10 MAJOR HISTORICAL EVENTS IN THE PHILIPPINES March 17, 1521. Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese navigator accidentally landed in the island of Samar. March 31, 1521. The first Catholic mass was held in Limasawa, an island in the south of Leyte. April 27, 1521. Magellan died in the hands of a chieftain, Lapu-lapu, from his strong will to invade the island of Mactan. December 30, 1896. Jose Rizal was executed by firing squad in Bagumbayan (now called Rizal Park) after being held captive at fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila. June 12, 1898. General Emilio Aguinaldo, who had returned from Hongkong, proclaimed Philippine independence at his mansion in Kawit, Cavite. December 10, 1898. Without the knowledge of the Filipinos, Spain surrendered the Philippines (along with Puerto Rico and Guam) to the United States in exchange of $20 million under the Treaty of Paris. December 7, 1941. The Japanese bombed the Pearl Harbor, a US military base in Hawaii. The Philippines wa attacked ten hours after the bombing. April 9, 1942. On this day, the “Fall of Bataan” and the infamous “Death March” took place. Around 76,000 starving Americans and Filipino soldiers surrendered to the Japanese in Bataan. The Japanese led their captives on a cruel hike from Mariveles, Bataan to Camp O’donnell in Capas, Tarlac. Around 7,000 to 10,000 men perished from starvation during the ten-day march while some were luckily pulled out secretly by watching civilians. November 9, 1965. Ferdinand Marcos was elected the 6th president of the Philippine Republic. He made extravagant spendings on public works, building roads, bridges, health centers, hospitals, schools and putting up urban beautification projects.
September 21, 1972. Marcos declared martial law under the proclamation No. 1801. Many opposition leaders including Benigno Aquino, journalists and activists were detained in Fort Bonifacio under martial law. 10 OUTSTANDING FILIPINOS (one sentence) 1. Lapu Lapu: Quite simply, the first true Filipino hero. He was the tribal King of Mactan Island. When Magellan and his band of Europeans tried to convert Lapu Lapu to Christianity, and then tried to show muscle, Lapu Lapu essentially killed Magellan and much of his crew during the Battle of Mactan. What is fascinating is that Lapu Lapu was successful, and was remembered. Many other battles with the Spanish never were recorded throughout the new world, and native peoples were normally not the victors. 2.Diego Silang: Conspired with the British to overthrow Spanish rule and establish and independent Ilocano nation. Fed up with taxation and abuses by the friars, Silang helped the British capture Manila during the Seven Years War. Needless to say, the British were not particularly amenable to simply handing over the Philippines to Silang and his band of Ilocano followers. He then took up arms against the British. He was murdered by a traitor from within his ranks, egged on by the Church after peace between Britain and Spain was declared. Needless to say, though he was an opportunist in trying to benefit from a European war, his bravery in fighting his oppressors makes him a true hero. 3. Francisco Dagohoy: Led the longest rebellion against Spanish rule, lasting over 80 years, most of the 18th century. A fierce fighter, incensed and the abuses perpetuated by the Spanish friars, Dagohoy established his own free state in Bohol, eventually having over 20,000 followers. The Spanish never did truly crush his rebellion, but, more properly, the rebellion eventually ran out of steam, with a final battle in 1829. This rebellion outlasted over 20 Spanish Governors! 4. Melchora Aquino “Tandang Sora”: An exceedingly brave woman, she was already 84 years old when the Philippine Revolution broke out, giving aid and comfort to wounded revolutionaries. Katipunan members held their meetings at her house, and she refused to give the Spanish information about Bonifacio’s whereabouts. She was arrested and
exiled, returning to the Philippines, after the Americans took control, dying peacefully at age 107. 5. Dr. Jose Rizal: Perhaps the most significant individual in Philippine history, his two books, “Noli me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” inspired the revolution against Spain and helped overthrow more than three centuries of Spanish colonial rule. Ghandiesque in his way of thinking, he always advocated overthrow of the Spanish by peaceful means. He believed that education was the means that Filipinos could unite against the Spanish. Unfortunately, the Spanish viewed him as a threat, despite his peace advocacy, charging him with Sedition and making him a martyr for the cause. It is interesting to note that, because he was killed by the Spanish, unlike my next listing, his death is always referred to as martyrdom, rather than an execution. 6. Andres Bonifacio: The father of the Philippine Revolution and founder of the Katipunan resistance, Andres Bonifacio began the fight to overthrow Spanish rule after the death of Jose Rizal. Some consider him to be the first President of the Philippines, though that is often debated. Bonifacio was caught up in a struggle for power against Emilio Aguinaldo, who was leading a different revolutionary army. When Bonifacio attempted to control Aguinaldo, he was arrested and executed. 7. Manuel Quezon: The First President of the Philippine Commonwealth, and Second President of the Philippine Republic, Manuel Quezon led the Philippine government in exile during WWII. Quezon constantly badgered the US administration to grant independence, from the end of the Philippine American War all the way through the Commonwealth period. After the war, he became the first president after the Philippines was granted independence at the conclusion of the war. It is also under his influence that Filipino became the national language. 8. Ramon Magsaysay: President of the Philippines during the 1950’s, a staunch anticommunist during the Cold War, and true “outsider” to politics as usual, Magsaysay was one of the first politicians to become a true advocate for the poor, taking on political forces to push land reform and eliminate government waste. He was killed in a plane crash before his term ended, and before he could complete his reform program.
