History: Aklan Province Islands Philippines
page 1... History: Aklan Province Islands
Philippines
When the Spaniards came to Panay from Cebu in 1569, they found
people with tattoos, and so they called the island "isla de
los pintados." They divided it into encomiendas, and this is
how Capiz became a separate encomienda. How the island itself came
to be called Panay is uncertain. The Aeta called it aninipay after
a plant, which was abundant in the island. Or it might have been
named after the first Spanish settlement, called Pan-ay, Legend
ha sit that Legazpi and his men, in search of food, exclaimed upon
discovering the island, "Pan hay en esta isla" (There
is bread on this island).
The town of Kalibo, whose name was derived from the native name
for pineapple, became a parish in 1620, and a church of mixed materials
was built on the site now called Laguingbanwa. Aklan’s northern
coasts made it vulnerable to Muslim invasions. In 1813 and 1835,
for instance, Muslim vinta (ships) carrying about 1,000 pirates
attacked the seashore town of Buswang, Kalibo, and took with them
slaves and loot.
Of particular pride among the Aklanon is their involvement in the
Katipunan and the Philippine Revolution against Spain. Two Aklanon,
Francisco del Castillo and Candido Iban, who were in the pearl-fishing
business, won in a lottery. They donated P1,000 to the revolutionary
movement for the purchase of a printing press. As Katipunan members,
they were instructed by Andres Bonifacio to return to Aklan and
organize. Members were secretly enlisted in the barrios of Ochando,
Kawayan, and Tambak in Lagatic (now New Washington) and in Batan;
membership quickly spread to the rest of the province. Del Castillo,
the provincial head, died in battle on 17 Mar 1897. Two days later,
the Spanish commanding general enticed the Katipuneros (Katipunan
members) to surrender with the promise of amnesty. On 22 March many
responded. In Kalibo, 50 Katipuneros surrendered and were immediately
thrown in jail. Twenty of them were chosen for execution. One of
them, however, was released through his wife’s intercession.
At about midnight of 23 March, the 19 Katipuneros were shot and
their bodies paraded that morning around the town plaza. They are
now honored as the "19 Martyrs of Aklan".
page 3 ... History: Aklan Province Islands
Philippines
Travel Quotes:
When traveling with someone, take large does of patience and tolerance with your morning coffee. Helen Hayes
Travel becomes a strategy for accumulating photographs. Susan Sontag
Breads and Pastries Philippines Cuisine
In a typical Filipino bakery, pandesal, monay and ensaymada are often sold. Pandesal comes from the Spanish pan de sal (literally, bread of salt), and is a ubiquitous breakfast fare, normally eaten with (and sometimes even dipped in) coffee.
More details at Breads and Pastries Philippines Cuisine Travel outside the country, safe and sound
Be aware of their custom as well. Do not get yourself that feeling of being an outcast or do not hurt others just because you have gone against their usual beliefs and their usual acts. When you know the culture and the custom, the more you sow seeds f respect to the place and its people. Travel outside the country, safe and sound |
