STI COLLEGE STA.

CRUZ
A.Y. 2023-2024

READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

MAJAYJAY

SUBMITTED BY:
Argañosa, Anthonette
Breganza, Kasufea
Celino, Shaine
Dela Cruz, Reyniel
Manalo, Lawren
Medua, Ceryn
Mia, Sean Calvin
Pagkatotohan, Athaliah

THM101

SUBMITTED TO:
Ms. Angelica Mae Polecena
Local History

Sta. Cruz, Laguna, in the Philippines, has a rich history that dates back to pre-colonial times.
Originally inhabited by the Tagalog people, it later became part of vast haciendas during Spanish
colonial rule. The town played a significant role in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule
and later resisted American occupation during the Philippine-American War.

Sta. Cruz was the capital of Laguna province in 1858 and again from 1883 to the present.
During World War II, it was a center of resistance against Japanese forces. Today, the town is
known for its cultural heritage, including old churches and ancestral houses, and its local festivals
that celebrate its history and traditions. It has also developed into a center of commerce and trade
in the province.

Santa Cruz is the capital town of the province of Laguna. A town that is considered as a
service center for transportation, commerce, health, education, and other social services for the
predominantly rural northeastern municipalities. Santa Cruz is a first class urban municipality and
capital of the province of Laguna in the Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a total
population of 110,943 people.

It is also considered as the service and commercial center on the eastern part of the province.
Lastly, it is also the seat of the provincial government since 1885, giving the municipality an
additional administrative function over the entire province. In terms of the living and behavior of
the people in the town. People here as well is being distinct that they came from Sta. Cruz because
of their strong range of voice when talking.
 The livelihood of the people has a touch of traditional culture and a modern one, whereas
people copes up with the present trends but still keep in mind the traditional ones. One of the
profitable living that some people do in the town is by making and selling Kesong Puti. In
additional to that, people here are approachable and friendly, and most likely to accommodate you
if you are visiting.

During the last decade of the 16th century, Santa Cruz was a densely populated barrio of
Lumban, as well as other modern towns such as Pagsanjan, Cavinti, Paete, and Pangil. Santa Cruz
separated from Lumban on September 6, 1602, and became a pueblo with its own church and
government.

Since its founding in 1602, the town has been ravaged by natural disasters such as fires,
typhoons, floods, and human vandalism during the Philippine Revolution of 1896-1899, the War
of Philippine Independence (1899-1902), the Battle of Santa Cruz, and the Tulisanes (bandits)
attack during the Spanish period. Filipino troops from the pre-war 4th and 42nd Infantry Divisions
of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, as well as recognized guerrillas, arrived in town.

Today, Santa Cruz is the capital of Laguna and the business and commercial center of the
province's eastern region.

Historical and Heritage Site

The Forgotten Castle of Laguna

 Remarked by many as “a haunted house”, the Villa Valenzuela is a hundred-year old treasure
that has been sitting quietly along the bank of Santa Cruz River. It is located at one end of the Santa
Cruz Bridge, locally referred to as “Malaking Tulay,” which means “Big Bridge.” Politically, it is
under the jurisdiction of Barrio Sto. Angel Sur. The “Malaking Tulay” is an important
infrastructure as it connects the capital of Santa Cruz, Laguna to the far-flung barrios of the town.

According to the current owner of the house (who refused to be named), the house was built
in 1919. Peter Jaynul Uckung, the Division Head of Laguna Tourism, Culture and the Arts Office
(LTCATO) confirmed that this was also around the time the municipal building of Santa Cruz had
been built.

The current owner’s grandfather named Don Jacinto Valenzuela, also known as “Don
Intong” was the original owner. The Valenzuelas were one of the most prominent families during
that time. In fact, Don Jacinto was the alcalde of the town from 1926 to 1929.

According to stories, the house was slowly renovated and refurbished through time,
becoming this big ancestral house that every local knows. The current owner also revealed that its
designs were actually symbolism of Don Intong’s status and personality (see below).

Mr. Wilmer P. Godoy, an architect from the National Historical Commission of the
Philippines (NHCP) stated that Villa Valenzuela may fall under the Art Nouveau o Beaux-Art, both
styles brought upon the arrival of the Americans in the Philippines during the early 19th century.

