The Other Side on the Life of Dr. Jose P. Rizal

The Other Side on the Life of Dr. Jose P. Rizal

(By: DinggolAranetaDivinagracia-December 28, 2018)

“As we honor every December 30th the memory of our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, the "Pride of the Malayan Race" on the occasion of his death anniversary; let us pause for a moment and seriously think for a while, as to the veracity of all that is attributed to this great man of many talents.” --dinggol.d~~~

Rizal: Undeserved Adjectives?

A radical historian who constantly challenges the status quo of historicity urged yesterday future writers on the life, the works and heroism of Dr. Jose Rizal to refrain from further embarrassing him with undeserved adjectives that do not faithfully reflect his true being.

Rizal had never seen a corporate boardroom in his lifetime and therefore not a businessman as portrayed by Dr. Ernesto Sibal in his book, Rizal the Businessman. He merely hawked farm products in the sidewalks of Dapitan, according to the author, professor, newspaper columnist, magazine editor and historian Dr. Frank Grego.

The national hero is not a linguist as portrayed by historians Sofronio Alip and Gregorio Zaide. He had no formal studies in linguistics and dialectics who learned Japanese because of his pursuit for the love of O Sei San in Japan; French to communicate with both Nelly Buosted and Gertrude Becket whom he wooed in Paris; German for his unrelenting interest to his A las Flores de Heidelberg; and Spanish because of his education in Ateneo and Universitae de Sto. Tomae.

Dr. Grego stressed that Rizal indeed carved a head of a carabao during one of his depressive days but he was not a sculptor as placed in history by Teodoro Agoncillo. His carving was far beyond compare with those of the Igorots’s and the wood carvers in Paete.

The national hero was not an ophthalmologist as pictured by other historians when he checked the blurring eyes of his mother. He did not undergo any ophthalmic fellowship, for he obtained a mere licentiate and not a doctorate in medicine, Grego emphasized.

“Why do they have to embarrass Rizal with these inaccurate labels in their desperate efforts to justify his proclamation by the Philippine Commission as an American-made National Hero in 1902?” Dr. Grego asked.

"Our educators today teach us that the meaning of Rizal’s death was that he sacrificed his life for our country’s freedom. That claim is incomplete if not downright inaccurate and preposterous. At the onset, Rizal NEVER wanted to die. That is why he wrote his “Defensa” with the help of his lawyer, Luis Taviel de Andrade. Nick Joaquín had this to say:

