Iloilo City Places Of Interests

International Hotel As Part of the Heritage Buildings in Casa Real, Iloilo City Proper 

Iloilo River Esplanade 

Plaza Libertad fronting Iloilo City Hall

CITY PROPER

The capital of Iloilo, the city of Iloilo is situated between Iloilo and Batiano river is forming in a shape of a nose hence the old name of Iloilo, "Ilong-ilong," which means looks like a nose. The city, considered as noble city of Western Visayas is modern and cosmopolitan.

One of the safest port in the country is the Muelle Loney  named after Nicholas Loney, a British businessman and known as the "Father of the Sugar Industry in Western Visayas". The island of Guimaras protects the port from harsh winds. The port is opened to world trade in 1855.

The Fort San Pedro near port of Iloilo was built by the Spaniards in 1619 to protect the city from the raids of the Dutch pirates who blocked all the entrances and exits of the city for three days. Aside from the Dutch, the fort was also attacked by the British, Americans and Japanese. It was in this fort that the first commercial plane, the Iloilo-Negros Air Express Co. was born on February 3, 1933 by the Lopez brothers.

The beautiful and green Plaza Libertad was formerly known as Plaza Alfonso XII is full of history. It was here where the flag of the first Filipino republic was raised on December 26, 1898 after the Spanish forces surrender in Iloilo, Spain's last capital in Asia, to the revolutionaries headed by General Martin Delgado.

Calle Real, the often called Escolta of Iloilo during the Spanish colonial period, is the today's Jose Ma. Basa (J.M. Basa) St.  is the liveliest street in the commercial district of the city. It was even mentioned by Dr. Jose Rizal in his diary on August 4, 1896 when he visited Iloilo on board the ship "España" from Dapitan stating: "The memory of the liveliness and attractiveness of Escolta brings forth the joy in me." Rizal bought a buri hat at a Lebanese-owned bazaar on the location of the present-day Cine Palace aka Regent Theater fronting Freedom Grandstand. Calle Real or JM Basa is home to the colonial era heritage buildings built during the American colonial period and other contemporary buildings.

Central Market is located at the junction of Aldeguer and Guanco Sts.  Ledesma Street, on the other hand, is the longest commercial street in the city and is often called Avenida Rizal due to its length. It starts from Plazoleta Gay where the four streets intersects - Iznart, J.M. Basa, Arroyo and Ledesma. The old and new provincial capitol of Iloilo is at the northern end of Iznart Street known as the Bonifacio Drive.

The iconic Museo Iloilo at the Bonifacio Drive located besides the Iloilo Provincial Capitol built by the Board of Travel and Tourist Industry (today's Department of Tourism) is a repository of Iloilo's colorful past of inherited culture. Carbon 14 which approximate or foretells the date and age of the shell fossils and stones indicates the age of Panay Island; pieces of tools and equipment of early men during the Stone age, native potteries, decorated jeweled teeth, jewelries excavated from the burial sites before the arrival of the Spaniards, potteries and porcelains imported from China, Annam and Siam that were found at the tombs of the natives, tombs discovered in caves prohibited from public entry, images and memories of revolutions against Spain and America, World War II relics like the famous radio transmitters that established the first communication connection in the Philippines with the United States and Australia after the soldiers surrender to the Japanese. relics recovered from the remains of the capsized British ships near Guimaras, Filipino sculptures during the Spanish colonial period, gallery of old and modern visual arts created by Ilonggo artists. The cultural wealth is artfully arranged and exhibited. Museo Iloilo is a noble building which honors and glorifies the visual environment of Iloilo city just like a modern Parthenon, an art that reflects a Scandinavian architecture, standing at the imposing podium at the compound of the Provincial Capitol. The museum is a joint project of the provincial government and the Board of Travel and Tourist Industry which is now the Department of Tourism.


MOLO

Known as the "Athens of the Philippines," the district produced a lot of great Ilonggos, including seven (7) senators of the Philippine republic, seven (7) governors of Iloilo and four (4) justices of the Supreme Court aside from cabinet secretaries who served different administrations. The senators wee Francisco Villanueva, Esteban de la Rama, Esperidion Guanco, Jose Ma. Arroyo, Francisco C. Zulueta, Jose C. Zulueta and Rodolfo T. Ganzon. The governors were Raymundo Melliza, Amando Avanceña, Gregorio Yulo, Mariano Arroyo, Jose Yulo-Delgado, Timoteo Consing and Jose Zulueta. The justices were Raymundo Melliza, Gregorio Araneta, Felicisimo Feria and Chief Justice Ramon Avanceña.

Birthplace of the delicious Pancit Molo and also home of the sweetmeats, Panaderia de Molo.

The feminist church of St. Anne is a Gothic-Renaissance in style visited by Dr. Jose Rizal on August 4, 1896. The impressive church captured the poetic vision of Dr. Rizal when he chance upon it for his visit to his dear classmate and friend, Raymundo Melliza (his classmate in University of Santo Tomas in Manila and in Spain). Rizal is on his way to Manila from Dapitan and made a short trip to Iloilo. The unique church features several columns of statues of female saints thus the nickname "Feminist Church."

Asilo de Molo orphanage where the noble garments used on rare occasions by church leaders and dignitaries were handmade crafted, designed and embroidered by the young orphans under the guidance and supervision of the nuns.

Formerly called Parian in the old days because it is the home of the largest community of Chinese of La Villa de Arevalo.