His analysis revealed that the mansion was likened to castles, evident by the merlons and
crenels (ngipin ng moog) and sentry (garitas). The architect was also bedazzled by the grand
staircase (escalera), window canopies (tapangco) and wide windows. Furthermore, he added that
the concrete walls may be a proof that the house was probably established during the American
colonial period, the time when cement was introduced in the country.

However, some accounts of Sir John Bowring in his book “A Visit to the Philippine Islands”
tell that Villa Valenzuela may have been older, if he was referring to the same house he once
visited in Santa Cruz, Laguna, year 1859.
 Battle of Santa Cruz

General Elwell S. Otis, commander of the US VIII Corps, sent the 1st Division under Arthur
MacArthur north to threaten the Filipino capitol at Malolos after defeating the Filipino nationalists
at the second battle of Manila. Meanwhile, the 2nd Division under Henry W. Lawton was sent
south into the province of Laguna to the Filipino stronghold in the town of Santa Cruz.

Six launches were captured and over 125 Filipino soldiers lost their lives as a result of the
Santa Cruz mission. The expedition showed that towns on Laguna de Bay were vulnerable to
raiders, forcing local officials to keep their military forces close to home in case of defensive need.
Following the expedition, Aguinaldo ordered forces from Cavite, Batangas, and Laguna to
concentrate at Muntinlupa, tying up manpower south of Manila that might have gone north.

“Is history a lie,” asked the stony-faced girls of the Debate Club when I applied for membership
back in high school. I fumbled: Yes. I mean, no. I mean, kind of.

There are parts of history that probably don’t get the airtime they deserve in schoolbooks.
One such overlooked chronicle is the role that the Chinese played during the battle against
Japanese invaders during World War II. At that time, many Chinese immigrants from rural
provinces in south China fled to the Philippines to find work.
 One of them was Lee Lian Pao, who was only 16 when he came to Manila in 1936. His
father was already working as a furniture maker in the Philippines. Within a few days of landing
in Manila, Lee Lian Pao was sent to Nueva Ecija to become the apprentice of another Chinese
businessman who started a construction company. Being young and able-bodied, Lee Lian Pao
was assigned to work in the kitchen as a cook. Labor work was usually given to young Chinese
boys because they were stronger and could easily pick up the Filipino language, says Aquino Lee,
Lee Lian Pao’s son.

When Lee Lian Pao was in his early 20s, Japanese imperialists attacked Pearl Harbor. Soon
after, their troops occupied the Philippines. Many Chinese immigrants working here were already
a part of the Chinese United Workers Union in Manila. When the Japanese began their invasion,
the union's members decided to set up a resistance group to fight the Japanese. They held the same
anti-Japanese sentiment as Filipino soldiers because Japan had also invaded their motherland,
China. They trained in the forests of Mt. Arayat, and later on called themselves the Wha Chi or the
48th Squadron, the names of two well-known fighting forces in China. Lee Lian Pao joined the
squadron in Bicol, working underground.

“To understand Wha Chi, you have to put into proper context who these people are, why
they were here, and why they chose to stand up and fight,” says Lee, who is now the president of
the Wha Chi Descendants Association. “During those times, most of the Chinese here were just
coming over to earn a living. Their motherland is China, but they had to leave their hometowns
because many of them were rural folks from the villages. They could hardly make a living there,
so they chose to go out and try their luck here, to earn something and send it back home.”

Translated, Wha Chi means “Overseas Chinese Anti-Japanese Guerilla Force.” The soldiers
were mostly single, young men, in their teens to early 20s. Initially, about 400 recruits were sent
to fight with different Hukbalahap (Hukbong Laban sa Hapon) guerrillas dispatched to the
provinces, but they were recalled in 1942, so they could organize themselves into a unit of their
own.
 The remaining Wha Chi battalion was made up of 52 members and armed only with two
handguns and seven old rifles. The members equipped themselves with abandoned weaponry they
found in old battlefields and hid in the Pasbul mountains for three months, where they went through
rigorous training and strategic planning.

