Colegio de San Gabriel Arcangel

Founded 1993
Area E, Fatima I, Sapang Palay, City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan
Recognized by the Government: DepEd, TESDA and CHED;
PACUCOA Accredited - Level 1
Course Code: GEC09
Subject: RIZAL I
LEARNING SHEET NO. 14
Name:_____________________ Score _________________
Date: _____________________ Section: _______________

Topic: The Philippine Heroes and Heroines

Learning Outcomes:
1. Appreciate the life of our heroes
2. Discuss their heroism

References: Rizal and Other Philippine Heroes and Heroines

A Primer Teaching Strategies
Dionesio C. Rivas, M.A. Ed.D
Michael Molina Nael, M.A. PhD.
Discussions:

Lapu-lapu

History did not have much data about Lapu-lapu. He was the
king of Mactan Island and was regarded as the first great hero of the
Philippine Islands.

Ferdinand Magellan, who claimed discoverer of the Philippine

Islands tried to make Lapu-lapu a vassal of the Spanish King Philip,
but failed.

Magellan engaged Lapu-lapu in a seashore battle of Mactan

Island. With primitive weapons and a handful of brave men with the will to resist and
drive out the Spanish intruders, Lapu-lapu defeated and killed Magellan in the fierce
hand-to-hand combat.
 Lapu-lapu died anonymously, left no record in Philippine history, except an
inglorious reminiscence, which portrayed Lapu-lapu today as a toothsome fish named
after him.
Account of Magellan’s death in the hands of Lapu-lapu, however, was accounted by
Gaspar Quesada, Captain of the ship "Concepcion" and history was written by Spanish
historian, Pigafetta, who survived the onslaught of Mactan.

All that was said of Lapu-lapu placed him and his men in the Hall of Fame of great
Filipino fighters for freedom. He was the first Filipino freedom founder.

Lapu-lapu is considered one of the greatest figures of ancient Philippine history.

Although the first thing that usually comes to mind when the name of Lapu-lapu is
mentioned is the fact that his battle with Magellan led to Magellan's death, Lapu-lapu is
not honored because of that. Rather, he is honored because he was among the first to
reject submission to a foreign power even though Humabon, ruler of the neighboring
island of Cebu, and other chiefs recognized the king of Spain as their sovereign and
agreed to pay tribute.

On April 28, 1521, Magellan and some sixty of his men battled with the forces of
Lapu-lapu on the shores of Mactan island. During the battle, Magellan was wounded in
the leg. Seeing this, several members of Lapu-lapu's forces rushed at Magellan and
killed him with their spears. With the death of Magellan, the Spaniards retreated to their
ships and left. Lapu-lapu's victory is celebrated annually with a re-enactment of the
battle at the site where the original battle is believed to have occurred.

Purmassuri

One’s effort or strong endeavor for the sake of the country is one exception the
Filipino woman can be proud of since time immemorial.

This is proven in the story of Purmassuri, a moro woman from Sulu. She had a
strong heart and a dominant will power.
Anybody who saw her was bewitched by her unusual beauty.

Siri Kala, a moro chief, already joined his forces with those
of Sigalo, another moro chief, but they still could not attack the Spaniards who were
armed efficaciously and whom they thought they could not conquer.

Therefore, Purmassuri went to the barracks of the Spaniards. Just like other
descendants of Adam, the Spanish soldiers were bewitched by the beauty of
Purmassuri. She took advantage of this opportunity and entertained the white soldiers.
Siri kala and Sigalo’s soldiers attacked the Spanish soldiers. They were able to kill all
the white soldiers except those who left in the ship.

This story of Purmassuri showed that our country is never conquered without any
defense and the women were always ready to make an effort to do their bit for the sake
of their mother country.

Panday Pira

Panday Pira was a Moro. Mohamedanism was his religion.

He arrived in Manila from the south of the Philippines. He was
well known in making canyons. He was a blacksmith by
profession and had his own blacksmith shop in Manila.