9. Ferdinand Marcos was elected the 6th president of the Philippine Republic. He made extravagant spendings on public works, building roads, bridges, health centers, hospitals, schools and putting up urban beautification projects. 10. Josefa Gabriela Silang: This was one tough woman, who should serve as an inspiration to every Filipina. She was Diego Silang’s wife. After his murder, rather than simply pining away and mourning, led the uprising against the Spanish, attacking Vigan with her followers. Unfortunately, she was captured and publicly hanged along with over 100 of her troops. 10 MAJOR PROBLEMS IN THE PHILIPPINES 1. Heavy Traffic 2. Trash 3. Flooding everytime there is rain 4. High crime rates 5. Drugs 6. Poor Educational System 7. Poverty as seen in the squatter areas 8. Too much politics 9. Pollution 10. Poor healthcare
Politics a. Political Dynasty For obvious reasons, we cannot get rid of it, but we can limit it. I suggest that, an individual aspiring for a position in the government cannot run/be hired/appointed in the same department/sector where he/she has a relative up to the 3rd degree. Like in private corporations, this is mainly to avoid conflict of interest. So for example, Mr. Juan dela Cruz cannot run for Mayor of Pateros since his wife is employed as an Accountant in the Municipality. Second, an individual cannot run for a position that is previously manned and/or in the same department/sector by a relative up to the 3rd degree. He/she can run for that position or in any position in the same department/sector only after 6years. So for example, Mrs. Juana dela Cruz cannot run for Mayor of Pateros if the outgoing Mayor or any individual that is her relative is working in the municipality. But she can be elected in other towns/cities as long as she is qualified to do so. This is of course, should be applicable to the Senate, congress, judicial and even in the Executive. b. Qualifications of aspiring politicians Private corporations have strict policies regarding employing people to their organization, so why this can’t be applied to the Public sector as well? All aspiring politicians from the Councilors up to the President should have finished a College degree plus a crash course of Public Administration (like for 6 months). Barangay captains should have at least a High School diploma plus a crash course of Public Administration. Besides this, there should be a “Public governance ladder”. For example, an individual aspiring to be Mayor should serve as a Councilor first, and a person aspiring to be governor should have served at least as a Mayor or a vice Mayor. Of course, this should be detailed and well planned as to what consist of the ladder because we might just end up with old geezers in the Senate.
