“KASAYSAYANG BAYAN”

UNVEILING COMMUNITY NARRATIVES:

A JOURNEY THROUGH LOCAL HISTORY

Locale: San Juan City, Manila

Names: Carino, Princess Patricia Ann D. Interim Assessment:

Javier, Rachelle U. Section: BSA231C

Magnaye, Sandra Nicole P.

Poche, Jemina A.

Course Title & Code: Reading in Philippine History - GERPH01X

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I. Introduction/Background

The primary objective of this study is to unveil and preserve the rich history of San Juan
City, Manila, throwing light on the underrated narratives as well as its significant events. This
paper also aims to promote awareness of San Juan City’s historical significance, particularly in
Philippine history. Furthermore, this project intends to promote community engagement,
particularly through the learning and sharing of the area's history, building a sense of pride and
ownership among its residents.

San Juan, being the smallest city in Manila, made a big contribution to our country’s
history. In fact, this was the site of the first battle of the Katipunan, the group that drove the 1896
Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule, honored by the Pinaglabanan Shrine, and
hence the location of the Battle of Pinaglabanan, which marked the beginning of the revolution.
Consequently, it turned into the most inspiring battle in Philippine history. This event marked the
commencement of battles and motivated other regions across the country, especially the
successful overthrow of the Spanish government and the declaration of Philippine independence
from Spain in 1898.

Despite its small total area of 595 hectares, or 2.30 square miles, most people find it to
be the ideal neighborhood because of its proximity to New Manila and other nearby lifestyle and
cultural enterprises. The highly urbanized location provides convenience and opportunities to its
residents. From well-known schools, retail stores, shopping malls, and other businesses that
provide essential goods and services. Not to mention, the distinct culture and festivals that some
people even travel to experience. Undoubtedly, San Juan has a lot to offer. It can be seen as fun,
exciting, and culturally rich.

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II. Introduction of the town

The town of San Juan in Manila was originally known as San Juan del Monte, which was
historically recognized as the site of the first battle of the organization Katipunan that led the
1896 Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. According to Kiddle Encyclopedia, "San
Juan City" is a contraction of the city's traditional name of "San Juan del Monte" (lit. Saint John
of the Mountain). As with numerous other places in the Philippines, the name combines a patron
saint and a toponym; in this case Saint John the Baptist with the locale's hilly terrain and relatively
higher elevation compared to surrounding areas. The area was once part of the Kingdom of
Namayan, whose last recorded rulers were King Lacantagean and his wife Bouan and was later
christened Santa Ana de Sapa under Spanish rule. Eventually, the town was incorporated into the
Province of Rizal in 1901 and merged into the municipality of San Felipe Neri (present-day
Mandaluyong) in 1903 before being reconstituted as an independent municipality in 1907.
Contemporarily, in 1975, San Juan was removed from Rizal Province and became part of the
newly created National Capital Region (Metro Manila) and became a cityhood in 2007 as the
municipality of San Juan was converted into a highly urbanized city through Republic Act No.
9388.

San Juan has a long history dating back to the pre-Hispanic period, with significant events
during the Spanish colonial era and the Philippine Revolution. Situated in San Juan, the fight for
freedom began in Pinaglabanan. Pinaglabanan means “place of the battle” or “where the fight
had occurred” in the local Tagalog language. That’s because it’s the site where one of the
legendary battles of the “Katipunan” occurred. On August 30, 1896, before dawn, Bonifacio, and
Emilio Jacinto, along with approximately 800 Katipuneros, lay siege to the gunpowder depot and
water reservoir. The Katipuneros battled bravely, despite being outnumbered, outgunned, and
inexperienced. About 200 of the revolutionary soldiers were taken prisoner and put to death
after the troops suffered a catastrophic loss. The Filipino people's sense of nationalism and
patriotism was stoked by their defeat at Pinaglabanan, which led them to take up arms in support
of the revolution (Siytangco, 2019).

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 Located just below the Pinaglabanan Shrine, the largest remaining Spanish-era artifact in
the Philippines is the El Deposito, an underground water reservoir and a 150-meter-long
waterway system that played an important role in San Juan's hygiene and the country's history.
The water reservoir became such an important part of the city that, in Andres Bonifacio’s plan to
reclaim Manila, he thought to cut the water supply to Intramuros to cripple the city and make it
easier to fight the Spaniards, who were heavily reliant on El Deposito. The first leg of the plan
was to capture El Polvorin, the gunpowder depot in San Juan del Monte. Though the narrative is
largely contested, many accounts suggest that Bonifacio and troops of about 800 soldiers armed
with bolos and anting-antings skirmished with gun-toting Spanish guards, ultimately winning on
August 30, 1896. The Spaniards retreated into the nearby El Deposito building. The Katipuneros
followed them, but more Spanish reinforcements arrived from Fort Santiago. Around 150
Katipuneros died from the Battle of San Juan del Monte and 200 more were captured. This was
officially the first major battle of the revolution. Despite losing, it was enough to ignite a sense of
nationalism among Filipinos and threaten the Spaniards. In fact, just a day later, Governor
General Ramon Blanco declared a state of martial law in Manila and seven nearby provinces.
Despite its role in the war, El Deposito continued to be used as the main water reservoir until the
American Occupation. In 1903, Americans turned it into army headquarters, even numbering the
tunnels to mark the areas where armory was stored. It was later captured during the Japanese
Regime where it continued its life as a storage space. For a time, it was also used as a firing range,
a hospital for patients suffering from tuberculosis, and later a bunker (De Guzman, 2019).