Collections of Filipino sculptures during the period of colonialism and artifacts in the tombs owned by lawyer Jose Tiongco.

Shell craft factory in Lopez-Jaena owned by the Soriano family.

Molo also produced several other leaders of the revolution in Panay more than any other towns and districts with this size and population even the town of Jaro. Almost all of the members of the Comite Conspirador, the secret junta who plans a revolutions were natives of Molo. They are Perfecto Salas, Jovito Jusay, Ramon Avanceña, Angel Corteza, Francisco Villanueva, and Raymundo Melliza.

The three citizens of Molo, Angel Corteza, Raymundo Melliza and Pablo Araneta are outstanding generals of the revolution.

Cornelio Melliza, father of Raymundo and Isidro de la Rama, father of Esteban de la Rama, became shipping tycoons who managed the first passenger shipping lines in the Visayas.

The families of Yulo, Lacson, Locsin, Yusay, Araneta, de la Rama, Corteza, Conlu, Consing, Montelibano and Segovia searched for vassal lands in Negros and created the province into a vast emporium of sugar.

In field of arts and literature, Angel Magahum Sr. and Gimeno Damaso wrote some music and sarsuela that is widely recognized by many.



AREVALO

- 6 kilometers southwest of the city proper
- seat of the alcaldia in the early days of Spanish occupation of Iloilo
- center of weaving and embroidery of jusi, pineapples and hablon
- established in 1581 by Governor-General Gonzalo Ronquillo who gave the name "La Villa de
  Arevalo" in memory of his hometown and birthplace in Avila, Spain becoming one of the first places in the Philippines to be named in Spanish. The town became the capital of politics, religion and military in Panay. It became the financier of the Spanish expedition against the Moors in Mindanao and in Moluccas.
- It is also the first Spanish community attacked by an English pirate, Sir Thomas Cavendish considered to be the third person to circumnavigate the world. He raided Arevalo in 1588.
- Flower capital of Iloilo, where potted plants, flowers, bouquets and wreaths can be bought and even brought to other provinces.
- Pyrotechnics and firecracker capital of Iloilo because the district is known for its firecrackers and fireworks
- Its prominent attraction is the Villa Beach along the coast which boasts several resorts and an outdoor nightlife such as open air restaurants and bars and also the starting venue of the popular and
oldest sailing competition in Asia, Paraw Regatta.
- It is also home to the 3rd oldest image of Sto. Niño or Holy Child Jesus in the Philippines after the images in Cebu and in Tondo, Manila, respectively.

It was called by the Augustinians, "Patria de Varios Hombres Celebres" or town featuring various personalities and figures;

  * Melecio Figueroa, a friend and acquaintance of Rizal in Spain and known in Europe as the greatest Filipino engraving artist is a native of Arevalo. Figueroa designed or engraved the Conant coins (named after monetary expert Charles Arthur Conant), national coin during those times. The figure of a woman in the silver coin is a picture or image of her daughter Blanca.

   * Francisco Varona, journalist, labor union leader, statesman who served twice as a Congressman was born in Arevalo.

   * The patriot, social worker, feminist and woman suffragist Sofia Reyes de Veyra is from Villa.

  * Some of the outstanding Villanon includes former governor Amado Avanceña who served during the American occupation.

  * Father Anselmo Avanceña, one of the founders of the famous Colegio de Sta. Ana of Molo, one of the most honored priest, also a writer, translator, editor, creator and social worker.

  * Councilors Crispino Melocoton and Joaquin Abadilla, bishop Felipe Molina and former Iloilo City Mayor, Reinario J. Ticao.


JARO

  - 3 kilometers from city proper
  - birthplace of the greatest Filipino orator and journalist, Graciano Lopez-Jaena.
  - site of Jaro Archbishopric which covers the entire  Western Visayas region
  - home to a number of colonial sculptures and structures, heritage colonial houses (images of saints
  - made of wood, stone and ivory), Chinese porcelains and other artifacts collections in the houses of Mrs. Lourdes Dellota and Mrs. Leticia Jesena.
 - Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral also known as the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Cathedral
 - elegant mansions of sugar barons and Antillean houses with Spanish motif owned by the Montinola.

  - Elegant Jaro Municipal Hall that became a police station but is now undergoing restoration and renovation to serve as the main office of National Museum Western Visayas regional branch.

  - Central Philippine University

  Children of Jaro includes:
    *Former Vice President of the Philippines, Fernando Lopez
    *Don Aurelio Montinola established Amon Trading Corporation
    *Senator Ruperto Montinola known as Colossus of the South
    *Senator and Governor Jose B. Ledesma;
    *Senator Ramon Lopez, philanthropist and hero Gil Lopez, revolutionary leader, grandfather of world class musicians and artists Kabayao
    *Secretary of Finance, Rufino G. Hechanova
    *General Rafael Jalandoni, Staff Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines


LA PAZ

   - established in 1867 and home to the world famous La Paz batchoy
    - St. Clement's Redemptorist Church equivalent to the Baclaran church because of its devotion. The first church in the country to have a devotion to the Mother of Perpetual Help which was started in 1946.


