May 8, 1980, Ninoy Aquino was Allowed to Leave for a Coronary Bypass Surgery
Today in Philippine History On May 8, 1980, Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., a prominent journalist, politician and a staunch critic of the Marcos administration, was allowed to leave for the United States to undergo a coronary bypass surgery on recommendation of his doctors at the Philippine Heart Center where he was confined after suffering a heart attack in his prison cell in Fort Bonifacio.
Battle of Manila Bay, May 1, 1898
On May 1, 1898, the naval battle between a squadron of the United States led by Admiral Geroge Dewey and a Spanish fleet under Admiral Montojo took place in Manila Bay, destroying the Spanish fleet. It was known as the first major battle of the Spanish-American War (April-August 1898).
April 27, 1521, Ferdinand Magellan was Killed by Warriors of Lapu-Lapu
On April 27, 1521, Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan was defeated and killed by warriors of Lapulapu, a native chieftain of Mactan Island.
April 14, 1521, Rajah Humabon of Cebu was Batptized
On April 14, 1521, Rajah Humabon, king of Cebu, and his wife were baptized on the shores of Cebu. According to Pigafetta, the king "wished to become a Christian" he even requested Magellan "to let some of his men remain [with him], so that he and his people might be better instructed in the faith." Then a wooden cross was erected "in the middle of the square," after which they were instructed by Magellan how to give reverence to the cross.
April 10, 1521 Rajah Humabon Agreed to Plant A Christian Cross in Cebu
On this day, April 10, 1521, 500 years ago, Rajah Humabon, the king of Cebu, agreed to plant a Christian cross in Cebu.
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.