"Rizal’s trial, says (León Mª) Guerrero, presents us with a dilemma. Rizal passionately defended himself from the charge that he was involved in or even sympathized with the Revolution — hardly an attitude we would honor him for. “Was he innocent or guilty?” asks Guerrero. “If innocent, then why is he a hero? If guilty, how can he be a martyr?” (Source: Pepe at FILIPINO eSCRIBBLES Blog-12-30-2013)
(Source: "Ang Pungsod Ilonggo” - INMBlogspot 12-30-2007)

~~~~~~~~~~~ oo0oo ~~~~~~~~

Birthday Greetings! and a Merry Christmas!

Birthday Greetings! and a Merry Christmas!

A Joint Birthday Celebration with the Spirit of Christmas 2018 at Campo Galahad in San Diego, California.

All born during the Yuletide Season: Nick Bobadilla, Rance Ruiz, Leonor Delarmente and Nonong Roxas. Four (4) Cheers --for they are all jolly good fellow that nobody can deny, that nobody can deny!!!!

The four (4) Birthday Celebrants with their family and well wishers. (Front row): Bizman Nonong & Sheila (R.N.) with their only daughter Pia Perez Roxas. (Second row): Physical Therapist Nick “Bobadz” Bobadilla (P.T.); the new love-team Marjorie Besa Villareal and Chef Bob Tran; the bespectacled family of USN eye examiner Tuping Baldonado and his wife Ma’am Leonor Delarmente with their daughter Audrey at her back; the family of Rance and the only son EJ with their Padre de Familia USN Commander Eric Tumbocon Ruiz at his back. At far right wearing checkered jacket with matching cap, si Akoh ah!

Partly hidden in the last row who came far, all the way from Burbank in Los Angeles, Ca. were our loyal friends and also dedicated ilonggo couple Physician-Surgeon Dennis Talisay, a UP-Iloilo Hamili member and the love of his life, former Iloilo Doctor’s College (IDC) Beauty Queen Mimi Bayoneta (R.N.). Ti, ok Johnny Mat?

Santa’s Lucky (7) Seven Elves. (l-r): Bobadz, Bob, Tuping, Dennis, Nonong, Dinggol and Eric.

Shelia, Mimi, Leonor, Marjorie and Rance are all smiles for the holiday and everyday!

With the late comers Van Bhan Alcazar, Nonong Roxas, Edsel Ruiz, Nick Bobadilla, Anthony Rivera, Denz Talisay, Dinggo.d and Eric Ruiz.

Perfect couple in body and in spirit. Ti, san-o fah? Padayon! Harakhak!!! ~~~

Ma’am Leonor Delarmente (middle) playing Mrs. Santa with her former students at the St. Paul’s College-Iloilo; the former Sheila Perez and Mimi Bayoneta. Daw sa kahapon gid lamang! ~~~

Put your warm head on my shoulder, while hiding his first love below. Harakhak!!!~~~

Last group photo shot since it’s already the wee hours in the morning, time to say goodbye! Tata and Lora Biliran with Lorenz and Nazalie left earlier and so with Eric, Rance with EJ and others.

Salamuch gid! to Nonong and Sheila Perez-Roxas of Campo Galahad for their generous hospitality and for sharing this year’s memorable occasion together with their family. Merry Christmas to one and all !!! --dinggol.d~~~

The "Surprise" Attack of Campo Galahad in San Diego, California.

The "Surprise" Attack of Campo Galahad in San Diego, California.

(By: DinggolAranetaDivinagracia - December 15, 2018)

“A Tribute to "Nonong Roxas", a true, loyal and serviceable friend whose Birth Anniversary is celebrated today, the 15th of December and every year thereafter” -dinggol.d~~~ 

Flashback December, 2014: 

On the 13th of December 2014; a "Surprise Attack" came from all directions. The target was Campo Galahad, the San Diego modest but spacious home of the "Roxas-Perez" family in the Republic of California.

The attackers were led up front by Leonor Delarmente, the "Presidenta" of the Ilonggo Nation Grupo (SanDiego) CA. together with Tuping Baldonado who had pledged to always "stand-beside" Ma’am Leonor forevermore and was assisted by the young teenagers Vincent & Audrey is her name.

Behind were the Rivera's led by marathon runner Adele with her backers, the four (4) A’s; Adrian, Andrew, Alain and the youngest Audric (Josh). Her fifth “A” --veteran pedal pusher Anthony the "wounded-in-action" mountain biker came later for a quickie inspection during his lunch break from work.

Thereafter, the Ilongga (photo) fashion model kuno! named Rose Amancio-Dico came with two of her three “K’s”; the bespectacled genius looking young Kristoff and the much younger smart Krystel. Her third “K” (Kris) was not around due to some pressing matters. But he later called plansado na lahat dear!

From the right flank came with heavy loads to combat the hungry “estomago” were the "Ilonggo sa America" Facebook group founder Franz "Boboy" Jereza together with his ever smiling "anting-anting" named Ferlin and with their martial art experts Kyle and Josh. Also around to give her manong Boboy a helping hand was sister Cypress "Bing Bing" Jereza who came not only with her homemade “Moasi” but also the teenage apple of her eyes and look-alike teenage beauty Abie. Cora Joy Hechanova came armed with her two dimples and ready for instant smiles.

From the left flank came the group led by the Ruiz brothers, namely; Peal the single father; Edsel who is allergic to “leche flan” also came with Marichu his one and only kuno! and their “unica hija” Nomi (future Ilongga-American Olympian Gymnast); and the third and youngest of the Ruiz-Tombocon clan in San Diego, CA. - Eric, a U.S. naval “big wig” who rose from the ranks in the service of Uncle Sam to become the first Ilonggo USN Chief Engineer in his fleet with the rank of Commander. Eric came with wifey the former Rance Lao from the land of the Ati-Atihan “Hala Bira” and their son EJ.

Unknown to Nonong, there was a "Mata Hari" an insider spy named Sheila code name Eila Saxor and her two accomplices Ethan and Pia, who orchestrated the covert operation with the outside group and she played it very well and acted that shall put both Vilma Santos and Nora Aunor and even Chit Charon Cuneta in second place.

Tito Dingz who failed to attend the Christmas party held on the same date in Los Angeles by the Association of Ilonggos in Southern California (IASC) Inc. as he was just recovering from flu, yet volunteered to do some reconnaissance job just minutes before the final attack of Campo Galahad.