Even before the Spaniards arrived in Manila, the Philippines

had their defenses in wharfs at the mouth of rivers and along the
coast, which were made by Panday Pira.

The defense at the mouth of Pasig river where the Fuerza de Santiago now stand,
has many canyons made by Panday Pira.

When Martin de Goiti attacked Manila, Panday Pira was one of those who
immigrated to another place. He lived in Pampanga with one of his relatives. Because
the Spaniards were in need of one who could make canyons, they sent for him.

As a remembrance of the first Filipino who was famous in making canyons, a street
in Tondo, was named after him.

Rajah Soliman

Of all the kings that Manila had, Raha Soliman was the last one. He was the
nephew of Raha Lakandula.
 A born enemy of tyranny, he
resisted the Spaniards, causing them to call him the bravest
king they ever fought against. Desiring peace with honor, he
entered into a treaty of friendship with Martin de Goiti at the
intercession of his uncle, Lakan Dula. But the Spanish
authorities did not keep their part of the treaty and started
committing abuses against the Filipinos again. This angered
Raha Soliman once more so he fought them. Soliman died in the battle on June 3,1591,
in Bangkusay, Tondo.

Francisco Baltazar Balagtas

A poet laureate, Balagtas was the famous author of the

famous piece, "Florante at Laura". Born from a poor family on
April 2, 1788, at his early age showed unusual intelligence. His
parents brought him to Manila where he pursued his studies.

He became very well-known as a poet. In his prime, he

came in touch with another famous poet, Jose de la Cruz,
known locally as "Huseng Sisiw". Balagtas moved to
Pandacan, Manila and courted lovely Maria Asuncion Rivera, but failed to win her
heart.

Deeply involved in the revolutionary movement, he was imprisoned under fabricated

charges. Later he moved to Bataan province, and held various vital governmental
positions. He died at the age of 74 on February 20, 1862, as the national poet laureate.

His novels in Tagalog (the country’s national language) showed and mirrored the
political and economic conditions of Filipinos under the iron heels of the Spaniards.

Jose Protacio Rizal

Dr. Jose P. Rizal is the greatest son of the Philippines . He was born in June 19,
1861, in Calamba, Laguna. His initial teacher was his mother, Teodora Alonzo.

Later he studied in Biñan, Laguna then went to Europe to secure higher studies. He
learned many languages; fluently spoke Spanish, English, French, German, Italian,
Portuguese, Dutch, Latin, Greek, Arabian, Chinese, Russian, Swiss, Japanese and
other languages. He communicated well where he traveled.
 He excelled in all the subjects he completed. He was a
revolutionary at heart, but never endorsed violence. Upon his
return to the Philippines, he was suspected as a revolucionario
and was arrested by the Spaniards, sentenced to die by
musketry at Bagumbayan (Luneta) Manila in December 30, 1896. Wrote the famous
"My Last Farewell" at the eve of his execution. Became national hero in his own right,
and attributes.

Andres Bonifacio

He was born from a poor but hard-working family on November 30, 1863. He
worked on many jobs, at the same time, he pursued his studies. However he never
earned any degree. He was a voracious reader and was philosophical.

A man of great courage and conviction, he led the Revolution and was well-
respected as a leader. His love of country haunted him day and night since he was a
boy. His favorite slogan was "Liberty or Death".

He led the revolt in Balintawak, and founded the Katipunan (first united Filipino
revolutionaries). The first salvo of revolt began in August 26, 1896, with thousands of
Filipinos who joined him. Filipinos respected him for making the "First Cry of Freedom"
that led to a larger revolt against Spain. They won battles with crude and homemade
weapons. He triumphed over the Spaniards, then he shouted to the world, "Long live
the Pilipino Republic".

