Philippine Mythological Creature: Yumud

Yumud 

Yumud of the Manobo ethnic group

A Manobo (parts of the Agusan valley) mythical creature. 

A water wraith that occasionally takes the form of a long-haired woman. It is a harmless spirit that lives beneath the water's surface in stony, deep regions that are typically pools. She is the owner of the color white and occasionally manifests as a masculine deity or spirit. It keeps an eye on the fish. People drown when they offended the Yumud.

Folk Dance of Western Visayas Region: Urukay

In the Philippines, it is customary to have a wedding feast no matter how poor or humble the bride and groom are. This feast is usually held at the bride's house or at the newly-build house of the couple. In this celebration, there is much fun and good-natured teasing. 

In Anini-y, Antique, where this dance originated, the parents of both parties perform the Urukay dance at the wedding feast. 

The Urukay dance is first performed by the father of the groom and the mother of the bride. Then another couple, the father of the bride and the mother of the groom dance the same dance or improvise their own steps.

The Urukay dance is a spirited dance with the male dancer showing off his power and superiority over his female partner by ordering the girl to crawl and pass between his legs in figure IV. The girl retaliates by elbowing the boy. All the time the onlookers cheer and encourage them to show off. 

COSTUME. Girl wears patadyong, camisa or kimona, soft kerchief around neck, and corcho, or chinelas/slippers.

MUSIC. is composed of two parts: A and B

COUNT one, two; one, and two; or one, and, two, and to a measure.

FORMATION. Partners face each other about six feet apart. When facing audience, girl stands at the right side of the boy. This is best danced by only one pair. (Second pair repeats the dance after the first pair) 

DANCE OF FATHER OF GROOM AND MOTHER OF BRIDE.

I

Music A.

       Partners face each other.

       (a) Rock R forward (ct. 1), and rock L backward (ct. 2) alternately six times (6 counts). Step R close to L (ct. 1), pause (ct. 2). Girl holds patadyong, boy places hands on waist. _______________ 4M

        (b) Raise L knee in front, L arm bent forward at chest level, sway body slightly backward, R hand holding patadyong, (ct. 1), tap L foot in front, trunk erect. L hand down at side, R hand of girl holding patadyong that of boy is placed on waist (ct. 2) __________________________________________ 1M

        (c) Starting with L foot, take four steps forward to partner's place, passing by L shoulders (cts. 1, 2, 1, 2). Take two steps in place turning left about to face each other. (cts. 1, 2) ___________________ 3M

        (d) Repeat all (a-c), starting with L foot. Reverse position of hands in (b). Finish in proper places, passing by R shoulders in (c). ________________________________________________________ 8M

II

Music B.

      Partners face each other.

      (a) With R foot leading, take eight mincing steps sideward right (cts. 1, and, 2, and, 2 and 1). Girl holds patadyong, Boy places hands on waist. ___________________________________________ 2M

      (b) Bend body slightly to right side, R arm in reverse "T" position and kumintang, L hand on waist (cts. 1, 2). _______________________________________________________________________1M

      (c) Repeat (b), reverse position of hands, bend body to left side. _________________________1M

      (d) Repeat (a-c), L foot leading. Reverse direction and position of hands in (b). _____________4M

      (e) Repeat all (a-d) _____________________________________________________________8M

III

Music A.

      Partners face each other. Boy and Girl do their movements simultaneously.

      Boy. Hold two opposite corners of kerchief diagonally.

      (a). Starting with R foot, take eight change steps forward going around girl clockwise. Start with R hand up, L hand down. Reverse position of hands every measure. __________________________ 8M

      (b) Repeat movements of Girl in (a) below. Hands on waist ____________________________8M

  

    Girl.

      (a) Rock R forward (ct. 1), and rock L backward (ct. 2) alternatively, sixteen times. L hand on waist, R holding patadyong and swinging forward and backward alternately. ______________________8M

      (b) Repeat movements of Boy in (a) above.) Hold kerchief in the same manner ____________8M

IV

Music B. First time.

       Partners face each other.

      (a) Boy stands with feet apart sideward, holding kerchief in front at two opposite corners, and says aloud to Girl, "Suhot, Balaye!" (Pass through, Balaye!) pointing to his open legs at the same time. Upon hearing this, the onlookers also shout, "Suhot, Balaye!" __________________________________8M

      Girl hesitatingly assumes four's base position and crawls between the legs of partner. While she is doing this the onlookers, shout, clap hands and tease girl. ________________________________8M

V

Music B. Second Time

       Partners face each other.

