Addresses & telephone numbers provided may refer to hotel location sales offices.
Philippine Country Code is +63. Just replace the 0 if calling overseas.
1.Metro Manila
-Shangri-la Hotel Makati
Ayala Ave. cor. Makati Ave., Makati City
Tel: 8138888
-EDSA Shangri-la Hotel
Gardenway, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
Tel: 6338888
-Dusit Thani Manila
Ayala Center, Makati City
Tel: 8673333
-Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Manila
Tel: 5515555
-Inter-Continental Manila
No. 1 Ayala Ave., Makati City
Tel: 7937000
-The Peninsula Manila
Ayala Ave. cor. Makati Ave., Makati City
Tel: 8103456
-Mandarin Oriental Manila
Paseo de Roxas cor. Makati Ave., Makati City
Tel: 7508888
-Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila
1588 Pedro Gil cor. M.H. Del Pilar, Malate, Manila
Tel: 2451234 / 2478644
-Diamond Hotel Philippines
Roxas Blvd. cor. Dr. J. Quintos St., Manila
Tel: 5283000
-Century Park Hotel
599 P. Ocampo St., Malate, Manila
Tel: 5288888
-The Heritage Hotel Manila
Roxas Blvd. cor. EDSA, Pasay City
Tel: 8548888
-City Garden Hotel Makati
Makati cor. Kalayaan Ave., Makati City
Tel: 8991111
-Hotel Rembrandt
26 Tomas Morato Ave., Quezon City
Tel: 3733333 / 3723751/ 3723761/ 3723708
-Imperial Palace Suites
Timog Ave. cor. Tomas Morato Ave., Quezon City
Tel: 9278001–05
-The Pearl Manila Hotel
Gen. Luna St. cor. Taft & UN Ave., Manila
Tel: 5234684 / 4000088
-Makati Sunette Tower
Makati Ave. cor. Durban St., Makati City
Tel: 8971804/06/08 / 8952726
-Lotus Garden Hotel
1227 Mabini cor. P. Faura St., Manila
Tel: 5221515 / 5232575
-Pearl Garden Hotel
1700 M. Adriatico St., Malate, Manila
Tel: 5251000
-Jupiter Arms Hotel
102 Jupiter St. Bel Air, Makati City
Tel: 8905050
-City Garden Suites
1158 A. Mabini St., Ermita, Manila
Tel: 5361451–64
-The Corporate Inn Hotel
1005 M. Orosa cor. T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila
Tel: 5265001
-Palm Plaza Hotel
Pedro Gil cor. M. Adriatico St., Malate, Manila
Tel: 5221000
-Executive Plaza Hotel
1630 A. Mabini St., Malate, Manila
Tel: 5231000
-Las Palmas Hotel
1616 A. Mabini St., Malate, Manila
Tel: 5211000
-Fraser Place Manila
Forbes Tower Valero St. Salcedo Village, Makati City
Tel: 8181818
-Holiday Inn Galleria Manila
One Asian Development Bank Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Tel: 6337111
-Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila
Ortigas Ave. cor. Asian Development Bank Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Tel: 6337222
-Herald Suites
2168 Don Chino Roces St., Makati City
Tel: 7596270-75
-Orchid Garden Hotel
620 Pablo Ocampo Sr. St., Malate, Manila
Tel: 5239836
-Parque Espana Residence Hotel
5309 East Asia Drive Filinvest Corporation City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Tel: 8505847 / 8505903
-The Pan Pacific Manila
M. Adriatico cor. Gen. Malvar St., Malate, Manila
Tel: 5360788
-AIM Conference Center Manila
Benavidez cor. Trasierra St. Legaspi Village, Makati City
Tel: 7501010
-Tiara Oriental Hotel
7248 Malugay St., Makati City
Tel: 7297888 / 8884145-46
-Camelot Hotel
35 Mother Ignacia Ave., Diliman, Quezon City
Tel: 3732101–10
-CEO Suites Corporate (Executive Orient Suites)
72 Jupiter St. Bel Air Village, Makati City
Tel: 8977272
-The Linden Suites
37 San Miguel Ave. Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Tel: 6387878
-Quantum Hotels and Resorts
6784 Ayala Ave. cor. VA Rufino St., Makati City
Tel: 8640941–45
-Travelers Inn
Makati Ave. cor. Dapo St., Makati City
Tel: 8957061–71
-The Legend Villas
60 Pioneer cor. Madison St., Mandaluyong City
Tel: 6331501–10
-The Mabuhay Manor
2933 F.B. Harrison cor. Ortigas St., Pasay City
Tel: 8314641–44
-Networld Hotel
Roxas Blvd. cor. Sen Gil Puyat Ave., Pasay City
Tel: 5367777
-Renaissance Makati City Hotel
Esperanza St. cor. Makati Ave., Makati City
Tel: 8116888
-Hotel Celeste
2 San Lorenzo Drive cor. A. Arnaiz Ave., Makati City
Tel: 8878080
-Torre Venezia
62 Scout Santiago St. cor. Timog Ave., Quezon City
Tel: 3321658–60
-Boulevard Mansion (Hotel & Residential Suites)
1440 Roxas Blvd., Ermita, Manila
Tel: 5218888
-Mabini Mansion Hotel & Residential Suites
011 A. Mabini St. near UN Ave., Ermita, Manila
Tel: 5214776–89
-Amorsolo Mansion Apartment & Suites
130 Amorsolo cor. Herrera St. Lagaspi Village, Makati City
Tel: 8186811–19
-Manila Pavilion
United Nations Ave., Ermita, Manila
Tel: 5261212
-Crown Regency Hotel Makati
1026 Arnaiz Ave., Makati City
Tel: 8450211–15
-Discovery Suites
25 AD8 Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Tel: 6838222
-The Bellevue Manila
North Bridge Way Northgate Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Tel: 7718181
-Traders Hotel Manila
3001 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
Tel: 5237011 / 5263971–80
-Richville Hotel
286 EDSA Crossing, Mandaluyong City
Tel: 5337080–84
-The Malayan Plaza (Quantum Serviced Suites)
ADB Ave. cor. Opal St., Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Tel: 7060055
-Hostel 1632
1632 Adriatico St., Malate, Manila
Tel: 5261000
-G Hotel Manila by Waterfront
2090 Roxas Blvd., Malate, Manila
Tel: 5250888
-Atrium Hotel
Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. cor. Taft Ave., Pasay City
Tel: 5520351
-The Richmonde Hotel
San Miguel Ave. cor. Lourdes St., Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Tel: 6387777
-The Sulo Hotel
Matalino Road, Diliman, Quezon City
Tel: 9245051–71
-SOGO Regency Hotel
2120 A. Mabini St., Malate, Manila
Tel: 5227646 / 5230782
-Eurotel
Las Pinas City or Quezon City
Tel: 8067646 / 8050095 / 9112968
-Astoria Plaza
15 J. Escriva Drive, Ortigas Business District, Pasig City
Tel: 5871111
-Vivere Suites
5102 Bridgeway Ave. Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Tel: 7717777
878 Residencia De Libis
E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Libis, Quezon City
Tel: 7090154 / 7090370
-The A. Venue Hotel Suites (Antel Lifestyle City)
7829 Makati Ave., Makati City
Tel: 4030888 / 4030865
-Manila Grand Opera Hotel
925 Rizal Ave. cor. Doroteo Jose St. Sta. Cruz, Manila
Tel: 3140090–99
-Fernandina 88 Suites Hotel
222 P. Tuazon Blvd. Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City
Tel: 9113169 / 9116965
*Baguio
-Hotel Veniz
One Abanao St., Baguio City
Tel: (074) 4460700–03
-The Manor Camp John Hay
Camp John Hay Loakan Road., Baguio City
Tel: (632) 8450892 / (074) 4240960
-Summer Place Hotel
Km. 288 Marcos Highway, Baguio City
Tel: (074) 4460560 / 4465400 / (632) 7838355
-The Golden Pine Hotel & Restaurant
Tel: (074) 4449965–71 / (632) 7408975
-Microtel Baguio
Upper Session Road, Baguio City
Tel: (074) 6193333 / (632) 6717171
-City Travel Hotel
15 Kisad Road, Baguio City
Tel: (074) 4450456
-PNKY Home Bed and Breakfast
13 Leonard Wood Road, Baguio City
Tel: (074) 4445418 / (632) 7570873
-Starwood Hotel
Kisad Road cor. Marcos Highway along BGH Rotonda, Baguio City
Tel: (074) 4465830–32
-Burnham Suites
6 Kisad Road, Baguio City
Tel: (074) 4242211–15
*Dagupan
-Star Plaza Hotel
A.B. Fernandez Ave., Dagupan City
Tel: (075) 5234888 / 5234111
-Lenox Hotel
Rizal St., Dagupan City
Tel: (075) 5158889 / 5231264 / 5157095
*Pangasinan
Puerto Del Sol
Brgy. Ilog Malino Bolinao, Pangasinan
Tel: (632) 6312861 / 6378963
*Nueva Ecija
-Microtel Cabanatuan
Sta. Arcadia, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija
Tel: (044) 4647777 / (632) 6717171
*Clark
-Oxford Hotel
M. Roxas St. cor. Ano Ave., Clark Special Zone, Pampanga
Tel: (045) 4997888 / (632) 8192994
-Hotel Vida
5414 M.A. Roxas Highway, Clark Freeport Zone
Tel: (045) 4991000 / (632) 5844091
-The Montevista Villas, Academy Lane, Mimosa Leisure Estate
Clark Freeport, Pampanga
Tel: (045) 5997000 / (632) 5844047/07
*Batangas
-Days Hotel
Tel: (043) 9807321 / 9808499 / 9802886 / (632) 8971111
-Pontefino
Gulod Labac, Balangas City
Tel: (043) 7233466/ (632) 6359364
-Microtel Sto. Tomas
First Philippine Industrial Park, Sto. Tomas, Batangas
Tel: (632) 6717171
-LIMA Park Hotel
LIMA Technology Center, Malvar, Batangas
Tel: (043) 9811555 / (632) 6359365
-Batangas Country Club
Tel: (043) 7221228 / (632) 7228117 / 7232239
*Cavite
-Island Cove
Binakayan Kawit, Cavite
Tel: (046) 4340210 / (632) 8107878
-Microtel Eagle Ridge
Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club Amadeo Road, Gen. Trias, Cavite
Tel: (046) 5093333 / (632) 6717171
-Corregidor Inn
Corregidor Island, Cavite City
Tel: 8316140 / 8346858 / 526-8888 Loc 9511
*Tagaytay
-Evercrest Golf Resort, Inc.
Km. 72 Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas
Tel: (632) 7129293–98
-Days Hotel
Tel: (632) 8436813 / (046) 4132410
-Estancia Resort Hotel
Zone II Bay San Jose, Tagaytay City
Tel: (046) 4131133–35
-Taal Vista Hotel
Km. 60 Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City
Tel: (632) 8664325 / (046) 4131000
-Hotel Dominique
Km. 55 Aguinaldo Highway Maitim II East, Tagaytay City
Tel: (046) 4130531 / (632) 8208465 / 8264772
-Tagaytay Country Hotel
Olivarez Plaza E Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City
Tel: (632) 8264332
-Phinma Training Center
Tagaytay City
Tel: (046) 4834303 / (632) 6717171
-The Windy Ridge Hotel
Tagaytay Rotonda Brgy. San Jose, Tagaytay City
Tel: (046) 4134353 / 8602689
-One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites
Barrio Sungay, Tagaytay City
Tel: (632) 5844111 / (046) 4830111 / 4835313–17
*Laguna
-Technopark Hotel
Greenfield Auto Park next to Ford Philippines
Tel: (049) 5413089–94 / (632) 7228117 / 7232531
*Ilocos
-Fort Ilocandia Resort & Casino
Barangay 37 Calayab, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Tel: (077) 7721168
-Java Hotel
Brgy. 55 Salet Gen. Segundo Ave., Laoag City, llocos Norte
Tel: (077) 7705996/97 / (632) 2461010
-Laoag Parklane Hotel
Brgy. 55A Barit General Segundo Ave., Laoag City
Tel: (077) 7705275 / 7705271
-Hotel Tiffany
Gen. Segundo Ave., Laoag City, llocos Norte
Tel: (077) 7703550
*Tarlac
-Microtel Luisita
Luisita, San Miguel, Tarlac
Tel: (045) 9851770 / (632) 6717171
*Cebu
-Crown Regency Residences Cebu
V. Rama Ave. Guadalupe, Cebu
Tel: (032) 2557541–48
-Crown Regency Hotel & Towers Cebu
Tower 1 Fuente Towers Osmena Boulevard, Cebu
Tel: (032) 4188888
-Crown Regency Suites & Residences Mactan
Maximo Patanglinghug Jr. Ave., Lapu-lapu City, Mactan Island, Cebu
Tel: (032) 3414586–94
-Shangri-la's Mactan Island Resort & Spa
Punta Engano Road, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
Tel: (032) 2310288
-Sampaguita Suites
Tel: (032) 2533672 / 2535964
-Plantation Bay Resort and Spa
Tel: (632) 8445024--25 / 8445029
-Cebu Grand Hotel
Cebu Capitol Commercial Complex N. Escano St., Cebu
Tel: (032) 2546331
-Waterfront Cebu City Hotel
1 Waterfront Drive, Off Salinas Drive Lahug, Cebu
Tel. (032) 2326888 / (632) 6870888
-Waterfront Airport Hotel & Casino
Airport Road Mactan, Lapu-lapu City, Cebu
Tel: (032) 3404888 / (632) 6870888
-Montebello Villa Hotel
Banilad, Cebu
Tel: (032) 2313681–89 / (632) 8903192 / 8903194
-Alegre Beach Resort
Calumboyan Sogod, Cebu
Tel: (032) 2556388 / 2549800 / 2549811 / 2549822 / (632) 6347505–07
-Cebu City Marriott Hotel
Cardinal Resales Ave., Cebu Business Park, Cebu
Tel: (032) 4156100
-Tambuli Resorts
Tel: (032) 4921888 / (632) 5222302–03
-Days Hotel
Tel: (032) 3410476 / (632) 8971111
-The Maxwell Hotel
N. Escario St., Cebu
Tel: (032) 2558700 / 2557800
-Golden Valley Hotel
155-A Pelaez St., Cebu
Tel: (032) 2538660 / 2538481
-Golden Prince Hotel & Suites
Acacia St. cor. Archbishop Reyes Ave., Cebu
Tel: (032) 2338660 / 4128660
-Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort
Maribago, Buyong, Mactan Island, Cebu
Tel: (032) 4920100 / 2325411
-Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa
Punta Engano Road Mactan Island, Cebu
Tel: (032) 4927777 local 7211 / (632) 7533131 / 7533003
-Cebu Midtown Hotel
Fuente Osmena, Cebu
Tel: (032) 2539711
-Marco Polo Plaza Cebu
Cebu Veterans Drive, Nivel Hills, Apas, Cebu
Tel: (032) 2531111
-Cebu Parklane International Hotel
Cor. Archbishop Reyes Ave. Escario St., Cebu
Tel: (032) 4117000 / (632) 8129984
-Rajah Park Hotel
Fuente Osmena, Cebu
Tel: (032) 4123337 / 4123939 / 4124849
-Microtel Mactan
Punta Engano Road Lapu-lapu City, Mactan Island, Cebu
Tel: (032) 2368888 / (632) 6717171
-Crowne Garden Hotel
Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu
Tel: (032) 4127517 / 4127759 / 2313036
-Pier Cuatro Hotel
3rd Ave. North Reclamation, Cebu
Tel: (032) 236PIER / 2361111/ 2366666
-Sotogrande Hotel & Resort
Dapdap Mactan, Lapu-lapu City, Cebu
Tel: (032) 2386689 / 2386590 / 2386592
-Alpa City Suites
Hernan Cortes cor. F. Cabahug St. Ayala Access, Cebu
Tel: (032) 5161425 / 2381668 / 4227171
-Cebu White Sands (Maribago Beach)
Looc. Maribago Mactan Island, Cebu
Tel: (032) 4952226 / 4959000–03 / 2361276–78
-City Park Hotel
F. Cabahug St. Mabolo, Cebu
Tel: (032) 2388833 / 4228833
-Pacific Cebu Resort
Suba-basbas, Lapu-lapu City, Cebu
Tel: (032) 4957000
*Boracay
-Microtel Boracay
Boracay, Aklan
Tel: (036) 2884311 / (632) 6717171
-Pearl of the Pacific Boracay
Tel: (632) 9260162
-Boracay Regency Beach Resort
Tel: (632) 5231234 / (036) 2886111–15
-The Tides
D’Mall Station 2, Boracay Island
Tel: (036) 2884517–18 / 2884543 / (632) 7253411
-One MGM
Manggayad, Manoc-Manoc, Boracay Island
Tel: (036) 2883411 / (632) 6343581
-Two Seasons Boracay
Tel: (036) 2884384 / (632) 4154652 / 4102175 / 4135903
-Crown Regency Beach Resort Boracay
Boat Station 3, Boracay Island
Tel: (036) 2881888
-Fairways & Bluewater (Resort Golf & Country Club)
New Coast, Boracay Island
Tel: (036) 2885587 / 2883423
-Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel
Boat Station 2, Boracay Island
Tel: (036) 2886209–12 / (632) 8996779 / 8900493
-Shangri-la Boracay Resort & Spa
Barangay Yapak, Boracay Island
Tel: (036) 2884988
*La Union
-La Union Country Resort Hotel, Inc.
Sevilla, San Fernando City, La Union
Tel: (072) 2425621
-Thunderbird Resorts
Poro Point Special Economic and Freeport Zone Pennsylvania Ave., San Fernando, La Union
Tel: (632) 8865555
*NAGA
-Avenue Plaza Hotel
Magsaysay Ave., Naga City
Tel: (054) 4739999
*Davao
-Crown Regency Residences Davao
J.P. Cabaguio Ave., Agdao, Davao City
Tel: (082) 2258186
-Apo View Hotel
J. Camus St., Davao City
Tel: (082) 2216430–40 / (632) 8931288 / 8939151
-Casa Leticia
J. Camus St., Davao City
Tel: (082) 2240501
-Grand Men Seng Hotel
Magallanes, Anda St., Davao City
Tel: (082) 2219040–49
-Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao
Lanang, Davao City
Tel: (082) 2343050 / (632) 6870888
-The Marco Polo Davao
C.M. Recto St., Davao City
Tel: (082) 2210888 / (632) 8930888
-Grand Regal Hotel Davao
Km 7 J.P. Laurel Ave., Lanang, Davao City
Tel: (082) 2350888 / 3008888 / (632) 7349092
-Microtel Davao
Damosa Gateway Complex, Mamay Road, Davao City
Tel: (082) 2332333 / (632) 6717171
-Pearl Farm Beach Resort
Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao City
Tel: (082) 2350876 / (632) 7501896–98
*Palawan
-The Legend Palawan
Malvar St. Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Tel: (632) 7022700
-Microtel Inn & Suites Puerto Princesa
The Emerald Playa Beach & Nature Park, San Manuel, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Tel: (632) 6717171
*Iloilo
-Amigo Terrace Hotel
Cor. Iznart-Delgado St., Iloilo
Tel: (033) 3350908–17
-Days Hotel
Tel: (033) 3373297 / (632) 8971111
-Sarabia Manor Hotel & Convention Center
101 Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City
Tel: (033) 3351021–32 / (632) 8894620
*Subic Bay
-Subic International Hotel
Sta. Rita Road Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo City
Tel: (047) 2522222 / 2526703 / (632) 8945579
-White Rock Beach Hotel
Tel: (047) 2222378 / 2222398 / (632) 4212781 / 4212785
-Legenda Hotel
Waterfront Road Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales
Tel: (632) 7329888 / (047) 2522888
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Alamat ng Ilog Pasig
Legend of the Pasig River
Payapa ang gabi noon,nagningningan ang mga talasa langit. Nagsisislbing ilaw ang liwanag sa buwan sa kapaligiran. Isang binata’t dalaga ang nagpapalamig sa simoy ng hangin sa gabi. Nagawian na nilang mamangka tuwing kabilugan ng buwan. Napagkasyahan ng magkasintahan na mamangka sa ilog. Dayuhang Kastila ang nasabing binata at mayuming dalagang Pilipina ang isa. Magiliw na nanonood sa kumikinang na tala ang dalaga habang sumasagwan ang binata.
Masayang nagkukwentuhan ang dalawa sa gitna ng gabi na pumalaot sa ilog. Ngunit may napansin ang dalaga. Sa gitna ng dilim ay may magandang bulaklak ang nakita ang dalaga na nakalutang sa tubig. Agad niya itong inabot. Subalit sa pag-bot niyang iyon, ang bangkang kanilang sinasakyan ay nawala sa balance at nahulog ang binata. Sa di inaasahan, ang binata ay hindi marunong lumangoy. Sa bawat paglutang ng binata mula sa pagkalubog , tinatawag niya si Paz na tulungan siyang makaahon.
“Paz sigueme! Paz, sigueme!” Ang salitang ito ay Kastila na ang ibig sabihin ay sagipin mo ako. Sa kasawiang palad, hindi natulungan ng dalaga ang binata. Ang huling salitang nabanggit ng binata ay “Paz sig!” Hindi na muling lumutang ang binata at tuluyan na itong nalunod. Dahil sa pangyayaring ito ang ilog ay tinawag nang “Pasig” o Ilog Pasig.
