Pioneering Filipino Films

In four years time, Philippine cinema will celebrate its 100 years of film making and entertaining the Filipinos through the moving pictures. Like any other motion pictures, Filipino motion picture has its fair share of milestones. I would be glad to share with you some of the milestones in Philippine cinema. Would you add some more?

 A scene from the movie Dalagang Bukid (1919) 

Dalagang Bukid (1919) movie poster 

First Film Projected In The Screen In The Philippines - Espectaculo Scientifico de Pertierra was shown in Salon Pertierra, Escolta, Manila on January 1, 1897.  It is presentation of stills and chronophotographs by businessman named Sen~or Pertierra.

First Filipino feature-length film. Dalagang Bukid released on September 12, 1919. Directed by David Nepomuceno. 

First talkie film - George Musser's Ang Aswang (1933) is regarded as the first talking film in Philippine cinema when some of the lines were uttered in one scene and starred by the queens of horror films, Monang Carvajal and Mary Walter. 


First completely talking film - Punyal Na Ginto or Golden Dagger (1933) was credited as the first all completely talking motion picture premiered on March 9, 1933, at the Lyric theater. However, the spoken dialogues were in Spanish and English. 

First completely talking film in Filipino language - Makata at Paraluman or Poet and Maiden (1933) is credited as the first full or completely talking motion picture in Filipino language premiered on April 5, 1933 at the Lyric theater.

First Color  Sequence Film - Ibong Adarna (1941) directed by Vicente Salumbides and a cast that includes Mila del Sol, Fred Cortes, Ester Magalona, Deanna Prieto. In one scene, the Adarna bird was hand-painted frame by frame. 

First Full Color Film - Batalyon XIII (1949) is widely regarded as the first Filipino full color film. Directed by Eddie Romero its cast include Carmen Rosales, Jaime de la Rosa, Mario Montenegro, Tony Santos, Joseph de Cordova, Jose Cris Soto, Alfonso Carvajal, Justina David, Horace Curry and Horacio Morelos

First Filipino Female Director - Brigida Perez Villanueva directed her first film in 1933. She also has the distinction of directing the, 

Last Silent Film  - Pendulum of Fate

First Filipino film to be shown and competes at an International Film Festival  - Genghis Khan (1950) at the 13th Venice International Film Festival (1952) held from August 20 - September 12, 1952, in Venice, Italy. Venice International Film Festival is considered the oldest international film festival in the world.

First Darna heroine - Rosa del Rosario played the title role, Darna (1951) and subsequently released on May 31, 1951. Originally a Filipino comics magazine character it was made into a film due to its popularity. Darna has been portrayed several times in the movies and in television thereafter by several actresses notably Vilma Santos.

First Dyesebel - Just like Darna, Dyesebel is originally a popular Filipino comics magazine character immortalized in the cinema due to its popularity. Dyesebel is a mythical creature and Filipino version of the mermaid, half-fish half-human and is called "sirena" in Filipino. The actress who holds the distinction of being the first to portray dyesebel in Filipino film was Edna Luna in 1953. The character was also portrayed by Vilma Santos, Alma Moreno and Alice Dixson among others.

First Love Team - Mary Walter and Gregorio Fernandez, they first paired in the 1927 Jose Nepomuceno film "Ang Lumang Simbahan"

First to Wear Bathing Suit - Mona Lisa then known as "Fleur de Lis" in her pre-war films. She was the first to wear the bathing suit in a Filipino film, Giliw Ko (1939).

First Porn Film - Uhaw (1970) is credited as the Philippines' first soft-core porn film (Filipinos called "bomba" film) with actors Tito Galla, Lito Legaspi and Merle Fernandez as its main cast.

First Gay Film - Jack en Jill (1954) starring Dolphy, Lolita Rodriguez, Rogelio dela Rosa, Etang Discher and Luis Gonzales. 

First Gay sex scenes - The film which shows the very first homosexual sexually explicit scenes in Philippine cinema is Tubog sa Ginto (1971) with main actors, Eddie Garcia and Mario O'Hara playing the gay roles in their most steamy scenes.  




Source: 

http://culture360.asef.org/film/from-rice-to-cultural-history-via-jose-nepomuceno/

http://imdb.com 

http://www.silosfamily.com/resources/Augusto_Manuel/Philippine%20Firsts%20in%20Cinema.htm

Filipino Movies Filmed In Some Philippine Provinces

A scene from the film Kadin (2007) 

Unlike in the United States and other developed or advanced countries in film making where each of their state, region or province are prominently featured or is a subject of a particular film, only quite a number of Filipino made films have been taken place in some of the provinces of the country even though there's a lot of so many promising places which deserved to be captured in the reel stills and Filipinos yet to discover the facts of each of these places in the country. 