Then finally, when the gates of Campo Galahad was wide open, the surprised "Governor" had no choice but surrender peacefully with tears in his eyes.

Yes! tears of joy and gladness, because the "attackers" were his close friends who came as well-wishers to celebrate his forthcoming birth anniversary on the 15th of December.

A sumptuous banquet that included Filipino delicacies "con todos recados" soon followed with cakes and pastries; Pinoy sought after "sumsuman" and Nonong's favorite; the spirits from Scotland and Ireland plus a variety of "mucho cerveza fria" soon flooded the whole area of Campo Galahad.

If ever there is another loyal, amiable and unassuming guy like "Nonong Roxas”, who left the Seminary because “many are cold but few are frozen” -- and an alumnus of the Saint Clements College for boys in Iloilo City, whose inherent good character and natural attitude towards friendship had already been tested and proven beyond compare, ano fah abi? Ay ti!.. kundi duha na sila eh!..Padayon! Harakhak!!!~~~

Making a wish before blowing the many candles.

The good buddies (from LtoR): Anthony, Nonong, Boboy, Peal, Edsel and Dinggol.

A Tribute to Filipino Heroes for their Love of Country!

A Tribute to Filipino Heroes for their Love of Country!

(By: DinggolAranetaDivinagracia - December 18, 2018)

“On December 18, 1856 (162 years ago today) an Ilonggo named Graciano Lopez-Jaena was born in Jaro, Iloilo City. Our history recognized him as the first reformist and the acknowledged "trailblazer" of the first propaganda movement. At age 18, he wrote “Fray Butod” that exposed the abuses and unholy alliance of the Spanish authorities, abusive encomienderos and the immoral friars under the pseudonym “Jose Butete.” He went to Spain in 1880 where together with Dr. Jose P. Rizal who arrived in 1882 and, later, Marcelo H. del Pilar, they constituted the triumvirate that became the core of propagandists and pamphleteers advocating reforms in the Philippine Archipelago.

In February 1889, Graciano Lopez Jaena founded the "La Solidaridad" that became the mouthpiece of the movement that advocated reforms and with the novels of Rizal “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterisimo” and the execution of the three (3) Filipino priests, Gomez, Burgos and Zamora became the spark plugs that ignited the armed Philippine Revolution of 1896. “ --dinggol.d~~~

Our Nation has always been proud of her history. This pride, was borne out of the conviction that our past, is a long story of courage and loyalty to the ideals of justice and freedom which any nation can be proud of.

And because history is filled with the deeds of heroes, the Philippines has always looked upon her heroes with much gratitude and admiration. Their names are in the history books and in the humble gatherings of the rural folk, their names are on the lips of those who have benefited from their sacrifices; but more important still, their names are forever enshrined in the hearts of their countrymen.

What is perhaps, a great tribute to the character of our people, is the fact that these men who are now looked upon as heroes came from all walks of life. Andres Bonifacio of Tondo, Manila, who rose in arms to led his people in their fight for freedom and independence was an unschooled poor man. But that did not deter him from serving the cause for "Inang Bayan".

They came from all parts of the country, but they set aside petty regionalism to unite for a common cause. They also represented varied professions. They were not all soldiers or Generals who fought the enemies on the battle fields.

Of course, many were military leaders; but a great number of them led by our very own Ilonggo greatest hero, Graciano Lopez Jaena of Jaro in Iloilo City never fought in battle. They used their minds and their pens in advocating reforms for the welfare of the Filipino people. They worked hard to preserve that freedom once it was won.

And despite the great differences in their background and training, they had one thing in common --Love of Country! ~~~

The Treaty of Paris-1898 and the Ilonggo Nation

The Treaty of Paris-1898 and the Ilonggo Nation

(By: DinggolAranetaDivinagracia - December 10, 2018)

Prologue:

“On December 10, 1898 at about 8:45 in the evening exactly 120 years ago today, the Treaty of Peace also known as the Treaty of Paris-1898 was signed by Peace Commissioners headed by Judge William R. Day and also by Señor Eugenio Montero Rios as the Representatives of the United States of America and the Spanish government respectively.

Whether the "Estado Federal de Bisayas" an independent and sovereign Nation/State spearheaded by the Ilonggos was included therein, is the issue at hand. “ --dinggol.d~~~

The Republic of the Philippines, headed today by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte of Davao City, evolved thru continues legal processes from the Treaty of Paris that was signed December 10th of 1898. The U.S. Senate ratified the treaty on February 6, 1899, by a margin of only one vote more than the required two-thirds. The Treaty of Peace became legal and internationally binding only on April 11, 1899 when the ratified documents were exchanged by the belligerent parties; thus, formally ended the eight (8) months Spanish-American war.

Here is a copy of Article III with technical description of coordinates, as contained in the said Treaty of Paris-1898 that clearly manifested coverage of area ceded by Spain to the United States of America.

“..Article III-Spain cedes to the United States the archipelago known as the Philippine Islands, and comprehending the islands lying within the following line:

