Simbahan ng Barasoain

Ang Simbahan ng Barasoain ay isang Katolikong simbahang matatagpuan sa Lungsod ng Malolos, Bulacan. Dito naganap ang tatlong mahahalagang pangyayari sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas: ang pagpupulong ng Unang Kongreso ng Pilipinas noong Setyembre 15, 1898; ang pagbalangkas sa Konstitusyon ng Malolos mula noong Setyembre 29, 1898 hanggang Enero 21, 1899; at ang pagpapasinaya ng Unang Republika ng Pilipinas noong Enero 23, 1899.[1] Sa pamamagitan ng Atas ng Pangulo Blg. 260, iprinoklama ni Pangulong Ferdinand E. Marcos ang simbahan bilang isang pambansang liwasan noong Agosto 1, 1973.[2]

This is one of the most unique destinations in our Laguna Loop Tour. Its quite bizaare actually, but its fun. It has been a long time dream of mine to go to the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery. But work scedule and logistics usually hamper my travel plans. Then last week, all plans came into reality. My friends and I tread the road less travelled to the town of Nagcarlan to see the beauty of its underground cemetery.

Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery

The Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery in Laguna is the only one of its kind in the Philippines - it is a burial site located inside, or more accurately, beneath a church. This church is rich in history - it was built and designed for funeral mass in 1845 by the Franciscan priest Fr. Vicente Velloc. He also directed the construction of an underground graveyard 15 feet below the church.

Tombs beneath the church Flights of stairs lead down to the tombs; the oldest tomb was dated 1886. The underground cemetery was declared a national historical landmark by the National Historical Institute in 1978. The privileged ones buried here came from elite Catholic families.

Stairs leading to the underground graveyard The Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery is considered a national historical landmark because its underground crypt was used as a secret meeting place in 1896 by Filipino revolutionaries or Katipuneros, members of the KKK. During the Filipino-American War, Filipino patriots also used the underground cemetery to formulate their battle plans and to seek shelter. It also became a safehouse for Filipino guerillas during World War II. There is no famous hero buried here but perhaps, it is enough that we pay our respects to this place where our nameless heroes and patriots sought sanctuary.

Secret meeting place of Filipino patriots At present, the church is no longer operational, regular masses are not held here anymore. But on special occasions such as the Feast of Christ the King and during Holy Week, Mass is celebrated here. The senakulo or staged presentation of Christs last days during the Lenten Season is also held here.

Elementary and high school students are the frequent visitors to the underground cemetery. Architecture students also come here to study the structure, while other curious tourists visit here to enjoy the peaceful scenery.

There are no entrance fees to be paid. The Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery is open on Tuesdays to Sundays, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. You may take photos of Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery but these should be for your personal use only. Photos of Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery:

Tombs at Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery

The door leading to the church

Archway leading to the underground crypt

Nagcarlan Underground Church Marker and Crypt Marker

BRIEF HISTORY OF CORREGIDOR

Corregidor comes from the Spanish word corregir, meaning to correct. One story states that due to the Spanish system wherein all ships entering Manila Bay were required to stop and have their documents checked and corrected, the island was called "Isla del Corregidor" (Island of the Correction). Another version claims that the island was used a penitentiary or correctional institution by the Spanish and came to be called "El Corregidor." In early and pre-hispanic times, it was likely populated by fishermen and no doubt provided a base for pirates who could easily launch an attack against any vessel entering Manila Bay. During the Spanish era this tadpole-shaped island was a signal station where bonfires were lit to alert Manila of a homecoming galleon. Later on, Spaniards built a lighthouse on the island. The Spaniards set up a naval dockyard on the island in 1795. This was followed by a naval hospital and a signal station which was used primarily to warn Manila of approaching enemies. In 1836 a lighthouse was built and in 1853 a stronger light was installed. This was replaced in 1897 and remained in use until the outbreak of the Pacific War, during which it was heavily damaged and rebuilt to the same specifications. During the Spanish times, the small town of San Jose emerged to become the seat of government on the island. Later under the Americans, it evolved into a small community with its paved streets lined with the houses of the Philippine Scouts who constituted the bulk of the garrison in Corregidor.