Payapa ang gabi noon,nagningningan ang mga talasa langit. Nagsisislbing ilaw ang liwanag sa buwan sa kapaligiran. Isang binata’t dalaga ang nagpapalamig sa simoy ng hangin sa gabi. Nagawian na nilang mamangka tuwing kabilugan ng buwan. Napagkasyahan ng magkasintahan na mamangka sa ilog. Dayuhang Kastila ang nasabing binata at mayuming dalagang Pilipina ang isa. Magiliw na nanonood sa kumikinang na tala ang dalaga habang sumasagwan ang binata.
Masayang nagkukwentuhan ang dalawa sa gitna ng gabi na pumalaot sa ilog. Ngunit may napansin ang dalaga. Sa gitna ng dilim ay may magandang bulaklak ang nakita ang dalaga na nakalutang sa tubig. Agad niya itong inabot. Subalit sa pag-bot niyang iyon, ang bangkang kanilang sinasakyan ay nawala sa balance at nahulog ang binata. Sa di inaasahan, ang binata ay hindi marunong lumangoy. Sa bawat paglutang ng binata mula sa pagkalubog , tinatawag niya si Paz na tulungan siyang makaahon.
“Paz sigueme! Paz, sigueme!” Ang salitang ito ay Kastila na ang ibig sabihin ay sagipin mo ako. Sa kasawiang palad, hindi natulungan ng dalaga ang binata. Ang huling salitang nabanggit ng binata ay “Paz sig!” Hindi na muling lumutang ang binata at tuluyan na itong nalunod. Dahil sa pangyayaring ito ang ilog ay tinawag nang “Pasig” o Ilog Pasig.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika
By: Hajji Alejandro
Magmula no'ng ako'y natutong umawit
Naging makulay ang aking munting daigdig
Tila ilog pala ang paghimig
Kung malalim, damdami'y pag-ibig
Kung umapaw, ang kaluluwa't tinig
Ay sadyang nanginginig
Magmula no'ng ako'y natutong umawit
Bawat sandali'y aking pilit mabatid
Ang himig na maituturing atin
Mapupuri pagka't bukod-tangi
Di marami ang di-magsasabing
Heto na't inyong dinggin
KORO:
Kay ganda ng ating musika
Kay ganda ng ating musika
Ito ay atin, sariling atin
At sa habang buhay awitin natin.
Magmula no'ng ako'y natutong umawit
Nagkabuhay muli ang aking paligid
Ngayong batid ko na ang umibig
Sa sariling tugtugtin o himig
Sa isang makata'y maririnig
Mga titik, nagsasabing:
(Ulitin ang Koro ng dalawang beses)
Kay ganda ng ating musika!
Magmula no'ng ako'y natutong umawit
Naging makulay ang aking munting daigdig
Tila ilog pala ang paghimig
Kung malalim, damdami'y pag-ibig
Kung umapaw, ang kaluluwa't tinig
Ay sadyang nanginginig
Magmula no'ng ako'y natutong umawit
Bawat sandali'y aking pilit mabatid
Ang himig na maituturing atin
Mapupuri pagka't bukod-tangi
Di marami ang di-magsasabing
Heto na't inyong dinggin
KORO:
Kay ganda ng ating musika
Kay ganda ng ating musika
Ito ay atin, sariling atin
At sa habang buhay awitin natin.
Magmula no'ng ako'y natutong umawit
Nagkabuhay muli ang aking paligid
Ngayong batid ko na ang umibig
Sa sariling tugtugtin o himig
Sa isang makata'y maririnig
Mga titik, nagsasabing:
(Ulitin ang Koro ng dalawang beses)
Kay ganda ng ating musika!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Singer / Artist BIOGRAPHY
1. Sharon Cuneta
She is also known as The Mega Star of Philippine Showbiz having been a grandslam awardee, and a box office queen hall of famer and a recipient of several lifetime achievement awards at a relatively young age.
Her mother (Elaine Gamboa-Cuneta) hails from Santa Ana, Pampanga while her father (Pablo Cuneta; 1910-2000) was the mayor of Pasay City for decades. She is half-Tagalog in paternal side and fourth-Kapampangan and fourth-Spanish both in maternal side.
Sharon first appeared on Philippine pop charts in 1978 as a 12 year old, singing the tune "Mr. D.J." The tune became wildly popular and earned her the title of "D.J.`s Pet" (which was also the name of her first album). Other hit albums followed, and Cuneta was asked to sing many movie soundtracks of the time - becoming the first "movie soundtrack star" in the country. In 1988, Sharon did a lux soap comercial, where she took a bubble bath and said before they touch her skin, her skin belongs to Lux. She earned money for that comercial.
She was given films from Viva Films. At age 15, she starred in her first feature film, 1981 Dear Heart paired with fellow teeny-bopper Gabby Concepcion. After Dear Heart`s success, she appeared in more than 50 feature films, and earned the title of "Box Office Queen" in the country from 1985 through 1993.
Her early movie roles launched her as a "poor little rich girl". On the other hand, producers decided to make her roles as a "rags to riches" type. Although raised in an influential rich political family, she appealed to the sosyal (socially rich) and masa (mass) crowd of Philippine society, with her intelligence, humor and down-to-earth personality.
Her musical-variety show, T.S.C.S. (The Sharon Cuneta Show) was one of the longest running television shows in Philippine Showbiz from 1986 through 1997.
She started her hosting abilities with other teenage prodigies with shows like GMA Supershow, later called Germspesyal, with German Moreno and C.U.T.E. (Call Us Two For Entertainment) with her aunt from Pampanga, former actress Helen Gamboa, via GMA 7.
2. Freddie Aguilar
Freddie Aguilar is a famous Folk musician from the Philippines. He is best known for the hit "Bayan Ko", which became the anthem for the opposition to the Marcos regime during the 1986 People Power Revolution.
He is well known internationally, and within the Philippines and Asia-Pacific region, claiming fame as one of the best musician-songwriters of the Philippines.
Freddie studied Electrical Engineering at De Guzman Institute of Technology but did not finish the course. In 1973, he married Josephine Quiepo. One of their children, Maegan & Jericho Aguilar, also a musician.
Freddie Aguilar left family and school unfinished at the age of 18. His father, who had wanted him to be a lawyer, was disappointed. Freddie traveled to far-away places carrying with him only his guitar. With no one to guide and discipline him, he got into gambling. Realizing and regretting his mistakes five years later, Freddie composed "Anak", a remorseful song expressing apology to his parents. He went back home and asked for forgiveness from his parents who welcomed him with open arms. After his father read the lyrics of "Anak", the two became closer to each other. The homecoming proved timely as his father died soon afterwards.
3. Sampaguita
Sampaguita is a continuing saga, always unfolding. Born in Java, Indonesia on the 17th day of 7th month, seventh child in a brood of seven, she comes to these shore when she was six. She grew up in the tumultuous 60`s and 70`s, a time when the world saw the dawning of a generation where experimentation, especially in lifestyle and music, was the ideal.
Like anyone from her generation, music touched the various keys in the tunes of her life. However, she proved special. Her exotic good looks and individualism unwittingly led her into circles that enhanced her natural artistics tendencies. She was a regular talent in the popular dance show "Dance Time with Chito" and one of the lead dancers in another show called the "Nineteeners." As a model she had donned outfits for the then first lady Imelda Marcos` Bagong Anyo project and various other local designers. As an actress, she had appeared onstage as one of the leads for the first Pinoy rock opera titled "Mahal."
The magnetic personality and inimitable talent of the prodigious youth, amazed Maverick producer Nilo N. Santos of Nilson Productions who thought it interesting to have her record an album. It took considerable time and tenacity to convince the reluctant young woman, but as fate would have it, Sampaguita, "the Rocker" was destined to bloom.
By this time the pioneering efforts of rock station DZRJ FM to rev up the local rock scene was climbing to an imminent realization. Sampaguita of course, led the fray, earning the critics` nod in her first ever performance -- an opening slot in a concert titled, "New Moon Rock Concert." This led to the eventual pairing with talented guitarist-songwriter Gary Perez of the rock band Anak Bayan. Their first hit, the celebratory "Bonggahan", became her signature piece. Soon the partnership bore more hits like "Tao", "Laguna", "Sayawan", "Sa Diyos Lamang"... all of which became anthems for thier generation.
Her colorful attire, which blended psychedelic aesthetics with "rock and roll" theatrics, brought glamour to the Pinoy rockers scene. In fact, it remains one of the more vivid images of 70`s Pinoy pop culture. As her fame grew, the demand to see her perform was amplified. She was the choice opener for international artists who came to visit the country. These include, to name a few, Chuck Berry, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Paul Williams, Eric Clapton and Canned Heat. Her arduous three-year stint at the legendary 100% rock club in Subic Naval Base, Olongapo, performing for American service men, further fortified her rock queen persona that, after three decades still remains.
After a self-imposed hibernation, Sampaguita came out strongly again in 1989 with an expected hit "Nosi Ba Lasi." Once she was was asked why there was such a long gap between her albums, and Sam`s reply was simple; "To do an album just to remain in the scene is not my style. It is an art form and inspirations don`t come easy. For me a song without a message is just "sound", just like a flower with no scent." Currently she is quite content being a mother to her three beautiful children: Dolly, Cowboy, and Jacinta. She is also into pottery, painting and a lot of other hobbies and crafts. At the moment, her musical legacy is now carried on through her son Cowboy, a gutarist of interest who is wowing audiences on the currently Pinoy rock scene.
Sampaguita`s contribution to Filipino music industry`s lavish tapestry and Pinoy rock in particular is one to be cherished. She is an icon and a veritable pillar that the curent breed of musicians continues to look up to. And rightly so, for Pinoy will not be what we know and enjoy it to be, had Sampaguita not taken her birthright as the one and only "Queen of Pinoy Rock and Roll.This biography is from pinoyclassicfolkrock.blogspot.com.
4.Fred Panopio
Fred Panopio is a popular Filipino singer with his song "Pitong Gatang" and "Kawawang Cowboy."
5.Juan Dela Cruz Band composed of Wally Gonzalez, Sandy Tagarro, Edmund Fortuno, Bing Labrador, Alex Cruz and Clifford Ho
The original Juan Dela Cruz Band, consisting of Wally Gonzalez (guitar), Sandy Tagarro (bass guitar), Edmund Fortuno (drums), Bing Labrador (organ), and Alex Cruz (saxophones & flute), was formed in 1968. They performed that year at the Antipolo Rock Festival (patterned after the legendary Woodstock Rock Festival of 1969) and was subsequently tapped as the featured rock band in tandem with the Manila Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Redentor Romero) for the Philippine production of the rock opera by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jesus Christ Superstar, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Consequent to his dramatic part as the Judas character in the rock opera production, Sandy Tagarro vacated his instrumentalist role in the group and was replaced by Clifford Ho as bass guitarist.
Upon the conclusion of the Jesus Christ Superstar production, Edmund Fortuno (aka "Bosyo"), Bing Labrador and Alex Cruz (with guitarist Vic Naldo and bassist Marlon Ilagan) formed a splinter group, Anakbayan which, together with the Manila Symphony Orchestra, performed for another major production run at the Cultural Center, the rock opera, Tommy by The Who.
The versatile Sandy Tagarro returned to the Juan Dela Cruz Band, occupying the drummer's seat as Fortuno's replacement, and also as the band's lead vocalist; while Clifford Ho retained the bass chores. A musician from the Manila Symphony Orchestra (whom they had befriended in the Jesus Christ Superstar production), Romy Santos (flute/sax/clarinet), replaced Alex Cruz. Rene Segueco (organ/piano/vocal) was also recruited to replace Bing Labrador. In the wake of this major revamp, the Juan Dela Cruz Band recorded its first album in 1971, entitled Up in Arms, which was released by the Vicor Music Corporation under its Sunshine Records imprint. However, complications in the band caused Sandy Tagarro to leave abruptly barely after concluding the Up In Arms recording sessions; not even to pose for the album's photography. Consequently, the group picture for the LP's album cover showed a different drummer (Bobot Guerrero), with Tagarro's name stricken off the personnel credits, with exception to a parenthetical credit of him as composer of one song ("Lady in White Satin"). Bobot Guerrero's entry as the new drummer of Juan Dela Cruz continued through the promotional run of the album and into concerts and club stints.
6.Hajji Alejandro
Angelito Toledo "Hajji" Alejandro (born December 26, 1954) is a Filipino singer and actor, who was a major pop star in the 1970s and 1980s. He is the father of singer Rachel Alejandro. The original Kilabot ng Kolehiyala (College Girls` Heartthrob), Alejandro is best remembered for such songs as Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika, and Nakapagtataka.
He started his professional career in 1973, as part of the Circus Band.
7. Apo Hiking Society
The group is originally composed of 13 members: Lito de Joya, Sonny Santiago, Gus Cosio, Renato Garcia, Chito Kintanar, Kenny Barton, Bruce Brown, Butch Dans, Kinjo Sawada, Ric Segreto, Goff Macaraeg, Doden Besa, Jim Paredes, and Boboy Garrovillo, all students from the Ateneo de Manila high school. Danny Javier joined the group when they were in college. After they graduated in college, the other group members eventually left the group to pursue their own careers. Only three members, made up of Jim Paredes, Boboy Garovillo and Danny Javier, remain and continued performing
During the span of their career, the group has been one of the primary adherents to the Original Pilipino Music or OPM music movement and have made several contributions for the said movement. The Apo is also involved in record production, talent management and even organizing artists under the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM). The group is also instrumental in establishing careers of new artists in the Philippines.
Apo Hiking Society have made 22 record albums in the first three decades of their career in the Philippine music industry, and have made a few more through the years. Two tribute albums have also been made, honoring their contribution to OPM music in 2006 and 2007, respectively.
They regularly use the "Apo" in their name as a Tagalog pun for their albums, shows, and marketing materials - most commonly as nA PO, which means "already" (polite/formal), but also as apo (grandchild) and other possible applications in English (APOcalyptic).
The APO Hiking Society first gained recognition in 1973 when they gave a farewell concert at the Meralco Auditorium (now Meralco Theater) in Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Just out of college, the group was the talk of the Ateneo de Manila University and adjoining campuses for their music and humor.
It was only when two of its four members were about to retire from the field of amateur music, however, that the APO, then known as the Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society, finally had a city-wide audience. One of them was scheduled to leave for Turkey as an exchange student. The other had a position waiting for him in his father`s advertising firm.
Why a talented young man of 21 would want to go to Turkey, every young man in the early seventies would probably understand. But what the APO could not understand was their fourth member`s decision to leave the irresponsibility of being unemployed to join the ranks of the corporate world.
The trip to Turkey did not materialize and the APO, now a tentative trio, pushed on steadily towards fame and fortune.
Looking back, the APO members Danny Javier, Boboy Garrovillo, and Jim Paredes do not regret never having been regular wage earners. Their farewell concert, which had SRO audiences for two stormy nights, not unexpectedly became a hit record the following year.
8.Coritha
Coritha is best known for the song "ORAS NA," which became one of the anthems of the anti-Marcos movements in the 70s and the two EDSA revolutions
9.Didith Reyes
Her Signature songs include: "Bakit Ako Mahihiya", "Araw-Araw, Gabi-Gabi," "Nananabik", "Hatiin Natin ang Gabi," and "Hindi Kami Damong Ligaw". The songs are very popular in the 70's and gave Didth the tag as one of the Jukebox Queens in the Philippines.
10.Dulce
Dulce`s (Ma. Teresa Magdalena A. Llamedo-Cruz) singing career started with her winning the Tawag ng Tanghalan in 1975. Since then, there was no turning back for this Cebuana songstress. She was the Philippine official representative to the Asian Singing Competition held in Hong Kong in 1979. Her winning entry was a composition of George Canseco entitled Ako ang Nasawi, Ako ang Nagwagi. That same year she received the Most Promising Entertainer of the Year from the Aliw Award. She also showcased her acting prowess in theater via Ewagan (1984) and Cats (1985). She is dubbed as the Asia`s Singing Champion.
11.Nora Aunor
Nora Aunor is a multi-awarded Filipino actress, singer and producer. Aunor has also topbilled several stage plays, television shows, and concerts. She is regarded as the "Superstar in Philippine Entertainment Industry". A number of film critics and movie industry players consider her as Philippine Cinema's greatest thespian and major icon. She is the only movie actress to receive the Centennial Honor for the Arts awarded by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 1999.
Dubbed as the Lady with the Golden Voice, she is the artist with the most singles in Philippine recording history (with more than 260 singles). Over-all she has recorded more than 500 songs. She has notched more than 30 gold singles, a record in the local music industry and has recorded some 46 hit long-playing albums, and several extended plays. She has received gold and platinum record awards, and music industry recognitions. She holds the record for both the most gold singles and most recorded singles in Philippine music history.
In 1991, Aunor held her first major concert entitled Handog at the Araneta Colisseum (with around 17,000 capacity). On her 50th birthday, Nora had a major concert "Gold" which served as a reunion for all of her fans. From 2004 to the present, Nora has been doing a series of hit concerts in major American cities.
12.Cinderella
Cinderella: Snaffu Rigor-drums, Quito Colayco, Yolly Samson-vocal, Bob Guzman-lead guitar, Guy Ilacad-bass guitar, Chuck Llarina-rhythm guitar & Sunny Ilacad-keyboards
13.Rey Valera
Valera learned how to play the guitar from his older sister. While in high school, he and his brother formed a band called The Electric Hair and performed in snack houses and music lounges. He quit college at the Far Eastern University and accepted work in Japan. When he returned he joined the parish choir and composed songs for the group. Valera's break came when a song he composed for Rico Puno, "Ako Si Superman," caught the attention of Chito Ilacad, then Vicor executive for production. "Ako Si Superman" (1977) was his first hit single, followed by sure-fire hits like "Naaalala Ka" (1978), "Ayoko na sa 'Yo," "Sorry Na, Pwede Ba?," and "Mr. DJ." Valera became known as Mr. Hitmaker; apart from recordings, he also represented the country in international song festivals and performed in shows abroad with other Filipino artists. In 1984, after several gold and platinum records and at the peak of his career, Valera decided to quit his job and recharge. When he returned to music in 1987, he chose to go into film scoring. He worked as musical scorer in more than 50 movies, also doing the theme songs for many of them. However, the continuing decline of original Pilipino music pushed him once again to compose songs. Upon the request of singer Sharon Cuneta, he wrote "Kahit Wala Ka Na." It was adopted as the title of the movie she was making then and started the trend of using Rey Valera's hits as movie titles and theme songs. His comeback album, "Sa Kabila Ng Lahat," turned platinum in just two weeks' time.
14.Rico J. Puno
Rico J. Puno is a popular Filipino pop singing artist who is credited as a pioneer-promoter of original Filipino music. He started the trend of incorporating Tagalog lyrics in his rendition of the American song The Way We Were and other foreign songs. Also known as Rico J. and as The Total Entertainer, Puno is a singer who regularly infused his on-stage performance with comedy and jokes.
Puno introduced himself and his talent to the entertainment business by performing at folk houses and small clubs in Metro Manila. In 1975, while singing at the Palazzi, Puno met and performed with the American Motown group, The Temptations. Puno"s talent was later noticed by the executive producers from Vicor Records. His first record was Love Won't Let Me Wait, while his first big hit was the Tagalog-infused The Way We Were.
In 1976, Puno won the Aliw Award for Most Promising Entertainer. Two years later, he became Aliw's Entertainer of the Year. His Rico in Concert show at the Cultural Center of the Philippines launched him as one of the foremost Philippine pop stars. In 1978, Puno"s popularity and his regular concerts at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and his performance tours in the United States broke records in terms of audience attendance. His fame also made him into a sought-after product endorser including advertisements for San Miguel Beer Corporation in the 1970s.
In 1979, Puno represented the Philippines at the Tokyo Music Festival in 1979, with Lupa, a song that imparted messages on how an individual could strive to change for the better, on how to gain humility and other human values, on how not to judge others, and on how to struggle against one"s own weaknesses.
15.Dennis Garcia, Rene Garcia
The Hotdog Band is credited with overhauling and changing the musical landscape of the Philippines in a stunning, exciting and unexpected manner.
The songs of Hotdog (written and produced by Dennis and Rene) heralded the beginning of Original Pilipino Music or OPM, which saw for the first time local songs dominating the Philippine music scene, and in the process, establishing the identity of mainstream Filipino music. Crafting hit after hit after hit, Hotdog has etched an indelible mark in Philippine music history with generation/age-neutral chart toppers like Manila, Annie Batungbakal, Bongga Ka Day, Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko, Pers Lab, Langit na Naman, and Behhh, Buti Nga, among others.
The songs of Hotdog (written and produced by Dennis and Rene) heralded the beginning of Original Pilipino Music or OPM, which saw for the first time local songs dominating the Philippine music scene, and in the process, establishing the identity of mainstream Filipino music.
16.Yoyoy Villame
Yoyoy Villame (November 18, 1932 - May 18, 2007) born Roman Tesorio Villame, was a Filipino singer, composer, lyricist, and comedian. Villame was a native of Calape, Bohol and was the father of singer Hannah Villame. He died of cardiac arrest at the Las Pinas Medical Center in Metro Manila on May 18, 2007.
17.Asin
Pendong Aban, Lolita Carbon, Saro Bañares, Mike Pillora
After fronting rock and roll bands during her teens, Lolita Carbon met Cesar "Saro" Bañares, Mike Pillora, and Pendong Aban in Kola House, a folk rock club, and then decided to form their own musical group, naming it Salt of the Earth.
Asin (sometimes spelled ASIN, in all capital letters) is a Pinoy rock and folk rock band from the Philippines. They were formed during the 1970s and originally known as Salt of the Earth from the song of Joan Baez, but later Filipinized their name into "Asin", which means salt in Filipino language.
They had signed a major record label and renamed their band to Asin after a record producer was searching for a "female" Freddie Aguilar, taking advantage of the Filipino folk rock boom during the late 1970s. Their eponymous 1978 debut album includes a cover of Freddie Aguilar's "Anak" and the rest are all original works.