MANDURRIAO

     Iloilo Business Park, mixed use, master-planned development by Megaworld Corporation in the former old Mandurriao airport.

     the beautiful and very clean Iloilo River Esplanade






Photo Sources:

https://sugarwithaspice.wordpress.com

https://www.iloilo.net.ph

Research Center of Iloilo: The History Of Iloilo Chapter 9 - American Siege of Iloilo

Chapter 9

American Siege of Iloilo

* highlighted in violet is the timeline or date

Dr. Frank S. Bourns (front left) and  Dean C. Worcester (front right) with their Filipino assistants in Iloilo in 1888

American Spy and their Espionage to Spanish Iloilo and whole of Philippines

1887 - Four American biologist came to Iloilo to study its flora and fauna. They were Dr. Joseph B. Steere a zoologist, Dr. Frank S. Bourns (photo front left), Dean C. Worcester (photo front right), and E.L. Mosley. Worcester collect zoological specimens for the University Museum. They left Iloilo for Concepcion on a sugar steamboat where the Spanish military headquarter was located.

He went back to the US in 1889 and returned to Philippines in 1890. They spent two and a half years (1890-1893) collecting  more than 3000 specimens of birds, reptiles, mammals, butterflies, shells and ethnographic objects. But those are just few of his feats. Worcester expedition was a very prolific one. His documentation such as descriptive details of general condition of Philippines was magnanimous one with hundreds of pictures from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Worcester very quick ascension to high-profile American government office albeit he is just a mere biologist raised a suspicion that he worked for clandestine intelligence service by collecting information to assess Philippine vulnerability to American territorial expansion.

Dean C. Worcester published a book in 1898 "The Philippine Islands and Their People ". In 1899, President McKinley of the United States appointed him in the First Philippine Commission as an only civilian. The following September he returned to Washington to oversee the compilation and publication of the Commission's 1600 page report. He continued his service as a member of the Second Philippine Commission (the only person to serve on both) headed by William H. Taft, Secretary of Interior. In 1901, Worcester was appointed the Secretary of Interior of the Commission Government a position he held until 1913 making him the longest serving administrator in the colonial government.  This was an extremely powerful position that oversaw a number of  government bureaus: Health, Forestry, Public Lands, Agriculture,  Weather, Mining, Government Laboratories, and Non-Christian Tribes. He also published a book The Philippines: Past and Present.

American War Ships Surprise Visit Iloilo Harbor

December 27, 1898 - Just two days after gaining independence as the newly-born Iloilo Nation, a 3,000-strong American military force led by Gen. Henry Miller arrived in four US warships (USS: Baltimore, Boston, Concord & Petrel) to Iloilo harbor to demand the surrender of the city. The commander of the expedition, Gen. Marcus Miller assisted by warships from Admiral George Dewey lowered the  Filipino flag and hoisted the American one signifying American control requested permission to land saying that they had come as friends. But the Ilonggo officials refused to grant his request.

Gen. Marcus Henry Miller

Gen Marcus Henry Miller could not force his way because U.S. President William McKinley had ordered that armed conflict with the Filipinos should be avoided while the Treaty of Paris was pending ratification by the U.S. Senate. A telegram says "To preserve the peace and protect the life and property. It is more important that there should be no conflict with the insurgents, be conciliatory but firm"

Negotiation

One day Gen. Miller tried diplomacy. He sent his army surgeon, Dr. Henry Dur. Phelan to negotiate with General Martin Delgado, Attorney Raymundo Melliza and Attorney Francisco Soriano.

“We  have sacrificed lives and money to destroy the power of Spain,” Phelan told the leaders.

Melliza who was the Ilonggo spokesperson replied, “We  have also made great sacrifices in life.” He paused for a moment and added, “We have the power to govern ourselves and need no assistance.”

Failing to  persuade the native officials to let the American ships land, Phelan dropped a  threat. He said the Americans could destroy Iloilo any time with the big guns from their ships. Melliza stood up and forcefully answered, “We will withdraw to the mountains and repeat the North American Indian warfare. You must not forget that.”

Half-Baked ratification of Treaty of Paris

February 4, 1899 -  The American command claimed that the Filipinos initiated the fighting. The big news of the fighting and the false information was wired to Washington instigating the Senate to ratify the treaty. Previously, Americans made a sham battle at this second time around they made another sham fighting to influence the Senate vote to be scheduled on February 6.


February 6, 1899 -  There was an intense fight in the United States  politicians. The treaty was finally ratified by a margin of just one vote. The ratification of the treaty indicated that the United States was committed to take possession of the Philippine islands and that it would oppose the Filipino independence movement. US President McKinley and his cabinet.

Americans attacked Iloilo

February 7, 1899 -  Gen. Robert Hughes,  an American started to bomb Iloilo about a week that brought irreparable damage and totally demolished the historic “Fort San  Pedro“ citadel.

War Broke Out

February 11, 1899 - At  9:30 a.m. Saturday, February 11 the gunboat Petrel and the cruiser Baltimore bombarded the Filipino shore trenches. Forty-eight marines from the Boston and a company from the Petrel were sent ashore.

The defenders were led by General Martin Delgado and Teresa "Nay Isa" Magbanua y Ferraris, the Visayan "Joan of Arc" retreated.

America totally crushed Ilonggo Independent Movement

February 14, 1899 - American troops landed in Iloilo and took it by storm landing at Fort San Pedro near Santo Rosario and forced their way into the city. Villages were razed to the ground and hundreds of civilians were brutally killed including defenseless women and small children. Soldiers burned Iloilo to prevent the Americans from making it as their base of operations. The Swiss consul's residence was burned. The entire Chinese and native sections of the city were destroyed but foreign mercantile property escaped with slight damage.