After the defeat of the Spanish forces by Admiral George Dewey in May of 1898, Spain ceded Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the Americans under the Treaty of Paris which was signed on December 10, 1898. In 1903 a former Spanish garrison building there was converted to a convalescent hospital. The island was designated as a U.S. Military Reservation in 1907 and the army post on Corregidor was named Fort Mills, after Brig. Gen. Samuel M. Mills, chief of artillery of the U.S. Army in 1905-1906. A regular army post was later established in 1908. The following year army engineers of H company, 2nd Battalion of the U.S. Corps of Engineers began to build fortifications on the island to secure the seaward approach to Manila Bay. This was part of the planned "Harbor Defenses of Manila and Subic Bay" due to the strategic location of Corregidor. Concrete emplacements and bomb-proof shelters were constructed and trails and roads were laid out on the island. This engineer contingent left on March 15, 1912, after laying down the groundwork to make Corregidor a great military bastion. Thus began the transformation of a small fishing village into a fortress and site of one of the most heroic battles in the history of war. The big guns of Corregidor in 1941 were used in support of Filipino and American defenders of Bataan until the island itself was invaded by Japanese Forces. The restless pounding by Japanese guns including intermittent bombings reduced its defenses and compelled its surrender. On January 22, 1945, Corregidor was once again caught in the fury of war as the Americans retook the island after a bloody battle.

Corregidor is a small rocky island in the Philippines about 48 kilometers west of Manila which is stragetically located at the entrance of Manila Bay. This island fortress stands as a memorial for the courage, valor, and heroism of its Filipino and American defenders who bravely held their ground against the overwhelming number of invading Japanese forces during World War II. Also known as "the Rock," it was a key bastion of the Allies during the war. When the Japanese invaded the Philippines in December 1941, the military force under the command of Gen. Douglas MacArthur carried out a delaying action at Bataan. Corregidor became the headquarters of the Allied

forces and also the seat of the Philippine Commonwealth government. It was from Corregidor that Philippine President Manuel Quezon and General MacArthur left for Australia in February 1942, leaving behind Lt. Gen. Jonathan M. Wainwright in command. Although Bataan fell on April 9, 1942, the Philippine and American forces held out at Corregidor for 27 days against great odds. On May 6, 1942, their rations depleted, the Allied forces were forced to surrender Corregidor to Lt. Gen. Homma Masaharu of the Japanese Imperial Army after having successfully halted the Japanese advance on Australia. It was only two years and ten months later in March 1945 when the Allied forces under the command of General MacArthur recaptured Corregidor ... making good his promise to return to the Philippines. The big guns of Corregidor are now silent and the ruins of buildings, structures, and tunnels in the island tell a very moving story of a war that has claimed so many lives. A visit to this former battleground is a memorable experience especially for those who cherish and value peace and freedom. In his speech delivered at the signing of the surrender of Japan aboard the U.S.S. Missouri at Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945, General Douglas MacArthur said, "It is my earnest hope and indeed the hope of all mankind that a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past - a world founded upon faith and understanding, a world dedicated to the dignity of man and the fulfillment of his most cherished wish for freedom, tolerance and justice."

Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago, a 16th century military defense structure, stands witness to the valor and heroism of the Filipino through the centuries.Adaptive use of this famous historical landmark makes certain areas ideal for open air theater,picnics,and promenades. The Intramuros Visitors center gives an overview of the various attractions in the walled city. The location of Fort Santiago was once the site of a wooden fort of Rajah Sulaiman, a Muslim chieftain of pre-Hispanic Manila. It was destroyed by the conquistadors (Martin de Goiti) when, upon arriving in 1570, they fought several battles with the Islamic natives. The Spaniards built the Fuerza de Santiago and the fortified city of Intramuros in 1571, and made Manila the capital of the Philippines. The first fort was a structure of logs and earth. Most of it was destroyed in the Spanish-Chinese War of (1574-1575), by invading Chinese pirates led by James Alquizar also known as "tatang". Martin de Goiti died during the siege. After a fierce conflict, the Spaniards eventually drove the pirates out to Pangasinan, where the last conquistador (Juan de Salcedo) avenged the death of Goiti by capturing James Alquizar and burning him to death with his subordinates. Reconstruction of the fort with hard stone commenced in 1589 and finished in 1592. It became a main fort for the spice trade to the Americas and Europe for 333 years. The famous Manila Galleon trade to Acapulco, Mexico began from the Fuerza de Santiago. The fort is shielded by 22 feet (6.7 m)-high walls, with a thickness of 8 feet (2.4 m) and an entrance measuring 40 feet (12 m) high. It is located at the mouth of the Pasig River and it once served as the premier defense fortress of the Spanish Government in the Philippines. During World War II it was captured by the Japanese, and sustained heavy damage from American and

Filipino mortar shells during the Battle of Manila in February 1945. It was later restored by the Intramuros Administration during the 1980s. Today the fort serves as a museum which houses well-preserved legacies of the Spanish government, Jos Rizal (which is called the Plaza de Armas), Rizal Shrine, and the prison dungeons for criminals used by the Spanish officials. In an October 2010 report titled Saving Our Vanishing Heritage, Global Heritage Fund identified Fort Santiago as one of 12 worldwide sites most "On the Verge" of irreparable loss and destruction, citing insufficient management and development pressures.

Palasyo ng Malakanyang

Ang Palasyo ng Malakanyang kapag tinanaw mula sa Ilog ng Pasig. Ang Palasyo ng Malakanyang (Ingles: Malacaang Palace) ay opisyal na tirahan ng pangulo ng Pilipinas. Nagmula ang pangalan mula sa pananalitang May lakan diyan dahil dating nakatira dito ang isang mayamang Kastilang negosyante bago pa ito naging tirahan ng punong tagaganap ng bansa. Matatagpuan sa hilagang pampang ng Ilog Pasig sa Maynila. Tumutukoy sa opisyal na tirahan ng pangulo ang Palasyo ng Malakanyang samantalang tumutukoy ang Malakanyang sa

tanggapan ng pangulo at pang-araw-araw na pagtutukoy ng medya. Ipinapakita ito sa verso (likod) na bahagi ng 20-pisong salapi. Ngayon, ang compleks ay binubuo ng Palasyo ng Malakanyang, ang Bonifacio Hall (dati'y tinawag na Premier Guest House na ginamit ni Pangulong Corazon Aquino bilang kanyang opisina at ni Pangulong Joseph Ejercito Estrada bilang kanyang bahay), ang Kalayaan Hall (ang dating gusaling naging tirahan ng mga pinuno sa ilalim ng pamumuno ng mga Amerikano), ang Mabini Hall (ang gusali ng administrasyon) at ang New Executive Building (na ipinatayo ni Pangulong Aquino) kasama ang ilang maliliit na gusali. Katapat ng Palasyo ang Parke ng Malacanyang, na mayroong golf course, parke, billets para sa mga guwardya ng pangulo, isang bahay na mala-Komonwelt ang itsura (Bahay Pangarap) at recreation hall.

Epifanio de los Santos Avenue

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Epifanio de los Santos Avenue

23.8 km (14.8 mi) Length: North end: Monumento Rotonda in Caloocan Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard/ in Pasay Roxas Blvd in Pasay Taft Ave in Pasay SLEX at Magallanes in Makati Ayala Avenue in Makati Gil Puyat Ave (Buendia) in Makati Shaw Blvd at Crossing in Major Mandaluyong junctions: Ortigas Ave in Mandaluyong Aurora Blvd at Cubao in Quezon City Kamuning in Quezon City Quezon Ave in Quezon City North Avenue in Quezon City Roosevelt/Congressional in Quezon City

NLEX/A. Bonifacio Avenue in Balintawak Quezon City MacArthur Highway/Rizal Avenue Extension in Caloocan City South end: SM Mall of Asia in Pasay

EDSA's location within Metro Manila The cities it passes through are indicated in orange.