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III. Content
Map Imaging

Official Name: City of San Juan

Coordinates: 14-36'8"N 121-2′21″E

Population: 200,000+

Land Area: 5.94 km²

Cityhood: June 17, 2007

Barangays: 21

This historically rich city is located in the middle of Metro Manila, situated between
Manila, Pasig, Mandaluyong, and Quezon City. At about 5.94 square kilometers, San Juan City,
Manila, is the smallest city in the Philippines. It is known as the "Heart of the Metro" because of
its heart-shaped form. According to the 2015 census, it has 21 barangays and a population of
more than 122,000 people.

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Local Economies

San Juan City's identity has been influenced by its history, culture, and tradition, which
have risen to center stage. In addition to being a center of economic development, San Juan City
is also firmly established as a historical tourism attraction. The city's rich cultural legacy has
helped to define its identity. In addition, the city has solidified its position as a center of economic
development and a popular historical travel destination. The development of the more
contemporary Greenhills Shopping Center and Virra Mall on San Juan's eastern side made the
municipality a popular tourist destination and drew business owners to locate there. As the city's
booming residential and commercial center by the 1980s, San Juan gained the title of "Tiangge
capital of the Philippines."

Local Heroes

While not originally from San Juan, Gat Andres Bonifacio and General Emilio Jacinto are
two of the Philippines' national heroes who fought in the Battle of Pinaglabanan, and their
influence extends across the country. Furthermore, the names of probable Katipuneros based on
primary materials and published studies inscribed on the wall next to the Spirit of Pinaglabanan
statue could also be regarded heroes as well, as they are Filipino revolutionaries who stood up
to the Spaniards in 1896.

Local Events

Aside from Araw ng Himagsikan or Pinaglabanan Day, the City of San Juan commemorates
the feast of its Patron Saint, St. John the Baptist, every June 24th. The feast is noted not just for
its "Basaan" tradition, which celebrates Jesus Christ's baptism by St. John, but also as a day to
celebrate the "pouring of blessings" and San Juan's everlasting prosperity and abundance.

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IV. Conclusion

"Walang kalayaan, kung walang Pinaglabanan." The cry and fight for independence began
in Pinaglabanan. Undoubtedly, San Juan has had a significant impact on our history. San Juan's
historical story revolves around the Battle of Pinaglabanan, a turning point in the 1896 Philippine
Revolution against Spanish colonial power. The Filipino rebels' first use of force against Spanish
forces occurred during this historic clash, which establishes San Juan as the starting point of the
fight for Filipino independence. This valiant battle is honored by the Pinaglabanan Shrine, which
stands tall in the city and serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices done in the name of
freedom. However, San Juan's historical significance extends beyond this one event. Through
centuries of change, including Spanish colonization, American occupation, and finally the
establishment of an independent nation, the city has silently watched these events unfold. Every
historical period has left its permanent imprint on the city, resulting in a rich historical
environment that is profound and diversified. Landmarks like the Museo ng Katipunan offer
insights into the revolutionary movements that developed the nation as a whole. The objects and
records kept in this museum vividly depict the heroic deeds of the Filipino revolutionaries.
Furthermore, San Juan's streets themselves tell a tale of resiliency and progress. The city's
architecture is a physical monument to its enduring character, from Spanish-era structures like
as El Deposito and El Polvorin that remain to new developments that represent growth. The
significance of San Juan City in Philippine history extends beyond its past; it also encompasses
the ways in which its past has shaped its present and future. San Juan, along with the entire
Filipino nation, has been formed by its rich tradition, which is still open for exploration and
appreciation by both locals and tourists. More than simply a city, San Juan is a historical site in
and of itself, proudly upholding the heritage of the Filipino people's fight for freedom and
identity.

The nation's road towards independence and beyond has been greatly aided by the
wealth of stories that can be found in this small but powerful city. However, San Juan City's
significance in the Philippines goes beyond its geographical and historical features. It serves as a
center for social, political, and economic activity and has a significant impact on the growth of

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the metropolitan area. From its vibrant fiestas and celebrations, such as the Wattah Wattah
Festival or Basaan, to its busy business districts, San Juan City provides a glimpse into the vibrant
and varied culture of the Philippines. The city's vibrant business areas and rich cultural legacy
make it an essential component of the Filipino identity and a major character in the country's
continuing narrative. It is an integral, breathing component of the Filipino spirit.

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References:

Bonifacio, The Katipunan and the Pinaglabanan Shrine. (2020). Manila Bulletin.
https://mb.com.ph/2020/11/30/bonifacio-the-katipunan-and-the-pinaglabanan-
shrine/#google_vignette

De Guzman, N. (1970). The history of El Deposito, the biggest Spanish artifact in the Philippines.
Esquiremag.ph. https://www.esquiremag.ph/life/travel/el-deposito-history-a1729-20190919-
lfrm

HISTORY OF KATIPUNAN. (n.d.). Katipunan Illinois. http://katipunanil.weebly.com/history-of-

katipunan.html

Layug, B. (2021). Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine (San Juan City, Metro Manila) –
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Mendoza, J. E. (2022). Historian slams inaccurate Bonifacio marker in San Juan | Inquirer News.
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Roamer, U. (2014). Pinaglabanan - The Urban Roamer. The Urban Roamer.
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San Juan, Metro Manila Facts for kids. (n.d.). https://kids.kiddle.co/San_Juan,_Metro_Manila

San Juan City: My discoveries of the genuine Metro Manila life. (n.d.). Tropicalexperience.
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Szczepanski, K. (2019). Biography of Andrés Bonifacio, Filipino revolutionary leader. ThoughtCo.

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