Marcelo H.

Del Pilar
Evangelist spirit of nationalism
This illustrious history of the bulaqueño passes along Rizal, Mabini and other Filipino patriots, devoted and brave. Like
the others, he is completely at the service of his country.
His ancestry
Born on August 30, 1850 in Kupang, San Nicolas, province of Bulacan. His father, Don Julian Hilario was
gobernadorcillo of the village, and later was mayor of Bulacan, who is also a famous Grammarian, orator and poet. His
mother is Blasa Gatmaitan.
By a decree of Governor Claveria, the family added Hilario as a surname and the other from his patriot
grandmother.
His studies
The early studies of Marcelo himself were fulfilled under the guardianship of his uncle named Alejo. This later
gave himself a job as a clerk in his office before the young Marcelo can perform advanced studies.
Once he finished the basic course, Marcelo went to Colegio de San Juan de Letran and then to the University of
Santo Tomas, where he completed his law career.
His marriage
In 1878 he married Doña Marciana del Pilar, from Tondo, a cousin that was immortalized in his "Epistolario
Privado " always referring to her as "Chanay".
Out of their four children, only two survived, Anita and Sofia. The Patriot quotes many times in his letters, were
also written to give moral.
His life campaign
He dedicated his years travelling the country in quest of an evangelist, preacher and reformer of spirit of
patriotism, dignity, hard work and sacrifice for the national cause.
His nationalist campaign was also supported not only Filipinos but many Spanish liberals official.
But under pressure from his enemies and unable to count on the support of the governor-general himself, Del
Pilar secretly departed Philippines to Spain. Once in Spain he took over the newspaper "La Solidaridad", the organ of the
Filipino cause in the metropolis. Since the columns of the newspaper, Del Pilar resumed his labor campaign with the
passion in him towards the Philippines.
The existence of this newspaper can be said to be due not only to the passion of Lopez Jaena, but of Del Pilar,
the successor.
The story of the famous bulaqueño in Spain has been notable for his devotion and sacrifice for his country. As
editor of "La Solidaridad" he was receiving no salary. He did what he could on what was send by his parents and friends.
He often went hungry.
His literary works
Del Pilar founded the vernacular newspaper "Diariong Tagalog" a reformist in trend but markedly in liberal
sense.
Many Spanish liberals were attracted by the writings of Del Pilar. Among the pseudonyms used by Del Pilar,
include those of "Piping Dilat", "Dolores Manapat" and "Plaridel" the latter being his favorite. He also wrote a series of
pamphlets, essays and letters. (A piece of his famous letter to his niece, Miss Josefa Gatmaitan is in the third part of the
book.)
In this letter, Del Pilar demonstrates the importance of women. Be it a mother, a daughter or a sister, because
women play a very influential role, because it is them who lead men to the good path or the wrong path.
Also as requests by the patriot, that everyone must grow not only physically but intellectually ---- that everyone
should learn Spanish in order to stop staying in the field of ignorance.
With his desire to see the development of the Filipinos, Marcelo Del Pilar’s work and sacrifice in all his ventures,
shows interest and love for his countrymen.
His miserable death
Marcelo H. Del Pilar, separated from his family without livelihood, persecuted in his homeland, spent his last
days in Madrid in the most frightful misery. His death, however, was felt as a real national loss, not only by his friends
and countrymen, but even by the large group of Spanish who professed friendship.
 QUESTIONS

1. When and where was the illustrious bulaqueño born?

2. Name the posts that performance.
3. From where did the surname Del Pilar came from?
4. Where were Marcelo Del Pilar conducted his early studies?
5. To whom he was employed as a clerk and why?
6. In what school he ended his career?
7. In what literary work where Del Pilar immortalized his wife?
8. Say something about his life campaign.
9. What is the main theme of the letter to his niece?
10.How did Del Pilar showed his love for his countrymen?
11.Describe the death he had.

PREGUNTAS

1. Cuando y donde nacio el ilustre bulaqueño?

2. Nombre los puestos que el desempeño.
3. De donde viene el apellido del Pilar?
4. Donde se realizaron los primeros estudios de Marcelo del Pilar?
5. Quien le empleo como escribiente y por que?
6. En que centros de enseñanza termino su carrera?
7. En que obra literaria inmortalizo del Pilar a su esposa?
8. Digan algo sobre su vida de campaña.
9. Que es el tema principal de la carta dirigida a su sobrina?
10.Como demuestra del Pilar su amor a sus compablanos?
11.Describan la muerte que tuvo.