Some of their popular songs include the environmental song "Masdan Mo Ang Kapaligiran" (Observe the Environment), "Ang Bayan Kong Sinilangan" (The Land Where I Was Born), "Pagbabalik" (Return) and "Balita" (News). According to Pendong Aban who grew up in Agusan del Norte, most of their songs were based on the experiences in Mindanao. Because of too much illegal logging and violence in their homeland, they wrote lyrics that hoped for peace and a better environment in Mindanao. They sometimes use kulintang and other traditional instruments of the southern Philippines to give their music a more indigenous spirit.
In 1993, Saro Bañares was murdered in a bar brawl in South Cotabato because he refused to sing for a lawyer, causing the group's members to part ways. Aban had his band Ang Grupong Pendong, while Carbon went solo.
One July evening in 1999, at a concert in Bahay ng Alumni at U.P. Diliman, while waiting for their respective turns to perform in a concert for press freedom, Pendong and Lolita sat together to share about their experiences as each carved a career of his/her own. One of the most common experiences they had in their concert tours is the audience"s reaction when they sing songs of ASIN as part of their repertoire. From children to teenagers to old folks, the same reaction would be observed. It is both of reminiscence and amazement at hearing the songs again and watching an ASIN member performing live.
Later in 2000, they decided to reunite but Pillora backed out later, although Pillora gave his blessings to the new album that Carbon and Aban would release. The record album Pag-ibig, Pagbabago, Pagpapatuloy, the first Asin album after 12 years, features unreleased materials of the late Bañares.
Pendong and Lolita both acknowledged the fact that their songs have transcended three decades and yet the message that each song carries (from the seven albums that ASIN recorded) is still as relevant and as meaningful to the present times. Both recognized the fact that there is hunger for the music that relates to the present situation that Filipinos are in, whether they are in the country of their birth or in some other adopted land across the seven seas; music that tells of every Filipino"s dream, aspiration, desires, even heartbreaks or social commentaries that reflect the true Filipino culture.
Asin were the first group to incorporate Filipino indigenous instruments into pop/rock music. They also studied Filipino tribal music and did what they could to be true to the origins of the music. Instead of plagiarising the indigenous music they set about educating people about respecting the origins of the music and representing it with agreement from the tribal sources.
Asin were also important in the political world and although they did not set out to be a political band they reflected the political message needed for the times. This should be seen against the backdrop of martial law during the time of President Ferdinand Marcos. Occasionally their recordings were confiscated as subversive yet on the other hand they were invited to play at the Presidential Palace.
18.Donna Cruz
Cruz has been, if not the most popular, one of the most popular Filipino female celebrity in 1990s, proved by strings of no.1 radio hits, multi-platinum albums, box-office movies, top-rated and award winning TV shows, and multi-million endorsement deals. Just like earlier artists like Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos, Sharon Cuneta, and Pops Fernandez, this "triple threat" status will most likely continue in the late 90`s and in the new millennium, paving way for more artists to do the same. According to the Philippine Showbiz Industry, Cruz had the most appearances in Philippine TV during 1990s, from her beginnings in 1991 up to her hiatus and marriage in 1998. Also, the Cruz clan would be known as the top earning Philippine showbiz clan in the same decade.
In 1994, she starred in two drama movies, Kadenang Bulaklak and Pangako Ng Kahapon, which gave her a Best Supporting Actress nomination. She also starred in a soap opera called Villa Quintana opposite actor Keempee de Leon. The year after, she starred in the critically-acclaimed movie Muling Umawit Ang Puso, alongside Ian de Leon and multi-awarded actress Nora Aunor. In this movie, she won the Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
In 1995, she launched her biggest-selling album ever, Habang May Buhay, an album composed of selected movie theme songs. This album garnered a quadruple platinum award. The single "Only Me And You" won her the Best Ballad Recording by a Female Artist. Also, a movie was made as a tie-in with the release of the movie Habang May Buhay in which she starred alongside Ian de Leon. The year after, she starred in the biggest movie of 1996, DoReMi, in which she shared the spotlight with Regine Velasquez and Mikee Cojuangco.
In 1996, Cruz released a Christmas album entitled, Merry Christmas Donna, which included the single "Muling Sumapit Ang Pasko," written by legendary songwriter Vehnee Saturno, who wrote Cruz`s biggest hit, "Only Me And You."
In 1997, she recorded a duet with American singer Jason Everly, called "Wish", son of Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers and made a local film with him entitled "Isang Tanong Isang Sagot." She also recorded an Alan Menken song entitled "The Story of My Life" which is included in the Philippine release of The Best of Disney Love Songs album. Her album Pure Donna was also released and garnered platinum status in just a week after it was issued in record outlets.
Also that same year, she joined Eat!...Bulaga as a co-host, eventually performing every now and then during her stay. During her short stay in the variety show, she was able to showcase her hosting skills, which led to her to guest often as co-host during the early years of SOP. Due to her ability to host, Cruz also starred and hosted her musical special Pure Donna, which was broadcasted in GMA7 on her 20th birthday. The special won the Best Musical Special in the 1997 Aliw Awards.
Cruz was also a known figure for popular brands such as Jollibee, Camay Soap, Whisper Napkins, Lux Super Rich Shampoo, U2 clothing, Cinderella, and Sari-Sari Store.
19.Basil Valdez
Basil Valdez is a Filipino balladeer. Though he wasn`t formally "retired," he had conspicuously kept a low profile in recent years for a number of personal reasons. That hasn't diminished the stature held by such popular tunes as "Ngayon At Kailanman (Now and Forever in Filipino)," "You," "Kahit Ika`y Panaginip Lang(Even if you are just a Dream)," "Sometime, Somewhere," and "Nais Ko." With 10 albums, 20 certified platinum songs, and numerous concerts worldwide to his credit, what he is most proud of his "being able to record songs which are considered classic songs."
Starting in 1970, Basil embarked on a solo career as, of all things, a folk singer. He mostly performed cover versions of songs by the likes of Joan Baez and Simon and Garfunkel.
In 1972, he joined the Circus Band, which greatly contributed to increasing his profile. After several years, he and the other band members felt it was time to separate and pursue solo careers.
Soon after, Basil released Ngayon at Kailanman , his first solo album which subsequently catapulted his career to new heights. The memorable title song is one of more than 20 George Canseco compositions that made Basil a pop radio mainstay. He credits Canseco and another popular composer with propelling and solidifying his career.
While in the Circus Band, he encountered a pianist named Ryan Cayabyab, who was then part of another band. When Basil was preparing tracks for Ngayon , he contacted Cayabyab to donate a few songs, which the composer did. That was the start of a fruitful collaboration which extends up to this day; Cayabyab has been Basil`s musical director for the past 27 years. In the 80`s, Basil re-invented himself as the undisputed King of Movie Theme Songs.
Among the most memorable were "Paano Ba Ang Mangarap," "Muling Buksan Ang Puso" and "Paraisong Parisukat." In 1985, at the height of his career, when the songs "You" and "Lift Up Your Hands" were blazing the airwaves, a near tragedy stuck, as he was operated on in his kidney, which halted his career.
Having sung for more than 15 years - since the 70`s - he felt he wanted to do something else. He began painting and, in a most peculiar move for a popular singer, started teaching. He taught philosophy at the Ateneo de Manila University and Religion at Xavier School.
Another circumstance which sidelined his singing career occurred in 1990, when he found himself with an extraordinary, some would say unbelievable, "gift." It started when a friend of his was stricken with whiplash, and was feeling ill for six months. He asked Basil to take a look at his ailment. Basil, with his right hand, held onto the part that was swollen, and after a few moments, his friend was healed.
Confused with this inexplicable predicament, Basil sought the help of Jesuit friends. They explained to him that what he had was the gift of healing, and people will naturally come to him for help. In a span of 11 years, more than 3,000 patients visited him at his home, in all hours, with an assortment of ailments for him to cure.
20. VST and Company
Monet Gaskell, Celso Llarina, Jum Medina, Male Rigor, Roger Rigor, Spanky Rigor, Marvic Sotto, Val Sotto
VST and Company is a Filipino pop band famous in the 1970s. Being pioneer and icon of the Manila sound, VST and Company performed disco fever songs such as "Swing it, Baby", "Magsayawan", "Ipagpatawad mo", "Awitin mo, Isasayaw Ko" and "Disco Fever". The band rose to fame with other bands such as The Hotdogs, Cinderella and The Boyfriends which are also Manila Sound icons. The band faded with the Manila sound when the genre OPM rose to popularity in the 1980s.
21. Regine Velasquez
Regina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez a.k.a Regine Velasquez is a Filipino singer, actress, record producer, and TV host. She`s dubbed as the Asia`s Songbird widely known for possessing a wide vocal range.
Velasquez was the first Filipino to stage a solo concert at the Main Hall of Carnegie Hall, part of Carnegie Hall`s centennial-year concert series. Her album Listen Without Prejudice achieved platinum certification in several countries. In 2000, she performed the country`s millennial theme, televised in 55 broadcast networks throughout the world to coincide with midnight in Manila. She has sold more than 5 million albums making her the best selling Filipino Artist in the Philippines.
"In Love With You," a duet with Jacky Cheung, reached MTV Asia and Channel V music charts. She has collaborated with artists such as Paul Anka, David Hasselhoff, 98 Degrees, Brian McKnight, Mandy Moore, Ronan Keating, Stephen Bishop, Jim Brickman, Peabo Bryson, Jeffrey Osborne, Dave Koz , Lea Salonga, Grasshopper, Coco Lee, Michel Legrand, David Pomeranz, Eduardo Capetillo and Billy Crawford.
She embarked on several television and film projects, receiving a Best Actress Award for her portrayal of a mentally challenged woman in Maalaala Mo Kaya. Velasquez also formed IndiMusic (iMusic), a record label partnered with the late Bella Tan`s Universal Records. She is currently managed by Aria Productions.
She is also known as The Mega Star of Philippine Showbiz having been a grandslam awardee, and a box office queen hall of famer and a recipient of several lifetime achievement awards at a relatively young age.
Her mother (Elaine Gamboa-Cuneta) hails from Santa Ana, Pampanga while her father (Pablo Cuneta; 1910-2000) was the mayor of Pasay City for decades. She is half-Tagalog in paternal side and fourth-Kapampangan and fourth-Spanish both in maternal side.
Sharon first appeared on Philippine pop charts in 1978 as a 12 year old, singing the tune "Mr. D.J." The tune became wildly popular and earned her the title of "D.J.`s Pet" (which was also the name of her first album). Other hit albums followed, and Cuneta was asked to sing many movie soundtracks of the time - becoming the first "movie soundtrack star" in the country. In 1988, Sharon did a lux soap comercial, where she took a bubble bath and said before they touch her skin, her skin belongs to Lux. She earned money for that comercial.
She was given films from Viva Films. At age 15, she starred in her first feature film, 1981 Dear Heart paired with fellow teeny-bopper Gabby Concepcion. After Dear Heart`s success, she appeared in more than 50 feature films, and earned the title of "Box Office Queen" in the country from 1985 through 1993.
Her early movie roles launched her as a "poor little rich girl". On the other hand, producers decided to make her roles as a "rags to riches" type. Although raised in an influential rich political family, she appealed to the sosyal (socially rich) and masa (mass) crowd of Philippine society, with her intelligence, humor and down-to-earth personality.
Her musical-variety show, T.S.C.S. (The Sharon Cuneta Show) was one of the longest running television shows in Philippine Showbiz from 1986 through 1997.
She started her hosting abilities with other teenage prodigies with shows like GMA Supershow, later called Germspesyal, with German Moreno and C.U.T.E. (Call Us Two For Entertainment) with her aunt from Pampanga, former actress Helen Gamboa, via GMA 7.
2. Freddie Aguilar
Freddie Aguilar is a famous Folk musician from the Philippines. He is best known for the hit "Bayan Ko", which became the anthem for the opposition to the Marcos regime during the 1986 People Power Revolution.
He is well known internationally, and within the Philippines and Asia-Pacific region, claiming fame as one of the best musician-songwriters of the Philippines.
Freddie studied Electrical Engineering at De Guzman Institute of Technology but did not finish the course. In 1973, he married Josephine Quiepo. One of their children, Maegan & Jericho Aguilar, also a musician.
Freddie Aguilar left family and school unfinished at the age of 18. His father, who had wanted him to be a lawyer, was disappointed. Freddie traveled to far-away places carrying with him only his guitar. With no one to guide and discipline him, he got into gambling. Realizing and regretting his mistakes five years later, Freddie composed "Anak", a remorseful song expressing apology to his parents. He went back home and asked for forgiveness from his parents who welcomed him with open arms. After his father read the lyrics of "Anak", the two became closer to each other. The homecoming proved timely as his father died soon afterwards.
3. Sampaguita
Sampaguita is a continuing saga, always unfolding. Born in Java, Indonesia on the 17th day of 7th month, seventh child in a brood of seven, she comes to these shore when she was six. She grew up in the tumultuous 60`s and 70`s, a time when the world saw the dawning of a generation where experimentation, especially in lifestyle and music, was the ideal.
Like anyone from her generation, music touched the various keys in the tunes of her life. However, she proved special. Her exotic good looks and individualism unwittingly led her into circles that enhanced her natural artistics tendencies. She was a regular talent in the popular dance show "Dance Time with Chito" and one of the lead dancers in another show called the "Nineteeners." As a model she had donned outfits for the then first lady Imelda Marcos` Bagong Anyo project and various other local designers. As an actress, she had appeared onstage as one of the leads for the first Pinoy rock opera titled "Mahal."
The magnetic personality and inimitable talent of the prodigious youth, amazed Maverick producer Nilo N. Santos of Nilson Productions who thought it interesting to have her record an album. It took considerable time and tenacity to convince the reluctant young woman, but as fate would have it, Sampaguita, "the Rocker" was destined to bloom.
By this time the pioneering efforts of rock station DZRJ FM to rev up the local rock scene was climbing to an imminent realization. Sampaguita of course, led the fray, earning the critics` nod in her first ever performance -- an opening slot in a concert titled, "New Moon Rock Concert." This led to the eventual pairing with talented guitarist-songwriter Gary Perez of the rock band Anak Bayan. Their first hit, the celebratory "Bonggahan", became her signature piece. Soon the partnership bore more hits like "Tao", "Laguna", "Sayawan", "Sa Diyos Lamang"... all of which became anthems for thier generation.
Her colorful attire, which blended psychedelic aesthetics with "rock and roll" theatrics, brought glamour to the Pinoy rockers scene. In fact, it remains one of the more vivid images of 70`s Pinoy pop culture. As her fame grew, the demand to see her perform was amplified. She was the choice opener for international artists who came to visit the country. These include, to name a few, Chuck Berry, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Paul Williams, Eric Clapton and Canned Heat. Her arduous three-year stint at the legendary 100% rock club in Subic Naval Base, Olongapo, performing for American service men, further fortified her rock queen persona that, after three decades still remains.
After a self-imposed hibernation, Sampaguita came out strongly again in 1989 with an expected hit "Nosi Ba Lasi." Once she was was asked why there was such a long gap between her albums, and Sam`s reply was simple; "To do an album just to remain in the scene is not my style. It is an art form and inspirations don`t come easy. For me a song without a message is just "sound", just like a flower with no scent." Currently she is quite content being a mother to her three beautiful children: Dolly, Cowboy, and Jacinta. She is also into pottery, painting and a lot of other hobbies and crafts. At the moment, her musical legacy is now carried on through her son Cowboy, a gutarist of interest who is wowing audiences on the currently Pinoy rock scene.
Sampaguita`s contribution to Filipino music industry`s lavish tapestry and Pinoy rock in particular is one to be cherished. She is an icon and a veritable pillar that the curent breed of musicians continues to look up to. And rightly so, for Pinoy will not be what we know and enjoy it to be, had Sampaguita not taken her birthright as the one and only "Queen of Pinoy Rock and Roll.This biography is from pinoyclassicfolkrock.blogspot.com.
4.Fred Panopio
Fred Panopio is a popular Filipino singer with his song "Pitong Gatang" and "Kawawang Cowboy."
5.Juan Dela Cruz Band composed of Wally Gonzalez, Sandy Tagarro, Edmund Fortuno, Bing Labrador, Alex Cruz and Clifford Ho
The original Juan Dela Cruz Band, consisting of Wally Gonzalez (guitar), Sandy Tagarro (bass guitar), Edmund Fortuno (drums), Bing Labrador (organ), and Alex Cruz (saxophones & flute), was formed in 1968. They performed that year at the Antipolo Rock Festival (patterned after the legendary Woodstock Rock Festival of 1969) and was subsequently tapped as the featured rock band in tandem with the Manila Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Redentor Romero) for the Philippine production of the rock opera by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jesus Christ Superstar, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Consequent to his dramatic part as the Judas character in the rock opera production, Sandy Tagarro vacated his instrumentalist role in the group and was replaced by Clifford Ho as bass guitarist.
Upon the conclusion of the Jesus Christ Superstar production, Edmund Fortuno (aka "Bosyo"), Bing Labrador and Alex Cruz (with guitarist Vic Naldo and bassist Marlon Ilagan) formed a splinter group, Anakbayan which, together with the Manila Symphony Orchestra, performed for another major production run at the Cultural Center, the rock opera, Tommy by The Who.
The versatile Sandy Tagarro returned to the Juan Dela Cruz Band, occupying the drummer's seat as Fortuno's replacement, and also as the band's lead vocalist; while Clifford Ho retained the bass chores. A musician from the Manila Symphony Orchestra (whom they had befriended in the Jesus Christ Superstar production), Romy Santos (flute/sax/clarinet), replaced Alex Cruz. Rene Segueco (organ/piano/vocal) was also recruited to replace Bing Labrador. In the wake of this major revamp, the Juan Dela Cruz Band recorded its first album in 1971, entitled Up in Arms, which was released by the Vicor Music Corporation under its Sunshine Records imprint. However, complications in the band caused Sandy Tagarro to leave abruptly barely after concluding the Up In Arms recording sessions; not even to pose for the album's photography. Consequently, the group picture for the LP's album cover showed a different drummer (Bobot Guerrero), with Tagarro's name stricken off the personnel credits, with exception to a parenthetical credit of him as composer of one song ("Lady in White Satin"). Bobot Guerrero's entry as the new drummer of Juan Dela Cruz continued through the promotional run of the album and into concerts and club stints.
6.Hajji Alejandro
Angelito Toledo "Hajji" Alejandro (born December 26, 1954) is a Filipino singer and actor, who was a major pop star in the 1970s and 1980s. He is the father of singer Rachel Alejandro. The original Kilabot ng Kolehiyala (College Girls` Heartthrob), Alejandro is best remembered for such songs as Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika, and Nakapagtataka.
He started his professional career in 1973, as part of the Circus Band.
7. Apo Hiking Society
The group is originally composed of 13 members: Lito de Joya, Sonny Santiago, Gus Cosio, Renato Garcia, Chito Kintanar, Kenny Barton, Bruce Brown, Butch Dans, Kinjo Sawada, Ric Segreto, Goff Macaraeg, Doden Besa, Jim Paredes, and Boboy Garrovillo, all students from the Ateneo de Manila high school. Danny Javier joined the group when they were in college. After they graduated in college, the other group members eventually left the group to pursue their own careers. Only three members, made up of Jim Paredes, Boboy Garovillo and Danny Javier, remain and continued performing
During the span of their career, the group has been one of the primary adherents to the Original Pilipino Music or OPM music movement and have made several contributions for the said movement. The Apo is also involved in record production, talent management and even organizing artists under the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM). The group is also instrumental in establishing careers of new artists in the Philippines.
Apo Hiking Society have made 22 record albums in the first three decades of their career in the Philippine music industry, and have made a few more through the years. Two tribute albums have also been made, honoring their contribution to OPM music in 2006 and 2007, respectively.
They regularly use the "Apo" in their name as a Tagalog pun for their albums, shows, and marketing materials - most commonly as nA PO, which means "already" (polite/formal), but also as apo (grandchild) and other possible applications in English (APOcalyptic).
The APO Hiking Society first gained recognition in 1973 when they gave a farewell concert at the Meralco Auditorium (now Meralco Theater) in Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Just out of college, the group was the talk of the Ateneo de Manila University and adjoining campuses for their music and humor.
It was only when two of its four members were about to retire from the field of amateur music, however, that the APO, then known as the Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society, finally had a city-wide audience. One of them was scheduled to leave for Turkey as an exchange student. The other had a position waiting for him in his father`s advertising firm.
Why a talented young man of 21 would want to go to Turkey, every young man in the early seventies would probably understand. But what the APO could not understand was their fourth member`s decision to leave the irresponsibility of being unemployed to join the ranks of the corporate world.
The trip to Turkey did not materialize and the APO, now a tentative trio, pushed on steadily towards fame and fortune.
Looking back, the APO members Danny Javier, Boboy Garrovillo, and Jim Paredes do not regret never having been regular wage earners. Their farewell concert, which had SRO audiences for two stormy nights, not unexpectedly became a hit record the following year.
8.Coritha
Coritha is best known for the song "ORAS NA," which became one of the anthems of the anti-Marcos movements in the 70s and the two EDSA revolutions
9.Didith Reyes
Her Signature songs include: "Bakit Ako Mahihiya", "Araw-Araw, Gabi-Gabi," "Nananabik", "Hatiin Natin ang Gabi," and "Hindi Kami Damong Ligaw". The songs are very popular in the 70's and gave Didth the tag as one of the Jukebox Queens in the Philippines.