These are just some of the Filipino films shot in location in some of the provinces in the country.


Aklan - Ano Bang Meron Ka (2001)

The cheesy popular movie of the 2000s set in the popular Boracay Islands tells the story of two unlikely pairs: a high lifestyle party-going writer and events organizer meets a laidback, unassuming bar owner who is committed to his girlfriend yet very willing to have a one night stand with this rowdy woman.

Albay - Kailangan Kita (2002)

Another lovelorn story of unrequited romance against the background of the scenic Mayon volcano and the very beautiful province of Albay. It is the story of an expat who was born in the Philippines and has lived most of his life in the United States return to the Philippines to marry his fiancee model but instead fell in love with his future sister-in-law. 

Antique - Boso (2005)

Sneaky peeping tom caretaker of a boarding house witness a whole array of characters - a pious born again Christian couple addicted in porn movies, a nymphet disguises as a shy schoolgirl, a virgin discovering her lustful dereliction. The story is typical of people living in chaotic urban areas yet some scenes were taken in this quiet province in Western Visayas.

Aurora - Baler (2008)

This small town was the last stronghold of the Spanish empire in the country and was defended by the Spanish soldiers for 337 long grueling days against Filipino revolutionary forces known as the Siege of Baler.

Bataan - El Presidente (2012)

A historical film about the first President of the Philippines proclamation of Philippine Independence from Spain, creation of the First Republic, and armed struggle against American forces before surrendering and accepting the new colonial power on his young nation highlighting the colorful beauty of Bataan. 

Batanes - Kadin (2007)

It is a poignant yet melancholy dreamy journey of young siblings in search of their lost goat. They traverse the breathtaking epic vast land of Sabtang off the coast of Batanes to find their family's source of livelihood. The innocent yet charming portrayal of the Ivatans and the way they live their lives.


Batangas - Sa Pusod Ng Dagat (2008)

Subtitled In The Navel of the Sea, Sa Pusod Ng Dagat is a story of a young man named Pepito who should assume the role of her mother Rosa who is a midwife and is the only one who can deliver babies in their remote coastal community after the latter committed suicide for being pregnant despite the fact she is a widow to protect her son. The place is reminiscent of the beautiful coastal areas of Batangas known to be an ideal diving spot in the country. 


Benguet - Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising (1977)

The cool climate, lovely pine trees, and awesome nature of Baguio are prominently featured in this film touted as the most romantic Filipino film ever about star-crossed lovers - a college student and a woman who is unhappily married to her ever-busy husband. The chilly temperature contrasts the warmth of this movie particularly the love of the central characters. 


Bohol - Panaghoy Sa Suba (2004)

Subtitled Call of the River, this melodramatic 2004 period film is about the simple life of a family in a small province working for an abusive and stingy American businessman and wealthy landowner who is in love with the daughter of one of his workers. It follows the lives of the people near the river which is the main tributary that traverse through the whole town before, during, and after World War II.


Bukidnon - Bagong Buwan (2001)

Armed struggles based on ideology and religion impacting the lives of the minority families of the southern Mindanao and that of a decent, dignified Ahmad and how will it resolve the conflicts between clashes as the end to justify the means while also maintaining the peace in their homeland of the southern Philippine province of Bukidnon with a vast tract of land for farming and plantation of pineapples and other crops. 


Bulacan - Ikaw Lang (1993)

A woman survived a terrifying ordeal from her psychotically abusive husband and mother-in-law after they dumped her into the river thinking they'd killed her but miraculously saved by a fisherman. Desperate help to take revenge on her husband and gain custody of her child, she hooks up with a robber with whom she fell in love. She returns to the creepy house and killed her and gains back her child.  


Cagayan - The Mistress (2012)

The province with a hot climate blessed with rugged terrains, cavernous dwellings, sweeping coasts, and nausea-inducing cliffs fuels the passion of an adventurous man who begins a doomed relationship with a woman who is committed to an older partner.


Camarines Norte - Salome (1981)

A beautiful film set in the paradise Bicol region most specifically in the sun-kissed province of Camarines Norte. Salome (1981) is a nymph with an unusually strong seductive power who lured a visiting mining engineer and killed him. A contrasting version of truths told to shed light on the murder and some beautiful shots of nature owes its gratitude to Akira Kurosawa's 1950 classic Rashomon. 


