April 9, 1521, Rajah Humabon’s Emisaries were Convinced to become “Christians.”
We need to take note that they were not forced to accept Magellan's religion, "The captain-general told them that they should not become Christians for fear or to please us, but of their own free wills... All cried out with one voice that they were not becoming Christians through fear or to please us, but of their own free will." (Pigaffeta)
Bataan Death March
The nation marks "Araw ng Kagitingan" (Day of Valor) on April 9 of every year to highlight the valor and heroism of the Filipino and American soldiers who fought in the Philippines during World War II.
Blood Compact
Blood compact was an ancient treaty or covenant ritual signifying peace and friendship. In Spanish it is called Pacto de sangre; Sanduguan Filipino. Parties entering into a treaty would cut their wrists and pour their blood into a cup filled with liquid, such as wine, and drink the mixture.
April 7, 1521, The Magellan-Elcano Expedition Reached Cebu Accompanied by Rajah Colambu of Limasawa
Today in Philippine History Rajah Colambu of Limasawa (in today's Southern Leyte), with a fleet of ancient balangays, accompanied the Magellan-Elcano expedition to Cebu. Leaving from Limasawa, they headed north and followed the coastline of Leyte island. They navigated to Sugbo (which means “to walk or go into the waters”, referring how the arrivals from the sea had to disembark from their boats and wade in shallow waters to reach the shore. Sugbo is now known as Cebu). They reached and discovered the mouth of the cove of Cebu called Mandawe at noon of April 7, 1521.
April 6, 1828, the King of Spain issued a decree establishing a public bank in the Philippines
Ferdinand VII, King of Spain, issued a decree establishing a public bank in the Philippines to meet the requirements of increasing commerce and trade in the islands on April 6, 1828.
April 1, 1901, Emilio Aguinaldo volunteered to swear his allegiance to the United States
On April 1, 1901, Emilio Aguinaldo volunteered to swear his allegiance to the United States, formally ending the First Republic and recognizing the sovereignty of the US over the Philippines. He signed an oath of allegiance to the United States, nine days after his capture, in return for his release from incarceration. Aguinaldo was captured by the Americans in his secret headquarters in Palanan, Isabela on March 23, 1901.
March 31, 1521, Easter Sunday, the First Recorded Mass in Philippine History was Held.
On this day, 500 years ago, March 31, 1521, an Easter Sunday, the first recorded mass in Philippines history, was held in a small island called "Mazaua."
March 25, 1986, Cory issued Proclamation No. 3 establishing a revolutionary government
Today in Philippine History On March 25, 1986, newly installed president, Corazon Aquino, issued Proclamation No. 3, abolishing the 1973 Constitution, the Parliament, the Supreme Court, the office of the Prime Minister, and all national and local positions, creating a revolutionary government under what she called the "Provisional Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines".
March 25, 1521, the Magellan-Elcano expedition left Homonhon
Today in Philippine History On this day, exactly 500 years ago, the Magellan-Elcano expedition left Homonhon (an island now part of Guiuan, Eastern Samar) after nine days in the area since 16 March 1521, recuperating and brought provisions from the people of Suluan, also an island under Guiuan.