10.Dulce
Dulce`s (Ma. Teresa Magdalena A. Llamedo-Cruz) singing career started with her winning the Tawag ng Tanghalan in 1975. Since then, there was no turning back for this Cebuana songstress. She was the Philippine official representative to the Asian Singing Competition held in Hong Kong in 1979. Her winning entry was a composition of George Canseco entitled Ako ang Nasawi, Ako ang Nagwagi. That same year she received the Most Promising Entertainer of the Year from the Aliw Award. She also showcased her acting prowess in theater via Ewagan (1984) and Cats (1985). She is dubbed as the Asia`s Singing Champion.
11.Nora Aunor
Nora Aunor is a multi-awarded Filipino actress, singer and producer. Aunor has also topbilled several stage plays, television shows, and concerts. She is regarded as the "Superstar in Philippine Entertainment Industry". A number of film critics and movie industry players consider her as Philippine Cinema's greatest thespian and major icon. She is the only movie actress to receive the Centennial Honor for the Arts awarded by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 1999.
Dubbed as the Lady with the Golden Voice, she is the artist with the most singles in Philippine recording history (with more than 260 singles). Over-all she has recorded more than 500 songs. She has notched more than 30 gold singles, a record in the local music industry and has recorded some 46 hit long-playing albums, and several extended plays. She has received gold and platinum record awards, and music industry recognitions. She holds the record for both the most gold singles and most recorded singles in Philippine music history.
In 1991, Aunor held her first major concert entitled Handog at the Araneta Colisseum (with around 17,000 capacity). On her 50th birthday, Nora had a major concert "Gold" which served as a reunion for all of her fans. From 2004 to the present, Nora has been doing a series of hit concerts in major American cities.
12.Cinderella
Cinderella: Snaffu Rigor-drums, Quito Colayco, Yolly Samson-vocal, Bob Guzman-lead guitar, Guy Ilacad-bass guitar, Chuck Llarina-rhythm guitar & Sunny Ilacad-keyboards
13.Rey Valera
Valera learned how to play the guitar from his older sister. While in high school, he and his brother formed a band called The Electric Hair and performed in snack houses and music lounges. He quit college at the Far Eastern University and accepted work in Japan. When he returned he joined the parish choir and composed songs for the group. Valera's break came when a song he composed for Rico Puno, "Ako Si Superman," caught the attention of Chito Ilacad, then Vicor executive for production. "Ako Si Superman" (1977) was his first hit single, followed by sure-fire hits like "Naaalala Ka" (1978), "Ayoko na sa 'Yo," "Sorry Na, Pwede Ba?," and "Mr. DJ." Valera became known as Mr. Hitmaker; apart from recordings, he also represented the country in international song festivals and performed in shows abroad with other Filipino artists. In 1984, after several gold and platinum records and at the peak of his career, Valera decided to quit his job and recharge. When he returned to music in 1987, he chose to go into film scoring. He worked as musical scorer in more than 50 movies, also doing the theme songs for many of them. However, the continuing decline of original Pilipino music pushed him once again to compose songs. Upon the request of singer Sharon Cuneta, he wrote "Kahit Wala Ka Na." It was adopted as the title of the movie she was making then and started the trend of using Rey Valera's hits as movie titles and theme songs. His comeback album, "Sa Kabila Ng Lahat," turned platinum in just two weeks' time.
14.Rico J. Puno
Rico J. Puno is a popular Filipino pop singing artist who is credited as a pioneer-promoter of original Filipino music. He started the trend of incorporating Tagalog lyrics in his rendition of the American song The Way We Were and other foreign songs. Also known as Rico J. and as The Total Entertainer, Puno is a singer who regularly infused his on-stage performance with comedy and jokes.
Puno introduced himself and his talent to the entertainment business by performing at folk houses and small clubs in Metro Manila. In 1975, while singing at the Palazzi, Puno met and performed with the American Motown group, The Temptations. Puno"s talent was later noticed by the executive producers from Vicor Records. His first record was Love Won't Let Me Wait, while his first big hit was the Tagalog-infused The Way We Were.
In 1976, Puno won the Aliw Award for Most Promising Entertainer. Two years later, he became Aliw's Entertainer of the Year. His Rico in Concert show at the Cultural Center of the Philippines launched him as one of the foremost Philippine pop stars. In 1978, Puno"s popularity and his regular concerts at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and his performance tours in the United States broke records in terms of audience attendance. His fame also made him into a sought-after product endorser including advertisements for San Miguel Beer Corporation in the 1970s.
In 1979, Puno represented the Philippines at the Tokyo Music Festival in 1979, with Lupa, a song that imparted messages on how an individual could strive to change for the better, on how to gain humility and other human values, on how not to judge others, and on how to struggle against one"s own weaknesses.
15.Dennis Garcia, Rene Garcia
The Hotdog Band is credited with overhauling and changing the musical landscape of the Philippines in a stunning, exciting and unexpected manner.
The songs of Hotdog (written and produced by Dennis and Rene) heralded the beginning of Original Pilipino Music or OPM, which saw for the first time local songs dominating the Philippine music scene, and in the process, establishing the identity of mainstream Filipino music. Crafting hit after hit after hit, Hotdog has etched an indelible mark in Philippine music history with generation/age-neutral chart toppers like Manila, Annie Batungbakal, Bongga Ka Day, Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko, Pers Lab, Langit na Naman, and Behhh, Buti Nga, among others.
The songs of Hotdog (written and produced by Dennis and Rene) heralded the beginning of Original Pilipino Music or OPM, which saw for the first time local songs dominating the Philippine music scene, and in the process, establishing the identity of mainstream Filipino music.
16.Yoyoy Villame
Yoyoy Villame (November 18, 1932 - May 18, 2007) born Roman Tesorio Villame, was a Filipino singer, composer, lyricist, and comedian. Villame was a native of Calape, Bohol and was the father of singer Hannah Villame. He died of cardiac arrest at the Las Pinas Medical Center in Metro Manila on May 18, 2007.
17.Asin
Pendong Aban, Lolita Carbon, Saro Bañares, Mike Pillora
After fronting rock and roll bands during her teens, Lolita Carbon met Cesar "Saro" Bañares, Mike Pillora, and Pendong Aban in Kola House, a folk rock club, and then decided to form their own musical group, naming it Salt of the Earth.
Asin (sometimes spelled ASIN, in all capital letters) is a Pinoy rock and folk rock band from the Philippines. They were formed during the 1970s and originally known as Salt of the Earth from the song of Joan Baez, but later Filipinized their name into "Asin", which means salt in Filipino language.
They had signed a major record label and renamed their band to Asin after a record producer was searching for a "female" Freddie Aguilar, taking advantage of the Filipino folk rock boom during the late 1970s. Their eponymous 1978 debut album includes a cover of Freddie Aguilar's "Anak" and the rest are all original works.
Some of their popular songs include the environmental song "Masdan Mo Ang Kapaligiran" (Observe the Environment), "Ang Bayan Kong Sinilangan" (The Land Where I Was Born), "Pagbabalik" (Return) and "Balita" (News). According to Pendong Aban who grew up in Agusan del Norte, most of their songs were based on the experiences in Mindanao. Because of too much illegal logging and violence in their homeland, they wrote lyrics that hoped for peace and a better environment in Mindanao. They sometimes use kulintang and other traditional instruments of the southern Philippines to give their music a more indigenous spirit.
In 1993, Saro Bañares was murdered in a bar brawl in South Cotabato because he refused to sing for a lawyer, causing the group's members to part ways. Aban had his band Ang Grupong Pendong, while Carbon went solo.
One July evening in 1999, at a concert in Bahay ng Alumni at U.P. Diliman, while waiting for their respective turns to perform in a concert for press freedom, Pendong and Lolita sat together to share about their experiences as each carved a career of his/her own. One of the most common experiences they had in their concert tours is the audience"s reaction when they sing songs of ASIN as part of their repertoire. From children to teenagers to old folks, the same reaction would be observed. It is both of reminiscence and amazement at hearing the songs again and watching an ASIN member performing live.
Later in 2000, they decided to reunite but Pillora backed out later, although Pillora gave his blessings to the new album that Carbon and Aban would release. The record album Pag-ibig, Pagbabago, Pagpapatuloy, the first Asin album after 12 years, features unreleased materials of the late Bañares.
Pendong and Lolita both acknowledged the fact that their songs have transcended three decades and yet the message that each song carries (from the seven albums that ASIN recorded) is still as relevant and as meaningful to the present times. Both recognized the fact that there is hunger for the music that relates to the present situation that Filipinos are in, whether they are in the country of their birth or in some other adopted land across the seven seas; music that tells of every Filipino"s dream, aspiration, desires, even heartbreaks or social commentaries that reflect the true Filipino culture.
Asin were the first group to incorporate Filipino indigenous instruments into pop/rock music. They also studied Filipino tribal music and did what they could to be true to the origins of the music. Instead of plagiarising the indigenous music they set about educating people about respecting the origins of the music and representing it with agreement from the tribal sources.
Asin were also important in the political world and although they did not set out to be a political band they reflected the political message needed for the times. This should be seen against the backdrop of martial law during the time of President Ferdinand Marcos. Occasionally their recordings were confiscated as subversive yet on the other hand they were invited to play at the Presidential Palace.
18.Donna Cruz
Cruz has been, if not the most popular, one of the most popular Filipino female celebrity in 1990s, proved by strings of no.1 radio hits, multi-platinum albums, box-office movies, top-rated and award winning TV shows, and multi-million endorsement deals. Just like earlier artists like Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos, Sharon Cuneta, and Pops Fernandez, this "triple threat" status will most likely continue in the late 90`s and in the new millennium, paving way for more artists to do the same. According to the Philippine Showbiz Industry, Cruz had the most appearances in Philippine TV during 1990s, from her beginnings in 1991 up to her hiatus and marriage in 1998. Also, the Cruz clan would be known as the top earning Philippine showbiz clan in the same decade.
In 1994, she starred in two drama movies, Kadenang Bulaklak and Pangako Ng Kahapon, which gave her a Best Supporting Actress nomination. She also starred in a soap opera called Villa Quintana opposite actor Keempee de Leon. The year after, she starred in the critically-acclaimed movie Muling Umawit Ang Puso, alongside Ian de Leon and multi-awarded actress Nora Aunor. In this movie, she won the Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
In 1995, she launched her biggest-selling album ever, Habang May Buhay, an album composed of selected movie theme songs. This album garnered a quadruple platinum award. The single "Only Me And You" won her the Best Ballad Recording by a Female Artist. Also, a movie was made as a tie-in with the release of the movie Habang May Buhay in which she starred alongside Ian de Leon. The year after, she starred in the biggest movie of 1996, DoReMi, in which she shared the spotlight with Regine Velasquez and Mikee Cojuangco.
In 1996, Cruz released a Christmas album entitled, Merry Christmas Donna, which included the single "Muling Sumapit Ang Pasko," written by legendary songwriter Vehnee Saturno, who wrote Cruz`s biggest hit, "Only Me And You."
In 1997, she recorded a duet with American singer Jason Everly, called "Wish", son of Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers and made a local film with him entitled "Isang Tanong Isang Sagot." She also recorded an Alan Menken song entitled "The Story of My Life" which is included in the Philippine release of The Best of Disney Love Songs album. Her album Pure Donna was also released and garnered platinum status in just a week after it was issued in record outlets.
Also that same year, she joined Eat!...Bulaga as a co-host, eventually performing every now and then during her stay. During her short stay in the variety show, she was able to showcase her hosting skills, which led to her to guest often as co-host during the early years of SOP. Due to her ability to host, Cruz also starred and hosted her musical special Pure Donna, which was broadcasted in GMA7 on her 20th birthday. The special won the Best Musical Special in the 1997 Aliw Awards.
Cruz was also a known figure for popular brands such as Jollibee, Camay Soap, Whisper Napkins, Lux Super Rich Shampoo, U2 clothing, Cinderella, and Sari-Sari Store.
19.Basil Valdez
Basil Valdez is a Filipino balladeer. Though he wasn`t formally "retired," he had conspicuously kept a low profile in recent years for a number of personal reasons. That hasn't diminished the stature held by such popular tunes as "Ngayon At Kailanman (Now and Forever in Filipino)," "You," "Kahit Ika`y Panaginip Lang(Even if you are just a Dream)," "Sometime, Somewhere," and "Nais Ko." With 10 albums, 20 certified platinum songs, and numerous concerts worldwide to his credit, what he is most proud of his "being able to record songs which are considered classic songs."
Starting in 1970, Basil embarked on a solo career as, of all things, a folk singer. He mostly performed cover versions of songs by the likes of Joan Baez and Simon and Garfunkel.
In 1972, he joined the Circus Band, which greatly contributed to increasing his profile. After several years, he and the other band members felt it was time to separate and pursue solo careers.
Soon after, Basil released Ngayon at Kailanman , his first solo album which subsequently catapulted his career to new heights. The memorable title song is one of more than 20 George Canseco compositions that made Basil a pop radio mainstay. He credits Canseco and another popular composer with propelling and solidifying his career.
While in the Circus Band, he encountered a pianist named Ryan Cayabyab, who was then part of another band. When Basil was preparing tracks for Ngayon , he contacted Cayabyab to donate a few songs, which the composer did. That was the start of a fruitful collaboration which extends up to this day; Cayabyab has been Basil`s musical director for the past 27 years. In the 80`s, Basil re-invented himself as the undisputed King of Movie Theme Songs.
Among the most memorable were "Paano Ba Ang Mangarap," "Muling Buksan Ang Puso" and "Paraisong Parisukat." In 1985, at the height of his career, when the songs "You" and "Lift Up Your Hands" were blazing the airwaves, a near tragedy stuck, as he was operated on in his kidney, which halted his career.
Having sung for more than 15 years - since the 70`s - he felt he wanted to do something else. He began painting and, in a most peculiar move for a popular singer, started teaching. He taught philosophy at the Ateneo de Manila University and Religion at Xavier School.
Another circumstance which sidelined his singing career occurred in 1990, when he found himself with an extraordinary, some would say unbelievable, "gift." It started when a friend of his was stricken with whiplash, and was feeling ill for six months. He asked Basil to take a look at his ailment. Basil, with his right hand, held onto the part that was swollen, and after a few moments, his friend was healed.
Confused with this inexplicable predicament, Basil sought the help of Jesuit friends. They explained to him that what he had was the gift of healing, and people will naturally come to him for help. In a span of 11 years, more than 3,000 patients visited him at his home, in all hours, with an assortment of ailments for him to cure.
20. VST and Company
Monet Gaskell, Celso Llarina, Jum Medina, Male Rigor, Roger Rigor, Spanky Rigor, Marvic Sotto, Val Sotto
VST and Company is a Filipino pop band famous in the 1970s. Being pioneer and icon of the Manila sound, VST and Company performed disco fever songs such as "Swing it, Baby", "Magsayawan", "Ipagpatawad mo", "Awitin mo, Isasayaw Ko" and "Disco Fever". The band rose to fame with other bands such as The Hotdogs, Cinderella and The Boyfriends which are also Manila Sound icons. The band faded with the Manila sound when the genre OPM rose to popularity in the 1980s.
21. Regine Velasquez
Regina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez a.k.a Regine Velasquez is a Filipino singer, actress, record producer, and TV host. She`s dubbed as the Asia`s Songbird widely known for possessing a wide vocal range.
Velasquez was the first Filipino to stage a solo concert at the Main Hall of Carnegie Hall, part of Carnegie Hall`s centennial-year concert series. Her album Listen Without Prejudice achieved platinum certification in several countries. In 2000, she performed the country`s millennial theme, televised in 55 broadcast networks throughout the world to coincide with midnight in Manila. She has sold more than 5 million albums making her the best selling Filipino Artist in the Philippines.
"In Love With You," a duet with Jacky Cheung, reached MTV Asia and Channel V music charts. She has collaborated with artists such as Paul Anka, David Hasselhoff, 98 Degrees, Brian McKnight, Mandy Moore, Ronan Keating, Stephen Bishop, Jim Brickman, Peabo Bryson, Jeffrey Osborne, Dave Koz , Lea Salonga, Grasshopper, Coco Lee, Michel Legrand, David Pomeranz, Eduardo Capetillo and Billy Crawford.
She embarked on several television and film projects, receiving a Best Actress Award for her portrayal of a mentally challenged woman in Maalaala Mo Kaya. Velasquez also formed IndiMusic (iMusic), a record label partnered with the late Bella Tan`s Universal Records. She is currently managed by Aria Productions.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Pumapatak Ang Ulan
By: APO Hiking Society
Pumapatak na naman ang ulan sa bubong ng bahay,
Di maiwasang gumawa ng di inaasahang bagay,
Laklak ng laklak ng beer magdamagan
May kahirapan at di maiwasan
Mabuti pa kayang matulog ka na lang
At baka sumakit ang tiyan
Ang araw ko’y nabubusisi
Ako ang nasisisi
Bakit ba sila ganyan,
Ang pera ko ay di magkasya
Hindi makapagsine at ayaw naman dagdagan
Ubos na rin ang beer, kaya kape na lang
Lahat sinusubukan kahit walang pulutan
Ang buhay ng tamad
Walang hinaharap ni konting
Sarap man lang
Radyo, tv at mga lumang komiks
Wala ng ibang mapaglibangan,
At kung meron kang tatawagan
Trenta sentimos ika’y makakaltasan
Aha…
Umiindak ang paa sa kumpas na tugtuging bago
Hanggang kumpas ka nalang at di mo na alam ang tono
Sa paghinto ng ulan ano ang gagawain
Huwag ng isipin at walang babaguhin
Mabuti pa kaya matulog ka nalang
Matulog na ng mahimbing
Pumapatak na naman ang ulan…
Pumapatak na naman ang ulan sa bubong ng bahay,
Di maiwasang gumawa ng di inaasahang bagay,
Laklak ng laklak ng beer magdamagan
May kahirapan at di maiwasan
Mabuti pa kayang matulog ka na lang
At baka sumakit ang tiyan
Ang araw ko’y nabubusisi
Ako ang nasisisi
Bakit ba sila ganyan,
Ang pera ko ay di magkasya
Hindi makapagsine at ayaw naman dagdagan
Ubos na rin ang beer, kaya kape na lang
Lahat sinusubukan kahit walang pulutan
Ang buhay ng tamad
Walang hinaharap ni konting
Sarap man lang
Radyo, tv at mga lumang komiks
Wala ng ibang mapaglibangan,
At kung meron kang tatawagan
Trenta sentimos ika’y makakaltasan
Aha…
Umiindak ang paa sa kumpas na tugtuging bago
Hanggang kumpas ka nalang at di mo na alam ang tono
Sa paghinto ng ulan ano ang gagawain
Huwag ng isipin at walang babaguhin
Mabuti pa kaya matulog ka nalang
Matulog na ng mahimbing
Pumapatak na naman ang ulan…
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Modern Filipino Heroes
Sajid Bulig
On July 2, 1993, a pagoda carrying hundreds of Catholic devotees during the annual pagoda festival in Bocaue, Bulacan sank into the muddy Bocaue River. About 279 people, including children, drowned in the incident. One victim, Sajid Bulig, died a hero after saving four children out of the river.
Aris Canoy Espinosa
On January 30, 1994, Aris Canoy Espinosa, a 13-year-old boy from Lanao del Norte province, did something for his friends. A grenade on the ground was about to explode near the children. Aris quickly jumped and covered the grenade with his own body. The children were saved, thanks to the sacrifice of Aris!
Rona Mahilum
On May 26, 1996, a fire broke out inside a house in Barangay Divina Colonia, Sagay town, Negros Occidental province. Rona Mahilum, a young girl, sustained third degree burns on her back. Despite the pain, she rescued her five brothers and sisters out of the house on fire. Then she tried to put out the fire with water from the nearby well. In 1997, Rona was cited for her bravery and heroism. Amazing!
Chrisanta Seboc
On July 5, 1996, Chrisanta Seboc, a four-year girl from Barangay Sta. Teresa in Jordan town, Guimaras province saved the lives of her three-year-old sister and two-year-old brother from fire which engulfed their house at a time their parents were away for work. She was about to rescue another sister, an infant, when her neighbors stopped her from going into the house on fire. She cried because she could not help her.
Enteng Tagle
In its September 2002 issue, the Reader's Digest cited the heroics of Enteng Tagle, who was ten years old when he saved the lives of his one-year-old brother and eight-year-old playmate at the Payatas tragedy on July 12, 2000. Nearly 500 garbage scavengers who were living literally at the Payatas dumpsite in Quezon City were buried alive under tons of garbage when a 50-foot garbage mountain collapsed on their makeshift houses at the height of torrential rains.
Florencio Agapito and Robin Garcia
In the devastating earthquake that hit Luzon in June 1990, Florencio Agapito and Robin Garcia of Cabanatuan City died helping their schoolmates out of the Christian Colleges of the Philippines building that collapsed.
Rico Cayabyab and Elorde Naga
In November 2002, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has recognized 15-year-old Rico Cayabyab, 12-year-old Elorde Naga, and two adult fishermen of Paranaque City for saving three survivors, including an Australian tourist, from an airplane crash at the Manila Bay on November 11.
Godofredo Latoga
In 1985, Godofredo Latoga lost his life while rescuing his tour group members from a fire at the Pines Hotel.
Emilio Advincula
Emilio Advincula, a taxi driver, has been cited for his sheer honesty. In 1996, his passenger, a Filipino expatriate, left jewelry amounting to P2 million and several thousands of US dollars inside the car. Advincula returned everything.
Ma. Fe Sotelo
Ma. Fe Sotelo, a security guard, achieved her dream of becoming a police officer when the national police waived its height and age requirements just for her. This was after she returned P500,000 to a Chinese businessman who left his bag at the comfort room of the Festival Mall in Alabang on January 7, 2003. The businessman tried to give her money as a reward but the honest guard politely declined the offer. She said she did not think twice about returning the money.