A line running from west to east along or near the twentieth parallel of north latitude, and through the middle of the navigable channel of Bachi, from the one hundred and eighteenth (118th) to the one hundred and twenty-seventh (127th) degree meridian of longitude east of Greenwich, thence along the one hundred and twenty seventh (127th) degree meridian of longitude east of Greenwich to the parallel of four degrees and forty five minutes (4 [degree symbol] 45']) north latitude, thence along the parallel of four degrees and forty five minutes (4 [degree symbol] 45') north latitude to its intersection with the meridian of longitude one hundred and nineteen degrees and thirty five minutes (119 [degree symbol] 35') east of Greenwich, thence along the meridian of longitude one hundred and nineteen degrees and thirty five minutes (119 [degree symbol] 35') east of Greenwich to the parallel of latitude seven degrees and forty minutes (7 [degree symbol] 40') north, thence along the parallel of latitude of seven degrees and forty minutes (7 [degree symbol] 40') north to its intersection with the one hundred and sixteenth (116th) degree meridian of longitude east of Greenwich, thence by a direct line to the intersection of the tenth (10th) degree parallel of north latitude with the one hundred and eighteenth (118th) degree meridian of longitude east of Greenwich, and thence along the one hundred and eighteenth (118th) degree meridian of longitude east of Greenwich to the point of beginning.

The United States will pay to Spain the sum of twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) within three months after the exchange of the ratification of the present treaty. . . . ."

Actual area of Coverage:

Sometime ago it has come to our attention that out of the more than 7,100 islands that comprised the whole Philippine archipelago only about 3,000 islands or less than 50% were ceded by Spain to the U.S. based on the 1898 Treaty of Paris.

Therefore, perhaps, these involved only areas under Spanish authorities, that included Aguinaldo's jurisdictions since he never formally won the war against Spain and was still considered "subject " under the Spanish crown. His opportunity was derailed by the betrayal of his trusted American allies during the drama between the Spanish and American forces now known as the “mock” battle at Intramuros in Manila on August 13, 1898.

Acta de Capitulacion - 1898

Whereas; by virtue of the “Acta de Capitulacion” duly signed earlier on the 6th of November, 1898 -- Spain formally surrendered to the Cantonal government of the Negros Republic and again on December 23, 1898 to the Estado Federal de Bisayas based in Iloilo. The formal surrender justified Visayan Supremo General-en-Gefe Martin Teofilo Delgado's proclamation of our battle-scarred freedom and legitimate independence as a sovereign Federal Visayan nation on the 25th of December in the year 1898 at Plaza Alfonso XII renamed Plaza Libertad in the City of Iloilo, Philippines.

The belligerent parties at that time were U.S and Spain, and did not involved in any way, the Estado Federal de Bisayas.

The United State's invasion of Iloilo City, seat of government of the Visayan Federation, therefore, was a diplomatic faux pas.

Hence, this historical blunder should be considered, exposed and seriously acted upon accordingly. And that the residual government of Spain must amplify this to the whole world and acknowledge this travesty of history. Spain had no more legal rights to sell. In legal parlance "nemodat quod non habet” -meaning “you cannot give what is not yours”. It states that the purchase of a possession from someone who has no ownership right to it also denies the purchaser any ownership title. Uncle Sam, please take note of this matter!

Epilogue:

On November 6 and December 23, 1898 -Spain formally surrendered to both the Negros Republic and the Federal Republic of the Visayas based in Iloilo respectively.

Excerpted: "...These two nations, from a purely legal point of view, are COMPLETELY LEGITIMATE UNTIL TODAY. This could imply that the Manila-based Tagalista-oriented Unitarian central government of the Philippines in the Visayas and Mindanao is an Occupational Government, that ultimately originated from an invalid Treaty of Paris...." (Dr. Jose P. Dacudao, is an Ilonggo Neuro-Surgeon based in Butuan City, northern Mindanao in the Philippines and is the National President of Save Our Languages Thru Federalism Foundation (SOLFED), Inc.)

"Today the Ilonggo Nation, tomorrow a Federal Filipino Nation" --dinggol.d~~~

 

The Modern Day "Ilongga" Rebel 

(By: DinggolAranetaDivinagracia - December 8, 2018)

“A tribute to my twice-over first cousin who was named “Ma. Concepcion” in honor of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception whose feast day is today, the 8th of December.

Concha (68), as we fondly call her --who is now in Oslo, Norway has dedicated almost all of her adult life fighting for a cause she sincerely believed in.” --dinggol.d~~~

Flashback August, 2015:

The warrant served to arrest "Concha", except for slight bruises in her arms when the raiders forced themselves inside her rented house in Molo, Iloilo City was relatively peaceful and orderly. Hoping that the interrogation process as required by law shall, likewise, be done with utmost consideration due to her advanced age and poor health condition. And that the wheels of justice shall, of course, grind accordingly.

During the turbulent years of the "First Quarter Storm" in the early 1970's, many young professionals and even bright young students including several members of our very own family sacrificed their schooling, left the comfort of life in luxury, armed themselves and went to the hills to fight the oppressive regime.

While most of our "Kababayans" cowered in fear, as the others collaborated with the repressive leaders; many reluctantly joined the "New Society" kuno! These young generation of dedicated revolutionaries with sincere devotion and firm determination fought against all odds in their struggle for national democracy. They even embraced, perhaps, by force of circumstances and for convenience, the Godless foreign ideology just to be in equal footing to the psychological and actual global warfare.