Emilio Aguinaldo

Emilio Aguinaldo was born in Kawit, Cavite, on March 30,1869. He studied in the
private schools of his province and later at San Juan De Letran, Manila. Before finishing
his course in Letran, he returned to Kawit to engage in farming.
 When the revolution broke out, in 1896, he joined the
movement as a lieutenant under General Baldomero Aguinaldo.
He rose to the rank of general in a few months. He then
personally conducted the campaign against the Spaniards until
the Pact of Biak-na-Bato was signed in December 1897. Among
the provisions of this pact were: that Aguinaldo and some of the
top officials would leave the Philippines and that the Spanish government would give
them an indemnity of P800, 000.00.
Aguinaldo with some 25 others went to Hongkong. However, the Spanish
government sent him only four hundred thousand pesos. This amount was used by the
General Committee of Hongkong to finance the second revolution.

When the Spanish – American war broke out, Aguinaldo returned to Cavite after a
conference with the American Consuls of Hongkong and Singapore. Two weeks after
his arrival, the uprising against Spain was renewed. Soon Aguinaldo’s forces occupied
all the provinces except Manila.

When Manila surrendered to the Americans on August 13,1898, Aguinaldo

organized his provincial government at Bacoor, Cavite. Later, he transferred the seat of
government to Malolos, Bulacan where the Philippine Republic was proclaimed with
Aguinaldo as President.

The Treaty of Paris was signed on December 10, 1898, ceding the Philippines to the
United States. The following February, Aguinaldo broke relations with America. This war
lasted until Aguinaldo surrendered. Then he returned to Kawit, Cavite to devote his time
to agriculture.

He died on February 6, 1964, in Kawit, Cavite.

Apolinario Mabini

Apolinario Mabini was a sublime paralytic. He was born on July 23, 1864 in Talaga,
Tanauan, Batangas. He was the brain of the revolution against Spain that abused the
Filipinos for 300 years.

He came from a very poor family, endured many hardships,

but managed to finish his studies even though he was disabled.
He graduated as a lawyer at the San Juan de Letran College.
Very analytical, he became the adviser of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo
of the Philippine Revolution, and Philippine Republic.

He was threatened by the Spaniards to go to jail, was never

afraid to put in prison. His saying was, "The Spaniards could put
my body in prison cell but not my spirit of freedom." He never was
loyal to the American government, thus was exiled to Guam islands. For two
years he was incarcerated, but never changed his conviction, Mabini returned to
the Philippines where he succumbed to cholera.

Born in Talaga, Tanauan, Batangas on July 23, 1864 of poor parents, and later
paralyzed, Apolinaro Mabini grew up to become a good writer, a lawyer and a patriot
and is known as the "Sublime Paralytic" and the "Brains of the Revolution". He was the
eighth child of Inocencio Mabini and Dionisia Maranan.

In spite of poverty, Mabini obtained a teaching certificate in March 1887 and finished
law in 1894. He was admitted to the bar in 1895. In 1896, he contracted a fever which
permanently paralyzed him. Still, he did notarial work in his invalid's chair and supported
the reform movement. Because of his support to the reform movement, he was
imprisoned in June 1897.

During the Filipino-American War, Mabini was Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo's adviser. He
advised Aguinaldo to change the form of government from a dictatorial form to a
revolutionary one. Mabini organized the municipalities. When the Revolutionary
Congress convened at Barasoain, Malolos, Bulacan, he was Aguinaldo's prime minister.
He helped outline the Malolos Constitution. Hence, he was aptly called the "Brains of
the Revolution". He continued writing articles advocating reforms. He was captured on
September 10, 1899. During his captivity, he wrote "The Rise and Fall of the Philippine
Republic". After his release on September 23, 1900 he lived in Nagtahan, Manila where
he wrote for local newspapers. On January 5, 1901 he was exiled to Guam because of
his articles notably "El Semil de Alejandro" in El Liberal.

Believing that he had no other choice and that he could better serve his countrymen
by returning to the Philippines, Mabini took the oath of allegiance to the United States
on February 26, 1903. He died in Nagtahan, Manila on May 13, 1903 at the age of 39.

