This week’s milestones

The town of Obando in Bulacan province was founded by Jose Francisco de Obando, a former Spanish governor-general in the Philippines. Obando, formerly a part of the municipality of Meycauayan, is known for its fertility rites where childless couples, maidens and bachelors dance before the town’s patron saints Our Lady of Salambao, San Pascual de Baylon and Santa Clara to seek intercession for a child or a good spouse.

May 19, 1898

Emilio Aguinaldo returned to Cavite province from exile in Hong Kong on board the American vessel McCulloch, then the largest cruising cutter. Aguinaldo brought with him the new Philippine flag.

Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research

Sources: Inquirer Archives, DOT, Official Calendar of the Republic, Historical Calendar (1521-1969), bulacan.gov.ph, sanremigio.gov.ph