       (a) Starting with R foot, partners execute change steps forward going to any direction. Boy dances nimbly, trying to avoid girl who on her part tries to dig her elbow into him several times as they dance around ________________________________________________________________________8M

NOTE: To end the dance, girl takes her kerchief and puts it around the neck of the other girl (the mother of the groom) and boy puts his kerchief around the neck of the other boy (the father of the bride). The next couple may repeat the same dance or may improvise their own steps and movements. 

Unknown Filipino Hero: Timoteo Paez

Timoteo Paez

Filipino Revolutionary Leader and Reformist

(1861 - 1939)

Timoteo Paez is a Filipino revolutionary and patriot. He was born in Tondo, Manila. He is widely known as one of the co-founders of La Liga Filipina and Nilad Lodge alongside Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal.

Early Years

Timoteo Paez or “Teong” to his friends was born on August 22, 1861 in Tondo, Manila. Orphaned at an early age by his wealthy father, Francisco Paez, he had to take care of himself. After finishing his elementary school in Tondo Municipal School, he took clerical jobs or as messenger in offices during the day and studied at the Escuela Nautica during the night until he completed a course in accounting.

First Employment and Participation in the Reform Movement

He was employed at the shipping company of Carrinage & Co. when he became involved with the reform movement, which he served by raising funds for the support of the reformists and the La Solidaridad abroad. On July 3, 1892, he joined the La Liga Filipina and became part of its Supreme Council. Although the organization was short lived, he continued his support to the ideals for reform. He printed and distributed Bonifacio’s “True Decalogue” and the teachings of Rizal at his own expense. 

On August 19, 1896, Spanish authorities discovered the Katipunan and as a result, they arrested many suspected members including Timoteo Paez. He suffered nine months in prison until General Primo de Rivera pardoned him and placed him in exile in Hong Kong. There, he continued to update himself of developments in the Philippines and, later, became acquainted with the exiled revolutionary leaders.

The War Years

In September 1898, he returned to the Philippines and joined the revolutionary government of General Emilio Aguinaldo that have retreated to Tarlac. He was designated commissary officer with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and represented the province of Surigao in the Revolutionary Congress. Paez was assigned to a command field during the Philippine-American War. In April 1899, General Aguinaldo attached him to the General Headquarters Service Force as one of his security officers on their retreat to Northern Luzon. After Tirad Pass fell to the Americans, the revolutionary leaders decided to make their flight from the Americans easier by surrendering the women and other non-combatant members in their company. Colonels Paez and Sityar were tasked to accompany those who surrendered back to Manila, where he was held as prisoner-of-war.

Later Years 

When the civil government was organized, Paez was one of the first councilors of Manila. In 1903, he erected a monument of Rizal in the place where the La Liga was established and was one of those who proposed the Rizal monument in Luneta. One who strongly believed in God, he had the Ten Commandments from the Bible inscribed on a stone block.

On September 18, 1939, Timoteo Paez passed away in Tondo.

Unknown Filipino Hero: Rajah Sulayman

Rajah Sulayman

The Last King of Manila

(1558 - 1575)

Often called Sulayman III (Arabic script: سليمان, Abecedario: Solimán), Sulayman died in the 1590s while serving as the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Luzon. He was the nephew of King Ache of Luzon. In the 1570 Battle of Manila, he led the Luzonian soldiers against the Spanish.

Manila was a walled and fortified city, and it contained his palace. Sulayman was one of three kings who fought the Spanish in the battle of Manila in 1570, along with his uncle King Ache and Lakan Dula, the ruler of the nearby kingdom or principality of Tondo. Considering his youth in comparison to the other two monarchs, the Spanish characterized him as the most violent. Following Lakan Dula's passing, Sulayman's adopted son—whom he christened Agustin de Legaspi—was anointed as Tondo's sovereign monarch. He was put to death by the Spanish, along with the majority of Lakan Dula's sons and the majority of Sulayman's other adopted sons, for their roles in an assembly that sought to overthrow Spanish power in Manila. This execution strengthened the Spanish East Indies' hold over portions of Luzon.

Names

According to Spanish records, Sulayman was referred to by his subjects as Raja Mura or Raja Muda, "Young Raja," because he was the nephew and presumed heir of Raja Matanda. Due to Spanish influence, his name is sometimes frequently spelled Solimán. The Spaniards also called him "Raja Solimano el Mow".

