Philippine National Heroes

Dr. Jose P. Rizal (1861-1896)

The Philippines' national hero. Born in Calamba, Laguna, on June 19, 1861. Published his masterpiece
Noli Me Tangere in Berlin(Germany) in 1887 and his second novel El Filibusterismo in Ghent(Belgium) in
1891. His two novels stirred the conscience of his people. He contributed various literary works to La
Solidaridad. For his leadership in the reform movement and for his incendiary novels, Rizal was arrested
and later killed by musketry in Bagumbayan, Manila, on December 30, 1896. His execution was the last
straw for other Filipinos who called for a bloody revolution against Spain.

Andres Bonifacio (1863-1897)

He founded the secret society, Katipunan, on July 7, 1892, to fight Spain. He was also president of the
Tagalog republic from August 24, 1896 to May 10, 1897. Born in Tondo, Manila, on November 30, 1863.
He grew up in the slums and never knew the benefits of a prosperous life. He married Gregoria de Jesus
in 1892. He was killed on May 10, 1897, near Mount Buntis, Maragondon, Cavite.

General Gregorio del Pilar (1875-1899)

Hero of Tirad Pass. Born on November 14, 1875, in Bulacan, Bulacan. Died on December 2, 1899, in the
battle of Tirad Pass, to enable Aguinaldo to escape from the Americans. One of the youngest and bravest
generals ever produced by the Philippines.

General Emilio Aguinaldo (1899-1964)

He officially proclaimed the Philippine independence in Malolos, Bulacan, on January 23, 1899, with him
as the first president. It was the first republic in Asia. Born in Kawit, Cavite, on March 22, 1869. Died at
the Veterans Memorial Hospital, Quezon City, on February 6, 1964.

Apolinario Mabini (1864-1903)

Sublime paralytic and the brain of the revolution. Born in Talaga, Tanauan, Batangas, on June 22, 1864.
He joined La Liga Filipina in 1892 and Aguinaldo's revolutionary government from June 1898 to May
1899. He was captured by the American forces in December 1899 and deported to Guam in January
1901. He died in Manila on May 13, 1903.
Father Mariano Gomez (1799-1872)

GOMBURZ (1837-1872)

Three intellectuals who crusaded for Father Jose Burgos reform. Father Jose Burgos Killed by garrote in
Bagumbayan, Manila on February 17, 1872, for allegedly instigating the Cavite mutiny.

Father Jacinto Zamora (1835-1872)

Emilio Jacinto (1875-1899)

Brain of the Katipunan. Born in Trozo, Manila, on December 15, 1875. He joined the Katipunan in 1894
and became Bonifacio's trusted friend and advicer. He wrote the Kartilya ng Katipunan, theprimer of the
Katipunan which embodied the teachings of the organization. He founded and edited the Katipunan
newspaper; Kalayaan, whose first issue came out in January 1896. Died on April 16, 1899. He was one of
the heroic figures in the Phillipine history.

General Antonio Luna (1866-1899)

The greates general of the revolution. Younger brother of juan Luna, the famous painter. Editor o La
Independencia, whose first issue came out on September 3, 1898. Born in Binon, Manila, on October 29,
1866. He was one of the propagandists in Spain who were working for piliticalreforms in the Philippines.
He contributed articles to La Solidaridad. He assassinated in Cabanatuan City, on June 5, 2899.

Melchora Aquino (1812-1919)

B etter known as Tandang Sora. Born in Banlat, Kalookan City, on January 6, 1812. She helped the
Katipuneros under the leadership of Andres Bonifacio by providing them food, shelter, and other
material goods. She is recognized as the Grand Woman of the revolution and the Mother of Balintawak.
She died on March 12, 1919.

Graciano Lopez-Jaena (1856-1896)

Founder and first editor of the newspaper La Solidaridad, which became the vehicle of expression for
Filipino propaganda in Spain. Together wtih Jose Rizal and Marcelo H. Del Pilar, he undertook
propaganda campaigns in Spain. Born in Jaro, Iloilo, on December 18, 1856. He died on January 20,
1896, in Barcelona, Spain.
Panday Pira (1483-1576)

First Filipino cannon-maker. He forged the cannons which Rajah Sulayman used in defending the Muslim
Kingdom of Manila against the Spanish invaders. Born in one of the islands in Southern Philippines in
1483. He died in 1576.