On July 2, 1993, a pagoda carrying hundreds of Catholic devotees during the annual pagoda festival in Bocaue, Bulacan sank into the muddy Bocaue River. About 279 people, including children, drowned in the incident. One victim, Sajid Bulig, died a hero after saving four children out of the river.
Aris Canoy Espinosa
On January 30, 1994, Aris Canoy Espinosa, a 13-year-old boy from Lanao del Norte province, did something for his friends. A grenade on the ground was about to explode near the children. Aris quickly jumped and covered the grenade with his own body. The children were saved, thanks to the sacrifice of Aris!
Rona Mahilum
On May 26, 1996, a fire broke out inside a house in Barangay Divina Colonia, Sagay town, Negros Occidental province. Rona Mahilum, a young girl, sustained third degree burns on her back. Despite the pain, she rescued her five brothers and sisters out of the house on fire. Then she tried to put out the fire with water from the nearby well. In 1997, Rona was cited for her bravery and heroism. Amazing!
Chrisanta Seboc
On July 5, 1996, Chrisanta Seboc, a four-year girl from Barangay Sta. Teresa in Jordan town, Guimaras province saved the lives of her three-year-old sister and two-year-old brother from fire which engulfed their house at a time their parents were away for work. She was about to rescue another sister, an infant, when her neighbors stopped her from going into the house on fire. She cried because she could not help her.
Enteng Tagle
In its September 2002 issue, the Reader's Digest cited the heroics of Enteng Tagle, who was ten years old when he saved the lives of his one-year-old brother and eight-year-old playmate at the Payatas tragedy on July 12, 2000. Nearly 500 garbage scavengers who were living literally at the Payatas dumpsite in Quezon City were buried alive under tons of garbage when a 50-foot garbage mountain collapsed on their makeshift houses at the height of torrential rains.
Florencio Agapito and Robin Garcia
In the devastating earthquake that hit Luzon in June 1990, Florencio Agapito and Robin Garcia of Cabanatuan City died helping their schoolmates out of the Christian Colleges of the Philippines building that collapsed.
Rico Cayabyab and Elorde Naga
In November 2002, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has recognized 15-year-old Rico Cayabyab, 12-year-old Elorde Naga, and two adult fishermen of Paranaque City for saving three survivors, including an Australian tourist, from an airplane crash at the Manila Bay on November 11.
Godofredo Latoga
In 1985, Godofredo Latoga lost his life while rescuing his tour group members from a fire at the Pines Hotel.
Emilio Advincula
Emilio Advincula, a taxi driver, has been cited for his sheer honesty. In 1996, his passenger, a Filipino expatriate, left jewelry amounting to P2 million and several thousands of US dollars inside the car. Advincula returned everything.
Ma. Fe Sotelo
Ma. Fe Sotelo, a security guard, achieved her dream of becoming a police officer when the national police waived its height and age requirements just for her. This was after she returned P500,000 to a Chinese businessman who left his bag at the comfort room of the Festival Mall in Alabang on January 7, 2003. The businessman tried to give her money as a reward but the honest guard politely declined the offer. She said she did not think twice about returning the money.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Masdan mo ang Kapaligiran
By: Asin
Wala ka bang napapansin sa iyong mga kapaligiran?
Kay dumi na ng hangin, pati na ang mga ilog natin.
Refrain 1:
Hindi na masama ang pag-unlad
At malayu-layo na rin ang ating narating
Ngunit masdan mo ang tubig sa dagat
Dati'y kulay asul ngayo'y naging itim
Ang mga duming ating ikinalat sa hangin
Sa langit huwag na nating paabutin
Upang kung tayo'y pumanaw man, sariwang hangin
Sa langit natin matitikman
Refrain 2:
Mayron lang akong hinihiling
Sa aking pagpanaw sana ay tag-ulan
Gitara ko ay aking dadalhin
Upang sa ulap na lang tayo magkantahan
Ang mga batang ngayon lang isinilang
May hangin pa kayang matitikman?
May mga puno pa kaya silang aakyatin
May mga ilog pa kayang lalanguyan ?
Refrain 3:
Bakit di natin pagisipan
Ang nangyayari sa ating kapaligiran
Hindi na masama ang pag-unlad
Kung hindi nakakasira ng kalikasan
Darating ang panahon mga ibong gala
Ay wala nang madadapuan
Masdan mo ang mga punong dati ay kay tatag
Ngayo'y namamatay dahil sa 'ting kalokohan
Refrain 4:
Lahat ng bagay na narito sa lupa
Biyayang galing sa Diyos kahit nong ika'y wala pa
Ingatan natin at 'wag nang sirain pa
Pagkat pag Kanyang binawi, tayo'y mawawala na
Wala ka bang napapansin sa iyong mga kapaligiran?
Kay dumi na ng hangin, pati na ang mga ilog natin.
Refrain 1:
Hindi na masama ang pag-unlad
At malayu-layo na rin ang ating narating
Ngunit masdan mo ang tubig sa dagat
Dati'y kulay asul ngayo'y naging itim
Ang mga duming ating ikinalat sa hangin
Sa langit huwag na nating paabutin
Upang kung tayo'y pumanaw man, sariwang hangin
Sa langit natin matitikman
Refrain 2:
Mayron lang akong hinihiling
Sa aking pagpanaw sana ay tag-ulan
Gitara ko ay aking dadalhin
Upang sa ulap na lang tayo magkantahan
Ang mga batang ngayon lang isinilang
May hangin pa kayang matitikman?
May mga puno pa kaya silang aakyatin
May mga ilog pa kayang lalanguyan ?
Refrain 3:
Bakit di natin pagisipan
Ang nangyayari sa ating kapaligiran
Hindi na masama ang pag-unlad
Kung hindi nakakasira ng kalikasan
Darating ang panahon mga ibong gala
Ay wala nang madadapuan
Masdan mo ang mga punong dati ay kay tatag
Ngayo'y namamatay dahil sa 'ting kalokohan
Refrain 4:
Lahat ng bagay na narito sa lupa
Biyayang galing sa Diyos kahit nong ika'y wala pa
Ingatan natin at 'wag nang sirain pa
Pagkat pag Kanyang binawi, tayo'y mawawala na
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Titles of Philippine Places
What's in a Name?
The Department of Tourism (DoT) has the habit of using titles as a way of endorsing tourist destinations in the country. However, other countries are also using similar titles. Aside from Filipinos, the Japanese also use the phrase "Pearl of the Orient" to refer to their country. While Filipinos describe the Banaue Rice Terraces as the eighth wonder of the world, the Chinese use the same title for the Great Wall of China and the Cambodians for Angkor Wat. According to Filipinos, Mount Mayon has the most beautiful cone figure among all volcanoes in the world, the same way the Japanese view Mount Fuji and Costa Ricans view Arenal volcano. Davao City is reportedly the world's largest city but other cities in the world protest, including Puerto Princesa City of Palawan. Boracay Island is sold as the world's most beautiful beach resort, but Thailand, Indonesia, Latin American countries and several Pacific islands are ready to contest this title.
Aklan - oldest province
Angono, Rizal - town of artists
Antipolo City - picnic area
Apalit, Pampanga - tapayan capital
Baclayon Church, Bohol - oldest stone church
Bacolod City - city of smiles
Bacolor, Pampanga - country's capital in 1762-1763
Baguio City - summer capital
Balabac Island, Palawan - land of Philippine mouse deer
Baliuag, Bulacan - the first town to have election
Banaue Rice Terraces - stairways to the sky
Barasoain Church - headquarters of the Malolos Congress
Basey, Samar - town of mat festival
Batanes - smallest province; northernmost province
Bataan - last stronghold during Japanese occupation
Biak na Bato, San Miguel, Bulacan - site of the Biak na Bato republic
Binondo - known for Chinatown district
Bocaue, Bulacan - firecrackers' capital
Bohol - land of chocolate hills
Boracay Island - world's finest beach resort
Bulacan - land of heroes and beautiful women
Bukidnon - pineapple country
Calamba, Laguna - birthplace of Jose Rizal
Calamian Islands - land of Calamian deer
Calauit Island, Palawan - animal sanctuary
Camiguin - land of volcanoes
Capiz - seafood capital
Catanduanes - land of howling winds
Cebu City - premiere city in the south
Central Luzon - rice bowl
Corregidor Island - island fortress; the rock
Crisologo Street, Vigan - kamestizoan district
Davao City- world's largest city; durian capital
Davao Oriental - easternmost province
Divisoria - bargain capital
Donsol, Sorsogon - sanctuary of whale sharks
Gapan, Nueva Ecija - newest city
General Santos City - most competitive city; tuna capital
Guiginto, Bulacan - cutflower capital
Guimaras - mango capital
Hundred Islands, Pangasinan - actually composed of 400 islets
Iligan City - land of waterfalls
Intramuros, Manila - walled city
Kabayan, Benguet - land of mummies
Kalibo, Aklan - land of ati-atihan
Kawit, Cavite - first independent town
Laguna - resort province
Laguna de Bay - largest lake
Lanao del Sur - center of Islam
Las Pinas City - land of the bamboo organ
Lipa, Batangas - coffee capital
Lubao, Pampanga - the birthplace of Diosdado Macapagal
Lucban, Quezon - Pahiyas town
Luzon - world's 17th largest island
Magallanes, Agusan del Norte - site of the oldest tree
Makati City - financial center
Malolos, Bulacan - site of the First Philippine Republic
Manila - capital city
Maria Cristina Falls, Iligan City - mother of industry
Marikina City - shoe capital
Mexico, Pampanga - formerly known as Masicu
Meycauayan, Bulacan - jewelry capital
Miag-ao Church, Iloilo - fortress church
Mindanao - world's 19th largest island
Mindoro - land of the tamaraws
Mount Apo - highest peak
Mount Arayat - legendary home of Mariang Sinukuan
Mount Mayon - a volcano with nearly perfect cone
Nayong Pilipino - Philippines in miniature. (The theme park was opened in 1972 and closed on June 25, 2002.)
Negros Occidental - sugar capital; sports capital
Pagsanjan Falls - Philippines' el dorado
Palawan - the last frontier; largest province; westernmost province
Pampanga - culinary capital of Luzon
Paete, Laguna - town of wood carvers
Paoay Church, Ilocos Norte - earthquake baroque
Paombong, Bulacan - vinegar capital
Philippine Deep - world's second deepest spot
Philippines - pearl of the orient
Rio Grande de Cagayan - longest river
Romblon - marble country
San Agustin Church, Intramuros - oldest church in Luzon
San Fernando, Pampanga - lantern capital of the world
San Juanico Bridge - longest suspension bridge
San Sebastian Church - the only steel church in Asia
Siargao Island - perfect waves island
Spratleys - the islands claimed by six countries
Sta. Maria, Bulacan - egg nest of the Philippines
Sta. Maria Church, Ilocos Sur - outstanding example of Spanish baroque architecture
Subic Freeport - American town
Taal Volcano - world's smallest volcano
Tagaytay City - the next summer capital
Tangub City - Christmas symbol capital
Tawi-Tawi - southernmost province
Trinidad Valley - land of strawberry and vegetables
Tubbataha Marine Park - world's richest bio-geographic area
Unisan, Quezon - oldest town
University of San Carlos, Cebu City - oldest university
Vigan, Ilocos Sur - Spanish colonial town
Zamboanga Sibugay - newest province
The Department of Tourism (DoT) has the habit of using titles as a way of endorsing tourist destinations in the country. However, other countries are also using similar titles. Aside from Filipinos, the Japanese also use the phrase "Pearl of the Orient" to refer to their country. While Filipinos describe the Banaue Rice Terraces as the eighth wonder of the world, the Chinese use the same title for the Great Wall of China and the Cambodians for Angkor Wat. According to Filipinos, Mount Mayon has the most beautiful cone figure among all volcanoes in the world, the same way the Japanese view Mount Fuji and Costa Ricans view Arenal volcano. Davao City is reportedly the world's largest city but other cities in the world protest, including Puerto Princesa City of Palawan. Boracay Island is sold as the world's most beautiful beach resort, but Thailand, Indonesia, Latin American countries and several Pacific islands are ready to contest this title.
Aklan - oldest province
Angono, Rizal - town of artists
Antipolo City - picnic area
Apalit, Pampanga - tapayan capital
Baclayon Church, Bohol - oldest stone church
Bacolod City - city of smiles
Bacolor, Pampanga - country's capital in 1762-1763
Baguio City - summer capital
Balabac Island, Palawan - land of Philippine mouse deer
Baliuag, Bulacan - the first town to have election
Banaue Rice Terraces - stairways to the sky
Barasoain Church - headquarters of the Malolos Congress
Basey, Samar - town of mat festival
Batanes - smallest province; northernmost province
Bataan - last stronghold during Japanese occupation
Biak na Bato, San Miguel, Bulacan - site of the Biak na Bato republic
Binondo - known for Chinatown district
Bocaue, Bulacan - firecrackers' capital
Bohol - land of chocolate hills
Boracay Island - world's finest beach resort
Bulacan - land of heroes and beautiful women
Bukidnon - pineapple country
Calamba, Laguna - birthplace of Jose Rizal
Calamian Islands - land of Calamian deer
Calauit Island, Palawan - animal sanctuary
Camiguin - land of volcanoes
Capiz - seafood capital
Catanduanes - land of howling winds
Cebu City - premiere city in the south
Central Luzon - rice bowl
Corregidor Island - island fortress; the rock
Crisologo Street, Vigan - kamestizoan district
Davao City- world's largest city; durian capital
Davao Oriental - easternmost province
Divisoria - bargain capital
Donsol, Sorsogon - sanctuary of whale sharks
Gapan, Nueva Ecija - newest city
General Santos City - most competitive city; tuna capital
Guiginto, Bulacan - cutflower capital
Guimaras - mango capital
Hundred Islands, Pangasinan - actually composed of 400 islets
Iligan City - land of waterfalls
Intramuros, Manila - walled city
Kabayan, Benguet - land of mummies
Kalibo, Aklan - land of ati-atihan
Kawit, Cavite - first independent town
Laguna - resort province
Laguna de Bay - largest lake
Lanao del Sur - center of Islam
Las Pinas City - land of the bamboo organ
Lipa, Batangas - coffee capital
Lubao, Pampanga - the birthplace of Diosdado Macapagal
Lucban, Quezon - Pahiyas town
Luzon - world's 17th largest island
Magallanes, Agusan del Norte - site of the oldest tree
Makati City - financial center
Malolos, Bulacan - site of the First Philippine Republic
Manila - capital city
Maria Cristina Falls, Iligan City - mother of industry
Marikina City - shoe capital
Mexico, Pampanga - formerly known as Masicu
Meycauayan, Bulacan - jewelry capital
Miag-ao Church, Iloilo - fortress church
Mindanao - world's 19th largest island
Mindoro - land of the tamaraws
Mount Apo - highest peak
Mount Arayat - legendary home of Mariang Sinukuan
Mount Mayon - a volcano with nearly perfect cone
Nayong Pilipino - Philippines in miniature. (The theme park was opened in 1972 and closed on June 25, 2002.)
Negros Occidental - sugar capital; sports capital
Pagsanjan Falls - Philippines' el dorado
Palawan - the last frontier; largest province; westernmost province
Pampanga - culinary capital of Luzon
Paete, Laguna - town of wood carvers
Paoay Church, Ilocos Norte - earthquake baroque
Paombong, Bulacan - vinegar capital
Philippine Deep - world's second deepest spot
Philippines - pearl of the orient
Rio Grande de Cagayan - longest river
Romblon - marble country
San Agustin Church, Intramuros - oldest church in Luzon
San Fernando, Pampanga - lantern capital of the world
San Juanico Bridge - longest suspension bridge
San Sebastian Church - the only steel church in Asia
Siargao Island - perfect waves island
Spratleys - the islands claimed by six countries
Sta. Maria, Bulacan - egg nest of the Philippines
Sta. Maria Church, Ilocos Sur - outstanding example of Spanish baroque architecture
Subic Freeport - American town
Taal Volcano - world's smallest volcano
Tagaytay City - the next summer capital
Tangub City - Christmas symbol capital
Tawi-Tawi - southernmost province
Trinidad Valley - land of strawberry and vegetables
Tubbataha Marine Park - world's richest bio-geographic area
Unisan, Quezon - oldest town
University of San Carlos, Cebu City - oldest university
Vigan, Ilocos Sur - Spanish colonial town
Zamboanga Sibugay - newest province
Longest in the Philippines
Longest Serving Editor in the World
Sy Yinchow, an 84-year-old Filipino-Chinese journalist living in Manila's Binondo district, is perhaps the world's longest-serving, living editor-in-chief of daily newspapers. As of 2003, Sy was still serving the chief editor of the United Daily News, a leading Chinese-language daily in the Philippines. He has been an editor-in-chief of Manila-based publications for 58 years since 1945, surpassing the record of Sir Etienne Dupuch who had served as the editor-in-chief of the Nassau Daily Tribune in the Bahamas for only 53 years from 1919 to 1972.
Aside from his colorful journalism career, Sy has written 20 books and translated over 100 English and 72 French poems into Chinese. He is an honorary president of the Hong Kong-based World Association of Chinese Writers and a fellow of the International Writing Programme of the University of Iowa.
Longest Barbecue in the World
On April 30, 2002, about 50,000 people participated in the "Kalutan ed Dagupan" festival in Dagupan City (Pangasinan province, Northern Luzon, Philippines) to help grill and partake of the 1,001-meter long barbecue, that broke the previous World Record of 613 meter-long barbecue grilled in Canchia, Peru on November 13, 1999.
The people of the city used hundreds of grills, each measuring 1.2-meter long, to cook the barbecue. The grills' total measure was about 800 meters long, enough to surpass the Peruvian record. The barbecue consisted of bangus (milkfish), pork, chicken, vegetables and cold cuts. A video footage was sent to the Guinness Book of World Records for validation. (Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Longest Mat in the World
The people of the agricultural town of Basey, Samar own the distinction of having weaved the world's longest mat, or "banig" in the local parlance. During the town's Banigan-Kawayan Festival on September 29, 2000, hundreds of people paraded the mat, which extended for more than a kilometer.
The one-meter wide mat has been weaved for several weeks by groups of people from the different barangays of Basey. While the mat was not submitted as an entry to the Guinness Book of World Records, Basey Mayor Wilfredo Estorninos described the feat as a source of pride for all Basaynons.
Each year, the town, which has weaving as its prime industry, comes to life when it celebrates outlandishly the feast of St. Michael, its patron saint. The highlight of the feast is the Banigan-Kawayan Festival, where the women of Basey weave a variety of intricately designed mats from sedge grass locally known as tikog (Fimbristylis milliacea). This tradition was handed down from many generations. The Church of Basey was built in 1864.
Longest Bridge in the Philippines
The country's longest bridge is the San Juanico Bridge, a steel structure connecting the islands of Samar and Leyte. Built in 1973 under the Marcos administration, the 2.16-kilometer bridge crosses over the picturesque San Juanico Strait as a part of the Maharlika Highway. Also known as Marcos Bridge, San Juanico Bridge has 43 spans rising 41 meters above the sea. Bunton Bridge in Cagayan province is said to be the country's second longest bridge.
The title of the longest bridge, however, may soon belong to a bridge which will be built in the Manila Bay. This cable suspension bridge will link Metro Manila to the provinces of Bataan and Cavite. It will be patterned after the Tokyo Bay Aqualine, which connects Kawasaki City in Kanagawa Prefecture to Kisarazu City in Japan.
Among the longest bridges in the world are the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in New York, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the East Bridge-Great Belt Fixed Link in Denmark, the Hoga Kusten in Sweden, and the Tsing Ma Bridge in Hong Kong.
Longest Traffic Buildup in the Philippines
On the night of May 26, 2003, the northbound and southbound lanes of the North Luzon Tollway from Bocaue, Bulacan to Balintawak, Quezon City turned into a parking lot of thousands of vehicles trapped in floods. Rains induced by tropical storm Chedeng caused the garbage-infested Malhacan River in Meycauayan to rise above street level. The traffic buildup that extended to EDSA left thousands of commuters stranded for a whole night.
A bus that left Cubao, Quezon City at 4 p.m. of May 26 reached Bocaue, Bulacan at 2 a.m. of the next day. The usually 15-minute ride from Camachile to Bocaue turned into a grueling and nerve-wracking 8-hour saga for drivers and commuters. Thousands of office workers that left Makati City at 5 p.m. of May 26 were lucky to reach their homes in Bulacan at 4 a.m. of the next day. Others spent the night under the rain while catching for a ride along EDSA.
Third Longest Coastline
The Philippines, one of the world's largest archipelagos, also has one of the longest combined coastlines in the planet. The total length of the country's coastlines is 36,289 kilometers or almost twice that of the United States. It is said to be the third country with the longest combined coastlines, after Canada and Indonesia.
Longest Cave in the Philippines
The 15-kilometer St. Paul Cave in Palawan province is considered as the longest natural cave in the country. Other notable caves in the Philippines are the 8.9-kilometer Odloman Cave in Mabinay, Negros Oriental; and the 7.7-kilometer Odessa Tumbali Cave in Penablanca, Cagayan.
In terms of vertical range, the deepest cave is the Sumaging-Latipan-Lomyang Crystal Cave in Sagada Mountain Province. Its deepest point is 163 meters from its mouth.
Longest Underground River in the World
Palawan's St. Paul's underground river is said to be the world's longest underground river. The navigable part of the river inside the cave of the 4000-acre St. Paul Subterranean River stretches 8.2 kilometers in length (5 miles). However, this title is being disputed in Vietnam where an underground river known as Son Trach River reportedly extends 7 miles in length. Filipino explorers, however, claimed that once fully measured, St. Paul's total length would reach 15 kilometers.