While many of us never subscribed to their particular brand of idealism and principle and does not necessarily belong to the same political spectrum; nonetheless, we respect their decision and still love and care for them for their willingness to sacrifice and readiness even to die for the worthy cause they believed in. Yes! we love and are proud of them! ...

It is regrettable, however, to note that several lives were lost and many families were adversely affected by the unwanted war between Filipino brothers. Needless to say, collateral damages certainly took it's toll on both and all sides of our embattled society.

With the advent of a "New Era" due to the impending 2016 election, the results we hope shall truly reflect the will of the people, a ray of hope shines upon our "Inang Bayan" for a "Corrupt-Free Philippines" -notwithstanding the dark forces of evil that have been very active raiding government coffers; brainwashing and misleading especially the "Hoi polloi" by some “Envelopmental” media practitioners; and the many conscienceless among politicians joining the scenario to perpetuate their political dynasties, protect their own vested interest and with pecuniary consideration in the windmills of their mind.

Lastly, our dear Ma. Concepcion "Concha" Divinagracia Araneta, now known as Concha Araneta Bocala, the former Assumption (Iloilo) Convent breed young bright student who blossomed into womanhood as a coed at the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman, Quezon City --thereafter, became an avid revolutionary leader and deeply committed continuously since age 21 (turning 65 this month) is now in the hands of responsible authorities to face the fate she deserves. At least, now the family can heave a deep sigh of relief, knowing that she is still alive and once again she could be together with loved ones that missed her for so long and so much, even in the twilight of her years! . . .Good Luck and God bless!!! ~~~

Congratulations! to the Ilonggo Achievers of October, 2018.

(By: DinggolAranetaDivinagracia - November 24, 2018)

The Ilonggo Topnotchers of the October 2018 Fisheries Technologist Licensure Examination from UP Visayas-Iloilo and the Iloilo State College of Fisheries (ISCF).

“The Numero Uno - LizaMina Lorraine Dignadice Iwag, a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries fresh graduate from the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) in Iloilo topped the October 2018 Fisheries Technologist Board Licensure Examination with a rating of 86.75 percent. Liza Mina is a resident of Barangay San Luis, Sara in the Province of Iloilo - Philippines.” --dinggol.d~~~

UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES VISAYAS (UPV) - ILOILO:

*Liza Mina Lorraine Iwag - 86.75 percent (Top 1)

* Lhumen Arpilleda Tejano - 84.50 percent (Top 4)

* Edcel Rebadomia Sudaria - 84 percent (Top 6)

* Valerie Lorraine Magarse Tan - 84 percent (Top 6)

* Ruperto Pasigay Olivares - 83.75 percent (Top 7)

* Mery Rose Arcenal Baroquillo - 83.25 percent (Top 9)

* Kyle Iris Cano Touzo - 83.25 percent (Top 9)

* Jenelyd Acdol Bretaña - 83 percent (Top 10)

* LC May Calud Gasit - 83 percent (Top 10)

* Denise Vergara Miranda - 83 percent (Top 10)

* John Ray Nomananap Moleño - 83 percent (Top 10)

IlOILO STATE COLLEGE OF FISHERIES - Iloilo:

*Regino Ramos Regpala - 84.25 percent (Top 5)

*Ma. Concepcion Selecia Sibonga-83.75 percent (Top 7)

*Marivic Solinap Besen - 83.25 percent (Top 9)

International Conference on Journalism and Mass Communication

Jynea Baldevarona -- a student of Central Philippine University (CPU) in Jaro, Iloilo City recently won the Best Student Paper award in the 7th Annual International Conference on Journalism and Mass Communication (JMCOmm-2018) held at Hotel Fort Canning, Singapore on October 22-23, 2018.

She graduated as Cum Laude in Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication/Media Studies and is currently taking up her Master’s degree on English Language and Literature in CPU. Baldevarona presented her research paper entitled “The Unique Features of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Public Statements: An Assessment.”

Wushu Sanda World Cup

Arnel Roa Mandal, a wushu martial artist made the Filipino community proud after bagging a gold medal in the 9th Wushu Sanda World Cup in Hangzhou, China on Oct. 29, 2018. Wushu is a Chinese martial arts first used in Beijing in 1971.

The 23-year old native of Iloilo notched the gold finish after beating Minh Duc Vu of Vietnam and Benghenem Abdel karim of Algeria in the men’s 52kg division.

Philippines Physician Licensure Examination

Jill Therese Uy Au who belong to the Class 2017 Excelsior Batch of the West Visayas State University (College of Medicine) in Iloilo City, rank 10 in the October, 2018 Physician Licensure Examination conducted by the Philippine Professional Regulation Commission.

Her alma mater WVSU (College of Medicine), was awarded as the Top 7 Performing School with 96.81% Passing rate.

Licensure Examination for Certified Public Accountants

Lyka Ranette Alejano Borja, who graduated magna cum laude at the University of the Philippines Visayas (College of Management) UPV-Iloilo placed 8th (89.67%) out of the 14,358 examinees who took the October 2018 Licensure Examination for Certified Public Accountants.

She is the daughter of Carlos and Liza Alejano - Borja of Iloilo City in the Philippines.

Geodetic Engineer Licensure Examination

Panginbulahan sa inyo nga tanan! ~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ oo0oo ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An Unknown “Ilonggo” Football Legend of the 1920's

 An Unknown “Ilonggo” Football Legend of the 1920's

(By: DinggolAranetaDivinagracia - November 14, 2018)

“On October 7, 1896, a son was born to Don Eduardo Alcantara a Spanish national and a mestisa Spanish-Ilongga Doña Victorina Riestra Camilan in the military fort of Commandancia (now Concepcion) in Northern Iloilo, Philippines.