Mariano Ponce (1863-1918)

Researcher, historian, bibliographer, propagandist, diplomat, physician, folklorist, and an outstanding

reformist. Born in Baliwag, Bulacan, on March 23, 1863. While in Spain, he joined the propaganda
movement and became one of the initiators of La Solidaridad, later becoming its managing editor. Died
in HongKong on May 23, 1918.

Gregoria de Jesus (1875-1943)

One of the brave and patriotic women who played a heroic role in the Philippine revolution. Born in
Kalookan City, on May 9, 1875. Wife of Andres Bonifacio and Lakambini of the Katipunan. She actually
fought alongside her husband during the revolution, aside from being the custodian of the Katipunan
documents. She organized the Katipunan's Women Chapter. She died on March 15, 1943.

Fernando Ma. Guerrero (1873-1890)

Musician, journalist, politician, and lawyer. Considered the greatest lyric poet in Spanish. Born in Ermita,
Manila, on May 30, 1873. When the revolution broke out, General Antonio Luna invited him to join the
editorial staff of La Independencia, the organ of the revolution. Thus, he fought for the Filipino cause
with his pen. Died in Manila June 12, 1929.

Felipe Agoncillo (1859-1941)

Outstanding diplomat of the Philippine revolution. Born in Taal, Batangas, on May 26, 1859. Gen. Emilio
Aguinaldo appointed him as Minister Plenipotentiary to the peace conference in Washington and Paris.
Died on September 29, 1941, at the Manila Doctor's Hospital.
Juan Luna (1857-1899)

A genius of the brush and a patriot of the highest order. Creator of the world-famous painting,
SPOLARIUM, which was awarded the gold medal in the Exposicion Nacional de Bellas Artes in Madrid in
1884. It is also known as the greatest painting of all times. Born in Badoc, Ilocos, Norte, on October 23,
1857. He was closely associated with the Reform Movement, together with Rizal, Lopez-Jaena, Ponce,
etc. He died in Hongkong on December 7, 1899.

Rafael Palma (1874-1939)

Orator, statesman, scholar, educator, and writer. Born in Tondo, Manila, on October 24, 1874. He was
involved in the propaganda campaign against the Spaniards. He cofounded with Gen. Antonio Luna the
revolutionary newspaper, La Independencia. Later, he also founded El Nuevo Dia, Cebu's first daily. Died
in Manila on May 24, 1939.

Marcelo H. Del Pilar (1850-1896)

Political analyst of the Filipino colony in Spain. Born in Kupang, Bulacan, Bulacan, on August 30, 1850. In
1882, he founded the nationalistic newspaper, Diariong Tagalog. In December 1889, he became the
editor of La Solidaridad and became the moving spirit behind the propaganda movement. Died on July 4,
1896.

Pedro Paterno (1858-1911)

Statesman, poet, writer, and peacemaker. Born in Manila on February 27, 1858. He was the
negotiator/mediator of the Pact of Biak-na-Bato. He helped prepare the Malolos constitution. Died on
April 26, 1911.

Leona Florentino (1849-1884)

First poetess of the Philippines. Born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, on April 19, 1849. Her poems were given
international recognition at the Exposicion in Madrid in 1887 and in Paris in 1889. Died on October 4,
1884.
Isabelo delos Reyes (1864-1938)

Last of the propagandists. Gifted son of Leona Florentino, first poetess of the Philippines. Born in Vigan,
Ilocos Sur, on July 7, 1864. He aroused the hostility of the friars and government officials when he
openly criticized the evils of the Spanish rule and he advocated reforms. He was the founder of the first
Philippine labor union, as well as the first independent Filipino Catholic church. Died on October 9, 1938.

Artemio Ricarte (1866-1945)

The unconquerable hero of the revolution. Born in Batac, Ilocos Norte, on October 20, 1866. Known as
Viborra, he was a gentle public school teacher who became a dashing revolutionary general. Died in the
jungles of Sierra Madre on July 31, 1945.

Jose Palma (1876-1903)

Poet and soldier. Born in Tondo, Manila, on June 3, 1876. Younger brother of Dr. Rafael Palma. He was a
staff member of La Independencia. He wrote Filipinas, a patriotic poem in Spanish, which became the
lyrics of the Philippine National Anthem. Died in Manila, on February 12, 1903.

Rajah Lakandola ( -1575)

One of the most illustrious ancient Filipinos. Chief of Tondo, when Legazpi came to Manila in 1571. He
became a Christian and took the name of Carlos, after the king of Spain. He made the blood compact
with Goiti. He fought alongside the Spaniards against the Chinese pirate, Limahong. Died in 1575.