Marcelo H. Del Pilar

 Marcelo del Pilar hailed from a humble family, and was born in Kupang, Bulacan,
Bulacan on August 30, 1850. He finished his studies as a lawyer. He believed in literacy
of Filipinos, which he suggested to the Spaniards. For this, he was suspected by the
Spaniards as enemy of Spain. Spain wanted to keep the Filipinos unlettered and
exploited.

His relatives advised him to leave the country. He left for

Spain. There, he continued his work for reforms. In Spain, he
founded and published the newspaper La Solidaridad, where the sufferings of Filipinos
were graphically featured.

His task met with great difficulties. He kept on writing, and led the propaganda corps
against the abuses of Spaniards under his dream that the Philippines will some day be
free. Upon his return to the Philippines, he succumbed to disease.

Gregorio Del Pilar

Gregorio del Pilar was born as a leader, and was declared

the Hero of the Battle of Tirad Pass against the American
intruders who wanted to get rid of Aguinaldo, and occupy the
Philippines.

He was born in Bulacan, Bulacan on November 14, 1875.

Since his childhood, he saw and hated the abuses made by the
Spaniards. Aguinaldo witnessed Del Pilar’s bravery during
battles, and elevated Del Pilar’s rank. He became the youngest Filipino soldier general.

In the narrow pass of Tirad Pass, he triumphantly defended his men and held up the
superior and better-armed American troops.

Before he was killed in action, he wrote the following in a piece of paper, to wit: "I am
now surrounded by the enemy which shall overpower me, and my brave men. I shall die
happy with the thought that it is sweet to die defending my motherland." The marker on
his grave, an epitaph read, "Killed in the Battle of Tirad Pass, 2 December 1899.
Commanded the last army of the Revolution. An officer and gentleman."

Emilio Jacinto

Emilio Jacinto was also one of the brains of the Katipunan revolution led by
Bonifacio. He was born in Tondo, Manila on December 15, 1875. He finished law
studies and joined the revolution.
 Bonifacio found him as a very intelligent and brave
companion. Jacinto wrote the Katipunan primer that emphasized
love of country that taught Katipuneros respect for women and
children, emphasized loyalty to the Philippine Republic.

On record, it was Jacinto who contacted Rizal to join the revolution. However, there
was rivalry in the Katipunan between Aguinaldo and Bonifacio.

After Bonifacio’s death, Mabini named Jacinto to lead the Katipunan. Unfortunately,
Jacinto died defending the Republic and the country in Majayjay, Laguna in April 16,
1899.

Melchora Aquino

Melchora Aquino was also known and called Tandang Sora. When the Revolution
began in 1896, she was already in her senior age. From the inception of the Katipunan,
she offered her services, food and facilities.

She was in the thick of the battles, attending wounded soldiers. The Spaniards did
not relish what she did, therefore, she was exiled to the Marianas islands. She returned
to the Philippines old and penniless for what she did for Filipinos and the country, she
was remembered as a heroine of the
Philippine Revolution.

Fr. Mariano Gomez

Fr. Mariano Gomez was born in 1825. He founded the newspaper La Verdad then
became the mouthpiece of Filipino revolucionarios’ propagandist.
 During the revolt in Cavite, he was curate of Bacoor, Cavite
and was closely connected with freedom fighters. The Spaniards
arrested him together with Fr. Burgos and Fr. Zamora who were
also rabid nationalists.

They were sentenced to death by the Spaniards by means of the infamous "garrote"
(lynching) on February 17, 1872.

Fr. Jacinto Zamora

Fr. Zamora was born on August 14, 1835. He was an undercover member of the
reform movement and was always in the company of Fr. Burgos and Fr. Gomez. He
studied at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran, and University of
Sto. Tomas as a scholar.

The Spaniards suspected the three priests as collaborators of

the Revolution. They were therefore arrested and sentenced to
death by garrote.

Fr. Jose Burgos

Fr. Apolinario Burgos was born on February 9, 1837, in Vigan,

Ilocos Sur. He was the first to become a priest. Soon, he learned and witnessed how
Spanish priests maltreated Filipino priests along with the Filipino people.

