AnAtAlio

GAviolA
PlAzA
READINGS IN PHILIPPIINE HISTORY
FINAL EXAMINATION FOR GE 2

SUBMITTED BY:
BSA-1D Group 2

Ano, Ma. Teresa C.

Capilitan, Irene A.
Espere, Joric
Fernandez, Michelle
Lingatong, Princess Kay
Mercado, Gay Blanz

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 I. HISTORICAL RESEARCH

Maasin is one of the oldest town in Southern Leyte and is currently known as the
only City in the province. Little is known about its pre-Spanish existence but here exist a
place of interest that was restored and modernize up until today. It is the Anatalio
Gaviola Plaza or is widely known as the Maasin plaza, a landmark revealing many
historical presence of the city.

According to the source taken

from the biodata of Don Anatalio
Gaviola, the late mayor of Maasin City
in the year 1903-1905. During the
Spanish colonial period, the land
property of now Maasin plaza, was
previously donated by the Gaviola clan
of Maasin to the municipality.
However, the Spanish Friars who
unscrupulously stake their claim to the
municipal land fronting the Catholic Church now Catholic Cathedral. The brave, Mayor
Anatalio Gaviola manifested his patriotism by peacefully recovering the land and going
through all the legal processes to the saddest extent of being excommunicated by the
Spanish Friars.

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 Don Anatalio’s family, relatives
and the townsfolk of Maasin earnestly
prayed for his good and kind intentions
and with God’s intervening grace and
mercy, the town successfully recovered
the land. The Mayor’s dauntless act
and daring quest in successfully taking
back the municipal land is one of his
greatest and memorable feats as a
mayor. Eventually, his undaunted efforts was then recognized, thus earning him the
honor of naming the recovered land after him. His heroic act paid off allowing the locals
and tourist enjoy the one of the most beautiful landmark of the City.

As time passes, the succeeding Maasin administration officials and executives have
made so many development and improvement year after year. The big plain open space
fronting the Cathedral has transformed into a very beautiful work of art. There were so
many changes in the plaza over time but the monument of the country’s national hero
remain proudly standing through the years. The monument was dated back in 1930.

Interviewing some of the oldest locals, they have confirm that the plaza’s ground
floor in the year 1990’s and the years preceding was still grasses and soils. There were
few slabs of blocks to walk on to and few wood benches. They mentioned about, figures

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 of a very big pan, large vases and soldiers
where one wounded soldier puts his arm
over the shoulders of the other, and a
figure of a turtle. Presently,, some figures
are no longer displayed in the plaza as
some of them were battered and destroyed
by the typhoons. Moreover, an interesting
story or facts were unraveled as all the
interviewed locals witnessed and narrated that during the 90’s there were people who
dug the plaza grounds looking for golds. They stated that underneath the ground of the
plaza there exist a tunnel directing to the hidden gold. This information however is not
verified but this makes the place more compelling.

Backtracking, locals mentioned that there was a drastic change in the appearance of
plaza in the year 2000’s or the reign of the Mercado clan in politics. There were so many
feature added enhancing the beauty of the place. Aside from the oldest feature which is
Rizal’s monument , surrounded with a balustrade and handrail and the infamous
Kalayaan monument marking the
centennial anniversary of freedom from
the Spanish colony dating 1898-1998.
At the moment, the monument is now
surrounded with posts creating a very
fairy-like shed vibe. The small arch
fences was replaced with a long seating
bench finished in a fine cement
surrounding the whole plaza. The plaza ground with grasses and soil was now cemented.
A small bridge was also constructed alongside it are: a small fishpond and the “I LOVE
MAASIN CITY” writings facing the highway. Fronting it, is a water fountain which has
a very breathtaking lighting's during the night. The old tress surrounding the plaza still
remained they were paired with some metal benches side to side. Some of the old
Mahogany trees were planted by the late Attorney Jaime Brodeth. Currently, there were

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newly placed vintage-looking lamp posts scattered around the plaza emitting a very
relaxing light for the visitors to enjoy.

There has been many occasions and events that were held in the plaza and it contains
so many memories of it. In fact, it is a tradition and a practice of the locals to decorate
the place especially during fiestas and Christmas season every year. The place will be
crowded as ever during these seasons as many locals and other tourist come to watch and
enjoy the fascinating sights. During Fiestas, the officials usually prepare an exhibit
convened in the plaza exposing the other tourist spots and other local products.
Meanwhile, in the Christmas season, the opening of lights is the most awaited event as
all the Christmas lights will firstly be opened illuminating the whole place radiating a
Christmas excitement.

The Anatalio Gaviola Plaza is one of the comfort place for everyone. Underneath the
meaning of its name symbolize great bravery. The years it existed, made it filled with
memories and heritage. Changes may have occurred over time but the memories it
instilled remains. The place is not a mere pleasurable sight but a place full of pride as it
survived all the colonization and storms.

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 II. PERSONAL INSIGHTS

Ano, Ma. Teresa C.