Camarines Sur - Tell Nora I Love Her (1970)

A candy-sweet love story of the popular love team at the time Nora Aunor and Pip Tirso Cruz III set at the beautiful province of Camarines Sur in superstar's Bicol region. 

Camiguin - Ouija (2007)

The mystifying beauty of this Mindanao's gem preludes a dark story about the ouija board which terrorizes five women that brought them to this visually stunning backdrop unaware of what is going to happen to them. 



Cavite - Rome & Juliet (2006)

The very busy industrial province of Cavite sets the backdrop of this pink film. Rome and Juliet (2006) follow the romantic journey and soul mating of two women caught in a web of forbidden love. Two women -- the bride and her wedding planner -- become enmeshed in a lesbian affair as they make preparations for the event.



Cebu - Dance of the Steel Bars (2013)

The film that was inspired by the actual events in this province features the struggles and conditions of jail inmates and how they regain themselves and feel decent enough to be human by being dancing inmates or prisoners that gained worldwide fame and attention after their viral video became a worldwide phenomenon and was prominently featured in several international media companies and Time magazine.


Cotabato - Ang Tanging Pamilya: A Marry Go-Round (2009)

A screwball and goofball of some sorts is this film partly shot in General Santos City where Dionisia Pacquiao, the mother of boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao spent most of her life and raucous of events featuring prominent celebrities including former President Joseph Estrada.  A young lady accepts the marriage proposal of her long-distance boyfriend only to have feuding families between them soon thereafter. 


Davao del Norte - Isang Tanong Isang Sagot (1997)

The story of a boss who fell in love with his servant's daughter and in a sudden twist of events later, the boss became a servant to prove his love to this young woman. The backdrop is a large banana plantation in Davao del Norte. 


Ifugao - Mumbaki (1996)

The epic beauty of the hinterlands in the rugged mountain ranges of the up north never failed to mesmerize us in some of the Filipino films and this film is no exception. An Ifugao chieftain son who happens to be a doctor is called to return home upon the death of his father and assume the role of a Mumbaki or as a chanter but later must make a choice of leaving the country with his fiance or staying behind to be with his people. 


Ilocos Norte - Temptation Island (1980)

Five women and five men were stranded in an isolated deserted island in the northwest Ilocos Norte and their lives intertwine after that and should make decisions to survive in this 1980 sexy funny film by Joey Gosiengfiao.


Ilocos Sur - Sawa Sa Lumang Simboryo (1952)

The very best of Ilocos Sur is featured in this film subtitled Python at the Old Dome. The story is about the bandit named Tulume and his snake in the cave where he is hiding his treasures looted from every people in a town together with his followers. After taking all the treasures he got he went to a cave to keep his treasure and talk to his pet snake named Lingkis to guard the treasure and kill anybody who will get inside the cave attempting to get the treasures. One of Tulume's men went inside the cave and have a plan to get all the treasures but unknown to him, Lingkis is ready to kill him. This film is FAMAS (Filipino Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) first Best Picture in 1953. 


Iloilo - Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop Sa Balat Ng Lupa (1974)

Filmed in the famed paradise island of Sicogon in northern Iloilo which is a very popular tourist destination at that time before Boracay rose to fame in the 1980s, Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa (1974) with a subtitle The Most Beautiful Animal in the World features Miss Universe 1969, Gloria Diaz, as the mysterious beautiful woman temptress who came to a quiet coastal community who brought changes in the lives of the people and ultimately their destruction.  


Isabela - Ayos na... ang kasunod (2000)

The vast sweeping beauty of this province is vividly depicted in Ayos na...ang kasunod (2000) about two unlikely individuals who crossed paths on a twist of events - a truck driver and a kitchenette business owner with her able-bodied brother guarding and protecting her. 


La Union - Sutla (1999)

The film could have given a more decent portrayal of this province known for its fine sand beaches with this low budget poorly acted sexy film Sutla (1999) 


Laguna - Magnifico (2003)

The poignantly warm and youthful charm of this film was visible in the portrayal of the balmy Laguna province released in 2003. A story of a young boy who is making a coffin for his ill grandmother while trying to raise funds to buy her sister a wheelchair.  


Lanao del Norte - Huk Sa Bagong Pamumuhay (1953)

Huk In New Life in English, this 1953 film is about the lives and times of the rebel group and how they adjust and accept the transition after World War II ends surrendering to the government forces and starting a new life in Mindanao. This is only one of the few films that showcase the best of Lanao del Norte. 