A monument in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, commemorates how the Wha Chi battalion helped
liberate the town from the Japanese

Native Customs

Santa Cruz is considered as the service and commercial center on the eastern part of the
province. The town is composed of five barangays in the Poblacion area and 21 classified urban
barangays. Although relatively far from the immediate urbanizing influence of Metropolitan
Manila, Santa Cruz continues to progress. It is now classified as first-class municipality. The
present administration is headed by the Mayor Egay San Luis Sr. Santa Cruz is also the seat of the
provincial government since 1885, giving the municipality an additional administrative function
over the entire province. It also functions as the service center for transportation, commerce, health,
education, and other social services for the predominantly rural north-eastern municipalities of the
province. Boosting the economy of the municipality are the incipient and fast-growing
agribusiness industries such as livestock raising, horticulture and aquaculture. The town is
composed of twenty-six (26) urban barangays. All barangays are being classified as urban.
 The development of Santa Cruz as the administrative, commercial, and service center of
Laguna makes it accessible for all private/public vehicles going to nearby places particularly
Pagsanjan, Lake Caliraya, Liliw, Paete and Nagcarlan.

Anilag Festival in Sta. Cruz, Laguna

In Sta. Cruz, Laguna people has managed to combine in celebrating the annual Anilag
Festival. It is held in March every year in Sta. Cruz, the capital town of Laguna. Although this
fiesta has been observed for only a few years, it has become an important occasion for most of the
people living in Laguna. The Anilag Festival is a celebration that truly exemplifies the good life in
Laguna.
 This was first held in 2004 and was initially called “La Laguna Festival” in celebration of
Laguna’s Foundation Day and to promote its products, delicacies, and cultural/historical/tourist
attractions. On the 7-days festival, there are bunch of stuffs to look out for such as the different
activities given out per day and for some we knew they said that the best day every is the last day
of the festival or the People’s Night. Whereas, there are full of spectacular performances from
locals and guest artists and the much-awaited fireworks competition that is very captivating and
an enjoyable event with your loved ones and friends.

Kesong Puti Festival

Kesong Puti Festival is one of the festivals held in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, whereas the main star
of the celebration is the town’s main delicacy, the Kesong Puti. It is being celebrated on mostly
around late of April or early of May. It became a festival for the town was the first one to have it
as a food and it is the most profitable income of the people in the town. Whereas, they have a
trade fair in the front of Liwasang Sta. Cruz showcasing Kesong Puti and other products of the
city. Kesong Puti or the native white cheese is made from the milk of carabaos or water buffalos,
it is a fresh soft white cheese. Tourists go to Sta. Cruz to order boxes of Kesong Puti, not only
during festivals but also all year round. On regular days, when there are no festivals, you can buy
kesong puti in Barangay Bagumbayan in Sta. Cruz. There are many households that make Kesong
Puti as a cottage industry. For the town of Sta. Cruz, festivals are not only made for saints and
heroes, but also to honor and celebrate the food. It is their pride and lifeblood, so the Kesong Puti
Festival is just a fair tribute to this yummy white delicacy.

Bibingka de Macapuno
 If you have already tried a bibingka, that’s good for you, but we may say that you are
halfway across the battle. For as there is bibingka de macapuno that is a must be tried if you visit
the town. It’s a rice cake filled with macapuno, a soft processed coconut meat. It has a texture
similar to bread but it’s sweet! Even though it did not became a festival because of the number of
production it has is less, it is still definitely something that must not be missed upon visiting the
town. So don’t miss it!

Kesong Puti

Kesong puti, or white cheese. Whereas, the white is the color of purity and that is what
it is made of, a fresh and soft cheese made from unskimmed carabao milk. It can be eaten along
with bread, or as an ingredient for pastas or burgers, or any way you can think of to eat it. Locals
stated that it is not only the savory taste but also the nutrients it has for it to be a wonderful
delicacies in the town. We may say that it is delicious and it fills up the emptiness you may feel.
Simbang Gabi

It consist of 9 masses celebrated 9 days before Christmas as part of the tradition. from
December 16 to December 24 to attend the novena masses, which begin as early as 4 a.m. to ask
God for things like a long and healthy life, a prosperous profession, and closer family bonds.

But when the Simbang Gabi falls during the midst of the so-called holiday rush—that is,
when everyone is busy buying gifts for their loved ones at shops, experiencing heavy traffic, and
Christmas parties everywhere—one starts to question whether people still have time to follow this
ritual.