Street sign of EDSA in Quezon City. Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA, pronounced ed-sah), formerly known as Highway 54, is the main circumferential road and highway of Metro Manila in the Philippines. It is an important commuting artery between the northern and southern parts of the metropolitan area. EDSA is a partially-controlled access, mostly 10-lane divided highway (expressway), with three

general lanes and the two outer lanes reserved for buses and other HOV traffic. EDSA has many interchanges along its length that eliminate the need for traffic lights, though traffic lights exist where there is insufficient space or funds for a complete interchange. EDSA handles 316,345 cars per section on average every day.[1] Stretching some 24 kilometers, it is one of the longest avenues in the Philippines. EDSA forms the majority portion of the Circumferential Road 4 (C-4) in Metro Manila. Although it never runs within (nor adjacent to) the city limits of Manila proper, it runs in a rough semicircle around Metropolitan Manila and, from the south, passes through the cities of Pasay, Makati, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, and Caloocan. Its southern endpoint is at a roundabout near the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay and its northern terminus is at Monumento, a monument to Andrs Bonifacio, in Caloocan. When the avenue was constructed during the presidency of Manuel L. Quezon, it was named 19 de Junio (June 19), after the birthday of national hero Jos Rizal. It was later renamed Highway 54, and under Republic Act No. 2140 in 1959 was further renamed in honor of Epifanio de los Santos, a noted Filipino historian.[2] The Metro Rail Transit (MRT), Line 3 of the metropolis' railway system, runs along most of EDSA, from Taft Avenue in the south to North Avenue near the SM City North EDSA Mall in northern EDSA. The Light Rail Transit (LRT), Line 1, runs from the EDSA - North Ave. intersection in Quezon City to the Monumento roundabout in Caloocan City where the rail line turns left to Rizal Avenue Extension. The Light Rail Transit (LRT), Line 2 can be seen along the intersection EDSA and the rail line's path, Aurora Boulevard. EDSA also figures prominently in the recent history of the Philippines for being the site of two peaceful demonstrations that toppled the administration of two Filipino presidentsthe People Power Revolution of 1986 against Ferdinand Marcos and the EDSA Revolution of 2001 against Joseph Estrada.

Labanan sa Pasong Tirad

Mula sa Tagalog na Wikipedia, ang malayang ensiklopedya

Ang Labanan sa Pasong Tirad ay isa sa mga labanan ng Pilipino at Amerikano kung saan ang namuno sa mga Pilipino ay si Hen. Gregorio del Pilar.

[baguhin] Mga nangyari

Noong Disyembre 2, 1899, pinatakas ni Hen. Gregorio del Pilar si Hen. Emilio Aguinaldo sa kamay ng mga Amerikano. Mahigit 100 sundalo ang nakipaglaban sa mga amerikanong sundalo na tinatawag na "sharpshooters" dahil sa galing nilang humawak at gumamit ng armas tulad ng baril. Mahigit 50 sundalo naman ang namatay kasama na si Hen. Gregorio del Pilar. Pero nadakip pa rin ng mga Amerikano si Hen. Emilio Aguinaldo dahil hindi niya alam kung saan siya pupunta kaya siya ay pinatay.

