Ever wonder about how Philippines were discovered?  With the dynamic culture, people often wondered how this country has developed into a successful and diverse republic. Here are some significant accounts of previous settlers and unforgettable memorabilia of the Philippines.

Prehistory

The first inhabitants of the Philippines were the Negritos or Aeta. It is said that they were here already on 25,000 BC. They have reached the country by crossing shallow seas and through human bridges. These early settlers have different groups, most of which are hunters and warriors. Meanwhile, these groups have turned into kingdoms and principalities on the 10^th century.

At around 3000 BC to 200BC, Indonesian and Malayan arrived to settle in the country. Hence, by around 1000 BC, inhabitants were divided into four distinct groups such as the Aetas, Hanunoo, Ilongots and the Mangyan who lives in deep forests.

Nearly around 1300 AD, trading to the country to country has flourished. One of the countries are China, Indonesia, India, and Japan. During that time also that Islam was introduced by some Arab traders from Indonesia to the Filipinos.

On March 15, 1521, perhaps one of the most popular prehistoric time, was the day Ferdinand Magellan discovered the Philippines. He landed on the eastern part of Samar called Homonhon. His legacy never stopped from there, he was also able to discover many other islands in the Philippines. However, his last stop was on Mactan, where he got killed during the Battle of Mactan by the datu Lapu-Lapu.

After several years, Spanish troops were sent to the Philippines. It was led by Ruy Lopez de Villalobos. He then named the land as Las islas Filipinas after Philip II of Spain. Not too far from that, on 1565, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi brought with him hundreds of troops. From then on, the Philippines has been colonized and became a part of the Spanish empire. It was also the start of Catholicism in the Philippines. In addition, Spaniards primary reason for colonizing the Philippines is to spread their Roman Catholic religion. It is also true that the Spaniards have given prodigious amount of influence such as in education and religion. However, the friars tried to eliminate all written literatures of the Filipinos.

Another unforgettable event is the legacy of the Philippine’s National Hero who is Jose Rizal. On 1886, he wrote a novel that would hit the Spaniards indirectly and also pushing Filipino independence. The book was entitled “Noli Me Tangere”. That book was only one of the many that he has published. Most of them have attacked the Spaniards through the form of words.

On 1896, Jose Rizal was executed. Such action by Spaniards has sparked a revolution. Divided in two different groups: Magdiwang and Magdalo. The magdiwang group is led by Mariano Alvarez and the Magdalo was led by Emilio Aguinaldo.

On 1898, Spanish colonization has come to an end. Due to the similar problem the American and Filipinos are experiencing to the Spaniards. Spanish-American war has sparked. Hence, the American won the battle. By that, the Filipinos have finally declared independence from the Spaniards.

At first, the Filipinos found good relationship between the Americans. However, the Filipinos have deciphered the true reason why Americans are there. The Americans would not also sign the support paper for Philippine Independence. Not soon enough, both parties have apprehension escalated, hence broke into a war.

With Filipinos lacking equipment for war, the Americans easily overpowered the Filipinos. The American period existed on 1898-1946.

On 1941, only a few hours after the bombing of the Japanese troops in Pearl Harbor, Japanese also bombed Luzon. They also dropped hundreds of troops thereby starting a war. Filipino and American soldiers were led by Gen Douglas Mac Arthur. Just a year after, US troops and Filipino soldiers surrendered to the Japanese.

On the parts of Luzon, there reside also hundreds of American and Filipino troops. They attacked the Japanese that currently hold the Philippine government and succeeded. There have been an estimated 1 million Filipinos who died during that war. (World War II)

It was then on that the Philippines has become independent again and the FIRST president has been elected. Here is the list of the past presidents of the Philippines.

1. General Emilio F. Aguinaldo (1899 – 1901)

2. Manuel L. Quezon (1935 - 1944)

3. Jose P. Laurel (1943 - 1945)

4. Sergio Osmena (1944-1946).

5. Manuel A. Roxas (1946 - 1948).

6. Elpidio Quirino (1948 - 1953)

7. Ramon Magsaysay (1953 - 1957).

8. Carlos P. Garcia (1957 - 1961)

9. Diosdado Macapagal (1961 - 1965).

10. Ferdinand E. Marcos (1965 - 1986).

11. Corazon C. Aquino (1986 to 1992)

12. Fidel V. Ramos (1992 – 1998)

13. Joseph Ejercito Estrada (1998 – 2001)

14. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (2001 – 2010)

15. Benigno Aquino III (2010 – present)

The Philippines indeed has struggled a lot during prehistoric times. Nevertheless, without the help of the courageous heroes who dedicated their life for our country, Philippines would cease to exist. Here are some of the Philippine Heroes who fought for the pride of the nation.

Jose Rizal

Rizal was born on the town of Calamba. He fought for Philippine independence by writing Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Such books pricked the heart of the Spaniards. As a result, they decided to kill him. His death sparked a revolution on which Spaniards were really shaken. Just few years after, Filipinos were released from the oppression of the Spaniards.

Andres Bonifiacio

A courageous guy who founded the Katipunan (a covert society that aims to fight the Spaniards). He has fought several battles just to free the Filipinos from the Spaniard invasions. According to historians, he was executed for treason and sedition.

Emilio Aguinaldo

He led the Philippine Revolution after the death of Jose Rizal. At first, together with the Americans, they fought against the Spaniards. He had formed an alliance between the Americans. However, after knowing that the Americans will stay at the Philippines and has also some possibility of invasion, he also declared war and fought for Philippine independence.

Apolinario Mabini

He was a great philosopher that has fixed and organized the Filipino government. He has written many principles and analysis such as La Revolution Filipina which reveals the effects of revolution toward the Americans and the Spaniards.

Marcelo Del Pilar

He was one of the leading propagandists during the Filipino’s battle for independence from Spaniards and Americans. He was a journalist, a writer, and a satirist. He was born in Blanca, and was always known for defending people from racial discrimination.

Juan Luna

He was one of the people who fought in the Philippine revolution. He was a painter, an activist, and a sculptor. He was one of the best artists the Philippines have recognized. He was popular for his Spolarium painting which was sent to Madrid and has garnered several awards.

Melchora Aquino

She was also known as the “Mother of Katipunan” and “Tandang Sora”. She was a female revolutionist who helped wounded Filipino soldiers. Not only that she gave them medical treatment, but she also offered her home for recovery. She prays for the co revolutionists and Filipino soldiers. She was captivated and asked for to tell any information about the katipunan but she never slipped any information.

Gabriella Silang

She was the first Filipino woman who battled and fought in the Philippine revolution against the Spaniards. She formed his own troops after the death of her husband. Her name echoes around as the symbol of Filipino women bravery.

Lapu-Lapu

With the use of his sword and spear, he defended the Philippines from Spanish colonization. He led the battle in Mactan wherein the infamous Ferdinand Magellan was killed.

The Filipinos have surpassed prodigious amounts of trials and battles already. Until now we are still facing many obstacles that try to pull us down. Yet, however, after all our ancestors have done, the fire and the spirit of love toward our country will remain igniting forever.

By: Bj Geronimo