MUNICIPALITY OF ALFONSO, CAVITE, Historical Data of

About these Historical Data

[This transcription was made using AI-technology.]

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I. HISTORY AND CULTURAL LIFE OF THE TOWN OF ALFONSO, CAVITE

Part One: History

The present official name of the town is Alfonso. It was established on May 16, 1859. During the early days of the Spanish regime, Alfonso was a barrio named Alas-as, formerly a part of the town of Indang. It was called Alas-as because the early settlers of the place lived near a rivulet. On the banks of this rivulet were two big trees, called alas-as which bore very sweet fruits. The place was called Alas-as until it became a part of Indang. This name is still living in the hearts of the people because there is a street in the town named Alas-as. The name Alfonso was given by the Spaniards who ruled the place, in honor of King Alfonso of Spain during those days.

At the time of its establishment there were seven barrios, namely Taywanak, Pajo, Esperanza, Marahan, Matagbak, Simaliw, and Kaytitinga. Later in 1883, Mangas was established. These barrios got their names from the early inhabitants of the place who named them according to the incidents or events that happened in each barrio.

At its establishment, Alfonso has what we call “Gobernadorcillo.” This was changed to “Capitan Municipal” in the year 1894; then to “Presidente Municipal” in 1901 and “Alkalde Municipal” during the Commonwealth in 1936 until the present.

The first “Gobernadorcillo” of 1859 was Don Bonifacio Aveo. Then in 1894, Don Lorenzo Angeles became “Capitan” until 1895. Don Narciso Mojica ruled next to Capitan Angeles until August, 1896 when the Spanish Revolution started. Don Hipolito Rint ruled in 1896 to 1897; In 1898 Don Lorenzo Angeles was reinstated by the Revolutionary Government. He held office up to 1898.

List of Tenientes from the Earliest Time to Date

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Historical Sites, Structures, Buildings, Old Ruins, Etc.

One of the most historical buildings still in existence is the Herrera building now known as the Hermais’ building. This formerly belonged to Kapitan Tranquilino Herrera well known as Kapitan Tarang. It was made a headquarter (kuwartel) and was occupied by a detachment of guardia civil (soldiers) under the command of a Spanish lieutenant, known as Teniente Alparce Puga, and Sergeant Blas Delnosa, well known as Kabo Balas with the Filipino soldiers, serving under the Spanish flag.

A few days after the Cry of Balintawak on August 26, 1896, an order from General Mariano Trias was received by the municipal mayor (Kapitan) Narciso Mojica to liquidate all the Spaniards found in the municipality. The Kapitan was so nervous that his hands trembled. It so happened that General Hipolito Rint was in the municipal building (casa real) when the order was received. He noticed that the Kapitan was alarmed, so he requested for the order. As soon as he received the order, he gathered his men. They armed themselves with bolos, knives, pointed sticks, clubs, and axes.

They proceeded to the barracks (kuwartel) and attacked. The soldiers (guardia civil) were armed with short guns. They closed all the doors and windows. The first to climb the stairs was Prudencio Rolio, well known as Tandang Diplo. While he was peeping through the keyhole, a shot gun burst. He was shot on the forehead. Fortunately, he was not hurt although he was thrown unconscious. His face was only blackened. This enraged the revolutionists and they broke their way through the doors and windows. Soon there was a hand-to-hand fight inside the barracks.

During the encounter, the casualties on the side of the revolutionists were Andres Olason and Florentino Oosa. Matias Hermoso was wounded in the arm. On the side of the Spaniards, Sergeant Blas Delnosa and the two Spanish priests Padre Bruno, parish priest of Mendez and Padre Agapito, parish priest of Bailen who had come for refuge were killed. The commander, Teniente Alparce Puga, had fled

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for he had a premonition that they would be attacked. The revolutionists were careful not to kill any of the (guardia civil) Filipino soldiers serving under the flag of Spain.

