Francisco Maria Labrador was the young Katipunero from San Nicolas whom Leon Kilat entrusted the task of writing the magical formulae. Labrador used wooden stamp marker to hasten his task. Others who helped him with this task were Elpidio Rama, Anastacio Rama and Simplicio Alaura. It was Rama who was assigned by Kilat the task of giving out the correct measure and appearance of the vistidora.

There were precautions in wearing the anting-anting. All those who were given these objects were repeatedly warned not to carry money or other metal objects, aside from their weapons, and not to allow themselves to be touched by women. Not following these rules would mean losing the effectiveness of the anting-anting.

Tres de Abril Revolt

After a week of uprising, the Leon Kilat-led resistance was quelled and suppressed on April 2, 1898, with the arrival of reinforcements from Iloilo and Manila. Leon Kilat continued his cause through guerilla campaigns.

In late 1897 or early 1898, he was sent to Cebu to help lead the rebel movement. It was here where Leon and his men planned a revolt against the Spaniards on Easter Sunday of 1898. The Spaniards, however, learned about the scheduled uprising. As Leon was informed about the Spanish discovery of the intended insurrection, he became so adamant and determined enough to fight the Spanish forces on the day of the discovery, April 3. Thus, he said: "In that case, we rise in arms today."

On April 3, 1898, the afternoon of Palm Sunday, General Leon Kilat staged a bloody "hand-to-hand" combat. As the Spaniards obtained reinforcements, Leon Kilat and his men went to Carcar to seek help from the people. Leon Kilat tried to regroup his men to confront the progressing Spaniards.

Betrayal and Death

The plan to kill Kilat was hatched at the confessional in the church. The coadjutor at the time, a priest named Father Francisco Blanco who was teaching Latin at the Colegio-Seminario de San Carlos, would not meet Kapitan or Captain Florencio Noel at the convent because it would be suspicious. It was Fr. Blanco who suggested to Noel that the only way Kabkab could avoid the retaliation of the Spaniards was to kill Kilat.

In the early hours of Good Friday, April 8 Leon Kilat met his tragic fate. His murder was allegedly upon the orders of prominent mestizos of Carcar. The assassination of Leon Kilat was said to have happened through the intercession of Don Florencio Noel in the Sato residence. The Spaniards regained the control of Carcar on the day of Kilat's death.

Kilat did not suspect anything because he was even accorded a courtesy due for a visiting dignitary when he arrived in the evening of Holy Thursday. He first went to the house of Kapitan Paras and then later transferred to the house of Kapitan Tiyoy Barcenilla. After eating dinner, Leon Kilat went to his assigned room to sleep. The son of the owner, Vicente Barcenilla woke up after a few hours when he heard loud voices coming from Kilat's room. He awakened Mariano and both went outside at once, only to be met by Florencio Noel coming up the stairs, carrying a huge crucifix and asking excitedly: "Naunsa na? Naunsa na?" (Has anything happened yet?)

Then Noel shouted: "Viva España! Viva España!." Several others outside the house responded. Vicente found the maid Kitay and both of them went inside Kilat's room from where the commotion came.  There he saw the limp body of Kilat being pinned down by eight men, with some of them taking turns at stabbing it including Captain Florencio Noel and Kilat's own aide-de-camp Apolinario Alcuitas. The skull had been earlier smashed with the butt of Kilat's own gun. Then they took his body down the stairs till Cui told the other conspirators: "Ihunong. Ibutang una ninyo. Atong sulayan, ambi tuod dili ba dutlan." (Stop. Put it down. Let's see if he is indeed invulnerable.) Each one took turns at stabbing the dead body and breaking some of his limbs. Then they carried Leon Kilat's body to the center of the town where it was displayed for all residents to see. It was 5:00 early Friday morning. 

Leon Kilat's remains were brought back to his hometown of Bacong, Negros Oriental on August 2, 1926. A monument was built in the Bacong town plaza in the same year in his honor. 

Battle of Tres de Abril Date of Events

3 April 1898 (Palm Sunday) - Villegas and his men began the rebellion in Cebu.

4 April at 05:00 AM -The rebels drove the Spanish forces into Fort San Pedro and took control of Cebu City. When the Spanish gunboat María Cristina opened fire, the rebels retreated to the Chinese quarter of Lutao.

7 April - 500 men of the 73rd Native Regiment and Spanish cazadores with the cruiser Don Juan de Austria arrived under the command of General Texeiro. This forced the rebels to retreat to San Nicolas.

The Spanish continued pursuing the rebels into the mountain region until 8 April.

Source:

Sa Ngalan Ng Gobyerno Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/snngpage/