Rajah Soliman ( -1571)

The last rajah of Manila, noted for his daring and bravery. Nephew of Rajah Lakandola. Of all of the early
rulers of Manila, he was feared most by the Spaniards. He was killed on June 3, 1571, in the Battle of
Bangkusay.

Leonor Rivera (1867-1893)

Cousin and fiancee of Jose Rizal. She was the Maria Clara in Rizal's Noli Me Tangere.
Marcela Mariño Agoncillo (1859-1946)

Maker of the first Philippine flag. Born in Taal, Batangas, on June 24, 1859. Married to Felipe Agoncillo.
She labored to make the Filipino flag in Hong Kong with the help of Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, a
niece of Rizal. Died on May 30, 1946 in Taal, Batangas.

Galicano Apacible

One of the founders of La Solidaridad.

Jose Ma. Panganiban (1863-1890)

Avenger of Filipino honor. Born in Mambulao, Camarines Norte, on February 1, 1863. A good friend and
co-worker of Rizal. He was Bicolandia's greatest contribution to the historic campaign for reforms, more
popularly called the Propaganda Movement. He wrote articles for La Solidaridad, under the pen names
Jomapa and J.M.P. Died in Barcelona, Spain, on August 19, 1890.

Diego Silang (1730-1763)

He led the revolt of the Ilocanos in opposition to the tribute and abuses of the Spanish officials. Born in
Aringay, La Union, on December 16, 1730. The revolt started in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. He was killed by Miguel
Vicos, a Spanish mestizo who bore grievances against Diego Silang.

Maria Josefa Gabriela Silang

After the death of Diego Silang on May 28, 1763, the fight was carried on by his wife, MARIA JOSEFA
GABRIELA SILANG, and his uncle, Nicolas Cariño. She too lost her life for freedom's sake on September
30, 1763.

Lapu-Lapu (c. 16th century)

Chief of Mactan who led the first successful Filipino armed resistance against Spanish aggression. He
fought and killed Magellan in a battle in Mactan, on April 27, 1521.
Francisco Baltazar (1788-1862)

More popularly known as Balagtas, he is considered the prince of Tagalog poets. Born in Panginay,
Bigaa, Bulacan, on April 2, 1788. He wrote Florante at Laura, a masterpiece of local versification,
upholding moral and social values; it served as the basic foundation of the Philippine literature. Died in
Orion, Bataan, on February 20, 1862.

Epifanio delos Santos (1871-1928)

Lawyer, journalist, historian, philosopher, bibliographer, biographer, painter, poet, musician, literary
critic, antique collector, and librarian. Born in Malabon, Rizal, on April 7, 1871. Died on April 28, 1928, in
Manila.

Francisco Dagohoy (c. Mid-18th century)

He led the longest revolt in Bohol against the Spaniards. The immediate cause of the revolt was the
refusal of a Jesuit priest to give a Christian burial to Dagohoy's brother. The Spaniards needed 85 years
before they were able to suppress the rebellion. It was only in 1829 that they finally succeeded in
bringing to end the revolt started by Dagohoy.

Teresa Magbanua (1871-1947)

The first woman in Panay to fight in the Philippine revolution. Known as the Visayan Joan of Arc. Born in
Pototan, Iloilo, on November 4, 1871. Died in August 1947.

Trinidad Tecson (1848-1928)

Mother of Biak-na-Bato. Born in San Miguel, Bulacan, on November 18, 1848. Even though women-
members of the Katipunan were exempted from the pact, she participated in Sanduguan(blood
compact). She fought fearlessly in 12 bloody battles of the revolution in Bulacan, including the famous
Battle of Biak-na-Bato. Later, she became known as The Mother of the Philippine Red Cross. Died on
June 28, 1928.

Agueda Esteban

Katipunan member who later married Artemio Ricarte. She commuted from Cavite to Manila to buy
saltpeter, lead, and copper which where used to make ammunitions. She also carried secret messages
about the planned offensives against the Spanish posts.

Julian Felipe (1861-1941)

Composer of the Philippine National Anthem. Born in Cavite City on January 28, 1861. A dedicated music
teacher and composer, he was appointed by Aguinaldo as Director of the National Band of the Philippine
Republic. Died in Manila on October 2, 1941.
Marina Dizon (1875-1950)

Daughter of a Katipunan leader in Cavite, who was one of the Trece Martirez, executed by the Spanish
officials in 1896. Born in Trozo, Manila, on July 18, 1875. She joined the Katipunan in July 1893, one of
the first women to have done so. She also kept important documents of the Katipunan. Died on October
25, 1950.