He ventured also like other courageous Filipino priests in obtaining reforms to no

avail. When the Filipino-Spanish Revolution broke out in Cavite, he was preoccupied
with uplifting the dignity of his native clergy. On a fabricated charge, he and other
Filipino priests were arrested. They were held responsible for the disorder in Cavite.

They were to be executed by garrote by the Spaniards. Before they were to be

killed, one of the executioners approached him and said: "Father, forgive me for the sin
I am about to commit. I am only doing my duty."
 "I forgive you my son," was his calm reply. "Do your duty." And the bitter end came
to the life of a hero priest who dared death than slavery.

Diego Silang

Diego Silang, was among those who led the Ilocano

uprising. He grew up in a parish church in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. A
Spanish priest that raised him gave him his early education. He
later moved on to Manila, and worked as letter carrier. In his
travels, he witnessed the pitiful condition of the Filipino people
under the atrocities perpetrated by the Spaniards, especially
against poor people. He swore to do something for his country
and the people.

Driven by that burning desire, he organized a small army and rose against the
Spaniards. His army began to grow quite large, and his leadership as a military
revolucionario became well-known all over the nation.

The Spaniards soon realized that he was a threat. A spy who pretended to be one of
his men, then shot him in the back. His peers chose Gabriela, his wife, to take the lead
as commander of the Ilocano army. Gabriela’s bravery proved also as a threat to the
Spanish authorities. She was soon caught, and was hanged in Abra.

Miguel Malvar

Philippine history recognized Miguel Malvar as one of the

bravest Filipino military generals of the Revolution. He was born
on September 27, 1865 in Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

He headed the revolucionarios that cut the Spaniards from

Batangas in 1896. After the signing of the Pact of Biak-na-Bato,
he joined Filipino exiles in Hong Kong. He returned to the
Philippines with Gen. E. Aguinaldo who again led hostilities
against the Spanish oppressors and vanquished the Spaniards.

n the Filipino- American War broke out, he distinguished

himself in facing a very large American force in Zapote bridge which he repelled.

Gen. Malvar took command of the Revolutionary Army upon Aguinaldo’s capture.
He then continued the fight until his peers persuaded him to lay down his arms. On
record, he was among the last Filipino freedom fighters to grudgingly surrender. He was
deported like other heroes. He died on October 13, 1911 in Manila.
 Antonio Luna

Antonio Luna was remembered as a great Filipino soldier of the

revolution. Born in Manila, on October 29, 1863, he was the brother
of Juan Luna, the Filipino painter. Antonio Luna studied military
science and tactics in Germany and was a model officer.

He completed his studies at a time when the Philippines needed

his military expertise. He founded the first military school where he
trained Filipinos in the art of war, and became the first Secretary of War.

He prepared the Philippine Army for their fight against the American intruders, so
Gen. E. Aguinaldo defeated the Spaniards. However, the Filipinos did not have ample
war materiel to defeat the American troopers.

Luna nearly lost his life in the Battle of La Loma. He refused to surrender and
continued resistance against the Americans. He died in Nueva Ecija on June 17, 1899.

Juan Luna

Juan Luna was a patriot in his own right, like his brother, Antonio. He was born on
October 23, 1857, and later became known to the world over as a great painter.

He served his country with a brush. His obra maestra, i.e.

"Cleopatra", "The Blood Pact" and others won top prizes in
Europe. His paintings portrayed the pitiful conditions of Filipinos
under Spain. Aside from being a painter, he was also a poet, a
musician, and a well-read student of literature. He was a great
and close friend of Jose Rizal. He died on December 7, 1899.

Josefa Gabriela Silang

Josefa Gabriela Silang was the widow of Diego Silang, leader of the Ilokano
revolution against the Spanish government. When her husband was assassinated, she
took over the leadership of the revolt in Ilocos.