Mountain Province - Don't Give Up On Us (2006)

When her best friend fails to show up in a bridal shower weeks before her wedding, a frenzied Abby vows to find her so the wedding would still happen on schedule. Relying only on the cassette tape that belongs to her friend, Abby follows the clues all the way to the Mountain Province where she meets Vince the folk singer whose voice can be heard on the recording but claims to know nothing of her best friend. 



Negros Occidental - Oro Plata Mata (1982)

This legendary epic film about the rise and fall of the powerful landlords and how they struggle and cope up during the dark years of the war, its atrocities, and its effects on them is a powerful depiction of evil a human can do. There is no better film that portrays the sugar capital of the Philippines in celluloid than this one which is ideal to the nature of the occupation and livelihood of the characters in the film. Hang on for a three-hour-long epic.


Nueva Ecija - Karnal (1983)

Subtitled Of The Flesh is this straightforward 1983 film tackling the beauty and ugliness of human beings and challenging the morals of morality and social hypocrisy. It is the dawning of the life of a prodigal son after he went home to their hometown from Manila with his wife - the ordeal he and his wife underwent and life thereafter as told by her daughter Doray. Another film that effectively portrays the once Rice Granary of the Philippines


Nueva Vizcaya - Nakaw Na Sandali (2004)

How sad is the state of the Filipino film at the turn of a new millennium because people are no longer patronizing good quality films in the theater and cinema because it's expensive for them and instantly replaced by the pirated cd tapes at the advent of the rise of VCD and DVD recorders much to the loss of local film industry that only produces softcore porn films which in turn shoots in locations in less known provinces and places in the Philippines which should have been patronized and depicted in quality mainstream films and this one fell prey to this? 


Occidental Mindoro - Parola (1949)

Set against the bleak loneliness of the only lighthouse on the island, Parola (1949) is the story of a man and his daughters and a sister who abandon city life and settle on a quiet island to ease the pain and hatred caused by his wife's infidelity. Occidental Mindoro is never portrayed so blissfully perfect like this film.

Parola is a thriller set against the bleak loneliness of a solitary lighthouse. To ease the pain and hatred caused by his wife's infidelity, Pekto (Gil de Leon) abandons city life and settles on an isolated island, together with his daughters Lilian and Estrella (Norma Blancaflor & Priscilla Cellona) and sister Lalia (Naty Bernardo).


Oriental Mindoro - Dyesebel (1978)

Oriental Mindoro is the ideal location of this 1978 version of a mermaid named Dyesebel played by sexy siren Alma Moreno. A ruby-like stone turns her fishtail into a human leg.


Palawan - Lihim (1997)

A psychopath murders a group of teenagers vacationing on a remote isolated island and the identity of the killer must be revealed before all of them will be doomed. The paradise island province of Palawan offers a calming relaxation and respite to everyone and is harmless in stark contrast to the creepy island shown in the film.


Pampanga - Kaleldo (2006)

The religious practices during Holy Week which is a unique tradition in a Pampanga town are shown in the film about the lives of a man and his daughter during the course of seven summers and their relationship with the people after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. 

Pangasinan - Butil Ulan; Subtitle: Naked Island (1984)

Pangasinan's beauty is featured in this 1984 film 


Quezon - Miguel/Michelle (1998)

A man named Miguel left his country Philippines for the United States and years later went home as a woman named Michelle and decided to stay until his family decided to accept her. The evolving beauty of this eastern Luzon province facing the Pacific Ocean is a perfect fit for this movie about transgender issues.  


Rizal - The Road (2011)

The eerily silent beauty of this province is highlighted in this suspense horror movie about the reopening of the 12-year old case when three teens went missing in an abandoned road but along the course of the investigation, deep cold and gruesome abductions and murders were uncovered and after more than two decades the secret of the road is finally revealed and the ghost lurking in the dark, a desolated pathway is out to make sure no leaves alive.  


Romblon - Teteng Baliw (2002) 

The crazily beautiful island province would have been the reason for this film location about a frustrated and desperate man gone mad killing people avenging for his break up with his girlfriend. 

Although Teteng (Rey Dann) lives a normal life, his family is infamous for being crazy. So when his girlfriend (Allona Amor) discovers the truth behind his family’s background, she decides to call it quits and break up with him.

Desperate and frustrated, Teteng becomes a crazed man; killing people thinking this will avenge him.


Siquijor - Siquijor: Mystic Island (2007)

The movie brings out the dark undertones of the mystic island of Siquijor formerly known as Isla del Fuego or Island of Fire. 

It's the shady reputation of black magic, witchcraft and sorcery is the idea of a show's creator to find creepy stories for a big television network show on a prime time slot belying the beauty of this island. 


