On this Day... August 28

CEBU, Philippines - . In 1749, amorous German genius Goethe was born. A precocious child, he wrote a novel in seven languages at the age of 11, though it was not until some years later that he had his first major success with "The Sorrows of Young Werther." Hundreds of young men are said to have committed suicide in emulation of the book's young hero, who was driven to it by unrequited love. Goethe's own love life was rather earthier; a trip to Italy prompted the remark that "he left no petticoat unturned." Although he transformed the literary life of Germany, he was not without his critics. Victor Hugo said, "No work of his is worth reading, except 'The Robbers.'" When it was pointed out to him that it was Schiller that had written "The Robbers," Hugo triumphantly retorted, "There, you see? Goethe didn't even write that!"

. In 1922, the world's first radio commercial was transmitted by Station WEAF in New York City. The ten-minute spot featured a new property development at Jackson Heights, described in glowing terms by a certain Mr. Blackwell of the Queensborough Corporation. It was broadcast at 5:15 p.m. every day for five days, after which the company proudly announced they had sold two of their apartments. The cost of their historic campaign was a mere $100.

- from Today's the Day! By Jeremy Beadle

In Christian history -

. In 1953, founder Bill Bright incorporated Campus Crusade for Christ, in Los Angeles. Today CCC trains evangelical Christian leaders in more than 90 countries around the world.

- from This Day in Christian History By William D. Blake   

In the Philippines -

. In 1851, Nazaria Lagos, maker of the first Philippine flag, also known as the "Florence Nightingale of Panay," was born in barrio Burongan in Dueñas, Iloilo. She was only 12 years old when she was married to Segundo Lagos, son of Bartolome Lagos, founder of the town of Dueñas. Her husband was serving as chief sacristan at the town church when he was appointed municipal president by Gen. Martin Delgado on October 27, 1898. This placed her "in the good graces of both the government and church authorities." Despite their good relationship with both the church and government authorities, she and her husband always aspired for the freedom of the Filipino people. They supported the revolutionary movement by freely giving their time and facilities to the Visayan rebels. Their house in Burongan served as venue for the secret meetings of the revolutionary leaders. On June 12, 1899, when Panay observed the first anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence, Nazaria showed up with a beautifully embroidered Philippine flag which was raised with solemnity at the Dueñas town plaza. It was made by Nazaria herself, with the help of Gorgonia Somera, Lorenza Calatan, and her daughters Pomposa and Caridad,. Nazaria was blind when she died on January 27, 1945. She was survived by seven children, all of them successful in their chosen fields. Caridad was the donor of the Jaguimit barrio school site. Felicita became a nurse. Ramon turned out to be a pharmacist, politician, and historian. Pomposa and Filomena were teachers. Discoro became the first elementary school principal of Dueñas. Jose was the first Filipino district supervisor for five Iloilo towns. In her honor, the National Historical Institute installed a marker at her birthplace, on August 28, 1973.

- www.kahimyang.info

In Cebu –

.               Fiesta of Carmen and Alcantra towns in Cebu

.               In 1945, Lt. Gen. Tadashu Kataoka, commander of the Japanese 1st division, surrendered his troops to Gen. William Arnold, American Division Commander, in field rites held at Kilometer 82 in Northeastern Cebu (in the vicinity in Borbon). This marked the end of the Japanese occupation of Cebu.

. In 1956, "Ludabi," an organization of Cebuano vernacular writers in the Visayas and Mindanao, was founded.

- from Cebuano Studies Center, University of San Carlos (FREEMAN)