In 1762, the British successfully invaded Manila. The defeat of the Spanish
authorities served to convince many Filipinos that the Spanish forces were not
invincible. Diego Silang, an Ilokano from Pangasinan, led a revolt against the Spanish
government.
Diego was able to expel the Spanish provincial governor from
Vigan and won some skirmishes. The Spanish authorities hired
Miguel Vico, a friend of Diego Silang, to assassinate him. On
May 28, 1763, Diego Silang was shot in his own house in Vigan.

After Diego Silang's death, his wife, Josefa Gabriela, took over the revolt and fought
courageously. A strong force was then sent against her. This time, she was forced to
retreat to Abra. Riding a fast horse, Gabriela led her troops towards Vigan, but she was
driven back. She fled again to Abra, where she was captured. On September 20, 1763,
she and about 100 followers were executed.

Jose Abad Santos

Jose Abad Santos was born in San Fernando, Pampanga

on February 10, 1886. His parents were Vicente Abad Santos
and Toribia Basco.

Jose began studying in his home town. In 1904 he was sent

to America as a student pensionado of the Philippines. He went
to school in Sta. Clara, California. He resumed his studies at
the University of Illinois, where he finished law. He also studied
in North Western University. In George Washington University,
he obtained his master of laws. He qualified in the board
examination in 1911.

He was married to Amanda Teopaco with whom he had five children. They were
Jose, Osmundo, Luz, Amanda, and. Victoria.

Jose Abad Santos handled many responsible positions. He became Secretary of

Justice. In 1926 he headed an educational mission to United States. In 1932 he became
magistrate of the Supreme Court. Before the war, Pres. Quezon appointed him again as
Secretary of Justice. When the war broke out in 1941, he became head of the Supreme
Court and one of the advisers on dangerous problems of the country. He was with
Quezon, Osmena, Roxas in Corregidor, from Corregidor he went to Cebu with his son.
Even if he was becoming weak in body, he still continued to work.

When Quezon left for the United States, Abad was here to perform the duty of the
president. To him was entrusted the Philippine government.

On April 11, Abad Santos was captured with his son Jose by the Japanese in
Carcar, Cebu. When he was ordered to make Manuel Roxas surrender, “that I cannot
do,” said Abad Santos. “I cannot break the promise to be true to America,” he said
bravely.
 They took Abad Santos and his son to Mindanao. When they got off at Cotabato,
they met a group of USAFFE that bombarded them. The Japanese soldiers lay down
but Abad Santos remained standing alone. He showed no signs of fear.

On May 7,1942, Abad Santos was called by a Japanese interpreter. When he came
back he revealed to his son that he was sentenced to die for his refusal to cooperate
with the Japanese. Jose cried, but he said to his son laughingly: “why son, do not shed
tears for this is an unusual opportunity given to me to die for my country. Not everybody
was given such an opportunity as this.”

After saying this, both father and son knelt and prayed together. After a few minutes
he was taken out and was shot. When the interpreter Kerji Fukui came back to Jose’s
cell he said, “Your father had a pleasant death.”

Pres. Quezon said, “To me, Abad Santos had a more honorable, cleaner and more
able way of serving the Filipino people.”

Graciano Lopez Jaena

Very little is known about the early life of Graciano Lopez

Jaena. He studied in the schools of his town, Jaro, Ilo-ilo. Then he
went to Madrid, Spain, where he stayed for nearly fifteen years.
While in Spain, he wrote various periodicals to bring about
reforms in the Philippines. He was the founder and the first editor
of La Solidaridad, the organ of the Filipinos in Spain at that time.

In 1890 he returned to the Philippines to seek material help

from his countrymen. Then he returned to Spain to continue his
work. He died a poor man in Barcelona, Spain on January 20,
1896.

Cayetano S. Arellano
 Cayetano S. Arellano was known in the four corners of the world. Like Rizal and
other well-known countrymen of ours, his intelligence was recognized by the foreign
people.

His father, Servando Arellano was a Spaniard living in Bataan province and who
married somebody from there, whose name was Christina Lanzon.