This is to avoid non qualified persons running for top positions without experience or knowledge at all. c. Elections – More efficient automated elections. We do live in a 3rd world country, but that doesn’t mean we are outdated in technology. For f**k’s sakes, almost everyone owns a smartphone now. – No more extravagant campaigning. Candidates running for a national post, would only be campaigning through national debates and will be given at least 30minutes but no more than 1 hour of airtime to pitch their qualifications and platforms. Comelec should post the candidates’ detailed qualifications and achievements in their website. As I’ve explained in the “Qualifications” item, if these people climbed the ladder already, then they should’ve significant achievements already. So no need for extravagant campaigning. Maybe 3 days of “miting de avance” would suffice. A National campaign is expensive and would just be unfair to those who doesn’t have the fund to do so. For local campaigning on the other hand, current process can be done except that they won’t give any giveaways like tshirts, mugs, basketballs… What can only be given is their campaign material – detailed significant achievements and their platforms. No need for TV/radio airtime for local campaigns. – There should be a limit on “Watchers” during elections. – Candidates will clean up their own f**king mess after the campaign period. – Harsher penalty for vote buyers/sellers. 2) Transportation a. Air – NAIA is the worst in the world, and we cannot be proud of that. How do we solve this? Either we move the International terminal out of Manila and make Clark the International Airport or we demolish NAIA, and build up a new one. A new one that is connected to
Terminal 2 and 3 with walkators, high speed train and an expressway in and out of the airport. If we go for the Clark option, then NAIA Terminals 1 to 3 can be for domestic and Clark will be for international. A high speed train will be built from Clark to the NAIA domestic airport. These terminals in NAIA should also be connected to our LRTs and MRTs. – More security personnel in the terminals and please, arrest the corrupt officials. b. Land – Upgrade the MRT. Widen the trains and add additional vehicles. – Implement a contactless card just like HK’s Octopus Card that is useable in MRT and LRT. – Add more stations and routes. Manila is just too much congested already with cars, buses, jeepneys, tricycles, etc. And with the rise of middle-income earners, Manila is just too crowded now that people are capable of buying cars of their own. Let’s build a network of trains so that people would think twice of bringing their car to and from the office. I personally would do that as long as the routes are efficient. Example of routes, add stations in Cainta to Taytay, maybe even up to Binangonan… Lots of People own houses in the Rizal province. Traffic is worst in the Ortigas Extension area. – Add more expressways. Example is an expressway along the Pasig River. – A long shot, but a subway is also good, rather, best. Laguna Lake subway comes to mind. – A high speed train (or network of trains) from Ilocos to Bicol (with stations in between)? Why the f**k not? This can also solve the additional traffic the Provincial buses add to Metro Manila. – When a network of trains is implemented in Metro Manila, City buses and jeepneys will eventually die down. That’s how you get rid of them. We can have a designated company for City Bus, or even the Government can provide this so that Buses will not add to the congestion. If this will happen, then the Bus drivers will just receive a fixed
compensation rather than the “boundary” system. For the jeepneys, we can have electronic jeepneys and tricycles instead. And as I’ve said, this would just be minimal as we have a network of trains already. Just look at South Korea and HKG for example. – Also as part of the modernization, aside from FX taxis, jeepneys should be replaced by electronic jeepneys. A long shot as of now, but when the network of trains is implemented, this can be done. – Stricter penalty for taxis asking for contracts and not meters. – If network of trains will be implemented, we can extend these networks to nearby provinces so that development of new CBDs can prosper as well. People don’t have to work in Manila, but they can look for work in their own provinces. Just like I said, the high speed train from Ilocos to Bicol will be very beneficial for this. – Implement pedestrian crossings better. We must instill discipline not only to the motorists but also to pedestrians and commuters as well. Consider putting up pedestrian traffic lights especially in CBDs. – Implement a subway in Makati. That’s the only hope traffic will subside in that place. We already have underground crossings, then f**king implement a subway already. – Lesser taxes on electronic and hybrid cars. I mean, come the f**k on. Sustainability is the key to the future.
c. Water – Add more ports for ferries within the metropolis. And I mean high speed ferries for that matter. – Implement stricter rules for shipping transportation to avoid accidents in the sea. 3) Energy a. Sustainable sources of energy
– Why implement huge windmills in Ilocos only? Why not in other parts of the country? We are very rich in natural sources, but we never fully use its true potential. The Philippines is a tropical country and we get direct hit of Sunlight around 8-12hrs a day. We must take advantage of this and buy or create solar panels to power up houses, buildings, trains, etc. Solar, water, geothermal, air… we have all of these. – Oil and gas. Again, a source that we never tap its full potential. 4) Natural resources/Environment a. Mining – I know that this is debatable. But do you know that only 1% of the Philippine’s mining resources are tapped? I’m not into the destruction of our natural resources, but responsible mining is better than not having mining at all. The Philippines is very rich in precious metals, and once tapped, will boost our GDP.
b. Plant more trees c. Stop the destruction of our natural resources. We can move forward without sacrificing it. 5) Tourism – First of all, the Philippines is a wonderful country with so many beautiful places. We already are rich with these alone, but why are Tourists not attracted? There’s too many to mention, but I’ll enumerate what needs to be done in my opinion: i. Read the Transportation section of this document. It will significantly boost tourism once this is implemented. Surprisingly, when travelling, comfort is the one tourists are looking for. ii. More landmarks, not just malls. Let’s create man made wonders as this is the area that we lack. Either we build the tallest building, or build an underwater office, we need landmarks or places that would make tourist go “F**k, that’s amazing!”