General Francisco Makabulos (1871-1922)

Leader of the revolt in Tarlac. Born in La Paz, Tarlac, on September 17, 1871. He was the first patriot in
Tarlac, who joined the Katipunan. General Aguinaldo appointed him as one of the brigadier generals of
the Central Luzon area. He established the Central Executive Committee, which had a constitution called
the Constitution of Makabulos. Died in La Paz, Tarlac, on April 30, 1922.

Felipe Biography

On January 28, 1861, Julián Felipe, music teacher, band leader and composer of the Philippine national
anthem, "Lupang Hinirang," was born in Cavite City, Cavite. Inheriting his talent in music from his father,
Felipe, who played the piano and organ at an early age, became organist in St. Peter's Parish Church
where he was given the chance to hone his gift as musician, and subsequently composer of songs.
Among his early popular compositions were Moteti el Santesisimo, Sintos y Floras Rogodones, and
Amorita Danza. He impressed many music enthusiasts with these pieces, and though still young, his
works were already at par with the seasoned musicians. Felipe received numerous awards in recognition
of his remarkable contributions in the field of music. When the 1896 Revolution broke out, he joined his
fellow Cavitenos in the fight against the Spaniards. He was arrested and jailed at Fort San Felipe in
Cavite. When freed, he rejoined General Emilio Aguinaldo's troops. He was asked by Aguinaldo to
compose a nationalistic song to inspire his compatriots to continue fighting against the Spaniards. His
composition titled “Marcha Nacional Filipinas” was played by the San Francisco de Malabon as the
Philippine flag was hoisted during the declaration of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898 in
General Aguinaldo's house in Kawit, Cavite. His composition was adopted as the Philippine national
anthem on September 5, 1938. Felipe died on October 2, 1944. A bust of Felipe can be found in Cavite
City, near San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite.

Biography Of Andres Bonifacio

Andres Bonifacio was born on November 30, 1863 to Santiago Bonifacio and Catalina de Castro in Tondo
in Manila, Philippines. He was a Filipino revolutionary hero who founded the Katipunan, a secret society
devoted to fighting Spanish occupation of the Philippines. He was the first one to lay the groundwork for
the Philippine Republic.

Bonifacio’s early education started in the Guillermo Osmena School. But, unfortunately, his parents died
when he was 14 years old. This forced him to quit studies and look after his younger brothers and
sisters. He earned a living by selling paper fans and wooden canes in the streets.
He worked in Fleming and Company as a clerk and Fressell and Company as an agent. Bonifacio was
interested in classic rationalism and read some great works of Victor Hugo, Jose Rizal, and Eugene Sue.
He had a deep interest in reading books on French Revolution and acquired a good understanding of the
socio-historical process. This encouraged him to join the Liga Filipina. The Liga Filipina was organized in
1892 by Jose Rizal for the purpose of uniting the nationalist movement for reforms.

The arrest and banishment of Rizal made the Liga practically dead as an organization. Bonifacio
continued the struggle and formed Katipunan in 1892. The Katipunan derived its ideological principles
from the French Revolution and provided a significant platform for freedom, equality and independence.

The society was discovered by the Spaniards on August 19, 1896. On August 23 1896, Bonifacio and his
followers assembled at Balintawak and agreed to have an armed struggle against the Spaniards. The first
battle took place on August 25, 1896 and this followed a reign of terror. Due to conflict, the rebels were
split into two groups, Magdiwang and Magdalo in Cavite, Luzon. When Bonifacio tried to mediate, he
attempts were rebuffed. Bonifacio’s acts and plans were termed as harmful for the unity and he was
arrested and executed for “treason and sedition”. The execution was ordered by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo,
the elected president of the provisional revolutionary government. Bonifacio was executed on May 10,
1897 in the mountains of Maragondon, Cavite.

Gen. Gregorio del Pilar One of the most romantic figures in Philippine history and the youngest general
in the Revolutionary Army, Gregorio del Pilar was born in San Jose, Bulacan on November 14, 1875.
Gregorio del Pilar is remembered as the "Hero of Tirad Pass". In this historic place, the young general
fought and held back the strong invading Americans with only a handful of men, thus giving Aguinaldo
ample time to escape the conquerors. It was a one-sided battle, but Gregorio del Pilar fought bravely.
And he paid for this heroism with his life. He was shot and killed on that fateful day—December 2, 1899,
commanding Aguinaldo's rear guard. Before he died, he wrote, "I am surrounded by fearful odds that
will overcome me and my gallant men, but I am pleased to die fighting for my beloved country". The
American victors looted the corpse of the fallen general. They got his pistol, diary and personal papers,
boots and silver spurs, coat and pants, a lady's handkerchief with the name "Dolores Jose" (his
sweetheart), diamond rings, gold watch, shoulder straps, and a gold locket containing a woman's hair.
But a chivalric American officer, by way of redeeming his countrymen's vandalism, gave the late hero an
honorable burial and called him "An Officer and a Gentleman" in an inscription on his tombstone.