Sorsogon - Donsol (2006) 

Another love story of two lonely people met during a whale shark watching session in this lovely province teeming with diverse marine life and an active volcano.


Sulu - Brides of Sulu (1937)

A classic pre-war film about love, royalty, warring family and clans, and history in this still very peaceful exotic southwestern Philippine island of Sulu.


Tarlac - You and Me Against The World (2003)

The way of life and the landscape is featured in this action-romance movie from 2003. Watch the movie and judge for yourself.  


Tawi-Tawi - Thy Womb (2012)

There is more to life than just colorful pageantry, costumes, rich tradition, and history in this southernmost province of the Philippines. 

An ethnic Badjao tribe woman who acts as a midwife copes up with her own infertility as she helps women in her community. 


Zambales - Asin at Paminta (1999) 


Zamboanga del Norte - Rizal sa Dapitan (1997)

The national hero Dr. Jose Rizal spent almost four years nurturing the young minds of this sleepy Spanish town and contributing much to the progress of this town and province as well as improving the lives of its citizens helping a lot of sick people, owning a vast tract of lands and even made contributions in science by some of his studies in this Mindanao province from 1892 - 1896. 


Zamboanga del Sur - Zamboanga (1937)

The classic silent pre-war film is available on Youtube and one can see the prestige and breathtaking beauty of this province which is the last existing Spanish-speaking province in the country along with Zamboanga del Norte.



Sources:

IMDB
Kabayan Central
Wikipedia

117th Philippine Independence Day Celebration and Vin D'Honneur

The 117th Philippine Independence Day celebration took place all over the Philippines on June 12 and Filipino communities around the world on different dates with President Benigno S. Aquino III leading the rites on the morning of June 12 for the flag-raising ceremony held at the front of the Santa Barbara Church and Convent in the town of Santa Barbara, Iloilo. President Aquino along with National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chair Serena Diokno and AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Catapang then proceed for a wreath laying ceremony at the monument of General Martin Teofilo Delgado who raised the Philippine flag at the Santa Barbara convent in front of the jubilant Filipinos the first outside Luzon on November 17, 1898 to formally declare independence from Spain. He later became the first governor of Iloilo under the American regime in 1901. The President then deliver his speech in front of the Santa Barbara church following the speech of the Governor of Iloilo Arthur Defensor Sr. then recovering from his illness and Senate President Franklin M. Drilon.

After the ceremony in Santa Barbara and short tour and inspection of the newly restored Santa Barbara church and convent, the traditional Vin D'Honneur (Wine of Honor) or wine toasting followed minutes later at the newly renovated Casa Real or the Old Provincial Capitol of Iloilo building. High ranking government officials, cabinet secretaries, congressmen, governors, prominent and influential personalities and seventy-five (75) members of the diplomatic corps which consists of ambassadors representing different countries of the world and international organizations representatives based in the Philippines headed by the dean of the diplomatic corps, Apostolic Papal Nuncio Giuseppe Pinto attended the celebration and the glittering vin d'honneur event at the old capitol.

Here are the countries which are represented by their ambassadors and the international organizations based in the Philippines with their representatives which attended the event in Iloilo:


1. Papua New Guinea
2. Brunei Darussalam
3. Bahrain
4. United Arab Emirates
5. Morocco
6. Lesotho
7. Iran
8. Australia
9. Qatar
10. Nigeria
11. France
12. Bangladesh
13. Malaysia
14. Italy
15. Egypt
16. Gabon
17. Uruguay
18. Mexico
19. Belgium
20. Vietnam
21. Canada
22. United States
23. India
24. Oman
25. Turkey
26. China
27. Indonesia
28. Germany
29. Uganda
30. Armenia
31. Spain
32. Chile
33. Israel
34. Norway
35. Japan
36. Argentina
37. Panama
38. Netherlands
39. South Africa
40. New Zealand
41. Laos
42. Saudi Arabia
43. Thailand
44. Greece
45. Singapore
46. Russia
47. Korea
48. Tunisia
49. Palestine
50. Colombia
51. Trinidad and Tobago
52. Ghana
53. Luxembourg
54. Georgia
55. Malta
56. Angola
57. Cambodia
58. Czech Republic
59. Libya
60. Romania
61. Switzerland
62. Timor Leste
63. Venezuela
64. EU - European Union
65. UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund
66. UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
67. WFP - World Food Programme
68. UNRefugees - United Nations Refugees
69. UN FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
70. WHO - World Health Organization
71. World Bank
72. International Finance Corp
73. Migration
74. UN Population 
75. Apostolic Papal Nuncio - Dean of the Diplomatic Corps



To watch the 117th Philippine Independence Day celebration in Santa Barbara, Iloilo click on the following link to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgdtkCLXiPw 

To watch the Vin D'Honneur event at the Casa Real or the Old Provincial Capitol of Iloilo, click on the following link to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKES0yVy-rg 




Photo Source:

USP Philippines 

Notable Filipino Literary Figure With Their Achievements

Melecio Figueroa 

Lope K. Santos

Melecio Figueroa -  engraver from Arevalo, Iloilo. First Filipino designer of Philippine coins.