Family History

The genealogy put up by Mariano A. Henson in 1955 and confirmed by Majul in 1973 states that Sulayman was the fourteenth Raja of Manila after Rajah Ahmad established the city as a Muslim principality in 1258 after defeating Raja Avirjirkaya, the suzerain of Majapahit.

Manila Was Conquered by the Spanish (1570–1571)

At the time of the Legazpi invasion, Rajah Sulayman and Rajah Matanda ruled over Maynila. Already, neighboring Southeast Asian kingdoms had considerable impact on Manila. The region served as a hub for trade with China, Thailand, and other countries.

After transferring from Cebu to Panay due to Portuguese claims to the archipelago, Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi ordered Martín de Goiti and Juan de Salcedo on an expedition northward to Luzon after learning of a rich kingdom there.

Goiti sent a "message of friendship" to the states bordering the Pasig River after establishing his anchorage at Cavite. Sulayman was prepared to accept the "friendship" from the Spaniards as he had been granted control over these villages by the aging Rajah Matanda. But he would not give up his throne, and he was forced to fight back against the demands of the newcomers. Goíti and his army invaded the kingdoms in June 1570 and proceeded to sack and burn the mighty city before retreating back to Panay.

The Battle of Bangkusay and Tarik Sulayman (1571)

Regarding the identity of the Macabebe chieftain who started the Bangkusay Battle in 1571, there is some dispute. Filipino history refer to that chieftain as Tarik Sulayman. Some accounts of the Battle of Bangkusay claim that Sulayman III of Manila and Tarik Sulayman of Macabebe are the same person, but others dispute this.

The Macabebe Rebel leader's name is omitted from Spanish records, but it is noted that he perished at Bangkusay, forcing the Macabebe to retire and giving the Spanish the upper hand. Conversely, Sulayman III is unmistakably documented as having taken part in the Revolt of 1574, and hence he cannot be the anonymous person who perished at Bangkusay in 1571.

The 1574 "Sulayman Revolt"

Following the death of Lopez de Legazpi in 1572, the agreements made with Sulayman and Lakan Dula were not upheld by his successor, Governor-General Guido de Lavezaris. He put both kings' properties under lockdown and put up with crimes committed by the Spanish.

In retaliation, Sulayman and Lakan Dula staged an uprising in the Navotas villages in 1574, taking advantage of the chaos caused by the Chinese pirate Limahong's attacks. The Sulayman Revolt is also known as the "First Battle of Manila Bay" because it engaged naval forces. This is commonly referred to as the "Manila Revolt of 1574," while it is also occasionally called the "Sulayman Revolt" and the "Lakan Dula Revolt."

It was the duty of Friar Gerónimo Marín and Juan de Salcedo to negotiate a settlement with the kingdoms. Salcedo's peace deal was accepted by Lakan Dula and Sulayman, and the two parties established an alliance.

Life after 1574

Some American Occupation sources state that Sulayman was murdered in the 1574 insurrection; however, this seems to be another case of Sulayman being mistaken for Tarik Sulayman of Macabebe, who had already passed away in the 1571 revolt. According to an analysis of genealogical records held by the National Archives, Sulayman survived the uprising in 1574 that resulted in the death of his son Rahang Bago. He also lived long enough to adopt an unidentified sibling's children and claim them as his own grandchildren.

The narratives of the events of 1586–1588, which involved numerous members of Sulayman's family, no longer mention him.

Descendants

Genealogical research by Luciano P.R. Santiago indicates that Sulayman married a Borneo princess, his cousin, and that they had at least two biological children: a daughter who would be baptized Doña María Laran and a son known as "Rahang Bago" ("new prince"; written as "Raxa el Vago" in the Spanish texts). According to a tale claimed by the Pasay administration in the 1950s, Sulayman had two children: Dayang-dayang (Princess) Pasay, who would inherit the lands south of Manila that are now Pasay and Parañaque, and a son named Suwaboy. But in the chaos that followed Limahong, the Chinese corsair, attacking in November 1574, Rahang Bago and his cousin Lumantalan were slain by the Spanish.

Santiago's investigation revealed that Doña María Laran had two daughters: Doña Inés Dahitim, the older, who wed Don Miguel Banal of Quiapo, and Doña María Guinyamat, who wed a Don Agustín Turingan. According to Luciano P.R. Santiago's theory, Don Miguel Banal was the son of Don Juan Banal, who was charged in the 1587 Tondo Conspiracy. According to Santiago, Don Miguel Banal and Doña Inés Dahitim are credited with bearing Fray Marcelo Banal de San Agustín, the second Filipino to enter the Augustinian Order.