iii. Patriotism and national pride. This is not pinoy pride when Manny wins a bout. Yes, I get it we are hospitable and happy people. But we do lack national pride. How we do that? We can start with our streets. Let’s treat our streets like our own home. We clean and take pride of it so we can say to tourists that, “hey come and visit us, our place is beautiful and very clean”. Speaking of which, a law should be enacted nationwide that punishes littering, strictly. iv. Get rid of squatters. Not kill them, but get rid of them. This brings us back to the Transportation issue. If only Manila is not the main economic center of the country, then all the people from the province doesn’t need to dwell here in Manila. They will have options. Then strictly punish illegal settlements. The middle income earners are working hard to pay their monthly loans while some people are just content lying around and asking the government for help. This will be a significant boost to Tourism if tourists won’t see shanties and beggars. The government is too soft to these so called “masa”.
v. Security. How much do I have to emphasize this? One thing the tourists are shit scared with our country because their life are threatened once they step into the country, not just the metropolis. What a pity it is to leave Mindanao hanging in all of this. Mindanao is such a beautiful place but is rather more popular with the beheadings and kidnappings. The government must make amends and take this issue seriously. It is hindering our progress and our hope for a better nation. We may have different religions and ideologies, but we are all Filipinos. 6) Population control a. Pass the RH Bill. ‘Nuff said. It’s not just the free condoms and pills. Education is much more important. 7) Education a. Seriously consider adding Financial Education to the curriculum. It’s time for us to be a country of entrepreneurs and investors, not just a country of laborers.
b. Revamp the college curriculum and upgrade the quality of education in all schools. CHED and DECS should do more. 8) Labor and Jobs a. My friend once said, “There are lots of jobs in the Philippines, but many are not qualified”. Let’s prove him wrong. We, Filipinos, must aim for a higher goal than what we set a year before, or a year before that. b. A higher minimum wage is ok, but not an end-to-all solution. What we need is a restructuring of the income tax. Reduce income taxes, but we can increase Philhealth, pagibig and sss contributions. The government can make use of the money improving their services and benefits to the people. Improved health care, pensions and loans. At least the people are benefiting already instead of just paying the taxes blankly and seeing the corrupt officials pocket it.
c. The government can do a 1 year trial and send people to every home and check if there are unemployed persons. These unemployed persons can be interviewed and profile them for a job opening that matches their qualifications. Sometimes, you really need to spoon feed these “Juan Tamads”. 9) Graft and Corruption a. This is serious issue. The government must make a more intense audit in all government agencies and sectors. The Philippines is dying and progress is hindered because of corruption. Stricter penalty should be implemented. It’s funny how an exPresident convicted of Plunder is now a Mayor. Really, Death Penalty should be imposed to these fools. 10) Crime a. Bring back Death Penalty.
b. Re-train PNP and impose stricter penalties to those officers who commit crimes than civilians. They should be role models and as role models who committed a crime, then a heavier penalty should be given. 1O QUALITIES OR CHARACTERISTICS OF IDEAL FILIPINO CITIZENS 1. Hospitality 2. Respect 3. Strong Family Ties and Religions 4. Generosity and Helpfulness 5. Strong Work Ethic 6. Love and Caring Respect for the elders hospitality goodness cleanliness prayerful morality sociable helpful close family ties loyalty
10 HISTORICAL PLACES 1. Rizal Park Previously called Bagumbayan Field, Rizal Park or Luneta Park was built as a tribute to our greatest national hero – Dr. Jose Rizal. It is one of the leading historical sites in the Philippines where Rizal was executed by the Spanish military firing squad on December 30, 1896 because he had spread the ideals of revolution against Spanish rule. Nowadays, it is one of the major tourist attractions of Manila. The park became a favorite spot for unwinding and socializing. It is also a place for family bonding and picnics during Sundays and holidays. 2. Corregidor Want to know the moving story behind the famous Corregidor Island? Known to be the “the Rock”, Corregidor is known for its important historical attractions. When the Japanese invaded the Philippines, Corregidor became the headquarters of the Allied Forces and also the seat of Philippine Commonwealth government. The huge firearms of Corregidor which are used in support for Filipino and American defenders of Bataan are now silent but the damage seen on buildings, structures, and tunnels in the island continues on telling a very moving story of a war that has claimed so many lives. A visit to this former battleground is a memorable experience, especially for those people who value and cherish freedom and peace. 3. Intramuros Intramuros is known in history as the “Walled City” because of its most famous feature: a nearly three-mile-long circuit of massive stone walls and fortifications that almost completely surrounds the entire district. It is the oldest district and historic core of Manila where old Spanish era influences are still plentiful. Photography and history lovers will find Intramuros an interesting destination. If you visit the place, you can still feel the Spanish ambiance and appreciate the historical landmarks and churches in the area. Plus, visiting Intramuros is very affordable and worth your time. Going here, you can re-experience the past in a modern light.
