May 7, 1934
One of the world’s largest pearls, known as the Pearl of Allah or Pearl of Lao Tzu, was found in Palawan province.
According to legend, the pearl was lost in a shipwreck centuries ago, then was found in 1934 in a giant Tridacna (mollusk) by a Filipino diver who drowned when he reached into a huge clam to take it.
The Muslim diver was pulled to shore and a tribal chieftain took the pearl and named it Pearl of Allah. According to another account, the pearl was an amulet of Chinese philosopher and Taoism founder, Lao Tzu.
It was then planted in large clam where it eventually grew to its current size of 24.13 centimeters (9.4 inches) long and 13.97 cm (5.5 inches) wide.
According to the Guinness World Records, the pearl is valued at $40 million.
May 7, 1940
The town of San Pablo in Laguna province was declared a city by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 520.
The charter was later amended by Republic Act No. 163 in June 1947. The city, also called the “City of the Seven Lakes,” is also known for its coconut production.
Locals have kept the industry alive by creating innovative products such as coconut wine, coco-based soap, coconut vinegar and virgin coconut oil.
The city’s population in 2015 was 266,068.
Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research
Sources: Inquirer Archives, DOT, phlpost.gov.ph, coa.gov.ph