According to the oral tradition that the Pasay local administration cites, Dayang-dayang Pasay moved to Balite after marrying Maytubig, a local prince. According to folklore, they had a daughter named Dominga Custodio who, before her death, bequeathed all of her estates to the Augustinians.

Santiago asserts, however, that Sulayman had adopted descendants in addition to his own offspring. According to Santiago's genealogy research, Sulayman may have had a male sibling who passed away before Rahang Bago in 1574 but whose name is not mentioned in the documents. Sulayman made the decision to adopt this sibling's boys, who were named in the documents as Don Jerónimo Bassi, Don Gabriel Taumbasan, and Agustin de Legaspi. Sulayman's three adopted children took part in the Tondo Conspiracy in 1587; only Taumbasan, who was banished to Mexico for four years, escaped execution.

Others

Historiography of Meranau places him among these kings:

Sulayman Rajah

Maharaja Indarafatra

Umaka'an Rajah

Legacy

A statue of Rajah Sulayman, a hero opposing the Spanish invasion, is located in Manila's Rizal Park. One of two science high schools in Binondo, Manila, Rajah Soliman Science and Technology High School bears his name.

Unknown Filipino Hero: Lakandula

Lakandula 

Supreme Ruler of the Kingdom of Tondo 

(? - 1575)

Lakandula is the title of the last ruler of pre-colonial Tondo when the Spaniards first conquered the lands of the Pasig River delta in the Philippines in the 1570s.

Lakandula who is also known by the name Lakan Bunao Dula (or the Lakan of Tondo) is one of the triumvirates along with Rajah Matanda and Rajah Sulayman who played important roles in the Spanish conquest of the Pasig River polities during the early Spanish colonial period.

Lakandula's Name and Title

According to the Spanish Royal Notary of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi expedition Hernando Riquel, the Lord of Tondo introduced himself to the Spaniards as "Sibunao Lacandola", lord of the town of Tondo when the boarded Legazpi's ship on May 18, 1571, along with the other lords of Manila. While his first name is being interpreted as "Bunao", the historic meaning of the word Lakan, was a title equivalent to the royal title of a prince or a paramount ruler, which means he was the principal datu or prince of his domain.

Due to Spanish writers' lack of familiarity with the local tongue and their frequent inclusion of the grammatical article "si-" in Filipino names, modern historians frequently eliminate the Filipino word "si," which comes before personal names in documented names from this historical period. As a result, Sibunao means "[Ako] si Bunao" or "[I am] Bunao." As a result, historians interpret this to suggest that the Lakan identified himself as "Bunao Lakandula." Although Lakandula was formerly thought to be a regnal name, it was actually his title, as will be shown later.

The Origin of the Name Lakandula

Under the Tagalog language, a "bayan" or "large barangay" is a major coastal settlement, and the persona "Lakan" indicated that he was a "paramount ruler" (or more precisely, "paramount datu") of one of these locations.

Currently means "gentleman" in Tagalog.

Another popular spelling of the name is Gat Dula, which can also be spelled Gatdula, when written as a single word. Gatdula literally translates to "Nobleman of the Palace," which is equivalent to the Kapampangan version of Lakandula. In the past, the prefix Gat, a condensed form of the Tagalog epithet "Pamagat," meant "nobleman."

This means that the addendum "dula" issue still needs to be resolved. Although it is unlikely that this was a family name like those that Filipinos use now, this may not be a good enough explanation given that static family names were brought into the culture much later, by a proclamation signed on November 11, 1849, by Governor General Narciso Clavería y Zaldúa. Alternatively, Dula might have referred to a clan or family group rather than a surname in and of itself, though there isn't any historical evidence to bolster this theory. According to historian Jose N. Sevilla y Tolentino, "Dula" was a regional term that had a meaning similar to "Palace," rather than a personal name. It's possible that he didn't actually rule from a palace, but this would have suggested the Lakan's center of authority. Therefore, the "Lord of the Palace" and Tondo's monarch would have been referred to as the "Lakandula" in the local tongue. In a same vein, Rajah Sulayman was occasionally referred to as Rajah Muda or Rajamora (Young Rajah), while the more recent Rajah Ache was called Rajah Matanda (Old Rajah).