Don Cayetano S. Arellano was born in Udiong, Bataan on March 2, 1847. Cayetano
started studying at the age of five. Afterwards, he went to study at San Juan de Letran
as a working student. After finishing there, he went to Santo Tomas University, although
he was still living in San Juan de Letran. He was doing the work of “mayor de salon”
and “decano de San Juan de Letran”.

He finished bachelor of philosophy at Santo Tomas University in 1862 and bachelor

of theology in 1867. He continued studying and took law which he finished in 1876.

All of Cayetano’s colleagues had a high regard for his intelligence that differentiated
him from others. It was easy for him to commit to memory anything that he was
studying. He hardly had time to study his lesson as he had much work to do, but in spite
of that he could answer all the questions of his professor.

After passing the bar examination, he ran his own law office. He was hired to teach
Civil Code at the University of Sto. Tomas, by the Dominican fathers, as a token of high
regard for him and recognition of his unusual ability.

Cayetano’s ability to teach law made many lawyers like him. Some of them were
Ortigas, Palma, delos Santos, Sumulong, Orense, Quezon, Osmena and many others.
They felt that they owed him a debt of gratitude.
In 1886 he was made “magistrado suplente”. In 1893 he was appointed member of
provincial assembly and to him was entrusted the headship of this assembly. After a few
years, he was made “magistrado suplente de la Audiencia Terretorial de Manila”.

During the war he was made secretary of foreign affairs. He was also a councilor of
the city of Manila in 1897. In 1898 he reopened his law office. He was made the head of
the highest court in the Philippines on May 29,1899. He was the first Filipino to hold this
high position.

When the jurist who came from the different parts of the world in 1904 had a
meeting. President Theodore Roosevelt made him represent the United States and the
Philippines.

Don Cayetano was a devoted Roman Catholic. His Sundays were spent praying and
reading religious books.
 Don Cayetano died on December 23, 1920. Before he died he gave instruction that
they should have received no flowers and that he should have a simple funeral only

Manuel Luis Quezon

Born in August 19, 1878 in Baler, Tayabas (now, Quezon

province), he was the greatest Filipino champion of Philippine
Independence.

A most accomplished scholar, he took up law at the San Juan

de Letran College, and later graduated in the University of Sto.
Tomas.

At the young age of 20, he served as a lieutenant in the revolutionary government

army of Aguinaldo, promoted to higher ranks while stationed in Central Luzon. Entered
civil service in 1903 and was appointed provincial fiscal in Mindoro province as his first
post in the American government. After three years he was transferred to his home
province of Tayabas.

From 1907 to 1908, he served as representative in the First Philippine Assembly.

Versatile in Spanish and English, he moved up the ladder as Resident Commissioner in
Washington D.C. from 1909 to 1916.

He worked for the passage of the Tydings McDuffe Act in the US Congress, which
sought and won Philippine Independence. Upon return to the Philippines, he was
elected as President of the Philippine Senate.

In 1935, when the Philippine Commonwealth was inaugurated, he became the first
President. World War II broke out in 1941, he was evacuated to the US during the
Japanese Occupation (1941 to 1945) to establish the exiled Philippine Commonwealth
government. He died in the US on August 1, 1944. His country’s freedom was on his
lips when he passed away.

Quezon is known as the father of the Filipino national language, the Tagalog dialect.

Benigno S. Aquino

Benigno "Ninoy" S. Aquino, Jr. was born on November 27, 1932. The former
Philippine senator was assassinated on August 21, 1983. He was returning to the
Philippines when it happened despite warnings that doing so would be dangerous for
him.
 As he was coming down the stairs of the plane, he was shot
from the back. He is considered the most-loved martyr of the
20year dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos and the Marcos
cronies.
Ninoy Aquino was the staunchest critic of the Marcos administration. His widow,
Corazon C. Aquino, became the first female president of the Philippines.

Review Questions:

1. List down the heroes and heroines 2. Discuss their heroic acts.

1. **Lapu-lapu:**
- **Heroic Act:** Defeated Ferdinand Magellan in the Battle of Mactan,
resisting Spanish colonization.