I have known Maasin plaza as one of the most toured destination of the locals
especially during the Christmas season. The place is decorated with beautiful lighting
and other decorations attracting so many locals to visit. It is located near the Maasin
Cathedral, Saint Joseph College, City Hall, Jollibee and City Gym thus concluding that
the place is usually crowded.

As the place have existed long in the past, the Maasin Plaza is considered as one of
the historical place in the province. As we are assigned to have historical research on the
said place, I have learned so many information that I have not known in the past. The
first thing that honestly shocked me is the name of the place itself. I may not reside in the
same city it is located but I have always known the place since my younger years. The
Place is named after a former mayor in Maasin, Don Anatalio Gaviola who fought to
recover back the place from the Spanish Friars.

Moreover, I have also learned that there were huge changes, renovations and
improvements in the plaza in the past years. There were some features that were removed
and added. Presently, the Maasin plaza is no longer a big open space that it was in the
past. There were so many features added. The oldest feature that it has is Rizal’s
monument, surrounded with a balustrade and handrail. There is also a very beautiful shed
in the center of the plaza. There are seating blocks finished in a fine cement were it can
allow many people to sit and chill.

Wholly, the Anatalio Gaviola plaza have hosted many important events in the past
up to the present. The place have witnessed the wonderful occasions that happened. The
place is not just a plain landmark of Massin city but also a wonderful historical place that
let us enjoy the meaningful ambiance.

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Capilitan, Irene A.

Maasin City Plaza or "Anatalio Gaviola Plaza" was very much known here in
Maasin. A lot of gatherings and events happened in this place. A lot of renovation and a
lot of changes. The plaza is now even more beautiful than before. Maasin City Plaza is
the Center of Maasin. Which is located in front of the Dioceses of Maasin Cathedral.

All people here in Maasin already knew about Maasin City Plaza even me. But
during our research about this Historical Place, I've known that Maasin Plaza was named
by Don Anatalio Gaviola which this plaza called "Anatalio Gaviola Plaza". For about 19
years of living here in Maasin City finally I've been earning more knowledge about this
place because of our research about Historical Place. Maasin Plaza changed it's
designed years over years by the officials handling the City. In our interview one of the
people who live here in Maasin said that, Maasin Plaza was prone of floods during 90's.
Before Don Anatalio buy this land, it was just a place where different kinds of trees lived.
When Don Anatalio supervise the place a big cost of money was being used to put some
beauty in this place. Time flies so fast, when Mercado's put in place in the government
they take over the plaza. In their reign here in Maasin City a lot of different events are
being held at Don Anatalio Plaza. There's a lot of improvement to make our Plaza more
attractive to everyone.

Maasin Plaza can play an important role for a community. It often serve as a symbol
of our community's identity and can act as a city or town's “living room,” where people
gather for special events and everyday social interaction. This information is important to
understand, but again, it's just an overview

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Espere, Joric

Maasin City Plaza or Anatalio Gaviola Plaza is located in front of the Maasin,
Cathedral. I am now 18 years old to know better about the History of the Maasin Plaza
because of this Historical Place research I know the real name of Maasin City Plaza is
Anatalio Gaviola Plaza named after Mayor Anatalio Gaviola the Mayor of Maasin in
1903 - 1905.

One of his memorable feasts was to secure back to the Municipality the land
property fronting the Catholic Church now Catholic Cathedral from clutches of Spanish
Friars who tried to unscrupulously grab the said Municipal land which was previously
donated by the Gaviola Clan of Maasin to the Municipality. This land property became
the Town Plaza of Maasin. Mayor Anatalio Gaviola braved all odds and underwent all
legal processes to recover the property for the Town of Maasin even to the saddest extent
for being excommunicated by the Spanish Friars.

The Town Plaza was later named after him. It has been developed and improved by
the succeeding Maasin administration officials and executives year by year. It has now
become one, if not, the most beautiful landmark in Maasin City.

Fernandez, Michelle

The Anatalio Gaviola Plaza, located in Maasin City, was largely a heart of the town
full of history. As we interviewed the locals, we come to understand the different events
happened at different timeline. Underneath the plaza lies the historical occurrence from
the time of the Spanish colonization to the present time. There were few objects that
vanished during the new terms of the new appointed officers. Meanwhile, there are also
improvements carried out including the newest refurbishment contract with the duration

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of 60 C.D. On the other hand, the majority of the townsfolk's we talked also mentioned
political significance involved in the restoration and renovation of the plaza.

The Maasin Plaza's history helped me immensely in understanding the story of the
city from years of existing at different era. Hence, with lessons from the past, we not
only learn the story that resembles our life, culture, and beliefs but we also learn how the
various perspective, picture taking the memorable events, gives the essence of what we
enjoy in the plaza of Maasin City.