Although historians like Dery and Scott clarify that Banaw was his real name, they nevertheless call him Lakandula or "the" Lakandula. Conversely, Joaquin states that the Lakan's real name was Banaw and goes on to refer to him as "the" or Lakan Dula (different terms) in his "Manila, My Manila" text. The final Lakan of Dula (or Lakan of Tondo) is referred to as "Lakandula" as if it were his name, and many modern historians continue to overlook the fact that Lakandula was a title. All things considered, "Bunau, Lakan Dula" or "the Lakan of Tondo" would be the most correct way to style the historical person's name and title.

"Lakan" As Opposed To "Rajah"

Despite the fact that he has been mistakenly called Rajah Lakandula, "Rajah" and "Lakan" are essentially same. The native Lakan title was used in Tondo, hence using both "Rajah" and "Lakandula" at the same time was redundant and incorrect. Filipino historian and national artist for literature Nick Joaquin goes to great lengths to clarify that the Tondo kings used the term Lakan, not Rajah.

Lakandula's Existence Prior to the Spanish Arrival

Before Legazpi arrived, hardly much is known about the early years of Banaw, Lakan Dula. National Artist Nick Joaquin states that "he is presumed to be of native birth," having mixed Kapampangan and Sinaunang Tagalog (Dumagat) heritage. According to Joaquin, "He was said to be a descendant of King Balagtas."

Joaquin makes several assumptions about the religious practices of the Lakan Dula:

"Tondo's Lakan Dula may have been unusual in being neither foreign nor Muslim. This was indicated by his use of the native term Lakan instead of the foreign [Muslim] title Rajah. Lakan dula can be presumed . . . to have been reared in the anito cults. One guess is that he converted to Islam, then changed his mind and returned to his native faith."

Joaquin goes on to elaborate on the Lakan Dula's rule over Tondo's economic background:

"Tondo had replaced Namayan as the chief port of entry on Manila Bay. Tondo was right on the seaside. This was the advantage it had over Namayan, which was upriver inland. So, the merchant ships that came into the bay preferred to unload their goods at the port of Tondo. And now it was the king of Tondo who was responsible for sending the merchandise upriver to the lakeside communities, there to be traded for local products. Tondo was thus the distributing center, or entrepot, on the delta... At the time of [the last] Lakan Dula [in the 1570s], Tondo was at the height of its career as an entrepot…."

When Chinese ships arrived in Manila Bay, according to Scott (1982), the Lakan Dula would take off their sails and rudders until the Chinese paid him duties and anchorage fees. After that, he would purchase all of their goods, paying half of their value up front and the remaining half when the ships returned the following year. He would barter these things with peoples further upstream in the meantime, which ultimately prevented other locals from purchasing anything directly from the Chinese and forced them to do so through the Lakan Dula, who profited handsomely from the transaction.

William Henry Scott mentions that Maynila's ships sourced their products from Tondo and subsequently controlled trade throughout the rest of the archipelago. He also recalls that Augustinian Fray Martin de Rada Legaspi observed that the Tagalogs were "more traders than warriors". Maynila's boats were called "Chinese" (Sina or Sinina) by people in other parts of the archipelago because they arrived with Chinese merchandise.

Legazpi's Arrival, May 1571

The Lakan Dula was waiting for Miguel Lopez de Legazpi when he arrived at Manila Bay in May 1571. On May 17, the day following Legazpi's arrival in the bay, Rajah Matanda and Lakan Dula boarded Legazpi's ship to negotiate terms. This was the first time the two met. A portion of these talks stipulated that the Spanish would land in Manila, which had burned to the ground the previous year, rather than Tondo. Joaquin proposes that Lakan Dula "would have seen that Legaspi was being practical; Maynila would be a better spot to fortify, being more strategic, after it was burned down and emptied." Manila was actually occupied by Legazpi and the three kings—the Lakan Dula, the (older) Rajah Ache, and the (younger) Rajah Sulayman—through a peace treaty.

On May 18, 1571, Rajah Sulayman, Rajah Matanda, and Lakan Dula, the native aristocracy of the House of Dula of the Lakanate of Tondo, declared themselves to be vassals of Spain and accepted its dominion over the islands. In the presence of Soliman, Matanda, and Lakan Dula, Legazpi ceremoniously took possession of the land on May 19, the day after his arrival in Manila.

Lakan Dula provided the Spanish, who were low on ammunition, with twelve jars of gunpowder and fourteen pieces of cannon in addition to helping Legazpi create a home and construct a fort.