Aguinaldo, Emilio (1869-1964), Filipino leader and independence fighter, born near Cavite, Luzon, and
educated at the College of San Juan de Letran, Manila. Aguinaldo led a Filipino insurrection against
Spanish rule in 1896, and two years later, during the Spanish-American War, he aided the American
attack on the Philippine Islands. He was nominated president of the new republic after the Filipino
declaration of independence in 1898. As head of the Filipino provisional government in 1899, he resisted
American occupation; he continued to lead the struggle against the United States forces until March
1901, when he was captured. In April 1901 he took an oath of allegiance to the United States and retired
to private life. He ran unsuccessfully for the presidency of the new interim Filipino commonwealth
government in 1935. Aguinaldo was taken into custody in 1945, during World War II, by invading
American troops and held on suspicion of collaboration with the enemy during the Japanese occupation.
He was subsequently exonerated and appointed to the Council of State in 1950.Philippine leader Emilio
Aguinaldo led a rebellion against Spanish rule in 1896 and assisted the United States during the Spanish-
American War in 1898. He subsequently resisted American occupation of the newly independent
republic. In August 1896 he was mayor of Cavite Viejo and was the local leader of the Katipunan, a
revolutionary society that fought bitterly and successfully against the Spanish. In December 1897 he
signed an agreement called the Pact of Biac-na-Bató with the Spanish governor general. He agreed to
leave the Philippines and to remain permanently in exile on condition of a substantial financial reward
from Spain coupled with the promise of liberal reforms. While in Hong Kong and Singapore he made
arrangements with representatives of the American consulates and of Commo. George Dewey to return
to the Philippines to assist the United States in the war against Spain. Aguinaldo returned to the
Philippines May 19, 1898, and announced renewal of the struggle with Spain. The Filipinos, who
declared their independence of Spain on June 12, 1898, proclaimed a provisional republic, of which
Aguinaldo was to become president; and in September a revolutionary assembly met and ratified
Filipino independence. However, the Philippines, along with Puerto Rico and Guam, were ceded by
Spain to the United States by the Treaty of Paris, Dec. 10, 1898.Relations between the Americans and
the Filipinos were unfriendly and grew steadily worse. On Jan. 23, 1899, the Malolos Constitution, by
virtue of which the Philippines was declared a republic and which had been approved by the assembly
and by Aguinaldo, was proclaimed. Aguinaldo, who had been president of the provisional government,
was elected president. On the night of February 4 the inevitable conflict between the Americans and
Filipinos surrounding Manila was precipitated. Morning found the Filipinos, who had fought bravely,
even recklessly, defeated at all points. While the fighting was in progress, Aguinaldo issued a
proclamation of war against the United States, which immediately sent reinforcements to the
Philippines. The Filipino government fled northward. In November 1899 the Filipinos resorted to
guerrilla warfare, with all its devastating features. After three years of costly fighting the insurrection
was finally brought to an end when, in a daring operation led by Gen. Frederick Funston, General
Aguinaldo was captured in his secret headquarters at Palanan in northern Luzon on March 23, 1901.
Aguinaldo took an oath of allegiance to the United States, was granted a pension from the U.S.
government, and retired to private life.In 1935 when the commonwealth government of the Philippines
was established in preparation for independence, Aguinaldo ran for president but was decisively beaten.
He returned to private life until the Japanese invaded the Philippines in 1941. The Japanese used
Aguinaldo as an anti-American tool. They caused him to make speeches, to sign articles, and to address
a radio appeal to Gen. Douglas MacArthur on Corregidor to surrender in order to spare the flower of
Filipino youth. When the Americans returned, Aguinaldo was arrested and, together with others accused
of collaboration with the Japanese, was held for some months in Bilibid Prison until released by
presidential amnesty. As a token vindication of his honour, he was appointed by President Elpidio
Quirino as a member of the Council of State in 1950. In the later years of his life, he devoted his major
attention to veterans' affairs, the promotion of nationalism and democracy in the Philippines, and the
improvement of relations between the Philippines and the United States.