Lingatong, Princess Kay

I'm not from the city so when I learned that I would be studying here for highschool,
I was excited. My classmates invited me for a snack in the City's Plaza and that was my
first time seeing the place. I thought it was amazing, it was a good place to go and
stroll. The place was crowded especially during school days, and there were a lot of
foods too. Years passed, the plaza was renovated, and it was more beautiful than ever. I
almost forgot what it looked like before. The ambiance is satisfying and if you need
anything,you can just get it because there are more side walk stores, pharmacies and
banks. It is a family-friendly park. As a place that represents heritage, the plaza became
ever better known because it was renovated and there were many interesting activities
and events that occured in it. For someone that doesn't originally come from the City, it
feels amazing that I was able to witness such events and changes during my stay here in
Maasin, I even made some wonderful memories of the place.

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Mercado, Gay Blanz

Plaza is also known as Anatalio Gaviola Plaza. Don Anatalio Saavedra Gaviola is
one of the late Mayors of Maasin. He is also the one that took back the Plaza from the
Spanish Friars and because of his bravery, the Town plaza was named after him.
According to one of the elders the Plaza had gold and underground. There where statue
of soldiers, turtles, and the plaza had more trees. There where not much information
about the plaza in the tourism office, but when we ask the locals about the history of
Anatalio Gaviola Plaza many of the locals remember lots of things that happened in the
plaza, like the renovations the activities that where held in the plaza. The Plaza has been
developed and improved by succeeding Maasin administration officials and executive
year after year. It has now become one, if not, the most beautiful landmark of Maasin
City.

This activity made me realize that knowing the History of our City is essential since we
are living or staying here in Maasin.

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 III.GROUP INSIGHT
In summary of every members insights, it is not widely known in the province that
the real name of Maasin Plaza is “Anatalio Gaviola Plaza” named after one of the former
mayors of Maasin. It is very important to learn the name as it gives credit to a wonderful
story of the how valiant Don Anatalio is, in fighting for the land against the Spanish
Friars. Recognizing the name of the plaza, also shows how grateful and proud we are to
the former mayor as we now enjoy the beauty of the place.

As the place existed long in the past, it is only right to call this a historical place and
not just a beautiful landmark. This place is the eyewitness of the significant events that
happened in the City. The place makes us realize how overflowing with heritage the
Anatalio Gaviola Plaza. As said by one of group member, the place can be considered as
the “living room” of the city as it is undeniably true that many occasions, celebrations,
events and gatherings are mostly hosted in the said place. One local even said, that
mayors usually celebrated their birthdays in the plaza. Moreover, to celebrate the
Christmas season, the place is decorated with different Christmas themes each year. It is
specially wonderful to visit during the night as the lighting makes it such a magnificent
sight to see. Not only during the season of Christmas but also during the fiesta.

People not only gather during special occasions, but many people come to visit to
chill and enjoy the ambience of the place. The plaza may be crowded at times but the
different sights attract so many people to come. Many students come and gather after a
long day class to relax, many children often play and run around, many families come to
bond and there were many couples who find it a romantic place to date. The place is
simply a perfect place to enjoy.

As time passed, the succeeding officials have done many improvements and
development in the place. The previously looking open space have been transformed into
a very delightful sight. As we did the interview, there were like statues of soldiers, turtle
in the middle of the place. Even if there was a drastic change in the appearance of the
plaza, it did not lessen or take away all the captured memories of the historical place.

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 IV. DOCUMENTATIONS

November 18, 2022 at old City Hall November 18, 2022 at Massin City Hall
(Tourism Department)

November 18, 2022 beside Maasin Cathedral December 07, 2022 at Maasin Plaza
Interview one of the locals Interview one of the locals

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 V. MESSAGE TO OUR CLASS

At the first time hearing Readings in Philippine History subject, it made us think
of the past. We will surely talk about the events that happened and it will quite be
boring and very long and as the class is also scheduled in the first period in the
afternoon making it our impressions not so good. Surprisingly, it is not what we
expected it to be, we did talked about something in the past but the class seems to be
bearable than what we expected.

In this semester, we have learned so many new things making it definitely worth
the study. Everything seems bearable because the discussion where so simplified
and easier to absorb. In the reporting, there were so many inputs and additional
information. Everything was explained well and because of that we would like to
give recognition to our instructor. We so much appreciate how considerate and kind
you are as a teacher. When we request for something to make it convenient for us,
you don’t hesitate to consider. Your class made us very comfortable and not tremble
in fear. We, students are unafraid to voice out our confusions, questions and
clarifications. We also appreciate the review we have before the exam , it re freshens
and set our mind. During exams, questions that came out were discussed well and
clear. The essay exams were really practical for us, it made us think and asses what
we learned from the topic. We might have some difficulty in completing this final
exam but we had fun working and learning together as a group.

This class is what we want to have, students are comfortable and teacher is
approachable. There is a great interactive learning and we also are spared from
pressure in this class. We so love the easy going atmosphere the class have Our class
was overall great. The one semester class has to end and it saddens us. It is definitely
one of the class, we will miss and we wish to have again in the future.

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