The Lakan Dula and his sons converted to Catholicism shortly after that. Bunao Lakan Dula adopted the moniker "Don Carlos Lacandola" in honor of Spanish King Charles I. The Spanish fired Manila's artillery and arquebuses during the celebration to commemorate the occasion.

The Bangkusay Battle, June 1571

Although the locals initially welcomed the Spaniards with open arms, they eventually realized that their presence had meant servitude. The dominance of the Spanish in Luzon was soon questioned. On May 24, 1570, there was a first combat, and the indigenous lost. After an assault on Manila a month later, Tarik Sulayman of Macabebe persuaded Rajah Sulayman to join the fight against Legazpi. In what would become known as the Battle of Bangkusay Channel, Macabebe and Sulayman's armies were routed, and Macabebe's Datu was slain. (Some people have been confused about these two leaders because of their similar names, but Tarik Sulayman and Rajah Sulayman were not the same person; one lived to see the end of the conflict.)

Even though Lakandula had declined to join Macabebe and Sulayman's alliance, two of his nephews and several of his commanders were among the Spanish prisoners that the Spanish captured during the battle. When questioned, they claimed not to have been combatants but rather merely observers at the incident. Legazpi released them as a sign of his faith in Lakandula.

Joaquin observes that Legaspi made a sensible decision in making this:

"If he had been playing a double game before, Lakan Dula now became earnest in supporting the Spanish. It maybe he who persuaded the fugitive Soliman to surrender and return to the good graces of Legazpi."

Travel to Bulacan and Pampanga in Late 1571

On September 14, 1571, Legaspi dispatched Martin de Goiti later that year to impose Spanish dominion over the inhabitants of what are now the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga, specifically the areas of Lubao with Macabebe, Guagua. On November 14, of the same year, they took control of Malolos and Calumpit, one month later. Legazpi accepted these agreements made while Spain was in power. According to one version, he sent Lakandula and Sulayman with him because "if so great a chief should go with him, when the Tagalogs and Pampangos saw that he had given obedience to His Majesty, they would give it also."

The story goes on:

"Lacandola agreed to go, and served with two ships provided at his cost, and distinguished himself by performing much service for His Majesty and went along so the said Pampangos would give him obedience, as in fact they did."

These were joangas (karakoa), a kind of vessel widespread in Maritime Southeast Asia that could hold three hundred men each, as noted by Dery.

Limahong Attack, 1574

Even after Legaspi died on August 20, 1572, and was succeeded as governor by Guido de Lavezares, the colony's treasurer, Lakandula's tight ties with the Spanish persisted. An opposing expedition led by the Chinese pirate Limahong, who had been banned by the Celestial Emperor of China, attempted in vain to claim the Islands. When Limahong arrived in 1574 to attempt to take over Manila, Lakandula was there to assist in rebuffing him. Lakandula successfully instigated a rebellion against the Spanish colonizers. The indigenous population of Mindoro Island also revolted, but a military detachment put an end to all of these problems.

Death

There aren't many references to Lakandula's passing, although Scott states that he passed away in 1575, "three years after" Rajah Matanda and Legazpi, who both passed away in 1572.

After that, Lakandula's grandnephew, Agustin de Legazpi, the adoptive son of Rajah Soliman, assumed leadership of Tondo.

Sultan Bolkiah's cousin, Agustin de Legazpi, commanded Tondo as a Spanish dominion until he rebelled against them in the 1587–1588 Lakans Revolt, at which point he was overthrown and executed.

Kimuell-Gabriel (2013) cites Fray Gaspar de San Agustin in "Conquistas de las Islas Filipinas 1565–1615" as saying that Lakandula controlled Tondo from a high position near Manila Bay, fronted by homes owned by fishermen and facing the shore. Oral histories from the community indicate that the Sto Niño of Tondo Parish church was eventually built on this location.

Documentary Sources

There is a lack of primary documentary evidence about Lakandula, to the extent that there has been discussion regarding the Lakan's true name. Dery categorizes sources about Lakandula into three categories:

- explicit narratives of Legaspi's victory in 1571, as well as oblique allusions from other historical records.

- A collection of records known as the "Lacandola Documents" in the Philippine National Archives, which primarily consists of 18th-century genealogical documents; and

- legends that "suggests prior lineage where documentation definitively identifies only descendants".

