This week’s milestones

Emilio Aguinaldo

Jan. 1, 1895

Emilio Aguinaldo took his oath of office as “capitan municipal” of Kawit in Cavite province. On the same day, he joined the Masonry, a resistance group outlawed by the governmemt. Aguinaldo was formerly the “cabeza de barangay” of Barangay Binakayan in Kawit. In March 1895, he was inducted into the Katipunan by Andres Bonifacio. Under Aguinaldo’s leadership, the Katipunan won battles in Kawit and the towns of Imus and Bacoor in Cavite.

Jan. 1, 1897

Revolutionaries led by Gen. Eusebio Roque fought Spanish soldiers in one of the bloodiest encounters in Bulacan province during the early part of the Philippine Revolution. Some 3,000 Filipino fighters died in the Spanish attack. A shrine, called Inang Filipina, was built on the site in Pandi town where the Republic of Kakarong de Sili was established in 1896 by Roque, Canuto Villanueva and Casimiro Galvez. It was one of three republics—the other two were Malolos and Biak-na-Bato—formed in Bulacan during the Philippine Revolution. The life-size statue of Inang Filipina in Pandi is a symbol of patriotism and nationhood.

THIS WEEK’S FESTIVALS

Dec. 30 to Jan. 5

Dec. 30

Kalamayan Festival

Now on its fifth year, the Christmas festival in Victorias City in Negros Occidental province highlights sugar, the city’s main product. Kalamayan came from the word “kalamay,” which is Ilonggo for sugar. The city wraps up its celebration with a fireworks display on New Year’s Eve.

Dec. 30 to Jan. 5

Baggak Festival

Residents in Bauang, La Union province, celebrate the final week of festivities that coincide with the town’s 433rd founding anniversary. “Baggak,” which means morning star, symbolizes the work ethic of Ilocanos, who are perceived as early risers. Activities highlighting the skills and talents of residents include acrobatic shows, creative costume and talent search and cultural presentations.

Dec. 30 to Jan. 1

Kasadya Christmas Festival

Culmination of the annual Christmas celebration at the town of Surallah in South Cotabato province. Activities include mass wedding, pop dance and singing contests, senior citizens’ night and children’s festival.

Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research

Sources: Inquirer Archives, DOT, Historical Markers: Regions I-IV and CAR, A Timeline of Philippine History Vol. X, The Filipino Moving Onward by Rosario Saguit and Ma. Lourdes Saguit-Mendoza, bulacan.gov.ph, visitmyphilippines.com, pia.gov.ph