The most prominent men who figured in this battle were General Hipolito Rint, Captain (Kapitan) Eriberto Cotro, known as Kapitan Berto, and Prudencio Rollo, known as Tandang Diplo.

This incident made the followers of General Hipolito Rint admired his courage and bravery. He gained more followers and soon he had a good standing army. They were engaged in many battles against the Spaniards. They were always successful. So, during one of the visits of General Mariano Trias to Pinagbanderahan in Kaytitinga, he asked General Hipolito Rint how they were getting along and the reply was “always well” (laging mainam). Since then, the barrio of Kaytitinga was also called “Mainam.”

Before this municipality was erected, this was a barrio of Indang. It was known as Alas-as. Later this was made a separate municipality in 1859 and the name was changed to Alfonso, named after the King of Spain during that time. Since then four churches had been erected.

The first church was erected in Burgos Street, a few meters away, after ascending the Pajo river. In this church, the first persons baptized were Lucia Peñano and Marcelo Peji. They were also the first persons christened in this municipality.

The second church was constructed on the slope of our town plaza facing north toward Rizal Street. This did not last long, for it was a small one and often times it was over-crowded. So they proposed to make a bigger one.

The third church, which is now ruined, with only the stone walls remaining, was constructed just before the outbreak of the Philippine revolution. This was made by some Filipino and Chinese carpenters. This was begun by Reverend Father Candido Valles and finished by Reverend Father Juan Gonzales. This church was the longest in use for it was only destroyed by a strong storm in December, 1936 when its roofings were beheaded.

The present church is the fourth. This was formerly a part of the convent of the third church. This was reconstructed through the efforts of Reverend Father Pacifico Araullo with the help of the town people.

Next to the churches we have our town bells. Whenever any visitor comes to our town, there is always one thing that catches his attention. Do you know what it is? It is the sound of our

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church bells, which we are proud of because nowhere in the Philippines you can find or hear as loud and sweet sounds produced by these bells. These were secured in the following manner: The parish priest of the locality at that time was Reverend Father Candido Valles. Seeing the felt need of having bells, he called the prominent citizens of the town, some of whom were ex-mayors, to a meeting. They agreed on a plan of raising funds.

This was how they did it: They invited musicians and some singers in the municipality. They went serenading around the town. They were always followed by a cart. As the musicians and singers sang and played, the priest and the prominent citizens, got into the (kamalig of coffee) granary and got a sack or several sacks of coffee from each person they approached. These in turn were loaded on the cart that they had with them. Nobody denied for during that time our place abounded with coffee. All they had collected were placed in a big (kamalig) granary at the churchyard. When they had collected enough, they sold the coffee but continued collecting until they raised the funds. Because they had collected a big sum of money, they bought the best and most costliest bells from Spain. According to some of our old townsfolk one of them was buried in one corner of the town plaza, because the noise that it gave when it was rung, was so loud that it caused the abortion to a pregnant mother.

Important Facts, Incidents or Events That Took Place

a. The Usury System-

Since the creation of this town the agricultural supervisor (Juez de Ganado) of this municipality was Tomas Marquez, well-known as Juez na Tomas. He held his office until his death a few years before the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution. During his term of office, he persuaded the people to plant coffee so that during that period our municipality surpassed other neighboring towns in the production of coffee until the end of the Spanish rule.

Our home town was noted for coffee. Most of the people’s income came from it. Almost every home had a granary. During the harvest season every yard had coffee berries. When the rain fell and canals were flooded, much of those coffee berries were carried away. There was a progressive coffee trade.

The two principal merchants were Tandang Osorio Roxas from Cavite City (formerly known as Tangway) and Tandang Eufracia Rosal, wife of Don Elias Coronel, from Indang, Cavite. Many of our people borrowed money from these merchants and promised to pay with their coffee.

When the Philippine Revolution broke out in 1896, many of them still owed those merchants. After the war, those debts were settled.