Flavio Zaragoza Cano - poet from Cabatuan, Iloilo. Known as the "Prince of Visayan Poets," he was one of the three greatest Filipino poet in Spanish along with Fernando Maria Guerrero and Cecilio Apostol

Fernando Maramag - first Filipino poet in English to win awards and fame

Clemencia Joven - first short story writer in English

Zoilo M. Galang - first Filipino novelist in English

Carlos P. Romulo - first Filipino to win honors in English journalism

Marcelo de Gracia Concepcion - first Filipino poet in English to win recognition in American literary circles

Lope K. Santos - author of the first Tagalog novel "Banaag at Sikat"

Claro Caluya - prince of Iloko poet

Mena Crisologo - greatest Iloko dramatist

Leona Florentino - greatest Iloko poetess

Leon C. Pichay - Iloko Poet Laureate

Angel Magahum - greatest Visayan dramatist




Source:

Municipality of Cabatuan, Iloilo Official Website,http://www.reocities.com/cabatuan_iloilo/Heroes/flavio.htm


Photo Source:

La Villa Rica de Arevalo: Heritage and Greatness, http://www.mysmartschools.ph/web/LaVillaRicadeArevalo/greatpeop.htm

Rizal Provincial Government Official Website,  http://rizalprovince.ph/thegovernors.html

Leading Filipino Women: Magdalena G. Jalandoni

Magdalena G. Jalandoni 

Prolific Ilongga Woman Writer and Artist 

(1891 - 1978) 

Magdalena Jalandoni was known as Western Visayas' first woman writer. She is now remembered as one of the most prolific Filipino writers in the Hiligaynon language. She was the first recipient of the Republic Culture Heritage Award for Literature in 1969 by President Ferdinand Marcos. She also wrote poems and novels in Filipino and English language. She wrote 36 novels, 122 short stories, 231 short lyrics, 8 narrative poems, 7 novelettes, 5 corridos, 7 long plays, a number of sculptures, and hundreds of paintings throughout her lifetime. Her works are said to have left permanent and significant milestones in Philippine literature. 


Birth and Early Years 

She was born on May 27, 1891, in Calle Alvarez (now Calle Benedicto) in the old city of Salog (now Jaro, a district of Iloilo City) to the pious, devout Catholic couple Gregorio Jalandoni y Jopson from Jaro and Francisca Gonzaga who hails from the town of Pavia. Magdalena had an only younger brother Luis who later married Amelia Benedicto Ledesma, also of Jaro. 

Her formal schooling started in the school of Clemente Gonzales and his wife Donata. In June 1902 she studied at the Colegio de San Jose where she was a day boarder, and in 1904 she entered the same school as an enterna. She wrote her first corrido “Padre Juan and Beata Maria’ at the age of ten, and “Don Juan Gonzaga” also a corrido at the age of twelve. Later on, she wrote “Lucibar and Portivillar”, “Principe Recaredo” and Heneral Manfredo.” Her mother brought these corridos to the La Editorial Publishing House where these were printed and sold to the public. 

On November 6, 1906, she entered the Iloilo High School. She stopped her studies after the first year because her mother did not approve of co-education and just stayed at their home where she wrote in her native tongue. 

 
Childhood and Early Works 

She began writing at a young age wherein she already had her poems published at the age of 12. At the age of sixteen, she published her first novel in Hiligaynon, "Ang Mga Tunoc Sang Isa Ca Bulac" (The Thorns of a Flower) which she finished in December of 1907, which was later followed by many novels, compilations of poems and short stories. Jalandoni only wrote for publication purposes due to the male-dominated society at the time. Back then, female voices in literature were not taken seriously by the general public. Although her mother strictly forbade her from taking literature seriously, she refused to do so and devoted her life entirely to literature. 

In her childhood autobiography Ang Matam-is Kong Pagkabata (My Sweet Childhood), she cites: "I will be forced to write when I feel that my nose is being assaulted by the scent of flowers, when my sight is filled with the promises of the sun and when my soul is lifted by winged dreams to the blue heavens." 