“The house was a fine one and richly furnished but had been looted to a finish. The  contents of every drawer had been emptied on the floor. You have no idea what a mania for destruction the average man has when the fear of the law is removed. I have see them—old sober business men too—knock chandeliers and plate-glass  mirrors to pieces just because they couldn’t carry them off. It is such a  pity." (- D. M. Mickle, Tennessee Regiment at Iloilo)

Americans took properties for themselves including the money in the banks.

(In Iloilo: Americans lined up for mess at their headquarters kitchen. Photo taken in 1899)

February 22, 1899 – After two weeks of battle, Iloilo City finally fell to the Americans. Don Raymundo Melliza and Roque Lopez  surrendered readily because they are elderly. Melliza was appointed president of the military branch of the Supreme Court by Gen. Elwell Otis, the military governor of the Philippines on May 29, 1899 with Ambrosio Rianzares, Julio Llorente, Major R.W. Young, and Captain W.E. Brikhimer as magistrates.

Remaining Ilonggo troops fought the Americans in pitched battles in towns around Iloilo City. The resistance continued line in defense outside Jaro from Balabag, Pavia to Jibao-an extending towards Oton and checked American advance. Under Martin Delgado guerrilla warfare was still raging in the province and continued for 8 months of resistance.

March 19, 1899 - The Queen Regent of Spain ratified the Treaty of Paris.

Apr  11, 1899 - Exchange of treaty ratification in Washington by both Spain and the  United States. It was only at this point in time the treaty was actually  formalized and became internationally binding; officially ending the  Spanish-American War. Thus, consummation of the anomalous Philippine  purchase.

Ilonggo Nation - Independent from Manila

April 27, 1899 - A decree abolishing the Federal Republic of the Visayas was issued by Emilio Aguinaldo. This was ignored  by the Ilonggo leaders since Iloilo leaders knew that they are not under his authority. The embattled Visayan government continued to function while fighting U.S. forces. Ilonggo Republic continued to function moving its capital from Sta. Barbara, Jaro, Cabatuan and other towns in the province of Iloilo. On January 18, 1900, Benito Lopez at age 21 was elected a member of the Council of the Federal State of the Visayas.

A new life is ahead Iloilo during the American colonial government.

Governors Of ILOILO Province

 

General Martin Delgado - The First Civil Governor of Iloilo during the American colonial period

 

Raymundo Melliza - The Second Civil Governor of Iloilo during the American Occupation

  

Tomas Confesor - Governor Of Iloilo Resistance Government During World War II 

 

Niel Tupas, Sr. - Governor From 2001 - 2010

  

Arthur Defensor, Sr. - One of the longest serving governor Of Iloilo 

These are the Alcalde Mayor (now Provincial Governor) of Iloilo province during the Spanish colonial government: 

1634 - 1636 - Diego de la Correa
1637 - 1639 - Pedro Alarcon
1640 - 1642 - Pedro de Leon
1643 - 1646 - Felipe Casiano
1647 - 1649 - Juan Mendoza
1650 - 1653 - Felipe Peñalosa 
1654 - 1657 - Jose Cordero
1658 - 1661 - Pedro Bobaella
1662 - 1664 - Pedro Velasco
1665 - 1666 - Jose Briones
1667 - 1668 - Sebastian de Villas
1669 - 1670 - Jose de Robles
1671 - 1672 - Francisco Surrilla
1673 - 1674 - Miguel Rendon
1675 - 1676 - Alonzo Piralba
1677 - 1678 - Nicolas de Pamplona 
1679 - 1680 - Miguel Rindon Livar 
1681 - 1682 - Juan de Moreno
1683 - 1684 - Martin Gonzales
1685 - 1686 - Manuel Sarmiento
1687 - 1688 - Nicolas Perez
1689 - 1690 - Diego Quiñonez
1691            - Sebastian de Via
1691 - 1692 - Diego Vargas
1694 - 1696 - Luis Camacho
1697 - 1698 - Juan Carion
1699 - 1700 - Juan Maldonado
1701 - 1702 - Juan Parado
1703 - 1704 - Antonio Tarosa
1705 - 1706 - Juan Esquera
1707            - Pedro Avendano 
1708 - 1709 - Nicolas de Colina
1710 - 1711 - Juan Jurado
1712 - 1713 - Gaspar Sanches
1714 - 1715 - Atancio de Gubgura
1716 - 1717 - Pedro Lucena
1718 - 1719 - Felipe Arevalo
1727            - Pedro Basadas Perez
1728 - 1730 - Andres Melenday 
1731 - 1733 - Francisco Sanguines
1734 - 1737 - Luis de la Torre
1738 - 1739 - Felipe Espino
1740 - 1741 - Manuel de Dozal
1742 - 1745 - Francisco Valladores
1746 - 1748 - Francisco Oscotes
1749 - 1751 - Ignacio Marquez
1752 - 1754 - Antonio de Arguelles
1770 - 1771 - Jose de Ocampo 
1772 - 1773 - Manuel de Mendio 
1775 - 1776 - Santiago Salavaria
1777 - 1779 - Felipe Almoranas
1780 - 1782 - Francisco Viera
1783 - 1786 - Santiago Salavaria
1787            - Juan Suarez
1788 - 1795 - Francisco Bayot
1796 - 1801 - Jose Mijares
1802 - 1804 - Damian Novales
1805 - 1808 - Froilan Aguerre
1818 - 1819 - Manuel Canay 
1820 - 1822 - Miguel Calderon 
1823 - 1825 - Joaquin Cemina 
1826 - 1828 - Manuel Rodriguez
1829 - 1834 - Manuel Guillen 
1835 - 1841 - Ambrosio del Callo
1846 - 1852 - Felipe Combe 
1853 - 1855 - Pedro Zarraga
1856 - 1860 - Miguel Arila
1861            - Emilio Carles
1862 - 1867 - Jose Maria Carles
1868            - Anastacio de la Peña
1868 - 1869 - Manuel Iznart
1870            - Eduardo Caballero
1871            - Fernando Rojas
1872 - 1879 - Enrique Fajardo
1880 - 1881 - Camilo Millan 
1882 - 1883 - Miguel Aguilar
1884            - Luis Zariaga
1885            - Luis Pratt
1889            - Pedro Montero
1890            - Miguel Blanco
1891            - Nicolas Jaramillo
1892            - Jose Gramaren 
1892 - 1896 - Francisco de Castilla 
1896 - 1898 - Salvador Viana
1898            - Ricardo Monet