Longest River
Cagayan River or Rio Grande de Cagayan, with a total length of 353 kilometers, is the longest and widest river in the Philippines. It bisects the Cagayan Valley from north to south. Also considered as the mightiest watercourse, Cagayan River sources its water from smaller rivers and streams in the mountain ranges of Sierra Madre, Caraballo, Cordillera, and Balete Pass.
The other notable rivers in Luzon are Chico, Abra, Pampanga, and Bicol. In the south, the principal rivers are Mindanao (known in its upper course as the Pulangi) and Agusan.
Meanwhile, the underground river of St. Paul's Natural Park in Palawan is considered as one of the world's longest subterranean rivers. The world's longest rivers are the Nile River in Egypt and Amazon River in South America. Also worth mentioning are the Yangtze River in China, Mekong River in Vietnam, and Euphrates River in Iraq.
Longest Mountain Range
The longest mountain range in the country is Sierra Madre, which stretches from Cagayan province in northeastern Luzon to Aurora province in southern Tagalog.
Longest Underground Railway
The country's first subway remains to be built, but this early, passengers of MRT3 (Metro Rail Transit) had the chance to know what it is like to travel underground. The MRT line, which spans from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City, passes through an underground tunnel, measuring hundreds of meters, along EDSA corner Buendia Avenue in Makati City.
The MRT is a US$565 million project, involving 60 Czech-made trains. At present, it has 10 stations, which were built at key road intersections in Metro Manila. The average distance between stations is 1.300 kilometer.
There were plans to build a 100-kilometer railway system from Fort Bonifacio in Makati City to Clark in Pampanga. Based on the plan, five to seven kilometers of this railway will be elevated while 10 kilometers will be laid underground, making it the first true subway in the country.
Sy Yinchow, an 84-year-old Filipino-Chinese journalist living in Manila's Binondo district, is perhaps the world's longest-serving, living editor-in-chief of daily newspapers. As of 2003, Sy was still serving the chief editor of the United Daily News, a leading Chinese-language daily in the Philippines. He has been an editor-in-chief of Manila-based publications for 58 years since 1945, surpassing the record of Sir Etienne Dupuch who had served as the editor-in-chief of the Nassau Daily Tribune in the Bahamas for only 53 years from 1919 to 1972.
Aside from his colorful journalism career, Sy has written 20 books and translated over 100 English and 72 French poems into Chinese. He is an honorary president of the Hong Kong-based World Association of Chinese Writers and a fellow of the International Writing Programme of the University of Iowa.
Longest Barbecue in the World
On April 30, 2002, about 50,000 people participated in the "Kalutan ed Dagupan" festival in Dagupan City (Pangasinan province, Northern Luzon, Philippines) to help grill and partake of the 1,001-meter long barbecue, that broke the previous World Record of 613 meter-long barbecue grilled in Canchia, Peru on November 13, 1999.
The people of the city used hundreds of grills, each measuring 1.2-meter long, to cook the barbecue. The grills' total measure was about 800 meters long, enough to surpass the Peruvian record. The barbecue consisted of bangus (milkfish), pork, chicken, vegetables and cold cuts. A video footage was sent to the Guinness Book of World Records for validation. (Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Longest Mat in the World
The people of the agricultural town of Basey, Samar own the distinction of having weaved the world's longest mat, or "banig" in the local parlance. During the town's Banigan-Kawayan Festival on September 29, 2000, hundreds of people paraded the mat, which extended for more than a kilometer.
The one-meter wide mat has been weaved for several weeks by groups of people from the different barangays of Basey. While the mat was not submitted as an entry to the Guinness Book of World Records, Basey Mayor Wilfredo Estorninos described the feat as a source of pride for all Basaynons.
Each year, the town, which has weaving as its prime industry, comes to life when it celebrates outlandishly the feast of St. Michael, its patron saint. The highlight of the feast is the Banigan-Kawayan Festival, where the women of Basey weave a variety of intricately designed mats from sedge grass locally known as tikog (Fimbristylis milliacea). This tradition was handed down from many generations. The Church of Basey was built in 1864.
Longest Bridge in the Philippines
The country's longest bridge is the San Juanico Bridge, a steel structure connecting the islands of Samar and Leyte. Built in 1973 under the Marcos administration, the 2.16-kilometer bridge crosses over the picturesque San Juanico Strait as a part of the Maharlika Highway. Also known as Marcos Bridge, San Juanico Bridge has 43 spans rising 41 meters above the sea. Bunton Bridge in Cagayan province is said to be the country's second longest bridge.
The title of the longest bridge, however, may soon belong to a bridge which will be built in the Manila Bay. This cable suspension bridge will link Metro Manila to the provinces of Bataan and Cavite. It will be patterned after the Tokyo Bay Aqualine, which connects Kawasaki City in Kanagawa Prefecture to Kisarazu City in Japan.
Among the longest bridges in the world are the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in New York, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the East Bridge-Great Belt Fixed Link in Denmark, the Hoga Kusten in Sweden, and the Tsing Ma Bridge in Hong Kong.
Longest Traffic Buildup in the Philippines
On the night of May 26, 2003, the northbound and southbound lanes of the North Luzon Tollway from Bocaue, Bulacan to Balintawak, Quezon City turned into a parking lot of thousands of vehicles trapped in floods. Rains induced by tropical storm Chedeng caused the garbage-infested Malhacan River in Meycauayan to rise above street level. The traffic buildup that extended to EDSA left thousands of commuters stranded for a whole night.
A bus that left Cubao, Quezon City at 4 p.m. of May 26 reached Bocaue, Bulacan at 2 a.m. of the next day. The usually 15-minute ride from Camachile to Bocaue turned into a grueling and nerve-wracking 8-hour saga for drivers and commuters. Thousands of office workers that left Makati City at 5 p.m. of May 26 were lucky to reach their homes in Bulacan at 4 a.m. of the next day. Others spent the night under the rain while catching for a ride along EDSA.
Third Longest Coastline
The Philippines, one of the world's largest archipelagos, also has one of the longest combined coastlines in the planet. The total length of the country's coastlines is 36,289 kilometers or almost twice that of the United States. It is said to be the third country with the longest combined coastlines, after Canada and Indonesia.
Longest Cave in the Philippines
The 15-kilometer St. Paul Cave in Palawan province is considered as the longest natural cave in the country. Other notable caves in the Philippines are the 8.9-kilometer Odloman Cave in Mabinay, Negros Oriental; and the 7.7-kilometer Odessa Tumbali Cave in Penablanca, Cagayan.
In terms of vertical range, the deepest cave is the Sumaging-Latipan-Lomyang Crystal Cave in Sagada Mountain Province. Its deepest point is 163 meters from its mouth.
Longest Underground River in the World
Palawan's St. Paul's underground river is said to be the world's longest underground river. The navigable part of the river inside the cave of the 4000-acre St. Paul Subterranean River stretches 8.2 kilometers in length (5 miles). However, this title is being disputed in Vietnam where an underground river known as Son Trach River reportedly extends 7 miles in length. Filipino explorers, however, claimed that once fully measured, St. Paul's total length would reach 15 kilometers.
Longest River
Cagayan River or Rio Grande de Cagayan, with a total length of 353 kilometers, is the longest and widest river in the Philippines. It bisects the Cagayan Valley from north to south. Also considered as the mightiest watercourse, Cagayan River sources its water from smaller rivers and streams in the mountain ranges of Sierra Madre, Caraballo, Cordillera, and Balete Pass.
The other notable rivers in Luzon are Chico, Abra, Pampanga, and Bicol. In the south, the principal rivers are Mindanao (known in its upper course as the Pulangi) and Agusan.
Meanwhile, the underground river of St. Paul's Natural Park in Palawan is considered as one of the world's longest subterranean rivers. The world's longest rivers are the Nile River in Egypt and Amazon River in South America. Also worth mentioning are the Yangtze River in China, Mekong River in Vietnam, and Euphrates River in Iraq.
Longest Mountain Range
The longest mountain range in the country is Sierra Madre, which stretches from Cagayan province in northeastern Luzon to Aurora province in southern Tagalog.
Longest Underground Railway
The country's first subway remains to be built, but this early, passengers of MRT3 (Metro Rail Transit) had the chance to know what it is like to travel underground. The MRT line, which spans from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City, passes through an underground tunnel, measuring hundreds of meters, along EDSA corner Buendia Avenue in Makati City.
The MRT is a US$565 million project, involving 60 Czech-made trains. At present, it has 10 stations, which were built at key road intersections in Metro Manila. The average distance between stations is 1.300 kilometer.
There were plans to build a 100-kilometer railway system from Fort Bonifacio in Makati City to Clark in Pampanga. Based on the plan, five to seven kilometers of this railway will be elevated while 10 kilometers will be laid underground, making it the first true subway in the country.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
First in the Philippines
First Circumnavigator of the Globe
Although many historians considered him as the first circumnavigator of the globe, Ferdinand Magellan never completed his voyage around the planet. Magellan, a sea captain, commanded a fleet of five wooden Spanish ships with 241 men on board and embarked on what is now considered as "the greatest of all epics of human discovery". Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer who discovered America for Spain, traveled 8,000 miles aboard a Spanish ship across the Atlantic Ocean. But Magellan's men embarked on an expedition that brought them 42,000 miles around the planet.
The voyage began on September 20, 1519. Magellan and his three remaining ships reached the Philippines on March 17, 1521. On April 27, he was killed by the men of Lapulapu, chieftain of Mactan Island in the Philippines. Only one ship, the Trinidad, with 18 European crewmen led by Sebastian del Cano and four Malay crewmen (maybe Filipinos) completed the trip around the world and arrived in Seville, Spain in 1522.
First Spanish Landing in the Philippines
On March 16, 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in service of Spain landed at Samar.
First Mass
On March 31, 1521 (Easter Sunday) Spanish friar Pedro Valderama conducted the first Catholic mass in Limasawa, Leyte. Rajah Kolambu, who forged a blood compact of friendship with Magellan two days earlier, attended along with Rajah Siagu.
First Filipino Christians
On April 14, 1521, Rajah Humabon, Rajah Kolambu, and 400 other Filipino natives were baptized into Christianity during a ceremony administered by friar Pedro Valderamma.
First Filipino Priest
In 1590, Martin Lakandula was ordained as an Augustinian priest, becoming the first native Filipino to serve as a friar. In 1906, Jorge Barlin became the first Filipino bishop under the Roman Catholic Church. The first Filipino archbishop was Viviano Gorordo while the first Filipino cardinal was Rufino Cardinal Santos.
First Spanish Chair in the Philippines
It was said that Filipinos first used a chair in April 1521 when Ferdinand Magellan gave Rajah Humabon of Cebu a red velvet Spanish chair. According to Halupi, a book of essays on Philippine history, early Filipinos used to sit on the floor.
First Spanish Monument
Also on April 14, 1521, Ferdinand Magellan planted a huge cross in Cebu. It was here where friar Valderama baptized Rajah Humabon, Rajah Kolambu and 400 other Filipinos into Christianity.
First Battle
On April 14, 1521, the first battle between Filipinos and the European conquerors took place in Mactan, Cebu. Filipino chieftain Lapu-lapu defeated Magellan and his men. After Magellan was killed, Sebastian del Cano led his men back to Spain, completing their voyage around the planet.
First Religious Order
The Franciscans were the first Catholic religious order to establish their presence in the Philippines. The Franciscans came here in 1577; Jesuits, 1581; Dominicans, 1587; Recollects, 1606; Paulists, 1862; Sisters of Charity, 1862; Capuchins, 1886; and Benedictines, 1895.
First Spanish-Filipino Marriage
In 1585, Spanish soldier Pablo Alvarez married Nicolasa de Alvarez, a native of Lubao, Pampanga.
First Muslims
Makdum, Rajah Baguinda and Abu Bakar propagated Islam in the Philippines in the 15th Century.
First Spanish Governor General
Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, who founded the first European settlement in Cebu City in 1565, is considered the first Spanish governor general in the Philippines. He founded the city of Manila and declared it the capital of the archipelago on June 3, 1571. The last Spanish governor general in the Philippines was Riego delos Rios in 1898.
First Archbishop
Domingo Salazar was the first archbishop of the Philippines, which was regarded as a single diocese in the 1580s.
First Filipina Directress
According to Pampango historian Zoilo Galang, Sor Candida Ocampo was the first and only Filipino who became a directress of a Spanish institution in the Philippines. In 1594, Ocampo, who was born in Camarines Sur, was appointed as the directress of Colegio de Santa Isabel.
First Cannon Maker
Even before the Spaniards came to the Philippines, Filipino natives had already learned the trick of making cannons, perhaps from Chinese traders. Historians claimed that Panday Pira who lived between 1483 and 1576 had devised the cannons which Muslim leader Rajah Sulayman used to protect Manila against the invading Spanish troops. Panday Pira was from Tarlac.
First Chinese Kingdom in the Philippines
After attacking Manila, Chinese conqueror Limahong established a kingdom near the mouth of Agno River in Pangasinan province on December 3, 1574. Agno was the seat of the old civilization. Historians have mentioned one Princess Urduja who ruled Pangasinan before the Spaniards came. In 1660, Filipino leader Malong attempted to establish another kingdom in Pangasinan.
First Revolt against Spain's colonial rule
The first attempt to rise against Spanish colonial rule was carried out by chieftains of Bulacan led by Esteban Taes in 1587. On October 26, 1588, Spanish authorities discovered a plot by Magat Salamat of Hagonoy who tried to enlist the support of his relatives in Borneo.
First Filipino in Exile
Felipe Salonga of Polo, Bulacan (now Valenzuela City) became the first Filipino who was put in exile by Spanish authorities for starting a revolt in Bulacan in 1587. He was exiled to Mexico.
First Mention of King of Tagalogs
New historical writings have mentioned the name of one Raha Matanda or Rajah Ache (Lakandula) who ruled over Tondo, a kingdom encompassing an area that now includes Bulacan, Metro Manila, Rizal and Quezon in the 16th Century. Rajah Matanda was the heir to his father's throne and was a grandson of Sultan Siripada I (Bolkeiah I) of Borneo. In 1643, Don Pedro Ladia of Borneo who claimed to be a descendant of Rajah Matanda started a revolt and called himself the king of the Tagalog. He was executed in Manila. Historians said that when the troops of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi attacked Manila in 1571, the men of Rajah Soliman - the king of Manila - rose up in resistance.
In 1847, Apolinario dela Cruz of Tayabas was considered king of the Tagalogs. Bernardo Carpio, a mythical giant character, was also regarded as a king of the Tagalogs. In the 1900s, the revolutionary government proclaimed Macario Sakay as the president of the Tagalog Republic.
First Chinese Revolt
On October 3, 1603, the Chinese rose in revolt in Manila and was driven away to San Pablo, Laguna where they made their last stand.
First use of Juan dela Cruz as a pseudonym
A certain Pantaleon Perez led the Pangasinan revolt on November 3, 1762. Perez assumed the name Juan dela Cruz Palaris. It was mentioned that on November 11, 1849, most illiterate Filipinos during the administration of Spanish governor general Narciso Claveria y Zaldua were given the Christian surname dela Cruz. Our great ancestors, who could not read and write, drew a cross as their signature on documents and so were known for their dela Cruz surnames. In contrast, Filipino descendants of rajahs and noble men were given the option to keep their names. Among the clans, who were also exempted from forced labor and paying taxes under the Spanish rule, were the Lakandulas, Solimans, Gatmaitans, Gatbontons, Salongas, Layas, Lapiras, Macapagals, Salamats, Manuguits, Balinguits, Banals, Kalaws, among others.
First Filipino
The first man who used Filipino as a title of citizenship was Luis Rodriguez Varela, a Spaniard who was born in Manila. He preferred to be called El Conde Pilipino in 1795.
First Map
The first Philippine map was drawn in 1734 by Nicolas dela Cruz and Francisco Suarez under the instruction of Jesuit historian Pedro Murillo Velarde. The original map was 27 inches wide and 42 inches long.
First Dutch Presence
On June 10, 1647, a Dutch fleet arrived in Manila Bay and later attacked Cavite province.
First British Presence
On October 4, 1762, British forces invaded Manila. They took possession of Intramuros until May 31, 1764.
First Filipino Printer
The Spaniards introduced the art of printing in the Philippines, almost half a century before the Americans learned how to use it. It is believed that the first book in the country was Doctrina Christiana en letra y lengua China, which was printed in 1593 by Juan de Vera, a Filipino-Chinese. In 1948, Fray Jose Gonzales of the Dominican Order discovered this book in the Vatican Library. Tomas Pinpin is regarded as the first Filipino printer. He was born in Abucay, Bataan but records about his birth were lost after the Dutch invaders destroyed the town of Abucay in 1646. Pinpin learned the art of printing from the Chinese artisans when he worked in the shop of Filipino-Chinese printer, Luis Beltran.
Among his works were Arte y Reglas de la Lengua Tagala (1610) and the Librong Pag-aaralan nang mga Tagalog nang Uicang Castila (1610) printed in Bataan. From 1609 to 1639, Pinpin printed more than a dozen titles. Other literary pieces, which appeared during this period were the poems of Pedro Bukaneg (1590-1626), Fernando Bagongbanta (1605), and Pedro Ossorio (1625). The art of modern printing was discovered by German scholar Johannes Gutenberg (1394-1468). The Chinese, however, are credited for having developed their own system of printing, hundreds of years before Gutenberg was born.
First Newspaper
In 1637, Tomas Pinpin published Successos Felices (Fortunate Events), a 14-page newsletter in Spanish that is now widely regarded as the first Philippine newsletter. On December 1, 1846, La Esperanza, the first daily newspaper, was published in the country. Other early newspapers were La Estrella (1847), Diario de Manila (1848) and Boletin Oficial de Filipinas (1852). The first provincial newspaper was El Eco de Vigan (1884), which was issued in Ilocos.
First Magazine and Journal
Seminario Filipino, the first religious magazine in the country, was first issued in 1843. Meanwhile, El Faro Juridico became the first professional journal in the country when it saw print in 1882.
First Guide Book
According to Pampango historian Zoilo Galang, the first guidebook in the Philippines (Guia de Forasteros) was printed in 1834.
First Novel
According to literary expert Bievenido Lumbera, the first Filipino novel was Ninay, written by Pedro Paterno and published in 1880. Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere was published in 1887 while El Filibusterismo came out of the press in 1891. The first English novel written in English by a Filipino was Zoilo Galang's A Child of Sorrow.
First Woman Writer and Poet
According to Pampango historian Zoilo Galang, the first Filipino poetess was Leona Florentino of Ilocos while the first Filipino woman writer was Rosario de Leon of Pampanga. The first Filipino woman novelist, Galang added, was Magalena Jalandoni from Visayas while the first Filipino woman who wrote an English novel was Felicidad Ocampo.
First Non-Catholic Marriage
The first non-Catholic marriage in Manila under the Spanish control took place in the early 19th Century when American Henry Sturgis, who arrived in the country in 1827, married Josephina Borras of Manila. They were wed aboard a British warship at the Manila harbor.
First Bakery
In 1631, the Spanish government established and operated the first bakery in Manila.
First Drugstore
Botica Boie is considered the first drugstore in the country, having been established by Dr. Lorenzo Negrao in 1830.
First Lighthouse
In 1846, the Farola was built at the mouth of Pasig River, becoming the first lighthouse in the country.
First Electric Lamp
The first electric lamp in the country is said to be the one designed by Ateneo students in 1878, 12 years before Thomas Houston Electric Co. installed Manila's first electric street lights.
First Botanical Garden
In 1858, Governor General Fernando Norzagaray ordered the establishment of the Botanical Garden. It can now be found beside the Manila City Hall.
First Waterworks
Manila had its first centralized water system in July 1882 following the completion of the Carriedo waterworks, whose reservoir was in Marikina.
First Railroad
In 1892, a railway connecting Manila and Dagupan was completed. It was operated by the Manila Railroad Company.
First Telephone System
The first telegraph line was opened in 1873 while the country's first telephone system was established in Manila in 1890. Electric lines were first installed in 1895.
First Mining Firm
In the early 19th Century, Johann Andreas Zobel founded the first iron and copper mining firm in Bulacan and Baguio. The first Zobel in the country was Jacobo Zobel Hinsch, a German who went to Manila in 1849. One of the Zobels - Jacobo Zobel Zangroniz latter married Trinidad Ayala de Roxas, an heir of the rich Ayala and Roxas families.
First Calendar
The first calendar with a Philippine almanac was first released in 1897. The first issue of the calendar was titled "La Sonrisa".
First Filipino Chemist
Johann Andreas Zobel also founded the first chemical laboratory in the country. Meanwhile, Anacleto del Rosario is considered as the first Filipino chemist.
First Philanthropist
Dona Margarita Roxas de Ayala, a daughter of Domingo Roxas, is considered as the first philanthropist in the country. She assumed the control of the family's Casa Roxas in 1843 and was one of the founders of La Concordia College.
First Social Club
The first social club was established in Manila in 1898. It was the Filipino Independiente, a circle of educated and rich Filipino nationalists. It succeeded Jose Rizal's La Liga Filipina, which was more of a movement.
World's First Steel Church
The steel church of San Sebastian, now Basilica Minore, is considered as the world's first-ever all-steel basilica. Designed by Don Genaro Palacios in 1883, this small, jewel box church was prefabricated in Belgium. The steel plates, weighing about 50,000 tons were brought to the Philippines in six ships. The walls were filled with mixed gravel, sand and cement to fortify the structure. Stained glass windows from France were later installed. The church, an earthquake-proof structure, was completed in 1891. There were arguments that French architect Gustavo Eiffel, who designed the Eiffel Tower of Paris and Statue of Liberty in New York, was also the one who designed the San Sebastian Church.