4. EDSA Shrine Photo by shutterstar11 of flickr.com The EDSA Shrine, also known as the Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace, and Our Lady of EDSA, is a small church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila located at the intersection of Ortigas Avenue and Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Quezon City. It is a monument dedicated to the first People Power Revolution and its peaceful outcome on December 15, 1989. It is a place that witnessed the two demonstrations that overthrew the presidencies of Ferdinand Marcos and Joseph Estrada. This shrine is a towering proof that fighting for freedom doesn’t have to be a blood-spattered cause. Rather, it can be achieved through peaceful means and with no casualty. 5. Barasoain Church
Having earned the title as the Cradle of Democracy in the East, Barasoain Church is the most important religious building in the Philippines. It was founded by the Augustinian Missionaries in 1859 and served as the session hall of Malolos Congress, the first congress in the Philippines which was held in September 15, 1898 under the presidency of Pedro Paterno. Three major events in the Philippine history happened in this church: the convening of the First Philippine Congress (September 15, 1898), the drafting of the Malolos Constitution (September 29, 1898 to January 21, 1899), and the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic (January 23, 1899). The architectural design of the church attracts and engages visitors because of the curved façade, rose windows, and medieval bell tower. Its floral motifs and paintings of angels and saints along the ceiling adorn the interior of the church. 6. Leyte Landing Memorial Park
If you ever drop by Tacloban City, the Leyte Landing Memorial Park, formerly known as the “McArthur Park,” is a must-visit destination. Remember the promise made by Gen. Douglas McArthur “I shall return”? He kept this promise when he returned with an army of 700 ships containing 174,000 American soldiers at Red Beach, Palo, Leyte on October 20, 1944. The “red” in Red Beach doesn’t refer to the natural color of the sand, but its color after being drenched in blood.
Many tourists visit the park to reminisce an important event in history – the fulfilment of Gen. McArthur’s promise to the Filipinos to come back and help them win against the Japanese colonies. It always brings inspirational memories of how our beloved ancestors fought for our freedom.
7. Fort Santiago Photo by akeán2® of flickr.com Fort Santiago, located in Intramuros, is a famous tourist destination in the Philippines. It is a historical structure that is part of the city’s famous wall. The attraction of the site is a museum where you can find a replica of Dr. Jose Rizal’s prison cell before he was executed. The rest of Fort Santiago has been set up into a beautiful park. There is also an imitation of old dungeons – dark underground chambers or cells used to confine prisoners. You can just imagine how hard it is to be imprisoned, tortured, and executed in one of them. 8. Mactan Shrine Photo The Mactan Shrine, located in Mactan Island in Cebu, is made in honor of Lapu-Lapu, Ferdinand Magellan, and the Battle of Mactan. It is also known as Liberty Shrine and it lies on the very ground where the battle took place. The said encounter was between the Spaniards led by Ferdinand Magellan and the locals led by Lapu–Lapu. Ferdinand Magellan and his crew were the first people to introduce Christianity in the Philippines. In the quest to prove that the earth is not flat, he traveled the world and docked in Mactan, where he was eventually killed by Lapu-Lapu on April 27, 1521. Lapu-Lapu is recognized as the first native of the archipelago to have resisted the Spanish colonization. 9. Rizal Shrine
Rizal Shrine is an important historical place in Dapitan where Dr. Jose Rizal spent four years in exile. He lived here as a physician, merchant, farmer, inventor, painter, sculptor, archaeologist, linguist, grammarian, teacher, architect, poet, biologist, composer, surveyor, and environmentalist. He was also a father and brother to all Dapitanons, serving and helping those who needed him. No wonder Dr. Jose Rizal is considered as the Philippine National Hero.
Rizal Shrine nowadays is one of the most attractive tourist spots in the Philippines. It reflects Rizal’s lifestyle and how he socialized with the people around him. 10. Banaue Rice Terraces How in the world could they have accomplished this amazing feat? The Banaue Rice Terraces was made approximately 2000 years ago, carved into the mountains by the indigenous people using only their hands and some crude equipment. It is said that if the steps were put end to end, it would encircle half the globe. It is considered as one of mankind's greatest engineering accomplishments.
