Professional Documents
Culture Documents
National Heroes
National Heroes
Rizal
(1861-1896)
The Philippines' national hero. Born in Calamba, Laguna, on June 19, 1861.
Published his masterpiece Noli Me Tangere in Berlin(Germany) in 1887 and his second novel El Filibusterismo in Ghent(Belgium) in 1891. His two novels stirred the conscience of his people. He contributed various literary works to La Solidaridad. For his leadership in the reform movement and for his incendiary novels, Rizal was arrested and later killed by musketry in Bagumbayan, Manila, on December 30, 1896. His execution was the last straw for other Filipinos who called for a bloody revolution against Spain.
Andres Bonifacio
(1863-1897)
Hero of Tirad Pass. Born on November 14, 1875, in Bulacan, Bulacan. Died
on December 2, 1899, in the battle of Tirad Pass, to enable Aguinaldo to escape from the Americans. One of the youngest and bravest generals ever produced by the Philippines.
Apolinario Mabini
(1864-1903)
Sublime paralytic and the brain of the revolution. Born in Talaga, Tanauan,
Batangas, on June 22, 1864. He joined La Liga Filipina in 1892 and Aguinaldo's revolutionary government from June 1898 to May 1899. He was captured by the American forces in December 1899 and deported to Guam in January 1901. He died in Manila on May 13, 1903.
Emilio Jacinto
(1875-1899)
The greatest general of the revolution. Younger brother of Juan Luna, the
famous painter. Editor of La Independencia, whose first issue came out on September 3, 1898. Born in Binondo, Manila, on October 29, 1866. He was one of the propagandists in Spain who were working for political reforms in the Philippines. He contributed articles to La Solidaridad. He was assassinated in Cabanatuan City, on June 5, 1899.
Melchora Aquino
(1812-1919)
Graciano Lopez-Jaena
(1856-1896)
Mariano Ponce
(1863-1918)
Gregoria de Jesus
(1875-1943)
One of the brave and patriotic women who played a heroic role in the
Philippine revolution. Born in Kalookan City, on May 9, 1875. Wife of Andres Bonifacio and Lakambini of the Katipunan. She actually fought alongside her husband during the revolution, aside from being the custodian of the Katipunan documents. She organized the Katipunan's Women Chapter. She died on March 15, 1943.
Musician, journalist, politician, and lawyer. Considered the greatest lyric poet
in Spanish. Born in Ermita, Manila, on May 30, 1873. When the revolution broke out, General Antonio Luna invited him to join the editorial staff of La Independencia, the organ of the revolution. Thus, he fought for the Filipino cause with his pen. Died in Manila June 12, 1929.
Felipe Agoncillo
(1859-1941)
Juan Luna
(1857-1899)
A genius of the brush and a patriot of the highest order. Creator of the worldfamous painting, SPOLARIUM, which was awarded the gold medal in the Exposicion Nacional de Bellas Artes in Madrid in 1884. It is also known as the greatest painting of all times. Born in Badoc, Ilocos, Norte, on October 23, 1857. He was closely associated with the Reform Movement, together with Rizal, Lopez-Jaena, Ponce, etc. He died in Hongkong on December 7, 1899.
Rafael Palma
(1874-1939)
Last of the propagandists. Gifted son of Leona Florentino, first poetess of the
Philippines. Born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, on July 7, 1864. He aroused the hostility of the friars and government officials when he openly criticized the evils of the Spanish rule and he advocated reforms. He was the founder of the first Philippine labor union, as well as the first independent Filipino Catholic church. Died on October 9, 1938.
Jose Palma
(1876-1903)
Poet and soldier. Born in Tondo, Manila, on June 3, 1876. Younger brother of
Dr. Rafael Palma. He was a staff member of La Independencia. He wrote Filipinas, a patriotic poem in Spanish, which became the lyrics of the Philippine National Anthem. Died in Manila, on February 12, 1903.
Rajah Lakandola
( -1575)
One of the most illustrious ancient Filipinos. Chief of Tondo, when Legazpi
came to Manila in 1571. He became a Christian and took the name of Carlos, after the king of Spain. He made the blood compact with Goiti. He fought alongside the Spaniards against the Chinese pirate, Limahong. Died in 1575.
Rajah Soliman
( -1571)
The last rajah of Manila, noted for his daring and bravery. Nephew of Rajah
Lakandola. Of all of the early rulers of Manila, he was feared most by the Spaniards. He was killed on June 3, 1571, in the Battle of Bangkusay.