Direct Accounts and Citations from Historical Records

William Henry Scott lists the following three reports as specifically describing the events of Lakandula's lifespan in his "Bibliographic Essay" at the conclusion of his book "Barangay: Sixteenth Century Philippine Culture and Society":

- A narrative penned by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.

- A report from Legazpi's expedition participant, royal notary Hernando Riquel; and

- A third, unnamed narrative that Scott speculates was likely penned by Hernando Riquel, a royal notary.

Scott highlights this third account in particular as being very helpful since it contains in-depth observations about the islands and the individuals contacted.

Scott also mentions other tales that give more details about the circumstances at the time but do not specifically mention that particular event. These include two accounts of the Magellan voyage, reports from the attacks on Borneo in 1578–79, letters from royal auditor Melchor de Avalos to the king, reports by later Governors General, Augustinian Fray Martin de Rada's correspondence, the Relacion accounts of Miguel de Loarca and Juan de Plasencia, and the Boxer Codex, which "can be dated to 1590 on internal evidence." Furthermore, the latter two are recorded in Blair and Robertson.

DESCENDANTS

Children

Among Luzon's ancient monarchs, Lakan Dula was the most productive and the leader of the House of Dula. It was during the Spanish colonial era that his ancestors dispersed over the Kapampangan Region. According to Filipino historian Luciano P.R. Santiago's genealogy, Lakan Dula is the father of at least five children:

Lakan Bunao Dula's eldest son, Batang Dula.

The Datu of Candaba, Don Dionisio Capulong.

Don Magat Salamat, who succeeded his cousin Agustin de Legazpi in ruling Tondo following Lakandula's death, and who was put to death by the Spanish in 1588 for his participation in the Lakans Revolt;

Don Felipe Salonga, Pulu's Datu.

His only known daughter in history, Doña Maria Poloin, wed Don Juan Alonso Talabos; and

Don Martin Lakandula, a lay brother who joined the Augustinian Order in 1590.

Additional documented sources also refer to a "Don Luis Taclocmao" (also known as "Salugmoc"), who is purportedly the son of Lakandula and was slain while battling the Chinese rebels in 1603.

Additional Relationships

According to a local folklore, Juan de Salcedo, a conquistador who was born in Mexico, fell in love with "Dayang-dayang Kandarapa," an 18-year-old noblewoman who was rumored to be Lakandula's niece.

Subsequent Offspring

The identities and life stories of some of Lakan Dula's descendants are described in an article by Filipino historian Luciano P.R. Santiago for the Philippine Quarterly of Culture and Society in 1990. The article is primarily based on the "Lacandola Documents," a collection of legal documents kept by the Philippine National Archives. The information from the Lacandola documents is corroborated by a rumored 1539 document known as the "Will of Fernando Malang Balagtas," whose precise provenance has been found to be dubious. This was mentioned by another Filipino historian, Luis Camara Dery, in his 2001 book "A History of the Inarticulate". The Lacandola of Arayat originated with Dola, a resident of San Luis, Pampanga, who is one of Lakan Dula of Tondo's grandkids. After marrying a Spanish mestizo called Reyes, Dola insisted on giving her children the surname Lacandola in order to keep in touch with his grandparents from Tondo and, in part, to evade Spanish authorities. Ultimately, the Reyes-Laciandra family was married into a Macapagal family.

Dery, Scott, and Santiago narrate that following Lakan Dula's passing, some of his successors had disagreements with the Spanish government, which led to the suspension of the rights granted to them for a while. As per Dery's analysis, the Balagtas document describes how these rights were reestablished when a Juan Macapagal—who identified himself as the great-grandson of Lakan Dula through the son of Dionisio Capulong, Juan Gonzalo Capulong—helped the Spanish authorities put down the uprisings in 1660 Maniago, 1660–1661 Malong, and 1661 Almazan while carrying out his duties as Master-of-Camp and Datu of Arayat.

To protect the rights and privileges guaranteed by the Spanish crown to the Kapampangan ancestors of Lakan Dula, A Gremio de Lakandulas was established in 1758. Governor General Simon de Anda granted autonomy to the descendants of Lakan Dula, who were primarily located in the province of Pampanga, and they organized a volunteer company to resist the British during the invasion in 1762–1764.