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They were given great interest. Some pieces of land were even confiscated. In many cases, several hectares of land were taken in payment of a debt of ₱10.00. That was why these merchants owned vast pieces of lands in our municipality.

b. The Abaca Boom-

During the early part of the American occupation our coffee began to die. It was attacked by leaf rust. Our parents then replaced their fields with abaca. From 1903 to 1923, most of the lands were planted to it. Our abaca was called Manila hemp. The fibers were white and strong, thus commanding the best price. During this period, our people lived in plenty for even the landless received equal shares. The landlords could not strip their abaca by themselves, so the landless were employed. Their share was on 50-50 basis. A single stripper could earn as much as ₱10 a day. Everyone earned easily. They enjoyed life and were happy.

Then, this abaca plants began to die. They were attacked by a kind of disease called, “bunchi.” They were all wiped out in a year or two. According to some information, this disease was introduced by some Japanese workers, who were making charcoal in the barrio of Malinta, Silang, Cavite sometime in 1923. They did this by introducing the disease to a certain variety of banana plant which was given to a friend in Silang. The disease spread westward from Silang to Amadeo, then to Indang, Mendez and then to Alfonso. This suspicion came because the Japanese had just started their abaca plantation projects in Davao. They did this evil deed fearing that our abaca would compete with theirs.

c. The Streets With Kerosene Lights-

In the year 1916 to 1915 our municipal mayor was Kapitan Andres Herrera. During his administration he had important projects to improve the town but the most prominent of them was when he lighted all corners of the streets and town plaza with kerosene lamps. This was being done every night.

d. The First Automobile-

During the last campaign of the late Senator Antero Soriano, then candidate for Senator, sometime in 1929, when the municipal mayor was the late Amado Peji and the provincial governor was Fabian Pagoda, he promised to return here in an automobile in 1931. Unfortunately he died before this time came, but his followers fulfilled his promise, so despite his untimely death, the automobile reached our place before the fixed date. The first to come was the automobile of Tandang Pedro Sanitiel [approximate, blurred], known as Pedron Korso. This was via Indang.

e. The Tagaytay National Road-

Our national road in Tagaytay was initiated through the hard and untiring efforts of the late Hammond Buck who became a resident of our town due to his marriage with his first wife, Dolores Angeles, of this

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town. He was inspired by his wide land in Tagaytay, called the Buck Estate. He tried his best to convince both American Civil Governors, like Governor Leonard Wood, and Filipino politicians, like the late President Manuel L. Quezon and General Emilio Aguinaldo that a road to this part of our province is very important. These people went to Tagaytay one time on horses’ back. They were met there by many people here and other neighboring towns. Soon after this, the road was constructed and to this day, it has become one of the most important national roads of our country.

f. Our Guerrilleros Fought-

In the afternoon of February 1, 1944, the town people were in panic because of the coming of the Japanese. They at once fled to their hiding places. One could see young and old running here and there carrying with them provisions they could afford to carry. Some were trembling with fear, some were crying and calling for some of their kins, who had gone the other way. Only the guerrilleros were left in the town. Before dark we could hear the rolling of bullets from both sides. It lasted the whole night. Our guerrilleros held their line and the Japanese retreated. The next day was quiet. We came to town to see the result. Not one of our guerrilleros was wounded. We found an automobile and a truck owned by the Japanese soldiers riddled with bullets. The engines were destroyed and would not run. The truck was loaded with drums filled with kerosene and rugs for they had the intention of burning the whole town. There were signs of drops of blood on the ground, but no dead could be found. The Japanese soldiers were careful not to leave any of the dead or wounded soldiers.

In the afternoon of the next day, we heard again the bursting of guns. The Japanese soldiers returned. Soon there was again exchange of shots. Sometimes the bullets rolled and sometimes there was silence. Our guerrilleros still held their line in their trenches. The following morning there was no more shooting but our men did not advance. At noon we saw a dense smoke rising over the town. We thought that all our houses had been burned. The Japanese had again retreated but before they left, they burned seven houses in Alas-as. We supposed their dead comrades were placed in one of these houses before they fled so that they were changed to ashes.