[baguhin] Dagdag kaalaman

Unang araw ng Disyembre nang mapasailalim ang Concepcion sa mga Gringo. Ang Kabundukan ng Concepcion ay Tirad, na kasalukuyan sina Aquinaldo, Del Pilar at kanilang rebolusyonaryo'y patuloy ang pagtakas sa dahilang pag habol sa kanila ng tropa ni Major Peyton March na may "nom de guerre", January Galoot. Karamihan sa mga sundalong Gringo ay beterano ng "Indian Wars" at nakakarami dito'y mga "sharpshooters". Napabalita na mayroong napatay na 53 rebeldeng Pilipino at kabilang dito ay si Heneral Del Pilar. EDSA People Power Revolution

The Philippines was praised worldwide in 1986, when the so-called bloodless revolution erupted, called EDSA People Powers Revolution. February 25, 1986 marked a significant national event that has been engraved in the hearts and minds of every Filipino. This part of Philippine history gives us a strong sense of pride especially that other nations had attempted to emulate what we have shown the world of the true power of democracy. The true empowerment of democracy was exhibited in EDSA by its successful efforts to oust a tyrant by a demonstration without tolerance for violence and bloodshed. Prayers and rosaries strengthened by faith were the only weapons that the Filipinos used to recover their freedom from President Ferdinand Marcoss iron hands. The Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) stretches 54 kilometers, where the peaceful demonstration was held on that fateful day. It was a day that gathered all Filipinos in unity with courage and faith to prevail democracy in the country. It was the power of the people, who assembled in EDSA, that restored the democratic Philippines, ending the oppressive Marcos regime. Hence, it came to be known as the EDSA People Powers Revolution. The revolution was a result of the long oppressed freedom and the life threatening abuses executed by the Marcos government to cite several events like human rights violation since the tyrannical Martial Law Proclamation in 1972. In the years that followed Martial Law started the suppressive and abusive years incidents of assassination were rampant, particularly those who opposed the government, individuals and companies alike were subdued. The Filipinos reached the height of their patience when former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Sr. was shot and killed at the airport in August 21, 1983, upon his return to the Philippines from exile in the United States. Aquinos death marked the day that Filipinos learned to fight. His grieving wife, Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino showed the Filipinos and the world the strength and courage to claim back the democracy that Ferdinand Marcos arrested for his personal caprice. Considering the depressing economy of the country, Ninoys death further intensified the contained resentment of the Filipinos. In the efforts to win back his popularity among the people, Marcos held a snap presidential election in February 7, 1986, where he was confronted with a strong and potent opposition, Corazon Aquino. It was the most corrupt and deceitful election held in the Philippine history. There was an evident trace of electoral fraud as the tally of votes were declared with discrepancy between the official count by the COMELEC (Commission on Elections) and the count of NAMFREL (National Movement for Free Elections). Such blatant corruption in that election was the final straw of tolerance by the Filipinos of the Marcos regime. The demonstration started to break in the cry for democracy and the demand to oust Marcos from his seat at Malacaang Palace. The revolt commenced when Marcos' Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and the Armed Forces Vice-Chief of Staff command of Fidel V. Ramos, both withdrew their support from the government and called upon the resignation of then President Marcos. They responsibly barricaded Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo and had their troops ready to combat against possible armed attack organized by Marcos and his troops. The Catholic Church represented by Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin along with the priests and nuns called for the support of all Filipinos who believed in democracy. Radyo Veritas aired the message of Cardinal Sin that summoned thousands of Filipinos to march the street of EDSA. It was an empowering demonstration that aimed to succeed peacefully with the intervention of faith. Nuns kneeled in front of tanks with rosaries in their hands and uttering their prayers. With the power of prayers, the armed marine troops under the command of Marcos withdrew from the site. Celebrities expressed their support putting up a presentation to showcase the injustices and the anomalies carried out by the Marcos administration. Finally, in the morning of February 25, 1986, Corazon Aquino took the presidential

oath of office, administered by the Supreme Court Associate Justice Claudio Teehankee at Club Filipino located in San Juan. Aquino was proclaimed as the 11th President of the Republic of the Philippines. She was the first lady president of the country. People rejoiced over their victory proving the success of the EDSA Peoples Power Revolution, the historic peaceful demonstration. Although in 2001, there was an attempt to revive People Power in the efforts to oust then President Joseph Estrada, it was not as strong as the glorifying demonstration in 1986. The bloodless, People Power Revolution in EDSA renewed the power of the people, strengthened the meaning of democracy and restored the democratic institutions of government. Continue to the 5th Republic (1986) up to the Present Time.