The Filipino surname Macapagal (selective variant: Makapagal) comes from the Kapampangan language. The last "王" or King of Tondo, "東都" (Dongdu), Lakandula's legitimate grandchildren are the family's alleged lineage to noble status. It is the only known branch of the Seludong royal line to have withstood the invasion of the Majapahit Empire, the pogrom against native royals by the Sultanate of Brunei, the atrocities carried out by Chinese warlord Limahong, and the aftermath of the Tondo Conspiracy. Martin de Goiti's marriage of his Mestiza (half-Spanish, half-Aztec) daughter to Batang Dula allowed the family to live. As time passed, they also included the offspring of the other two royal houses: Tariq Suleiman (سليمان) and Rajah Matanda (ؤअज ंअतन्द). After the Spanish took over control of Manila, the family moved to Pampanga and Northern Samar.

According to Santiago's genealogy, notable 20th-century Lakan Dula descendants include pioneering Filipino industrialist Gonzalo Puyat, former Philippine Senate President Gil Puyat, international stage star Lea Salonga, and former Philippine Presidents Diosdado Macapagal and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Legacy

One of the highest awards granted by the Philippine Republic is the Order of Lakandula. Lakan Dula's commitment to the duties of leadership, caution, fortitude, courage, and resolution in the service of one's people is honored by this order of political and civic distinction.

The only former USN Edsall-class destroyer escort to serve with the Philippine Navy was the BRP Rajah Lakandula (PF-4), a destroyer/frigate. From 1981 until 1988, it served as the Philippine Navy's flagship. As of 1999, it remained an immobile barracks ship at Subic Bay, having been struck from the Navy List in 1988.

Lakan Dula is the namesake of several elementary and secondary schools, particularly in the Province of Pampanga and the City of Manila, which are both strongly connected to Banaw Lakan Dula.

Photo Source:

Reddit - u/jchrist98

The Great Fire of Iloilo

The TALE OF TWO CITIES - London and Iloilo, 300 Years Apart

What happened in London in 1666 called The Great Fire of London also took place 300 years later in Iloilo City called The Great Fire of Iloilo

This article taken from The Chronicle Magazine last March 5, 1966, details the unfortunate event. 

QUEEN CITY OF THE SOUTH RAZED BY BIG FIRE

The Chronicle Magazine

March 5, 1966

₱50 million loss: Twelve blocks of commercial, and residential establishments in Iloilo gutted by fire.

The morning of Feb. 7, 1966, was just like any other rooming as far as Iloilo City residents were concerned. Little did they know that a few hours later—shortly after lunchtime—their city would be hit by a big fire, the worst in the history of Iloilo province. For it was at 1:31 p.m. on that fateful day when fire broke out from a lumberyard on Iznart Street and spread swiftly to Quezon and Valeria streets. Fanned by a strong wind, the blaze had an easy time gutting at least 12 blocks of commercial and residential establishments along Texas Street on the North side, Rizal Street on the South, Jalandoni Street on the West, and Arroyo Street on the East.

The fire lasted approximately 12 hours and 50 million pesos worth of property went up in smoke. Among those destroyed by the blaze were the Ledesma-Lopez building, the Akol building, the International Harvester Branch in that city, the offices of the Sugar Quota Administration, Radiowealth, the Chinese Commercial School, Gay building, Iloilo Enterprise building, Berman Commercial, Panaderia de Mole, Century Nickel Plating Shop.

The fire was so devastating that many of the residents, including city officials, could only stand by, shocked and helpless, and wait for the fire to reach the Iloilo shorelines. Firetrucks used to put out the fire had to travel at least three kilometers from Jaro district just to fill their tanks. But, just like all things—good or bad—the fire had to come to an end. Although at the height of the fire, looting was rampant, nonetheless, civic-mindedness was the order of the day as soon as the fire was placed under control.

Government, business, and civic leaders, apparently aware of the extent of the damage, immediately launched fund drives for the victims. Donations in cash and kind were shipped to fire-stricken Iloilo City. An airline company offered the services of one of its airplanes for use in transporting relief items to the city. Other private organizations transported food, clothing, and cash to Iloilo for immediate distribution to the victims.

President Marcos and Vice President Fernando Lopez led the nation in seeing to it that the fire victims were cared for. Up to press time, contributions were cared for. Up to press time, contributions, mostly in cash, were still being sent to the fire victims.

Source: The Chronicle Magazine

Taken from: I AM PHILIPPINES Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/iamphilippines/posts/queen-city-of-south-razed-by-big-firethe-chronicle-magazinemarch-5-196650-millio/1946015448954646/

Photo Source:

https://www.facebook.com/FedFire/photos/a.279969413989/10154644951918990/

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