The fort was later converted into a school and the whole area was separated as a civil district and called Concepcion; along with other “arrabals” or towns (Sara, San Dionisio, Ajuy, Lemery, etc.) that were also created by the Spanish authorities. The Alcantara’s youngest child was named Paulino who would later become a “Superstar” in the field of football worldwide.” --dinggol.d~~~

From INM Archives:

ILOILO CITY— As the World Cup fever nears its climax in South Africa, basketball-crazy Filipinos should know that they have a hero to inspire them to switch to football as a national passion.

And it’s not the great Pelé of Brazil, Argentinian legend Diego Maradona or the current world top player Lionel Messi, also of Argentina, or heartthrob Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal.

Long before these heroes burst into the global football scene, there was Iloilo-born Paulino Alcantara.

Alcantara, born to a Spanish military officer and an Ilongga mother on Oct. 7, 1896, is considered to be one of the sport’s legends, especially in Spain.

While he is largely unknown to Filipinos and even Ilonggos, he is revered in the world football community with tributes and memorial sites devoted to him in the Internet. ‘‘He may be unknown even to the young players, but he is an icon to many of us,” said Pablito V. Araneta, also from Iloilo and former vice president of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), which groups around 35 football associations in the country.

Alcantara scored an astonishing 357 goals in as many games played, or an average of one goal per game, as a striker of the Futbol Club Barcelona (Barcelona Football Club) where he played from 1912 to 1927, according to the club’s website.

Barcelona star. He also helped Barcelona, one of the top clubs in the current Spanish league, win five Spanish championships and 10 Catalan League championships, the first professional football league in Spain during that period.

His strength was legendary. Medium built and lacking the physique of a professional athlete, he, nevertheless, earned the title “El Romperedes (Net Breaker)” on April 30, 1922, after a powerful kick 35 yards from the goal ripped the net in a game between Spain and France. ‘‘For many years after, children from Barcelona would recall that moment and would wish to do the same as the man from the Philippines,” according to Alcantara’s profile in the FC Barcelona website.

Except for online accounts, however, there is little information on Alcantara and his family. Araneta said a research conducted by PFF in 2007 during the commemoration of the centennial of Philippine football showed that Alcantara’s father was a Spanish military officer stationed in Iloilo. Other accounts identified his mother as surnamed Riestrá.

No official record. Ilonggo historian and lawyer Rex Salvilla said he has not come across official records of Alcantara and his family, which could explain why he is not well known among Ilonggos.

Salvilla noted that Alcantara was only 2 years old during the Philippine Revolution in 1898. His father, being a Spanish official, could have gone home and brought his family to avoid imprisonment or could have surrendered before taking his family with him to Spain, Salvilla said.

But according to various accounts posted in the website, Alcantara came to Spain when he was 14 years old, a year before he debuted with FC Barcelona. He returned to the Philippines in 1916, or when he was 20 years old, and played for two years with the Bohemians, a Filipino football club.

He returned to Spain and resumed playing with his club in 1918 where he rose to become a legend.

On the other hand, in it’s Philippine football centennial issue, the Pinoy Football Magazine, published by the PFF, said Alcantara became the youngest player to wear the FC Barcelona jersey when he started playing for the club when he was 15.

Missing the Olympics But more than becoming a football star, Alcantara was dedicated to becoming a doctor and did not play in the 1920 Olympic Games to study medicine.

He retired from football in 1927 to dedicate his time to medicine but he briefly coached the Spanish national team in 1951, which was unbeaten in the three matches that he steered the team.

Alcantara died in Barcelona on Feb. 13, 1964, at the age of 67, according to the FC Barcelona website.

It was also during Alcantara’s peak that the Philippines became an Asian football powerhouse with the country bagging the gold in the 1913 Far Eastern Games, the forerunner of the Asian Games.

Routing Japan. While Alcantara missed the 1913 games, he played four years later as part of the national team that routed Japan15-2 in their match in Tokyo.

Japan was among the Asian teams that qualified in the round of 18 in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. ‘‘That rout of Japan was the highest that the Philippines had advanced in international football,” Araneta said.

World’s No. 169. The international football federation Fifa currently ranks the Philippines 169th out of 207 member-countries in men’s football.

Despite the Filipinos’ preference for basketball and boxing, football players and fans have increasingly drawn their inspiration from Alcantara’s exploits to raise local awareness and passion for the sport.

A life-size statue of Alcantara was unveiled at the PFF office at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig during the football centennial commemoration in 2007, said PFF general secretary Chito Manuel.

In Alcantara’s home province of Iloilo where football is popular especially in Barotac Nuevo town, dubbed the ‘‘Football Capital of the Philippines,” players and fans can readily cite Alcantara as proof that Filipinos can do well and even be among the greatest in the international football arena. “We don’t have to stop at watching the World Cup and cheering for our idols. A hundred years ago, an Ilonggo already showed us the way to greatness,” said Duffie Botavara, president of the Barotac Nuevo Footbal Club.