Despite their hectic schedules, the majority of Filipino Catholics attend Simbang Gabi, which is
encouraging because they feel that after attending the nine masses, their wishes would.

Religions of the Place and Ceremonies

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

 The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Sta. Cruz Laguna was first built
by Fr. Antonio de la Llave, a Franciscan priest, during its foundation year in 1608. It was enlarged
in 1672 by Fr. Miguel Perciva with the addition of two wings, thus giving the church layout the
form of a cross.

Further improvements were made in 1850 by Fr. Juan Antonio Marzo. He built the principal
nave and convent and remodeled the church’s five altars. The church was destroyed during the
July 18, 1880 earthquake and was reconstructed by Fr. Antonio Martin de Vidales in 1881.

On January 26, 1945, during the liberation in World War II, the church was partly destroyed
by fire, leaving only the walls and stairs of the convent. The post-war reconstruction of the church
was initiated by Fr. Mariano O. Limjuco in 1948. The resulting church now has an Early
Renaissance facade with a pair of large pilasters supporting a plain pediment. Inside is a bas-relief
of the Stations of the Cross, a main altar with a stained glass rendition of the Blessed Mother and
the apostle John watching over the crucified Jesus Christ and stained-glass depictions of the Joyful
and Glorious Mysteries. On its left is its heavy, massive 3-storey bell tower topped by a dome.
The parish celebrates the feast day of its titular patron on December 8 of every year.

Ceremonies:

The ceremonies surrounding Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Sta. Cruz, Laguna,
are not just religious events; they are vibrant celebrations that breathe life into the very soul of the
community. This iconic Marian figure, revered for her purity and grace, becomes a focal point for
an array of ceremonies that transcend mere religious observance, delving deep into the cultural
fabric of the Filipino people.

As one witnesses the ceremonies honoring Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, it's
impossible not to be captivated by the palpable sense of reverence that fills the air. The faithful
gather, not just out of religious duty, but with a profound devotion that transcends the boundaries
between the earthly and the divine. The image of the Immaculate Conception becomes a symbol
of purity and hope, a beacon that guides the community through the vicissitudes of life.

The ceremonies are marked by a rich tapestry of rituals, hymns, and processions that weave
together a narrative of faith and cultural identity. Traditional Filipino music and dance become
integral parts of the festivities, infusing the religious observances with a unique local flavor. The
ceremonies, therefore, stand not only as acts of worship but as expressions of a cultural heritage
that has withstood the test of time.

What distinguishes the ceremonies surrounding Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is
the genuine emotion that characterizes the devotional practices. The faithful, moved by a profound
sense of gratitude and supplication, pour their hearts into prayers and hymns. It's a collective
outpouring of love and reverence, creating an atmosphere where the divine and the human coalesce
in a dance of spirituality.

Participating in these ceremonies is not a passive experience; it's an immersion into a cultural
and spiritual journey. The rituals become a means of connecting with the sacred, a conduit through
which the community expresses its deepest aspirations and finds solace in the embrace of the
Immaculate Conception.

In a world marked by rapid changes and shifting values, the ceremonies surrounding Our
Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, serve as a reminder of the enduring
power of faith and tradition. They are not relics of a bygone era but living expressions of a
community's unwavering commitment to its cultural and religious roots.

Mahal na Birhen Ina ng Awa (Our Lady of Sorrow)

 The Ina ng Awa is thought to be a miraculous saint helping a lot of people in town. A lot of
people could testify that all their wishes were granted by praying the novena to the most holy
mother.

The oil that you can find inside the chapel is thought to heal the sick. The oil contains the
dried sampaguita (Jasmine) flowers that were offered to the saint and is thought to be the one doing
the wonders. Apart from the free oil dip that you can find at the entrance of the candle room, you
can also buy small bottles of oil from the chapel's store.

Candles are lit to help you send your prayers to the most holy mother and you can find
candles available inside the chapel.

Ceremonies:

The Ina ng Awa is thought to be a miraculous saint helping a lot of people in town. A lot of
people could testify that all their wishes were granted by praying the novena to the most holy
mother.

The oil that you can find inside the chapel is thought to heal the sick. The oil contains the
dried sampaguita (Jasmine) flowers that were offered to the saint and is thought to be the one doing
the wonders. Apart from the free oil dip that you can find at the entrance of the candle room, you
can also buy small bottles of oil from the chapel's store.

