Negros Occ. celebrates 115th Liberation Day

BACOLOD CITY , Philippines  â€” The province of Negros Occidental is celebrating the 115th year of its liberation from Spanish colonialism today, Nov. 5, dubbed "Al Cinco de Noviembre."

The Al Cinco de Noviembre commemorates the "historic bluff" that freed Negros from Spanish conquestadores in 1898. The Spaniards were bluffed by Negrense revolutionaries into thinking that the locals were using sophisticated weapons instead of the "canons" made of  bamboo and rolled "amakan" and "rifles" carved out of wood and coconut fronds, thus the Spaniards retreated.

Considered as a bloodless revolt against the Spaniards, it was led by Gen. Juan Araneta and Gen. Aniceto Lacson.

The Al Cinco de Noviembre, also known as Negros Revolution, was a political movement in 1898 that created a government in Negros Island, called "Negros Republic," informally ending Spanish control of the island and resulting in a government run by the Negrense natives, at least for that part of the archipelago and for a relatively short period.

The newly established Negros Republic lasted for approximately three months, as American forces landed on the island unopposed on February 2, 1899, ending the island's independence.

The Capitol will lead the whole-day celebration of Negros Day, which will be highlighted by a cultural show and the awarding of five outstanding Negrenses for 2013:

1) Dr. Angel Alcala (for environment management);  2) Honorary Consul Januario John Rivas (public service); 3) Ninfa Leonardia (community journalism); 4) Merceditas Montilla (community service; and 5) Letecia Ledesma (culture and the arts).

With the theme, "Pasidungog sa mga Bugal kag Manggad sang Probinsiya," the awarding ceremonies and cultural show will be held at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall at 4:30 p.m., with the families of the honorees and the descendants of the 1898 Cinco de Noviembre revolution heroes as guests.

Major cities like Silay, Talisay, and Bago have also prepared their own celebration of Cinco de Noviembre, simultaneously happening today.  (FREEMAN)