On the next day a runner came informing us that the Americans had landed in Nasugbu.

(a) Destruction of Lives, Properties, and Institutions

1. Destruction of Lives (World War II)

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2. Property-

January 31, 1951! What a sorrowful event there was! Has it any significance to some of the Alfonso residents? Ah! It is quite an interesting story to tell for it marked the encounter between the Japanese soldiers and the Fil-American Guerrilla Forces (Castañeda Unit) in the town of Alfonso. During that time, the masses left their homes carrying with them in their hiding places food just enough for several days’ maintenance. It was just a time when all the people seemed to breathe their last in their hiding places despite their strength. Everybody felt hopeless for the next day’s existence. Why? It was because the encounter was a continuous one and everybody was aware of the meager supplies of the Fil-American Forces both in food and in weapons. But despite all these the Japanese soldiers were forced to retreat. In so doing, they then took advantage of burning six houses at Alas-as Street. The destruction was quite a burden on the part of the owners making them homeless, helpless, penniless, or in short very poor.

(b) Measures and Accomplishments Toward Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Following World War II in Alfonso, Cavite

After World War II several measures were taken toward the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the community. With the financial aid from the national and provincial governments, buildings, roads, markets, and plaza received much attention. The municipal building was reconstructed in the year 1946. A concrete fence now surrounds the municipal building. The town plaza was paved with concrete and converted into a park. A puericulture center building was erected north of the town market. Roads in the poblacion were asphalted, Artesian wells were constructed in strategic places in the community.

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Private individuals helped a lot in rehabilitating the community. An electric plant was installed by Mr. Mario Airoso. A theater was established by Mr. Isabelo Fajardo. A cooperative transportation was set up by a group of people from the community initiated by Mr. Ciriaco M. Acuña. It is called the Alfonso Transportation Cooperative Association. A high school was established by a group of people also initiated by Mr. Ciriaco Acuña. It is named the Cavite Highland Institute, which until now is being operated successfully.

The public school in this community has not been neglected. The Home Economics Building has been reconstructed, although until now it needs some more reconstruction. The National Government, the Parent-Teacher Association and some civic-spirited individuals have helped a lot in the reconstruction of the building. The Parent-Teacher Association has also reconstructed the fence around the school building. Formerly it was only of hog wire but now it is concrete and steel matting. The main gate which was formerly of wood is now of iron. This was also through the auspices of the Parent-Teacher Association.

There still remains the large project of the national government to be done, the reconstruction of the national road and the provision of more rooms for school children. These are big tasks to be undertaken by the municipal officials, however they are trying their best to have them carried out.

Part Two: Folkways

10. Traditions, customs and practices in domestic and social life, etc.

Traditions: A pregnant mother has to submit to too many taboos or prohibitions. Some of those are as follows;

1. It is bad to trespass under the house because this will hinder the easy delivery.
2. It is not good to stay on the doorway because this will prolong the time of labor.
3. In building fire, it is not good to put the fuel with the branches toward the stove because this will result to the poor position of the baby, that is, the hands and the feet will come out first.
4. It is not good for the husband to carry the corpse during the funeral for this may result to the short life of the child.
5. It is good for the pregnant woman to wake up early in the morning so that she may feel comfortable.
6. The person who calls for the midwife must not enter the house of the midwife.
7. Eggplant is not good for expectant mothers for may cause beri-beri on the part of the child.