Significant Works 

Her famous poem Ang Guitara (The Guitar) is read in classrooms all over the country today. Literary critics and historians claim that she has mastered a special talent for poetry and description as well as dramatic evocations of landscapes and events in her novels and short stories. Her works span from the coming of Malay settlers in the Middle Ages up to the Spanish and American colonial era as well as the Japanese occupation of World War II, all portraying the history of Panay and the evolution of the Ilonggo culture. According to Riitta Varitti of the Finnish-Philippine Society in Helsinki, "Jalandoni was the most productive Philippine writer of all time." 

Other famous works include Anabella, Sa Kapaang Sang Inaway (In the Heat of War), Ang Dalaga sa Tindahan (The Young Woman in the Market), and Ang Kahapon ng Panay (The Past of Panay). Throughout her turbulent and displaced life, she still managed to publish 36 novels, 122 short stories, 7 novelettes, 7 long plays, 24 short plays, and dialogues in verse compiled in two volumes, seven volumes of personally compiled essays including some translations from Spanish and two autobiographies. She has been displaced from her hometown twice and has survived the Philippine Revolution, the Filipino-American War, and the Japanese Occupation. In 1977, she received the prestigious Republic Cultural Heritage Award for her literary achievements from the government, about one year before her death. 

Her works are kept in the University of the Philippines in Diliman and in the Visayas, the Ateneo de Manila, the Universities of Iloilo and San Agustin both in Iloilo City, the Universities of Syracuse and Yale in the United States, and the National Library. 


Death Of A Great Writer

She died on September 14, 1978, at the age of 87. At the time of her death, she had written a total of 66 volumes composed of 24 novels, long poems, dramas, historical epics, translations, meditations, poems, her autobiography, a bibliography of her works, and many other literary pieces. The author lost twenty novels during the Second World War when these were burned inside the Archbishop’s Palace in Jaro where she kept them. 

During her lifetime she had received many awards recognizing her contribution to the enrichment of Hiligaynon, her native tongue, and the genius that made her such a prolific writer. She never married. She is now survived by a few nieces as well as several other close relatives. Magdalena Jalandoni's birthplace and the ancestral house still stand today as a historical landmark and a museum not far from the cathedral of Jaro and is frequented by students. A street at the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex in Pasay City, Philippines is named in her honor. 



Sources: 

Magdalena Jalandoni Wikipedia entry, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magdalena_Jalandoni 

First Thoughts: Magdalena G. Jalandoni blog, http://andyesperancilla2.blogspot.com/2010/09/magdalena-jalandoni.html 

Magdalena Jalandoni Blog, http://magdalenajalandoni.blogspot.com/ 



Photo Sources: 

Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Encyclopedia of Philippine Art, https://epa.culturalcenter.gov.ph/9/80/5396/

Today In Philippines History, The Kahimyang Project May 26, 2012, http://kahimyang.info/kauswagan/articles/1150/today-in-philippine-history-may-27-1893-magdalena-jalandoni-was-born-in-jaro-iloilo-city 

Heroines, News Today December 13, 2007, http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/12/13/heroines.html 

Magdalena G. Jalandoni Ancestral House Facade, ExploreIloilo.com, http://imgarcade.com/1/magdalena-jalandoni/

 

Today Is Evelio Javier Day

Today February 11 is Evelio Javier Day. On this day 28 years ago in 1986, Evelio Javier, then governor of Antique, Marcos opposition and anti-dictatorial leader was gunned down in front of the new Antique Capitol building while protecting the ballot boxes of the 1986 snap election. He tried to run away from his perpetrators and hid in a store until he was discovered and gunned down. His death was one of the rallying cries of the People Power Revolution. We honor his courage and heroism defending democracy by making every February 11th a special non-working holiday in Panay Island (that includes Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras and Iloilo) 



Photo Sources: 

Ellen Tordesillas.com, http://www.ellentordesillas.com/2013/03/22/evelio-javiers-sons-oppose-pardon-for-convicted-lawyer/ 

 Bantayog.org, http://www.bantayog.org/node/123 

 Philippine Daily Inquirer, http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/251904/evelio-javier-widow-dies-in-us

Leading Filipino Women: Nazaria Lagos

Nazaria Lagos 

Florence Nightingale of Panay 

(1851 - 1945) 

Nazaria Lagos is known as the Florence Nightingale of Panay. She was a pioneer Red Cross leader in the Visayas region. She was a strong woman, compassionate mother and has a deep and deathless love for God and country. She was born not only to become a mother of her own children but of the many wounded Filipino soldiers, sick civilians and of the sick children during the war. 