Here is the list of governors of Iloilo province starting from the American Civil Government up to the present: 

1901 - 1904 - Martin Delgado
1904 - 1906 - Raymundo Melliza
1906 - 1908 - Benito Lopez
1908 - 1912 - Ruperto Montinola
1912 - 1913 - Adriano Hernandez
1914 - 1916 - Amando Avanceña
1917 - 1922 - Gregorio Yulo 
1922 - 1925 - Ruperto Montinola
1925 - 1927 - Jose Ledesma
1927 - 1928 - Jose Lopez-Vito (Appointed) 1
1928 - 1929 - Mariano Arroyo
1929 - 1931 - Alejo Aquino 1
1931 - 1934 - Jose Yulo Regalado
1934 - 1937 - Timoteo Y. Consing, Sr. (Appointed)
1938 - 1941 - Tomas Confesor
1941 -  1942 - Oscar Ledesma
1942 - 1944 - Fermin Caram (Japanese Sponsored Government)
1942 - 1945 - Tomas Confesor (Resistance Government)
1945            - Patricio Confesor 
1945            - Jose Ledesma
1946 - 1948 - Tomas Vargas
1948 - 1959 -  Mariano Peñaflorida
1960 - 1963 - Jose Zulueta
1964 - 1969 - Rafael Palmares
1970 - 1986 - Conrado Norada
1986 - 1987 - Licurgo Tirador (Appointed)
1987 - 1992 - Simplicio Griño
1992 - 2001 - Arthur Defensor, Sr.
1992            - Feliciano Marañon *
2001 - 2010 - Niel D.Tupas, Sr.
2010 - 2019 - Arthur Defensor, Sr.
2019 - 2022 - Arthur Defensor, Jr. 

*Feliciano Marañon, former ex-officio member of Iloilo provincial board representing the Liga ng mga Barangay, assumed briefly as governor by succession after the filing of certificates of candidacy during 1992 elections left vacant elective position in the provincial government. 

1 Lopez Vito and Aquino were not mentioned in the History of Panay book but they were listed in the 1937 Panay Directory and Souvenir Book




Sources:

Regalado, Felix and Quintin, Franco, History of Panay, Iloilo City: Central Philippine University, 1973

David, Manuel and Ramon Campos, Panay Directory and Souvenir Book,  Manila: Ramon Roces Publications, Inc. 1937

Department of Interior and Local Government 

Research Center of Iloilo: The History Of Iloilo Chapter 8 - Iloilo Nationalism

Chapter 8

Iloilo Nationalism

* highlighted in violet is the approximate timeline or date

There was an increase in the number of wealthy and educated Ilonggos. The new industries had brought wealth. Their means enabled them to build spacious and splendid homes of the fine class. This emerging class is called the " Ilustrado" or educated mestizo and the sangley. They were rapidly gaining education in Manila or in abroad so far from their ancestor of one hundred years ago. They were conscious about the aggressive revolutionary spirit that  successively stirred  Europe and  North America .




In the Spanish countries of the New World and between 1810 and 1825. They fought themselves free of Spain. Fueled by nationalism, they begun to conceive the intellectual  framework for Filipino liberty challenging the colonial and religious authority. Literary and journalistic exposés were printed aimed to attack the social, political and economic abuses directed against the friars. The most famous indictment is Rizal's novel, Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) in which priests are represented as greedy, arrogant, and authoritarian. The Ilonggo Graciano Lopez-Jaena work “ Fray Botod” also have the same motiff . Along with Marcelo del Pilar, the three Ilustrado set up a propaganda movement in Spain.


"I, as a patriot, a Spaniard first of all, because I love Spain"

Graciano Lopez Jaena oration on February 25, 1889 at the Ateneo de Barcelona, Spain: "I, as a patriot, a Spaniard first of all, because I love Spain I ought to rouse here so that it may be revealed the mysterious veil of letters and obstruction that explain why the Philippines does not advance and progress".


1898 - March Comite Conspirador was organized

March 18, 1898. Learning that the Spanish garrison in the city was captured and withdrawn to Zamboanga, members of the Ilonggo elite organized the “ Comite Conspirador” in Molo with good perspective to win. It is a revolutionary movement in within Iloilo City that systematically plan how to overthrow Spain by maintaining contacts with surrounding provinces .

In a short span of two months by May of the same year the Comite was expanded and changed into “ Comite de Central Revolucionario Visayas“ initated by Francisco Villanueva of Molo. Several joined the group such as Patrocinio Gamboa of Jaro.