~~~~~~~~~~ oo0oo ~~~~~~~~~~~ 

According to primo Pablito V. Araneta who later became Secretary General of PFF, the wooden life-size statue of the Ilonggo football legend of the 1920’s, Paulino Riestra Alcantara of Concepcion, Iloilo was donated by our primo Tonypet Araneta to the Philippine Football Federation (PFF).

Incidentally, what remains today of the former Spanish military stronghold "Commandancia" in Northern Iloilo, are the two old Spanish cannons on display by the entrance of the Municipal Hall in Concepcion, Iloilo - Philippines said El Capitan Miguel Alerta.

(Main source: An article by Alfredo Roces and personal contributions from Miguel Alerta of Concepcion and Pablito Araneta of Barotac Nuevo, both in the Province of Iloilo, Philippines) ~~~

The “Cry of Sta. Barbara” in Iloilo, Philippines on November 17, 1898

  Today in Ilonggo History, the 17th of November

The “Cry of Sta. Barbara” in Iloilo, Philippines on November 17, 1898

(By: DinggolAranetaDivinagracia - November 17, 2018)

“The Manilans celebrate the “Cry of Balintawak” on August 26th every year, also known as the “Cry of Pugad Lawin” as the first salvo of the Katagalogan revolution against Spain.

The Ilonggos, likewise, celebrate the “Cry of Santa Barbara” on the 17th of November in Iloilo as the first cry of freedom in the Visayas.” --dinggol.d~~~

Patrocinio “Tia Patro” Gamboa y Villareal dubbed as the 1898 revolutionary “Heroine of Jaro” in Iloilo, Philippines was born on April 30, 1865 to the wealthy and prominent couple in Jaro, Don Fermin Gamboa and Doña Leonarda Villareal de Gamboa.

She was an avid reader of the writings of Dr. Jose Rizal and her fellow “Jareño” Graciano Lopez Jaena of the Propaganda Movement that developed her intense patriotic fervor. Against her parents objections, she got seriously involved in the 1898 revolution against Spanish authorities by soliciting war contributions from friends and relations including Chinese traders in Iloilo and by nursing wounded revolucionarios in the fields of battle.

On November 17, 1898 the brave ilongga patriot from Jaro, Patrocinio “Tia Patro” Gamboa y Villareal, with a concealed weapon and a newly made flag hidden inside her native garment called “patadyong” diverted the attention and successfully avoided thorough inspection by the “guardia civil” at strategic checkpoints in Iloilo. She convincingly acted as the bickering and nagging wife to her meek and supposedly henpecked husband Honorio Solinap, a Teniente of the Iloilo revolutionary forces on their way to Santa Barbara some 16 kilometers away from Iloilo City riding on a horse-drawn buggy.

Upon their arrival, “Tia Patro” handed to Don Martin T. Delgado, a replica of the flag made in Hong Kong by Doña Marcella Agoncillo of Taal, Batangas prepared by the women of Jaro and a saber; a gift from his erstwhile adversary Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo who had earlier in Kawit, Cavite declared the Revolutionary Government of the Philippines a.k.a. the "Katagalogan Republic".

Earlier, sometime in August, at the meeting inside the Santa Barbara catholic church convent, the assembly elected the following officials of the revolutionary government: Roque Haplasca Lopez - President; Vicente Franco - Vice President and Secretary of Interior; Venancio Concepcion - Secretary of Finance; Ramon Avanceňa as the Secretary of State; Jovito Yusay- Secretary of Justice; Julio Hernandez-Secretary of War and Fernando Salas - Secretary General.

Don Martin Teofilo Delgado y Bermejo was chosen General-in-Chief of the Revolutionary government, while Dr. Pablo Soriano Araneta a Physician-Surgeon as the Commanding General of the Panay Revolutionary Forces and Chief of the Expeditionary Forces in the Visayas.