Born From A Wealthy Family 

Nazaria L. Lagos was born on August 28, 1851 in Barrio Burongan (now Jaguimit), Laglag town (now Dueñas), Iloilo. Her parents were Don Juan de la Cruz Lagos and Doña Saturnina Labrillaso. As an only child, she was well taken cared of and brought up in comfort but she was not a spoiled girl. When she was six, her mother hired Maestro Gregorio "Oyong" Tingzon as her teacher. She was a beautiful, brilliant young girl who could speak Spanish well and talk to the Spanish officials. 


Married Life 

At a very young age of 12, she married her second cousin Segundo Lagos, a son of a wealthy land owner, Don Bartolome Lagos whose ancestors were the founders of Dueñas town and the religion. During her years in marriage life, Nazaria faced lots of challenges of home life with patience. She possessed good qualities of being a wife and a mother and was equipped with proper knowledge on nursing and medical care by Dr. Cuadra, a family friend and doctor, who often visited the family and stayed in the vast family hacienda. 


Red Cross and Revolutionary Work 

Through the order of Military Governor Don Ricardo Monet with the support of parish priest Father Lorenzo Suarez, Nazaria was appointed as President of the first local unit of Red Cross in the province of Iloilo. 

During the revolution under the general supervision of Gen. Martin Delgado, Nazaria Lagos was chosen as secretary and Segundo (her husband) as the adviser of the Revolutionary Volunteers to go against the Spanish Government. Her house in Barrio Burongan (now Jaguimit) was made as a secret meeting place of the high-ranking officers of the revolution in the whole province of Iloilo. Nazaria and Segundo built a secret Army Hospital in their Hacienda in Jaguimit and which Nazaria was appointed as Chief of the Army Hospital and Manager of the Army Food Supply Depot for the Filipino soldiers. This is for the preparation of the revolutionists for the war against the Spaniards. The building of the hospital came from Nazaria and Segundo's own money. The supplies of the food came from the production of their farm. She gave an all out support for the welfare of the Filipinos. Nazaria Lagos and her family together with their "obreros" or workers began to work secretly in Hacienda Jaguimit. She personally supervised the construction of the hospital made from local materials. They made bamboos as beds, chairs and tables and cabinets for the wounded Filipino soldiers. 

The war started. Many Filipino soldiers were sick and wounded, and they were brought to the hospital in Jaguimit. The hospital was not only for the Filipino soldiers but as well as the sick and wounded civilians. Since the hospital is certainly located between the North and South revolutionary groups, supply almost ran out. For such a gigantic tack for a woman to bear, the Red Cross helped her in asking donations like food, clothing and medicine. Her tenants had contributed their time and efforts to help in caring for the wounded soldiers. Her knowledge in herbal medicine played an important role in this extraordinary task during the Revolution. Spending almost all her time, effort and fortune for the brother Filipinos, she even was able to bear the death of her two children when the smallpox epidemic struck the country during the years of the turmoil. 


Role In Philippine Independence Day Celebration 

In Dueñas Nazaria Lagos and her two daughters together with the Red Cross members, sew the Philippine flag. In spite of the scarcity of the clothes, sewing needles and threads, they made improvised needles out of umbrella wire and abaca fibers as the threads. The flag was hoisted at 9 o' clock in the morning of June 12, 1899 in the Dueñas town plaza. Nazaria and the people of Dueñas knelled down with tears rolling down their cheeks and prayed for their safety and independence while the National Hymn was played. 


Her Last Years 

Nazaria Lagos reserved a legacy not in wealth but as a model mother, leader and a great woman in history.  Unfortunately, she became blind and on January 27, 1945, at the age of 93, silently passed away at Sitio Amuyao, Jaguimit, Dueñas, Iloilo. She had served her country and family with love and devotion. 

Nazaria and Segundo Lagos will long be remembered from generation to generation. Their service to their fellowmen is worth emulating and their names will be written in Bold Letters in the minds and hearts of all Filipinos, patriots, nationalist and lover of democracy. 


Sources: 

Wikipilipinas: Nazaria Lagos, http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php/Nazaria_Lagos 

Nazaria Lagos, A Great Woman In History, Newstoday 2007, http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/02/05/nazaria.l.lagos.a.great.woman.of.history.html 


Photo Source: 

ChoosePhilippines.com, http://www.choosephilippines.com/specials/people/1515/florence-nightingale-panay/