Gen. Roque Lopez was elected as President of the Assembly.
Other leaders of the committee secretly maintained liaison with their relatives and friends in Negros and nearby provinces to start the armed uprising  in their area . It also sent secret emissaries to the other provinces of Panay and the rest of the  Visayas, and tried to establish contact with the Malolos government under Aguinaldo such as Cols. Emilio and Eduardo Esteban who were sent on mission sent by General Pablo Araneta.

Source: Page 30-West Visayan Real Audiencia member- Raymundo Melliza/Book 12 Interesting  Facts about West Visayas by Rex S. Salvilla of the West Visayas  Historical Research Foundation, Inc



Araneta Brothers of Molo - and their monuments

Gen. Pablo Soriano Araneta of Molo, doctor of surgery,  Panay Island Commanding General and Chief Expeditionary Forces for the Visayas (Photo Above) was immediately sent to secure funds for the purchase of arms and ammunitions. (with monument in Molo)

Marciano Soriano Araneta run the vast hacienda in Mangkas ( La Carlota). Led the revolucionarios fought and captured the "Cuartel General" of the Spanish forces. (with monument in La Carlota Municipal Hall). Anastacio Soriano Araneta who served under his elder brother Marciano was killed by remnants of the "guardia civil" who became roving bandits in the hinterlands of Negros.

Jose Soriano Araneta was appointed "Capitan" assigned at the office of the Panay Revolutionary Forces "Cuartel General" in Pavia, Iloilo together with Capitan Ramon Lopez. He fought in the battle of Tacas, Catmon and Balantang in Jaro in 1899. (with monument in Pavia municipal building)

Dr. Vicente Armada Locsin of Janiuay, Iloilo acted as Confidential Intelligence Emissary Officer of the Central  Revolutionary Committe based in Molo, Iloilo and coordinated with the Panay and Negros revolutionary councils.

Don Gregorio Soriano Araneta (photo above), a lawyer who served as secretary-general of the Malolos Congress under Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo upon advised of Apolinario Mabini (with monument in Manila). His descendants brought about founding of Araneta University, Araneta Center of Malls, Araneta Coleseum, Senator Mar Roxas. His grandchild Greggy Araneta married Irene Marcos, the daughter of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos.

Magistrate in Supreme Court of Cuba, an Ilonggo

Raymundo Melliza, a magistrate in the Spanish Cortes in Cuba convinced Jose Rizal to serve as a military doctor in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. He later became the second governor of Iloilo under the civil government. 

Ilustrado attorney, Don Raymundo Melliza son of a rich trader Don  Cornelio Melliza. He gained bachelor of arts degree from the University of Sto. Tomas in 1873. He enrolled at the University of Barcelona and then University of Sevilla where he got licenciate in law and finally the doctorate (doctorada en leyes y canones ecclesiasticus) in 1879 when he was 25 years old and sent to Cuba as Spain territory to become magistrate of their Supreme Court. He went home in Iloilo due to an increasing tension of independence in Cuba. A classmate and good friend of Rizal.




Don Benito and Brothers - Comite de conspirador

Eugenio Lopez (photo above as head of his family) who once supported Spain initially  have changed positions. Manila public turmoil prompted his 3 sons who are studying there to go home in Iloilo. Don  Benito Lopez, (above) a third year law student of Santo Tomas sobresaliente of San Juan de Letran joined the comite led by his uncle on the mother side Francisco Villanueva and a relative Don Roque Lopez. Vicente Lopez 19 years old, Ramon Lopez 17 years old. They joined the comite through instigation of their relatives. They were young but because they were college  students they were given officers rank in  the revolutionary army becoming captains in the brigade of General Pablo Araneta.

Martin Delgado

On April 25, 1898, America declared war on Spain. Theodore
Roosevelt, the Secretary of the Navy ordered Commodore George Dewey, commander of  the U.S. Asiatic fleet to attack the Spanish fleet in the Philippines. Dewey fought an undefeated the Spanish fleet under General Patrocinio Montojo in the Battle of Manila Bay on May 1, 1898.

1898 - Shortly after Commodore George Dewey had smashed the Spanish fleet at Manila Bay on May 1, 1898 and blockaded the capital, the hard-pressed Spanish colonial government organized Filipino volunteer militia in the different regions of the Philippines. General Ricardo Monet, the politico-military governor of Iloilo province appointed Martin Delgado as captain and commander of the 125-strong Voluntarios in Sta. Barbara. Martin Teofilo Delgado (Photo above)

Gen. Pablo Araneta appointed Martin Delgado as "General en Jefe de los Tropas del Ejercito Libertador de Visayas y Governador Politico-Militar."

On 28 October 1898, Delgado marched into Santa Barbara and took control of the municipal building.

He was born on Nov. 11, 1858 in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo the second child of a rich and aristocratic Spanish mestizo family. He finished his early schooling at Sta. Barbara Parochial School. Later, he  enrolled at the Seminario de San Vicente Ferrer in Jaro. For further  studies, he enrolled at the Ateneo Municipal in Manila and obtained his  diploma as a school teacher. After finishing his studies in Manila he returned  to his hometown and taught in a public school for some time.

Spain sold Philippines and Spare Iloilo as its Spanish Kingdom but...

Stage Play in Manila Bay for Tagalog Audience herald Spain wish to settle in Iloilo

1898- August 13 -  America had already bought Manila, Philippines and agreed to spare Iloilo to Spain. Negotiations between America and Spain was finished. They made a scripted drama that American vessel will fire Spain on Manila Bay then they will surrender to America not to loose-platoon of Aguinaldo  in Intramuros. Americans occupied Manila and raised their flag in Intramuros. Spain's dream is to establish a Spanish kingdom in Iloilo its loyal and devoted province and totally relinquish its right in the entire Philippines.