On the 17th of November, 1898, General-en-Gefe Martin T. Delgado declared the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Visayas and Mindanao in Santa Barbara town plaza after the three-starred Philippine Flag was hoisted amidst a joyous crowd.

However, six days later this was replaced by a Politico-Military Government on November 23, 1898, composed only of the Visayas, because the Ilonggo leaders finally preferred instead, a federal arrangement composed of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, as a logical substitute because of its indigenous elements. Moreover, since the Visayans did not want to recognize the supremacy of Aguinaldo and the Tagalogs over their own government.

With the merger of both the Central and Western Visayas cantonal governments on December 2, 1898; the Panay government based in Iloilo was renamed "Estado Federal de Bisayas" or the Federal Republic of the Visayas, patterned after the U.S. Federal and Cantonal government of the Swiss Confederation.

Earlier, Capitan Martin T. Delgado of Sta. Barbara together with Quintin Salas of Dumangas, Pedro Monteclaro of Miag-ao and Adriano Hernandez of Dingle and others from Iloilo, led the Volunteer Battalion of Ilonggo contingents under the Spaniards who fought against the army of Gen. Emilio Famy Aguinaldo in Cavite and Pampanga in Luzon. These military expeditions were mostly financed by the Iloilo elites, more notably by industrialist Don Eugenio Jalandoni Lopez of “Salog” (Jaro) married to Doña Marcela Felipe Villanueva, and by shipping magnate Don Felix de la Rama of “Parian“ (Molo) married to Doña Concepcion Araneta.

This was before the "Comite de Conspiradores" was formed in Molo, Iloilo on March 18, 1898 that served as the nucleus of the covert Revolutionary Movement in Panay Island that spearheaded the revolution against Spanish subjugation and later versus U.S. invasion of the Ilonggo nation.

Don Martin T. Delgado secretly worked for the Visayan instead of the Spanish cause and later organized for an open armed rebellion against the Spanish authorities. Several Visayan Generals among them Don Raymundo Melliza and Dr. Pablo Araneta conferred and chose Delgado as “General en Jefe de los Tropas del Ejercito Libertador de Visayas y Governador Politico-Militar” who led the “Cry of Freedom” at Santa Barbara in Iloilo --exactly one hundred twenty years ago today. ~~~

The Ferocious Bald Eagle and the Two-Day Old Chick

The Ferocious Bald Eagle and the Two-Day Old Chick

(By: DinggolAranetaDivinagracia - November 2, 2018)

“On December 27, 1898, the ferocious bald eagle swooped down to Madya-as, waited for several weeks, then brutally attacked and began the emasculation of the two-day old chick.” --dinggol.d~~~

The Semi-Weekly Gazette and Bulletin of Williamsport, Pennsylvania reports on the capture of Iloilo, issue of Feb. 14, 1899. (By Associated Press)

Manila, Feb. 14 -(9:35 a.m) -The United States forces under Brigadier General Miller captured Iloilo, capital of Panay and seat of the so-called government of the Visayan Federation on Saturday last after a bombardment........ “

Thus, was the "manifest destiny" of our December 25, 1898 short-lived nationhood, the “Estado Federal de Bisayas” or The Federal Republic of the Visayas at the turn of the last century.

Adding insult to injury, the new foreign invaders branded our forebears; the brave revolucionarios and fearless patriots as superstitious cultists, brigands, bandits, and insurrectionists. Maybe “Uncle Sam” was ignorant of the fact that we were an infant but already a sovereign Nation-State with a legitimate form of government two days earlier, when Spain formally surrendered to our forebears. Or perhaps, knew but still refuse to know as the onward march of greed and modern imperialism substituted almost four(4)hundred years of colonialism.

To entertain the negative notion, a mind-set that today we cry over spilled milk over this unfortunate encounter, this travesty of history is not only absurd but sheer ignorance.

The objective is not only to remind the whole world of this historical blunder, this diplomatic faux pas ---but more importantly, to instill in the minds and enshrine in the hearts of the young and future generations of Ilonggo and Visayan, a legacy of their proud and noble heritage --nipped in the bud by a socratic irony of fate.

That, notwithstanding insurmountable odds, our forefathers valiantly fought with dignity against those who trampled our sacred shores. And that we accepted defeat as a victory with a smile; knowing that once upon a time, we as a people in the Western and Central Visayas, spearheaded by the brave Ilonggos, had won our battle scarred freedom and legitimate independence. Thus, formally achieved the status as a truly independent and sovereign nation after almost four hundred years of foreign domination and subjugation under Spanish colonial rule and made world history as the first Republic in all of Asia --the Federal Republic of the Visayas! ... Padayon! ~~~

The U.S. Invasion of Iloilo, the seat of government of the Estado Federal de Bisayas.