6th Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day
The end of Spanish occupation in the
During my younger days, I had the opportunity to produce La Campana de Baler. The movie portrayed how the Spaniards refused to surrender to the Katipuneros, not being aware at that time that
The Siege of Baler is a significant event in Philippine history, not only because of the valor and loyalty exhibited by the Spanish remnants who stood their ground until the end, but also the bravery and skill exhibited by the Katipuneros that led to Philippine victory. Most poignant is the legacy of friendship and reconciliation bequathed to the following generation. In a decree issued on June 30 that year, then President Emilio Aguinaldo, in an act of magnanimity, honored the “uncommon valor” of the Spanish soldiers. The same decree also granted the Spanish soldiers safe conduct passes and immediate return to
Undoubtedly, Spanish culture and tradition is deeply embedded in our own culture and history. Spanish influence strongly manifests in our character, our looks, our music, our dances, our architecture, the food we cook and eat, the way we dress, the way we deal with people, our language, art and most of all, our religion. Jose “Pepe” Rodriguez, a veteran Manila-based journalist, writer and president of the Academia Filipina de la Lengua Espanola and the Instituto Cervantes, said that “Filipinos will, undeniably, always have the Spanish in them.” However, he is saddened by the fact that most Filipinos still carry with them portraits of the evil Spaniard caricatures used by our past heroes in their revolution to free us from Spanish rule, for this is written in history. I believe that our youth also have a right to learn what is good and positive. Let the benevolence shown in this particular event in history be a good example for them.
We look forward to a more positive and productive Philippines-Spain relations in the future. La Amistad Duradeta. Let our friendship endure!
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