Iloilo City became Spanish Capital

Spain Restructuring of Government in Iloilo
Meanwhile, Spanish governor-general Diego de los Ríos left  Manila and sailed to Iloilo and established the last Spanish capital in the Orient in Iloilo City. General de los Rios asked Spain to grant some reforms demanded by the representative citizens of Iloilo. He issued in Iloilo a proclamation to the people of the  Visayas calling on them to establish a "Council of Reforms" to be
made up of 24 leading citizens, 12 of whom would be selected by popular vote, another 12 to be  appointed by the general himself. (The San Francisco Call, 3 October 1898)

General  de los Rios was obviously sincere in bringing about the reforms people asked  for. The granted reforms, however, satisfied only a few ilustrado leaders. Things did not turn out the way it should be . There was widespread oppositions of their offer. The  flame of rebellion was already swept Iloilo towns, Panay and Negros under Comite Conspirador.  Their swift decision is to forego more battle  and  to peacefully grant sovereignty to Iloilo to vacate the place and let Americans finished the job. If Ilonggos would have remained loyal to Spain it would have not  encountered the canons of the Americans.



Iloilo Towns were captured and liberated

1898 - October 28, 1898. With a glimpse of hope that Iloilo will acquire independence due to weakening Spanish infantry, Martin  Delgado had joined patriotic Ilonggos and publicly declared himself a revolutionario. He joined the "comite." Pablo Araneta who was the general of the Panay Revolutionary Forces and engaged several fierce battles in Santa Barbara, San Miguel, Pavia and in the outskirt of Jaro more notably the battle from Oton to Arevalo. Municipal buildings were seized. Along with General Angel Corteza and General Leandro  Locsin Fullon of Antique who fired the first shot they crushed the Spanish garrisons. On this day onward the interior towns of the province were liberated from Spanish control.



Plan to attack the last Spanish Colonial capital - Iloilo City

1898  - November 17 –  The  comite  convened in Sta. Barbara and organized the Revolutionary Government of the Visayas.

The following were the elected officials of the Visayas Revolutionary Government: 

Roque Lopez, president;
Vicente Franco, vice president and secretary of the interior; Venancio Concepcion, secretary of finance; 
Ramon Avanceňa, secretary of state; 
Jovito Yusay, secretary of justice; 
Julio Hernandez, secretary of war;  
Fernando Salas, secretary general. 

General Martin T. Delgado was chosen General–in-Chief of the Revolutionary Forces. He has been leader in defeating Aguinaldo troops in Cavite in 1896 and recent battle in Manila in May 1898 as the Ejercito Libertador of the Visayas and  Mindanao. They finally made a plan to conquer Iloilo City.



1898- November 17 - Flag was raised in Santa Barbara

Patrocinio Gamboa, a 33 year-old woman of Jaro (a masculine name of) decided to do the risky task of transporting the flag bravely from courier in Iloilo City. Acquiring the flag replica sent by Emilio Aguinaldo was difficult because it has to pass the guardia civil (Spanish Army). Along with Lt. Honorio Solinap they smuggled the flag all the way to Santa Barbara rode in carriage full of hay. The flag was hidden under her waist. Successfully outwitting the many Spanish outposts.

A large crowd gathered in plaza of Santa Barbara for inauguration of  “Comite de Central Revolucionario Visayas “.  When the flag was raised, the band played the ''Marcha Ejercito  Libertador  (Liberation Army March). The eight rays represent the first 8 provinces that revolted that was under martial law of Spanish government. The declaration narrates the three stars represents the three principal islands at the time – Luzon, Mindanao, and Panay

"the white triangle signifying the distinctive emblem of the famous Society of  the Katipunan, which by means of its blood-compact inspired the masses to rise  in revolution; the three stars, signifying the three principal islands of this Archipelago -Luzon, Mindanao and Panay where this revolutionary movement  started."

A newly designed Philippine flag was  raised for the first time outside of Luzon (above photo is a replica of the original flag of Aguinaldo).



Treaty of Paris of Spain and America crushed Iloilo Morale

1898 - By the first week of November only Jaro, Molo and Iloilo City remained in the  hands of the Spaniards. On November 21, Jaro and Lapaz was delivered by the Spanish government to the Ilonggo revolucionarios of the Federal Republic of the Visayas since they did not want to recognize the supremacy of Aguinaldo and the Tagalogs. By the end of November the revolucionarios had taken over Jaro and La Paz. Spanish smell defeat.


On December 10, 1898, the Treaty of Paris was signed between American Peace Commission and the Spanish Diplomats who was been in Paris, France since October 1 for discussion. The Spanish-American War have ended then. Spain ceded  the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico (Cuba was granted its independence); in return the US paid Spain the sum of US$20 million for the Philippines.

A  historian Leon Wolff said  "it was . . . a gift. Spain accepted it. Quite irrelevantly she handed us the Philippines. No question of honor or conquest was involved. The Filipino people had nothing to say about it, although their rebellion was thrown in (so to speak) free of charge."

La Independencia (Independence), a newspaper published in Manila by a revolutionary,  General Antonio Luna, stated that "people are not to be bought and sold like horses and houses. If the aim has been to abolish the traffic in Negroes because it meant the sale of persons, why is there still  maintained the sale of countries with inhabitants?"