Candles are lit to help you send your prayers to the most holy mother and you can find
candles available inside the chapel.

The Mahal na Birhen Ina ng Awa in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, is a divine presence that encapsulates
the essence of compassion and mercy. The ceremonies held in honor of this revered Marian figure
are not just religious rituals; they are transformative experiences that connect the faithful to a
source of solace and empathy.

The atmosphere during the ceremonies at the Mahal na Birhen Ina ng Awa is charged with
a profound sense of devotion. The image of the Virgin Mary, radiating benevolence and love,
becomes a focal point for the community's collective prayers and supplications. The ceremonies
provide a sacred space for the faithful to seek comfort, guidance, and, most importantly, mercy in
the face of life's challenges.
 What sets these ceremonies apart is the palpable emotion that permeates the air. The
devotees' expressions of faith are not restrained but rather an outpouring of genuine sentiment.
Tears, heartfelt prayers, and fervent hymns create an atmosphere that transcends the boundaries
between the earthly and the divine. The Mahal na Birhen Ina ng Awa, as the embodiment of mercy,
becomes a confidante to the sorrows and joys of the people.

The rituals themselves are a testament to the cultural richness of Filipino Catholicism.
Traditional music, dance, and processions weave seamlessly into the fabric of the ceremonies,
adding a layer of cultural identity to the religious observances. These ceremonies are not just about
piety; they are about celebrating a shared cultural heritage that has been passed down through
generations.

Participating in the ceremonies at the Mahal na Birhen Ina ng Awa is not a passive act. It is
an immersion into a spiritual journey where the boundaries between the individual and the divine
blur. The rituals become a means of catharsis, a release of burdens, and an affirmation of faith that
goes beyond mere religious obligation.

In a world often marked by chaos and uncertainty, the ceremonies at the Mahal na Birhen
Ina ng Awa offer a sanctuary of peace and compassion. They serve as a reminder that, even in the
face of life's challenges, there exists a source of unwavering mercy, ready to embrace those who
seek solace and understanding.

Research Argument

In the heart of Laguna province lies a town with a history as vibrant and diverse as the colors
that adorn its local festivals - Santa Cruz. The pages of its local history unfold a narrative of
resilience, cultural synthesis, and an unyielding spirit that has withstood the tests of time.

Santa Cruz, like many towns in the Philippines, bears the marks of colonial influence. The
Spanish colonial period left an indelible imprint on its landscape, with churches and religious
institutions standing as witnesses to a complex history. While some may view these legacies
through a critical lens, they are undeniably integral to understanding the town's cultural tapestry.

The town's skyline is punctuated by the steeples of churches, each echoing tales of devotion
and religious fervor. Santa Cruz's religious heritage, deeply intertwined with its local history, is
not just a testament to centuries-old traditions but also a living narrative of faith that has weathered
the storms of change.

As an agricultural hub, Santa Cruz has been the custodian of traditional farming practices
that have sustained generations. Despite the challenges posed by modernization, the town has
managed to strike a delicate balance between preserving its agricultural heritage and adapting to
the demands of the contemporary world.

The echoes of resistance against colonial oppression resonate in the historical accounts of
Santa Cruz. Local heroes, whose stories are woven into the fabric of the town, stood against the
tide of adversity during the Japanese occupation and World War II. Their sacrifices are the bedrock
of the resilience that defines Santa Cruz.

Yet, with progress comes a set of challenges. The delicate dance between preserving
historical sites and embracing modern development is a tightrope walk that Santa Cruz faces. The
balance between progress and heritage preservation is a conversation that the community must
engage in actively.

What stands out in the local history of Santa Cruz is the undying spirit of its people.
Festivals, like the colorful Turumba Festival, are not just celebrations but manifestations of a
community's resilience, unity, and pride. The people of Santa Cruz don't just carry the weight of
history; they dance with it, sing with it, and celebrate it.

In conclusion, Santa Cruz, Laguna, is more than a dot on the map; it's a living testament to
the intricate interplay of history, culture, and the indomitable spirit of its people. Its local history
is not a tale of the past but a dynamic force that continues to shape the present and inspire the
future. Santa Cruz isn't just a town; it's a living, breathing story waiting to be explored and
celebrated.