First Hotel
It is believed that Hotel del Oriente in Binondo, Manila was the first hotel built in the Philippines. The hotel was a two-story building with 83 rooms fronting the Plaza de Carlos III. It was a first-class hotel constructed in the 1850s just beside the famous landmark, La Insular Cigarette and Cigar Factory. The national hero - Jose Rizal - reportedly stayed at Room 22 of that hotel, facing the Binondo Church. Hotel del Oriente was among the crown jewels of the old Binondo (or Minondoc as it was earlier known) which was named after binundok. It was part of the Provincia de Tondo (now Manila) and was declared one of its districts in 1859.
Both Hotel del Oriente and La Insular were burned down during the Japanese Occupation. The Metrobank building now occupies the former site of the two buildings. The oldest surviving hotel in the country is the Manila Hotel, which was built in 1912. The world's first hotel was the Tremont, which opened in Boston in 1829. It had a dining room for 200 people, 12 public rooms and 120 bedrooms.
First Republic
Early Philippine republics were Kakarong de Sili republic in Pandi, Bulacan; Tejeros Convention in Malabon; and Biak na Bato republic in San Miguel, Bulacan. Historians, however, wrote that the first real Philippine republic was established in Malolos, Bulacan on January 21, 1899. Two days later, the First Philippine Republic was inaugurated while General Emilio Aguinaldo was declared its first president.
First President of Katipunan
It was Deodato Arellano who became the first president of the Katipunan, a revolutionary movement against Spanish rule in the Philippines.
First Vice President
Mariano Trias is considered as the first Filipino vice-president who assumed the post in 1897.
First Army Chief
General Artemio Ricarte served as the first captain general of the Philippine Army which was established by the Tejeros Convention on March 22, 1897. Ricarte was replaced by General Antonio Luna on January 22, 1899.
First Protestant Mission
The first Presbyterian mission arrived in the country in April 1899. American couple Dr. and Mrs. James Rodgers led the mission.
First Filipino Protestant Minister
Nicolas Zamora, a former Catholic priest, later became the first ordained protestant minister in the Philippines.
First Election
The first municipal election in the Philippines was held in Baliuag, Bulacan under the supervision of American military governor general Arthur MacArthur on May 6, 1899.
First Ice Cream Parlor
In December 1899, Clarke's Ice Cream Parlor became the first ice cream parlor in the Philippines when it opened its store at Plaza Moraga in Binondo, Manila. Metcalf Clarke owned it.
First Autonomous Region
Before the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) was formed in the 1980s, Panay Island used to have "Cantonal Republic of Negros". The Americans, however, abolished the republic and turned Negros into a regular province on April 30, 1901.
First American Civil Governor
The first American civil governor in the Philippines became the 27th president of the United States. William Howard Taft, who served in the Philippines from 1901 to 1903, was also the only man who became a US president (1909-1912) and then a Supreme Court chief justice (1921-1930). Known for his weight of over 300 pounds, Taft became a very notable person in the US and the Philippines. One of the largest road networks in Metro Manila, the Taft Avenue, was named after him. President McKinley sent him to head the Philippine Commission in 1900. His task was to form a civil government in a country disrupted by the Spanish-American War and the rebellion led by General Emilio Aguinaldo, whom local historians called the country's first president.
First Superintendent of Manila Schools
Dr. David Prescott Barrows, one of the passengers of American ship USAT Thomas, was appointed the first superintendent of schools for Manila and later the first director of the Bureau of Education. USAT Thomas was named after General George Henry Thomas, a hero of the Battle of Chickamauga during the American Civil War. American journalist Frederic Marquardt coined the term Thomasites to refer to American teachers who came to the Philippines aboard USAT Thomas in 1901. (Source: Panorama Magazine)
First Filipino Superintendent
Camilo Osias was the first Filipino division superintendent of schools. Osias later became a senator.
First American College
The Philippine Normal School (PNS) was the first college established in the country under the American government. PNS opened its campus to Filipino students in Manila on September 1, 1901. It became the Philippine Normal University on January 11, 1992.
First Concrete Building
According to Pampango historian Zoilo Galang, the Kneedler Building was the first concrete office building in the Philippines.
First Filipino Chief Justice
In 1901, Cayetano Arrelano became the first Filipino chief justice of the court.
First Registered Professionals
A friend of Jose Rizal, Dr. Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera, holds the distinction of being the first doctor to sign in the Book I of Registered Professionals on January 25, 1902. Pardo de Tavera, a scientist, was a part of the first Civil Government in the 1900s. Among the members of the Pharmacy profession, it was Dr. Leon Ma. Guerrero who appeared as the first registrant on the second earliest compiled Book I. The date was May 22, 1903. Guerrero is known in history books as the first among many Filipinos to put the Philippines on the scientific map of the world. In Book I of Dentistry, it was Dr. Wallace G. Skidmore who first registered on September 21, 1903. The Board of Dentistry was the first board of professionals created in 1899. The idea of organizing the boards of professionals came from the Americans who occupied the Philippines in 1899. (Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer)
First Inventor
In 1853, the Spanish colonial government awarded a gold medal to Candido Lopez Diaz, a Filipino who invented a machine for Manila hemp or abaka.
First Filipino Chemist
Johann Andreas Zobel also founded the first chemical laboratory in the country. Meanwhile, Anacleto del Rosario is considered as the first Filipino chemist.
First Dentist
Bonifacio Arevalo is widely considered as the first Filipino dentist. In 1908, he was the founding president of Sociedad Dental de Filipinas, the first dental organization in the country. In 1912, Colegio Dental del Liceo de Manila became the first dental school. The first woman dentist was Catalina Arevalo.
First Economist
According to Pampango historian Zoilo Galang, the first Filipino economist was Gregorio Sanciangco.
First Pilot
Leoncio Malinas is considered as the first Filipino pilot. He first flew his plane on April 20, 1920.
First Accountants
Vicente Fabella is considered as the first Filipino certified public accountant (CPA) and Belen Enrile Gutierrez, the first woman CPA in the country.
First Cardiologist
The first Filipino cardiologist was Dr. Mariano Alimurung, who became an honorary member of the Mexican Society of Cardiology.
First West Point Graduate
Vicente Lim was the first Filipino who graduated from the prestigious West Point Academy, a military school in the United States.
First Female Professionals
Among Filipino women, it was Maria Francisco de Villacerna who became the first lawyer; Honoria Acosta-Sison, first physician; Catalina Arevalo, first dentist; Encarnacion Alzona, first historian; Celia Castillo, first sociologist; Filomena Francisco, first pharmacist; Belen Enrile Gutierrez, first CPA; Socorro Simuangco, first dermatologist; Carmen Concha, first film director and producer; Criselda J. Garcia-Bausa, first paleontologist; Felipe Landa Jocano, first anthropologist; and Ali Macawaris, first oceanographer. Elena Ruiz Causin of Cebu could be among the first female lawyers in the country.
First Railroad
The Manila-Dagupan Railroad was completed in 1901, becoming the country's first railway system.
First Automobile
In 1900, La Estrella del Norte shipped from France to the Philippines a "George Richard", the first ever automobile to have landed on the native soil. Its owner was one Dr. Miciano, a rich doctor. The first shipment of automobiles for sale in the country was in 1907, with Bachrach Motors, an affiliate of American firm Ford Motor Co. as the importer.
First Labor Union
Isabelo delos Reyes, a writer, established the Union Obrera Democratica, the first organized labor union in the country on February 2, 1902.
First Political Party
On November 6, 1902, Pedro Paterno, a writer, scholar and former prime minister of President Emilio Aguinaldo, founded the Liberal political party.
First Opera
In 1905, Magdapio, the first Filipino opera, was staged at Zorilla Theater. Pedro Paterno wrote the opera, which was set to the music of Bonus.
First Convention of Governors
For the first time on October 2, 1906, the governors of Philippine provinces met in a convention in Manila. Sergio Osmena presided the convention.
First General Elections
The country's first general elections were held on July 30, 1907 under the American government. The people elected the members of the First Philippine Assembly.
First Speaker
The first speaker of the Philippine Assembly, whose members were elected in 1907, was Sergio Osmena.
First Actor in Politics
Before Lito Lapid became governor of Pampanga and Bong Revilla assumed the governorship of Cavite, Jose Padilla Sr., a movie actor in the 1930s, had served as the provincial governor of Bulacan. The first actor who invaded the senate was Rogelio dela Rosa.
First Diplomats
Benito Legarda and Pablo Ocampo were the first Filipino resident commissioners to the Unites States.
First Labor Day
The first Labor Day in the Philippines was celebrated on May 1, 1913 during the first National Labor Congress in Manila.
First Film
The first Filipino-produced film, "La Vida de Rizal" was released in 1912. Jose Nepomuceno produced the first Filipino full-length film "Dalagang Bukid" in 1919.
First Movie Theater
Salon de Pertierra, the country's first movie theater, was built in Escolta, Manila in 1897. A short French film was first shown in the threater.
First Comic Srtip
"Kenkoy" is considered as the first comic strip in the Philippines. Cartoonist Tony Velasquez first published the comic strip in 1929.
First Woman Cabinet Officials
Sofira Reyes de Veyra served as "social secretary" under the Quezon and Roxas administrations. In 1941, former President Elpidio Quirino named Asuncion Arriola Perez as the secretary of the Bureau of Public Welfare.
First Woman Senator
Geronima Pecson was elected to senate in 1947, opening the doors for Filipino women who wanted to join national politics.
First Olympian
David Nepomuceno, a Filipino serving in the US Navy, was the first Filipino Olympian. A sprinter, Nepomuceno was the country's sole representative to the 1924 Olympics, which was held in Paris.
First Balagtasan
The first balagtasan, a local term for poetic debate in honor of Francisco Balagtas, took place in Manila on April 6, 1924. The first participants were Jose Corazon de Jesus and Florentino Collantes.
First International Opera Singer
Before Lea Salonga became famous in London, New York and Paris for her portrayal of Kim in the musical Miss Saigon, a Filipino woman had long gained international recognition in the world of theater. Jovita Fuentes became famous in Europe for her opera lead roles in Madama Butterfly, Turandot, La Boheme, Iris, Salome and Li Tae Pe in the 1930s.
First Grand Opera
Noli Me Tangere, an adaptation of Jose Rizal's first novel became the first Filipino full-length or grand opera in 1957.
First Woman Barber
In June 1927 issue of Philippine Free Press, Martina Lunud from Olongapo City was featured as "Manila's Lady Barber" who could also be the first professional woman barber. She had to find her niche in the male-dominated profession and worked for La Marina barbershop and People's barbershop in Sta. Cruz, Manila later. "This is not a girl's work, I think, but I have done my best to a certain extent, and my customers like my work," the Free Press quoted Lunud as saying. (Source: Ambeth Ocampo, Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Asia's First Airline
Philippine Airlines (PAL), which was established in 1941, takes pride in being Asia's oldest commercial airline. However, huge financial losses forced its owner Lucio Tan to close the airline in September 2000. It resumed operations a few months later. The first commercial flight in the country was recorded on March 15, 1941 when a twin-engine Beech Model 18 owned by PAL carried five passengers from Manila to Baguio City in 45 minutes.
First Senate President
The country's first senate president was Manuel Quezon (1917-1935) under the US government. The senate has produced a number of presidents and political luminaries such as Manuel Roxas, Sergio Osmena, Claro M. Recto, Jose Laurel, Camilo Osias, Eulogio Rodriguez, Juan Sumulong, Quintin Paredes, Lorenzo Tanada, Jose Diokno, Benigno Aquino, Ferdinand Marcos, Arturo Tolentino, Gil Puyat, Jovito Salonga, Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
First Female Justice
Cecilia Munoz Palma became the first woman to top the bar exam with a score of 92.6 percent in 1935. Palma also became the first female prosecutor in 1947, the first woman judge at the Court of First Instance in the 1950s, first female justice of the Supreme Court in 1973 and first female president of a constitutional commission in 1986.
First House Speaker Under Republic
Eugenio Perez of San Carlos, Pangasinan became the first speaker of the House of Representatives under the Republic in 1946. Among the laws passed during his tenure were the Magna Carta for Labor, the Minimum Wage Law, the Rural Bank Law and the Central Bank charter.
First Woman Cabinet Officials
Sofira Reyes de Veyra served as "social secretary" under the Quezon and Roxas administrations. In 1941, former President Elpidio Quirino named Asuncion Arriola Perez as the secretary of the Bureau of Public Welfare.
First Woman Senator
Geronima Pecson was elected to senate in 1947, opening the doors for Filipino women who wanted to join national politics.
First Woman Battalion Commander
Lt. Col. Ramona Palabrica-Go became the first woman battalion commander in the history of the male-dominated Philippine Army in January 2003. She was appointed as commander of the elite Aviation Battalion under the Light Armor Brigade based at Fort Magsaysay in Laur, Nueva Ecija province. She was 45 years old and had three children at the time of appointment.
First National Celebration of June 12
The first national celebration of June 12 as Independence Day took place in 1962 under the Macapagal administration. Former President Diosdado Macapagal signed the law moving the celebration of the holiday from July 4 to June 12 on May 12, 1962. Quezon Representative Manuel Enverga was the one who proposed the law.
First US President To Visit Manila
US President Dwight Eisenhower became the first incumbent American president to have visited the Philippines when he arrived in Manila on June 14, 1960.
First National Artist
Fernando Amorsolo, a painter, was the first national artist declared by the Philippine government. The award was conferred on Amorsolo in April 1972, several days after his death.
First American Multinational Firm
Computer chips manufacturer Intel Philippines Mfg. Inc. claimed that it was the first American multinational company that established a branch in the Philippines in 1974. Today, the Philippine branch of Intel is one of the top exporters of semiconductor components in the country and contributes significantly to the cash flow of its mother company in the US, which is said to be the world's largest corporation in terms of gross income.
First Aeta Lawyer
At 26, Wayda Cosme became the first Aeta to become a lawyer when she passed the bar exam in 2001. Cosme, a law graduate from Harvadian Colleges in San Fernando City, Pampanga, works for the Clark Development Corp. (Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer)
First Woman President
In February 1986, Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, widow of the late Senator Benigno Aquino, became the country's first woman president and the country's 11th president. In January 2001, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a daughter of the late President Diosdado Macapagal, became the 14th president of the Philippines and the second woman to assume the government's highest post.
First President in Prison
Deposed President Joseph Estrada, who lost the presidency to a military-backed people's revolt, was arrested on charges of plunder and corruption in April 2001. His arrest fomented the now infamous May 1 mob revolt that was suppressed by government forces. As this was being written, the trial of Estrada was still ongoing at the Sandiganbayan or the anti-graft court.
First Muslim Justice Secretary
In January 2003, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo appointed Simeon Datumanong, a Muslim, as the secretary of the Department of Justice, replacing Hernando Perez, who resigned on corruption charges.
First Award of Ancestral Domain
In what the Arroyo government described as a historic event and the first in the world, it awarded on July 20, 2002 a certificate of ancestral domain title (CADT) for the town of Bakun in Benguet province where some 17,000 Kankanaey and Bago people live. The title covers some 29,444 hectares of ancestral land.
Although many historians considered him as the first circumnavigator of the globe, Ferdinand Magellan never completed his voyage around the planet. Magellan, a sea captain, commanded a fleet of five wooden Spanish ships with 241 men on board and embarked on what is now considered as "the greatest of all epics of human discovery". Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer who discovered America for Spain, traveled 8,000 miles aboard a Spanish ship across the Atlantic Ocean. But Magellan's men embarked on an expedition that brought them 42,000 miles around the planet.
The voyage began on September 20, 1519. Magellan and his three remaining ships reached the Philippines on March 17, 1521. On April 27, he was killed by the men of Lapulapu, chieftain of Mactan Island in the Philippines. Only one ship, the Trinidad, with 18 European crewmen led by Sebastian del Cano and four Malay crewmen (maybe Filipinos) completed the trip around the world and arrived in Seville, Spain in 1522.
First Spanish Landing in the Philippines
On March 16, 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in service of Spain landed at Samar.
First Mass
On March 31, 1521 (Easter Sunday) Spanish friar Pedro Valderama conducted the first Catholic mass in Limasawa, Leyte. Rajah Kolambu, who forged a blood compact of friendship with Magellan two days earlier, attended along with Rajah Siagu.
First Filipino Christians
On April 14, 1521, Rajah Humabon, Rajah Kolambu, and 400 other Filipino natives were baptized into Christianity during a ceremony administered by friar Pedro Valderamma.
First Filipino Priest
In 1590, Martin Lakandula was ordained as an Augustinian priest, becoming the first native Filipino to serve as a friar. In 1906, Jorge Barlin became the first Filipino bishop under the Roman Catholic Church. The first Filipino archbishop was Viviano Gorordo while the first Filipino cardinal was Rufino Cardinal Santos.
First Spanish Chair in the Philippines
It was said that Filipinos first used a chair in April 1521 when Ferdinand Magellan gave Rajah Humabon of Cebu a red velvet Spanish chair. According to Halupi, a book of essays on Philippine history, early Filipinos used to sit on the floor.
First Spanish Monument
Also on April 14, 1521, Ferdinand Magellan planted a huge cross in Cebu. It was here where friar Valderama baptized Rajah Humabon, Rajah Kolambu and 400 other Filipinos into Christianity.
First Battle
On April 14, 1521, the first battle between Filipinos and the European conquerors took place in Mactan, Cebu. Filipino chieftain Lapu-lapu defeated Magellan and his men. After Magellan was killed, Sebastian del Cano led his men back to Spain, completing their voyage around the planet.
First Religious Order
The Franciscans were the first Catholic religious order to establish their presence in the Philippines. The Franciscans came here in 1577; Jesuits, 1581; Dominicans, 1587; Recollects, 1606; Paulists, 1862; Sisters of Charity, 1862; Capuchins, 1886; and Benedictines, 1895.
First Spanish-Filipino Marriage
In 1585, Spanish soldier Pablo Alvarez married Nicolasa de Alvarez, a native of Lubao, Pampanga.
First Muslims
Makdum, Rajah Baguinda and Abu Bakar propagated Islam in the Philippines in the 15th Century.
First Spanish Governor General
Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, who founded the first European settlement in Cebu City in 1565, is considered the first Spanish governor general in the Philippines. He founded the city of Manila and declared it the capital of the archipelago on June 3, 1571. The last Spanish governor general in the Philippines was Riego delos Rios in 1898.
First Archbishop
Domingo Salazar was the first archbishop of the Philippines, which was regarded as a single diocese in the 1580s.
First Filipina Directress
According to Pampango historian Zoilo Galang, Sor Candida Ocampo was the first and only Filipino who became a directress of a Spanish institution in the Philippines. In 1594, Ocampo, who was born in Camarines Sur, was appointed as the directress of Colegio de Santa Isabel.
First Cannon Maker
Even before the Spaniards came to the Philippines, Filipino natives had already learned the trick of making cannons, perhaps from Chinese traders. Historians claimed that Panday Pira who lived between 1483 and 1576 had devised the cannons which Muslim leader Rajah Sulayman used to protect Manila against the invading Spanish troops. Panday Pira was from Tarlac.
First Chinese Kingdom in the Philippines
After attacking Manila, Chinese conqueror Limahong established a kingdom near the mouth of Agno River in Pangasinan province on December 3, 1574. Agno was the seat of the old civilization. Historians have mentioned one Princess Urduja who ruled Pangasinan before the Spaniards came. In 1660, Filipino leader Malong attempted to establish another kingdom in Pangasinan.
First Revolt against Spain's colonial rule
The first attempt to rise against Spanish colonial rule was carried out by chieftains of Bulacan led by Esteban Taes in 1587. On October 26, 1588, Spanish authorities discovered a plot by Magat Salamat of Hagonoy who tried to enlist the support of his relatives in Borneo.
First Filipino in Exile
Felipe Salonga of Polo, Bulacan (now Valenzuela City) became the first Filipino who was put in exile by Spanish authorities for starting a revolt in Bulacan in 1587. He was exiled to Mexico.
First Mention of King of Tagalogs
New historical writings have mentioned the name of one Raha Matanda or Rajah Ache (Lakandula) who ruled over Tondo, a kingdom encompassing an area that now includes Bulacan, Metro Manila, Rizal and Quezon in the 16th Century. Rajah Matanda was the heir to his father's throne and was a grandson of Sultan Siripada I (Bolkeiah I) of Borneo. In 1643, Don Pedro Ladia of Borneo who claimed to be a descendant of Rajah Matanda started a revolt and called himself the king of the Tagalog. He was executed in Manila. Historians said that when the troops of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi attacked Manila in 1571, the men of Rajah Soliman - the king of Manila - rose up in resistance.
In 1847, Apolinario dela Cruz of Tayabas was considered king of the Tagalogs. Bernardo Carpio, a mythical giant character, was also regarded as a king of the Tagalogs. In the 1900s, the revolutionary government proclaimed Macario Sakay as the president of the Tagalog Republic.
First Chinese Revolt
On October 3, 1603, the Chinese rose in revolt in Manila and was driven away to San Pablo, Laguna where they made their last stand.