Tension and ill  feelings were growing in Manila and Iloilo .The treaty is confirmation in the U.S. Senate, which required a two-thirds majority  vote. When the U.S. Congress the pro-annexationist faction held a clear  majority, but were one or two votes shy of the 2/3 majority  requirement. Voting was scheduled for February 6, 1899. To observers the McKinley Administration did not have enough votes which  placed the American retention of the Philippines in jeopardy.

Source: U.S. Library of Congress



     
Merchants & Bankers seeks help for protection

December 13, 1898
General Rios plan was to leave Iloilo and go to Zamboanga. Merchants and bankers mostly foreigners learning that the treaty have already been signed seek security amidst the uprising Ilonggos by asking help from American soldiers in Manila for protection through a petition in December 13, 1898. General Otis forwarded the message to the Secretary of War in United States to approve Admiral Dewey war vessel convoy troops to Iloilo. After 10 days, action was taken.

December 23 , 1898
General E. S.  Otis's cablegram received from Washington DC, a response to request of businessmen in Iloilo

" Appreciating the great desirability of securing possession of this city , the second of the Philippines in importance ......"    the President directs that you send troops to Iloilo ".

Source: Philippine Information Society, Boston, Mass., February 8, 1901.


Soon, American warships sailed toward the direction of Iloilo.



Spanish  Total Defeat – Christmas Eve

December 24, 1898

Ilonggo troops in marching formation under the command of Gen. Martin Delgado of Santa Barbara entered the City of  Iloilo. While the revolucionarios under Gen. Roque Lopez of Jaro, Gen. Quintin  Salas of Dumangas, Gen. Teresa Magbanua (Photo Above) of Pototan, Gen. Adriano Hernandez of  Dingle, Gen. Angel Corteza of Molo and others had already encircled the whole city of Iloilo.

Teresa Magbanua joined her two brothers in the revolutionary movement under General Emilio Aguinaldo’s army.



Troops march into vicinity Ciudad de Iloilo

A large contingent of bolomen after defeating the Spanish garrison in Molo and then paraded through Calle Real. On the way, people were shouting, "Viva la libertad!", "Viva Filipinas!"



Christmas day of 1898- Victorious Ilongo

1898-  December 25  - the revolucionarios staged a victory
parade from across what is now Forbes Bridge down what is now Bonifacio Drive. They stopped in front of the old capitol or the Casa Real where they hauled down the Spanish flag and raised the Filipino flag up the flagpole standing at what is now the Arroyo
Fountain. After the flag raising the parade went on down Calle Real to Plaza Alfonso XII where they again raised the Philippine flag in front of the Ayuntamiento of Iloilo. Plaza Alfonso XII is now Plaza Libertad Don Diego de los Ríos learning that  the Queen is already aware that the Treaty of Paris was signed on December 10, he opened up negotiations. The Spaniards, through Mayor Vicente Gay and Governor Jose  Maria Romero surrendered Iloilo City to the Ilongo troops. The surrender pact  was witnessed by Ramon Avanceña, Jovito Yusay, Francisco de Leon, and Juan de Leon, Brig. General and Military Provincial Governor Ricardo Monet, together with Lt. Col. Agustín Solís.

The  Ilonggos reorganized the local government of Iloilo City and Juan de Leon was  chosen the local president or city mayor Raymundo Melliza was named local president of Molo.



New Problem is coming ahead
Americans and their ferocious weapons.

A new nation  was born in Iloilo and in Negros Occidental both led by Ilonggo affluent families in support of many others unsung Ilonggo heroes.

Yet a new problem is coming. A more powerful than Spain is coming ahead with their ships and heavily armed infantry that can annihilate effectively against the crude weapon of Martin Delgado and his troops .

Photo Source: The San Francisco Call, 25 January 1899 


American Question " To colonize or not to colonize"

How American view Filipinos in early 1900's

Many Americans did not even know where the Philippines is located including President McKinley but all-American notion is that the Philippines is composed of "primitive savages" and needs to be educated and civilized. American society have long arguments about extending territory to South Pacific. The politician Carl Schurz warned the expense of maintaining an American Empire outweighs its benefits. Mark Twain have similar view saying " Shall we go conferring our civilization upon the people that sit in darkness or shall we give those poor things a rest? ( To the person sitting in darkness). William Bryan " It is not necessary to own people to trade with them".

Top 3 Reasons why Americans proceed to colonize Philippines

1. Trade Relation
William McKinley favored imperialism policy with great achievement on US exports. Among Great Britain, Cuba, China and the Philippines, Philippines saw the dramatic export so far a thriving market and strong economic purchasing power. Obviously, Philippines is 2nd in Asian economy.

US Exports                        1895                       1900
Philippines                    98 Million             195 Million
Cuba                                8 Million              13 Million
China                               5 Million              10 Million

2. The  Filipinos were weren't ready to govern themselves which is prelude to disaster.

3. If the United States will not take control of the islands, another power (such as Germany or Japan) seemed likely would annex the country. In  particular, the US was afraid Germany might invade especially after the German fleet's ominous attempts to intimidate Dewey.

Americans Proceeded to Iloilo
Americans have set eye on Iloilo, their plan is to prevent Iloilo to turn into a troublesome in coming years that is why it needs to be pacified once and for all. Moreover, Iloilo being the second in shipping industry in Philippines as being circulated in newspapers in America advantageous to America's demand for sugar.