2. **Purmassuri:**
- **Heroic Act:** Deceived Spanish soldiers, allowing Filipino forces to attack
and defeat them, showcasing strong patriotism.

3. **Panday Pira:**
- **Heroic Act:** Contributed to the defense of Manila by creating canyons
used in fortifications.

4. **Rajah Soliman:**
- **Heroic Act:** Resisted Spanish authorities, fought against abuses, and died
in battle against the Spaniards.

5. **Francisco Baltazar Balagtas:**

- **Heroic Act:** Wrote literary works like “Florante at Laura,” reflecting the
plight of Filipinos under Spanish rule.

6. **Jose Protacio Rizal:**

- **Heroic Act:** Became a national hero through his writings and peaceful
activism, despite being executed by the Spanish authorities.

7. **Andres Bonifacio:**
- **Heroic Act:** Led the Katipunan and initiated the Philippine Revolution
against Spanish rule.

8. **Emilio Aguinaldo:**
- **Heroic Act:** Led the revolutionary forces against Spanish rule, proclaimed
Philippine independence, and later resisted American colonization.

9. **Apolinario Mabini:**
- **Heroic Act:** Advised Emilio Aguinaldo during the revolution, played a key
role in drafting the Malolos Constitution, and continued advocating for reforms.
10. **Marcelo H. Del Pilar:**
- **Heroic Act:** Founded and published “La Solidaridad” in Spain, advocating
for reforms and exposing the sufferings of Filipinos.

11. **Gregorio Del Pilar:**

- **Heroic Act:** Defended the Philippines against American forces,
specifically known for his role in the Battle of Tirad Pass.

12. **Emilio Jacinto:**

- **Heroic Act:** Contributed to the Katipunan’s ideology, wrote the Katipunan
primer, and played a role in the revolution.

13. **Melchora Aquino (Tandang Sora):**

- **Heroic Act:** Provided support to the Katipunan, attended to wounded
soldiers during the revolution, and suffered exile for her actions.

14. **Fr. Mariano Gomez:**

- **Heroic Act:** Involved in propagandist activities and, along with Fr. Burgos
and Fr. Zamora, was executed by the Spaniards for supporting reforms.

15. **Fr. Jacinto Zamora:**

- **Heroic Act:** Worked for reforms, suspected of supporting the revolution,
and was executed by the Spaniards.

16. **Fr. Jose Burgos:**

- **Heroic Act:** Advocated for the dignity of native clergy, fought for reforms,
and was executed by the Spaniards.

17. **Diego Silang:**

- **Heroic Act:** Led the Ilocano uprising against Spanish authorities, fought
against abuses, and was assassinated.

18. **Miguel Malvar:**

- **Heroic Act:** Distinguished himself during the Filipino-American War, led
the Revolutionary Army, and was among the last to surrender.

19. **Antonio Luna:**

- **Heroic Act:** Contributed to military preparations against the American
forces, resisted the Americans, and died in battle.

20. **Juan Luna:**

- **Heroic Act:** Used his artistic talent to depict the sufferings of Filipinos
under Spanish rule, contributing to the nationalist movement.

21. **Josefa Gabriela Silang:**

- **Heroic Act:** Continued the revolt led by her husband Diego Silang after
his assassination, fought courageously, and was executed by the Spaniards.
22. **Jose Abad Santos:**
- **Heroic Act:** Refused to cooperate with the Japanese during World War II,
chose to die for his country, and was executed.

23. **Graciano Lopez Jaena:**

- **Heroic Act:** Founded and edited La Solidaridad, actively worked for
reforms, and contributed to the nationalist movement.

24. **Cayetano S. Arellano:**

- **Heroic Act:** First Filipino Chief Justice, played a crucial role in the
Philippine judiciary, and represented the Philippines in international juridical
events.

25. **Manuel Luis Quezon:**

- **Heroic Act:** Championed Philippine Independence, served in various
government roles, and worked for the passage of the Tydings McDuffie Act.