First use of Juan dela Cruz as a pseudonym
A certain Pantaleon Perez led the Pangasinan revolt on November 3, 1762. Perez assumed the name Juan dela Cruz Palaris. It was mentioned that on November 11, 1849, most illiterate Filipinos during the administration of Spanish governor general Narciso Claveria y Zaldua were given the Christian surname dela Cruz. Our great ancestors, who could not read and write, drew a cross as their signature on documents and so were known for their dela Cruz surnames. In contrast, Filipino descendants of rajahs and noble men were given the option to keep their names. Among the clans, who were also exempted from forced labor and paying taxes under the Spanish rule, were the Lakandulas, Solimans, Gatmaitans, Gatbontons, Salongas, Layas, Lapiras, Macapagals, Salamats, Manuguits, Balinguits, Banals, Kalaws, among others.
First Filipino
The first man who used Filipino as a title of citizenship was Luis Rodriguez Varela, a Spaniard who was born in Manila. He preferred to be called El Conde Pilipino in 1795.
First Map
The first Philippine map was drawn in 1734 by Nicolas dela Cruz and Francisco Suarez under the instruction of Jesuit historian Pedro Murillo Velarde. The original map was 27 inches wide and 42 inches long.
First Dutch Presence
On June 10, 1647, a Dutch fleet arrived in Manila Bay and later attacked Cavite province.
First British Presence
On October 4, 1762, British forces invaded Manila. They took possession of Intramuros until May 31, 1764.
First Filipino Printer
The Spaniards introduced the art of printing in the Philippines, almost half a century before the Americans learned how to use it. It is believed that the first book in the country was Doctrina Christiana en letra y lengua China, which was printed in 1593 by Juan de Vera, a Filipino-Chinese. In 1948, Fray Jose Gonzales of the Dominican Order discovered this book in the Vatican Library. Tomas Pinpin is regarded as the first Filipino printer. He was born in Abucay, Bataan but records about his birth were lost after the Dutch invaders destroyed the town of Abucay in 1646. Pinpin learned the art of printing from the Chinese artisans when he worked in the shop of Filipino-Chinese printer, Luis Beltran.
Among his works were Arte y Reglas de la Lengua Tagala (1610) and the Librong Pag-aaralan nang mga Tagalog nang Uicang Castila (1610) printed in Bataan. From 1609 to 1639, Pinpin printed more than a dozen titles. Other literary pieces, which appeared during this period were the poems of Pedro Bukaneg (1590-1626), Fernando Bagongbanta (1605), and Pedro Ossorio (1625). The art of modern printing was discovered by German scholar Johannes Gutenberg (1394-1468). The Chinese, however, are credited for having developed their own system of printing, hundreds of years before Gutenberg was born.
First Newspaper
In 1637, Tomas Pinpin published Successos Felices (Fortunate Events), a 14-page newsletter in Spanish that is now widely regarded as the first Philippine newsletter. On December 1, 1846, La Esperanza, the first daily newspaper, was published in the country. Other early newspapers were La Estrella (1847), Diario de Manila (1848) and Boletin Oficial de Filipinas (1852). The first provincial newspaper was El Eco de Vigan (1884), which was issued in Ilocos.
First Magazine and Journal
Seminario Filipino, the first religious magazine in the country, was first issued in 1843. Meanwhile, El Faro Juridico became the first professional journal in the country when it saw print in 1882.
First Guide Book
According to Pampango historian Zoilo Galang, the first guidebook in the Philippines (Guia de Forasteros) was printed in 1834.
First Novel
According to literary expert Bievenido Lumbera, the first Filipino novel was Ninay, written by Pedro Paterno and published in 1880. Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere was published in 1887 while El Filibusterismo came out of the press in 1891. The first English novel written in English by a Filipino was Zoilo Galang's A Child of Sorrow.
First Woman Writer and Poet
According to Pampango historian Zoilo Galang, the first Filipino poetess was Leona Florentino of Ilocos while the first Filipino woman writer was Rosario de Leon of Pampanga. The first Filipino woman novelist, Galang added, was Magalena Jalandoni from Visayas while the first Filipino woman who wrote an English novel was Felicidad Ocampo.
First Non-Catholic Marriage
The first non-Catholic marriage in Manila under the Spanish control took place in the early 19th Century when American Henry Sturgis, who arrived in the country in 1827, married Josephina Borras of Manila. They were wed aboard a British warship at the Manila harbor.
First Bakery
In 1631, the Spanish government established and operated the first bakery in Manila.
First Drugstore
Botica Boie is considered the first drugstore in the country, having been established by Dr. Lorenzo Negrao in 1830.
First Lighthouse
In 1846, the Farola was built at the mouth of Pasig River, becoming the first lighthouse in the country.
First Electric Lamp
The first electric lamp in the country is said to be the one designed by Ateneo students in 1878, 12 years before Thomas Houston Electric Co. installed Manila's first electric street lights.
First Botanical Garden
In 1858, Governor General Fernando Norzagaray ordered the establishment of the Botanical Garden. It can now be found beside the Manila City Hall.
First Waterworks
Manila had its first centralized water system in July 1882 following the completion of the Carriedo waterworks, whose reservoir was in Marikina.
First Railroad
In 1892, a railway connecting Manila and Dagupan was completed. It was operated by the Manila Railroad Company.
First Telephone System
The first telegraph line was opened in 1873 while the country's first telephone system was established in Manila in 1890. Electric lines were first installed in 1895.
First Mining Firm
In the early 19th Century, Johann Andreas Zobel founded the first iron and copper mining firm in Bulacan and Baguio. The first Zobel in the country was Jacobo Zobel Hinsch, a German who went to Manila in 1849. One of the Zobels - Jacobo Zobel Zangroniz latter married Trinidad Ayala de Roxas, an heir of the rich Ayala and Roxas families.
First Calendar
The first calendar with a Philippine almanac was first released in 1897. The first issue of the calendar was titled "La Sonrisa".
First Filipino Chemist
Johann Andreas Zobel also founded the first chemical laboratory in the country. Meanwhile, Anacleto del Rosario is considered as the first Filipino chemist.
First Philanthropist
Dona Margarita Roxas de Ayala, a daughter of Domingo Roxas, is considered as the first philanthropist in the country. She assumed the control of the family's Casa Roxas in 1843 and was one of the founders of La Concordia College.
First Social Club
The first social club was established in Manila in 1898. It was the Filipino Independiente, a circle of educated and rich Filipino nationalists. It succeeded Jose Rizal's La Liga Filipina, which was more of a movement.
World's First Steel Church
The steel church of San Sebastian, now Basilica Minore, is considered as the world's first-ever all-steel basilica. Designed by Don Genaro Palacios in 1883, this small, jewel box church was prefabricated in Belgium. The steel plates, weighing about 50,000 tons were brought to the Philippines in six ships. The walls were filled with mixed gravel, sand and cement to fortify the structure. Stained glass windows from France were later installed. The church, an earthquake-proof structure, was completed in 1891. There were arguments that French architect Gustavo Eiffel, who designed the Eiffel Tower of Paris and Statue of Liberty in New York, was also the one who designed the San Sebastian Church.
First Hotel
It is believed that Hotel del Oriente in Binondo, Manila was the first hotel built in the Philippines. The hotel was a two-story building with 83 rooms fronting the Plaza de Carlos III. It was a first-class hotel constructed in the 1850s just beside the famous landmark, La Insular Cigarette and Cigar Factory. The national hero - Jose Rizal - reportedly stayed at Room 22 of that hotel, facing the Binondo Church. Hotel del Oriente was among the crown jewels of the old Binondo (or Minondoc as it was earlier known) which was named after binundok. It was part of the Provincia de Tondo (now Manila) and was declared one of its districts in 1859.
Both Hotel del Oriente and La Insular were burned down during the Japanese Occupation. The Metrobank building now occupies the former site of the two buildings. The oldest surviving hotel in the country is the Manila Hotel, which was built in 1912. The world's first hotel was the Tremont, which opened in Boston in 1829. It had a dining room for 200 people, 12 public rooms and 120 bedrooms.
First Republic
Early Philippine republics were Kakarong de Sili republic in Pandi, Bulacan; Tejeros Convention in Malabon; and Biak na Bato republic in San Miguel, Bulacan. Historians, however, wrote that the first real Philippine republic was established in Malolos, Bulacan on January 21, 1899. Two days later, the First Philippine Republic was inaugurated while General Emilio Aguinaldo was declared its first president.
First President of Katipunan
It was Deodato Arellano who became the first president of the Katipunan, a revolutionary movement against Spanish rule in the Philippines.
First Vice President
Mariano Trias is considered as the first Filipino vice-president who assumed the post in 1897.
First Army Chief
General Artemio Ricarte served as the first captain general of the Philippine Army which was established by the Tejeros Convention on March 22, 1897. Ricarte was replaced by General Antonio Luna on January 22, 1899.
First Protestant Mission
The first Presbyterian mission arrived in the country in April 1899. American couple Dr. and Mrs. James Rodgers led the mission.
First Filipino Protestant Minister
Nicolas Zamora, a former Catholic priest, later became the first ordained protestant minister in the Philippines.
First Election
The first municipal election in the Philippines was held in Baliuag, Bulacan under the supervision of American military governor general Arthur MacArthur on May 6, 1899.
First Ice Cream Parlor
In December 1899, Clarke's Ice Cream Parlor became the first ice cream parlor in the Philippines when it opened its store at Plaza Moraga in Binondo, Manila. Metcalf Clarke owned it.
First Autonomous Region
Before the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) was formed in the 1980s, Panay Island used to have "Cantonal Republic of Negros". The Americans, however, abolished the republic and turned Negros into a regular province on April 30, 1901.
First American Civil Governor
The first American civil governor in the Philippines became the 27th president of the United States. William Howard Taft, who served in the Philippines from 1901 to 1903, was also the only man who became a US president (1909-1912) and then a Supreme Court chief justice (1921-1930). Known for his weight of over 300 pounds, Taft became a very notable person in the US and the Philippines. One of the largest road networks in Metro Manila, the Taft Avenue, was named after him. President McKinley sent him to head the Philippine Commission in 1900. His task was to form a civil government in a country disrupted by the Spanish-American War and the rebellion led by General Emilio Aguinaldo, whom local historians called the country's first president.
First Superintendent of Manila Schools
Dr. David Prescott Barrows, one of the passengers of American ship USAT Thomas, was appointed the first superintendent of schools for Manila and later the first director of the Bureau of Education. USAT Thomas was named after General George Henry Thomas, a hero of the Battle of Chickamauga during the American Civil War. American journalist Frederic Marquardt coined the term Thomasites to refer to American teachers who came to the Philippines aboard USAT Thomas in 1901. (Source: Panorama Magazine)
First Filipino Superintendent
Camilo Osias was the first Filipino division superintendent of schools. Osias later became a senator.
First American College
The Philippine Normal School (PNS) was the first college established in the country under the American government. PNS opened its campus to Filipino students in Manila on September 1, 1901. It became the Philippine Normal University on January 11, 1992.
First Concrete Building
According to Pampango historian Zoilo Galang, the Kneedler Building was the first concrete office building in the Philippines.
First Filipino Chief Justice
In 1901, Cayetano Arrelano became the first Filipino chief justice of the court.
First Registered Professionals
A friend of Jose Rizal, Dr. Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera, holds the distinction of being the first doctor to sign in the Book I of Registered Professionals on January 25, 1902. Pardo de Tavera, a scientist, was a part of the first Civil Government in the 1900s. Among the members of the Pharmacy profession, it was Dr. Leon Ma. Guerrero who appeared as the first registrant on the second earliest compiled Book I. The date was May 22, 1903. Guerrero is known in history books as the first among many Filipinos to put the Philippines on the scientific map of the world. In Book I of Dentistry, it was Dr. Wallace G. Skidmore who first registered on September 21, 1903. The Board of Dentistry was the first board of professionals created in 1899. The idea of organizing the boards of professionals came from the Americans who occupied the Philippines in 1899. (Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer)
First Inventor
In 1853, the Spanish colonial government awarded a gold medal to Candido Lopez Diaz, a Filipino who invented a machine for Manila hemp or abaka.
First Filipino Chemist
Johann Andreas Zobel also founded the first chemical laboratory in the country. Meanwhile, Anacleto del Rosario is considered as the first Filipino chemist.
First Dentist
Bonifacio Arevalo is widely considered as the first Filipino dentist. In 1908, he was the founding president of Sociedad Dental de Filipinas, the first dental organization in the country. In 1912, Colegio Dental del Liceo de Manila became the first dental school. The first woman dentist was Catalina Arevalo.
First Economist
According to Pampango historian Zoilo Galang, the first Filipino economist was Gregorio Sanciangco.
First Pilot
Leoncio Malinas is considered as the first Filipino pilot. He first flew his plane on April 20, 1920.
First Accountants
Vicente Fabella is considered as the first Filipino certified public accountant (CPA) and Belen Enrile Gutierrez, the first woman CPA in the country.
First Cardiologist
The first Filipino cardiologist was Dr. Mariano Alimurung, who became an honorary member of the Mexican Society of Cardiology.
First West Point Graduate
Vicente Lim was the first Filipino who graduated from the prestigious West Point Academy, a military school in the United States.
First Female Professionals
Among Filipino women, it was Maria Francisco de Villacerna who became the first lawyer; Honoria Acosta-Sison, first physician; Catalina Arevalo, first dentist; Encarnacion Alzona, first historian; Celia Castillo, first sociologist; Filomena Francisco, first pharmacist; Belen Enrile Gutierrez, first CPA; Socorro Simuangco, first dermatologist; Carmen Concha, first film director and producer; Criselda J. Garcia-Bausa, first paleontologist; Felipe Landa Jocano, first anthropologist; and Ali Macawaris, first oceanographer. Elena Ruiz Causin of Cebu could be among the first female lawyers in the country.
First Railroad
The Manila-Dagupan Railroad was completed in 1901, becoming the country's first railway system.
First Automobile
In 1900, La Estrella del Norte shipped from France to the Philippines a "George Richard", the first ever automobile to have landed on the native soil. Its owner was one Dr. Miciano, a rich doctor. The first shipment of automobiles for sale in the country was in 1907, with Bachrach Motors, an affiliate of American firm Ford Motor Co. as the importer.
First Labor Union
Isabelo delos Reyes, a writer, established the Union Obrera Democratica, the first organized labor union in the country on February 2, 1902.
First Political Party
On November 6, 1902, Pedro Paterno, a writer, scholar and former prime minister of President Emilio Aguinaldo, founded the Liberal political party.
First Opera
In 1905, Magdapio, the first Filipino opera, was staged at Zorilla Theater. Pedro Paterno wrote the opera, which was set to the music of Bonus.
First Convention of Governors
For the first time on October 2, 1906, the governors of Philippine provinces met in a convention in Manila. Sergio Osmena presided the convention.
First General Elections
The country's first general elections were held on July 30, 1907 under the American government. The people elected the members of the First Philippine Assembly.
First Speaker
The first speaker of the Philippine Assembly, whose members were elected in 1907, was Sergio Osmena.
First Actor in Politics
Before Lito Lapid became governor of Pampanga and Bong Revilla assumed the governorship of Cavite, Jose Padilla Sr., a movie actor in the 1930s, had served as the provincial governor of Bulacan. The first actor who invaded the senate was Rogelio dela Rosa.
First Diplomats
Benito Legarda and Pablo Ocampo were the first Filipino resident commissioners to the Unites States.
First Labor Day
The first Labor Day in the Philippines was celebrated on May 1, 1913 during the first National Labor Congress in Manila.
First Film
The first Filipino-produced film, "La Vida de Rizal" was released in 1912. Jose Nepomuceno produced the first Filipino full-length film "Dalagang Bukid" in 1919.
First Movie Theater
Salon de Pertierra, the country's first movie theater, was built in Escolta, Manila in 1897. A short French film was first shown in the threater.
First Comic Srtip
"Kenkoy" is considered as the first comic strip in the Philippines. Cartoonist Tony Velasquez first published the comic strip in 1929.
First Woman Cabinet Officials
Sofira Reyes de Veyra served as "social secretary" under the Quezon and Roxas administrations. In 1941, former President Elpidio Quirino named Asuncion Arriola Perez as the secretary of the Bureau of Public Welfare.
First Woman Senator
Geronima Pecson was elected to senate in 1947, opening the doors for Filipino women who wanted to join national politics.
First Olympian
David Nepomuceno, a Filipino serving in the US Navy, was the first Filipino Olympian. A sprinter, Nepomuceno was the country's sole representative to the 1924 Olympics, which was held in Paris.
First Balagtasan
The first balagtasan, a local term for poetic debate in honor of Francisco Balagtas, took place in Manila on April 6, 1924. The first participants were Jose Corazon de Jesus and Florentino Collantes.
First International Opera Singer
Before Lea Salonga became famous in London, New York and Paris for her portrayal of Kim in the musical Miss Saigon, a Filipino woman had long gained international recognition in the world of theater. Jovita Fuentes became famous in Europe for her opera lead roles in Madama Butterfly, Turandot, La Boheme, Iris, Salome and Li Tae Pe in the 1930s.
First Grand Opera
Noli Me Tangere, an adaptation of Jose Rizal's first novel became the first Filipino full-length or grand opera in 1957.
First Woman Barber
In June 1927 issue of Philippine Free Press, Martina Lunud from Olongapo City was featured as "Manila's Lady Barber" who could also be the first professional woman barber. She had to find her niche in the male-dominated profession and worked for La Marina barbershop and People's barbershop in Sta. Cruz, Manila later. "This is not a girl's work, I think, but I have done my best to a certain extent, and my customers like my work," the Free Press quoted Lunud as saying. (Source: Ambeth Ocampo, Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Asia's First Airline
Philippine Airlines (PAL), which was established in 1941, takes pride in being Asia's oldest commercial airline. However, huge financial losses forced its owner Lucio Tan to close the airline in September 2000. It resumed operations a few months later. The first commercial flight in the country was recorded on March 15, 1941 when a twin-engine Beech Model 18 owned by PAL carried five passengers from Manila to Baguio City in 45 minutes.
First Senate President
The country's first senate president was Manuel Quezon (1917-1935) under the US government. The senate has produced a number of presidents and political luminaries such as Manuel Roxas, Sergio Osmena, Claro M. Recto, Jose Laurel, Camilo Osias, Eulogio Rodriguez, Juan Sumulong, Quintin Paredes, Lorenzo Tanada, Jose Diokno, Benigno Aquino, Ferdinand Marcos, Arturo Tolentino, Gil Puyat, Jovito Salonga, Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
First Female Justice
Cecilia Munoz Palma became the first woman to top the bar exam with a score of 92.6 percent in 1935. Palma also became the first female prosecutor in 1947, the first woman judge at the Court of First Instance in the 1950s, first female justice of the Supreme Court in 1973 and first female president of a constitutional commission in 1986.
First House Speaker Under Republic
Eugenio Perez of San Carlos, Pangasinan became the first speaker of the House of Representatives under the Republic in 1946. Among the laws passed during his tenure were the Magna Carta for Labor, the Minimum Wage Law, the Rural Bank Law and the Central Bank charter.
First Woman Cabinet Officials
Sofira Reyes de Veyra served as "social secretary" under the Quezon and Roxas administrations. In 1941, former President Elpidio Quirino named Asuncion Arriola Perez as the secretary of the Bureau of Public Welfare.
First Woman Senator
Geronima Pecson was elected to senate in 1947, opening the doors for Filipino women who wanted to join national politics.
First Woman Battalion Commander
Lt. Col. Ramona Palabrica-Go became the first woman battalion commander in the history of the male-dominated Philippine Army in January 2003. She was appointed as commander of the elite Aviation Battalion under the Light Armor Brigade based at Fort Magsaysay in Laur, Nueva Ecija province. She was 45 years old and had three children at the time of appointment.
First National Celebration of June 12
The first national celebration of June 12 as Independence Day took place in 1962 under the Macapagal administration. Former President Diosdado Macapagal signed the law moving the celebration of the holiday from July 4 to June 12 on May 12, 1962. Quezon Representative Manuel Enverga was the one who proposed the law.
First US President To Visit Manila
US President Dwight Eisenhower became the first incumbent American president to have visited the Philippines when he arrived in Manila on June 14, 1960.
First National Artist
Fernando Amorsolo, a painter, was the first national artist declared by the Philippine government. The award was conferred on Amorsolo in April 1972, several days after his death.
First American Multinational Firm
Computer chips manufacturer Intel Philippines Mfg. Inc. claimed that it was the first American multinational company that established a branch in the Philippines in 1974. Today, the Philippine branch of Intel is one of the top exporters of semiconductor components in the country and contributes significantly to the cash flow of its mother company in the US, which is said to be the world's largest corporation in terms of gross income.
First Aeta Lawyer
At 26, Wayda Cosme became the first Aeta to become a lawyer when she passed the bar exam in 2001. Cosme, a law graduate from Harvadian Colleges in San Fernando City, Pampanga, works for the Clark Development Corp. (Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer)
First Woman President
In February 1986, Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, widow of the late Senator Benigno Aquino, became the country's first woman president and the country's 11th president. In January 2001, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a daughter of the late President Diosdado Macapagal, became the 14th president of the Philippines and the second woman to assume the government's highest post.
First President in Prison
Deposed President Joseph Estrada, who lost the presidency to a military-backed people's revolt, was arrested on charges of plunder and corruption in April 2001. His arrest fomented the now infamous May 1 mob revolt that was suppressed by government forces. As this was being written, the trial of Estrada was still ongoing at the Sandiganbayan or the anti-graft court.
First Muslim Justice Secretary
In January 2003, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo appointed Simeon Datumanong, a Muslim, as the secretary of the Department of Justice, replacing Hernando Perez, who resigned on corruption charges.
First Award of Ancestral Domain
In what the Arroyo government described as a historic event and the first in the world, it awarded on July 20, 2002 a certificate of ancestral domain title (CADT) for the town of Bakun in Benguet province where some 17,000 Kankanaey and Bago people live. The title covers some 29,444 hectares of ancestral land.
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