BIAK NA BATO San Miguel, Bulacan Historical, Ecological A huge split boulder which is the mountain hideout of the revolutionary forces during the Spanish regime and the place where the Malolos Constitution was signed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and Pedro Paterno. It is where the historic Biak-na-Bato Republic was established.The park appeals to the adventurous spirit with its challenging rock formations. Hanging bridges and staircases connecting rivers and caves make for a pleasurable exploration.Among the many ecological attractions in Biak-na-Bato National Park are Bahay Paniki Cave, Aguinaldo Cave, Madlum Cave, Tanggapan Cave, and Tilandong Falls. iak-na-Bato National Park Travel Recommendations

Bataan: Dambana ng Kagitingan in Bataan

Every year, April 9 has always been among the much-awaited public holidays in the Philippines. This year, it fell on Easter Monday giving everyone a

five-day vacation which I'm sure kept resorts nationwide filled to the brim. But, aside from it being a holiday, do most Filipinos know what Araw ng Kagitingan is all about? On April 9, 1942, approximately 75,000 Filipino and United States soldiers, commanded by Major General Edward "Ned" P. King, Jr., formally surrendered to the Japanese army under Lt. General Masaharu Homma. Over the next few days, these prisoners of war were transferred to Camp O'Donnell in what would become the Bataan Death March.

To commemorate the gallantry of these troops, April 9 of every year was declared Araw ng Kagitingan. The Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) was also built on top of Mount Samat in 1966 in memory of the soldiers who saw action during the Second World War. The most distinct feature of the shrine is the Memorial Cross, a 92-meter marble, steel and concrete structure built 555 meters above sea level. At the base of the cross is a sculptural bas relief that depicts important historical events and battles in the Philippines. An elevator takes visitors up a viewing deck in the arms of the cross.

Every April 9, the President together with the ambassadors of the United States and Japan, leaders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and surviving WWII veterans visit the shrine to commemorate the said surrender and the start of the Bataan Death March. Although she was scheduled to join the ceremonies this year, President Arroyo had to beg off due to the medical situation of the First Gentleman.

Anyway, to remember this day, here is the transcript of "Bataan has fallen" which was written by Salvador P. Lopez and read from the Malinta Tunnel in Corregidor on the Voice of Freedom radio broadcast: Bataan has fallen. The PhilippineAmerican troops on this war-ravaged and bloodstained peninsula have laid down their arms. With heads bloody but unbowed, they have yielded to the superior force and numbers of the enemy. The world will long remember the epic struggle that Filipino and American soldiers put up in the jungle fastness and along the rugged coast of Bataan. They have stood up uncomplaining under the constant and grueling fire of the enemy for more that three months. Besieged on land and blockaded by sea, cut off from all sources of help in the Philippines and in America, the intrepid fighters have done all that human endurance could bear.

For what sustained them through all these months of incessant battle was a force that was more than merely physical. It was the force of an unconquerable faith--something in the heart and soul that physical hardship and adversity could not destroy! It was the thought of native land and all that it holds most dear, the thought of freedom and dignity and pride in these most priceless of all our human prerogatives.

The adversary, in the pride of his power and triumph, will credit our troops with nothing less than the courage and fortitude that his own troops have shown in battle. Our men have fought a brave and bitterly contested struggle. All the world will testify to the most superhuman endurance with which they stood up until the last in the face of overwhelming odds. But the decision had to come. Men fighting under the banner of unshakable faith are made of something more that flesh, but they are not made of impervious steel. The flesh must yield at last, endurance melts away, and the end of the battle must come. Bataan has fallen, but the spirit that made it stand--a beacon to all the liberty-loving peoples of the world--cannot fall!