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h. It is not good for mothers to drink continuously, that is without pausing, because the baby will cry continuously, too.

i. During the delivery, the midwife used to put water under the bed of the mother so that the mother may not lose strength.

j. The midwife used to give eggs to the mother so that the delivery may not be too difficult.

k. To the expectant mother who wants to deliver easily, it is always suggested that she should wash the plates where she eats after eating.

l. If the mother has long hair she must have the tip of the hair hanging while walking at sunset.

m. When the mother is washing clothes in the brook, she should always face downstream.

n. It is not good for an expectant mother to tie a handkerchief or wear beads around her neck or arms.

o. A conceiving woman who becomes fond of the fruits of a tree will make all the fruits of that tree sour. Some trees are even supposed to die when a pregnant mother takes fancy to it.

p. Gamblers (those going to a cockpit) believe that they will surely lose if a pregnant woman happens to ride with them in the same vehicle.

Customs:

1. Birth-

It is believed in many parts of the country that a child’s future can be guided right after his birth. The placing of school-books, pencils, needle and thread, newspaper, and money beside the placenta when it is buried by the father results to the intelligence of the child.

For the purpose of banishing the fear of high places, the cord of the baby is wrapped in a piece of white cloth and tied to a rafter in the roof of the house.

2. Courtship and Marriage-

In weddings performed in churches, as soon as the couple had said, “I do”, they immediately attempt to step on each other’s foot. The explanation for this seemingly discordant note injected into the otherwise solemn rite is two-fold. It is supposed to bring good luck to the newly married pair and at the same time it determines who shall be the boss in the new household. If the woman succeeds in stepping on the bridegroom’s foot first, she is allowed to handle all money matters and more or less dominate her husband. If the husband is more agile, he holds the purse strings and may become reckless expenses.

It is also a practice that as soon as the wedding is over the bride and her groom race each other to the door of the house where the party will be held. It is believed that the spouse who reaches the door first will live longer than the other and will be happier.

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Another practice during the wedding party is that anybody who is in mourning cannot be allowed to join the first set of guests to be served.

Usually after the wedding ceremony the couple kiss the hands of the relatives of both.

3. Burial-

a. To show that the family has been bereaved, the female members of the family wear black dresses usually for one year.

b. Giving the dead a sponge bath and dressing him with his best [clothes] before putting him in a coffin.

c. Giving some money to the immediate survivors of a deceased by friends and relatives and a member of the family of the deceased takes pain to list down the names of the contributors and the amount given.

d. Music usually accompanies the funeral cortege. If the music is lonely, the deceased is a child; if it is mournful, it is an adult.

4. Festival Customs in Alfonso-

In the town of Alfonso there are many festivals celebrated during the year. The most common festivals are religious in nature. Almost every month a religious festival is celebrated.

On the first day of January, the feast of the Child Jesus is celebrated. There is an organization called, “reputados”, which handles the fiesta. This organization is composed of men and young boys. They take turns in becoming the so-called “hermano”. The hermano prepares food for his visitors, Several days before the fiesta, preparations in the house of the “hermano” are done. A “pala-pala” as it is locally called is made. This is temporarily built for the visitors. The preparation of the dulce and pickles and other needed materials are done two or three days before the fiesta. The decoration in the church is also managed by the “hermano”. Mass is said in honor of the Child Jesus in the morning of January first and a procession follows. The procession in the morning is done in the plaza while the one held at night is done around the town. As a closing exercises “Te Deum,” is said and the “hermano” is replaced by another man who becomes the “hermano” the ensuing year.

There is another feast day in January. The organization called, “Kapatiran ni San Francisco” celebrates the feast day of St. Francis de Assisi” during this month. The day is not fixed but is usually

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falls on a Sunday. A novena for nine days is done. There is also an “Hermana”. The preparation and activities during this fiesta are similar to the New Year’s Day celebration.

During the eleventh day of February the feast day of “Our Lady of Lourdes” is celebrated. A novena for nine days is also performed. High Mass is said on the feast day. Then a procession follows.

The period of Lent is also one of the festivals. At night people sing the verses of the “Passion”. The “Pabasa” as practiced by some families is a merrymaking where foods are served. On Maundy Thursday, a procession is held and many saints depicting the sacrifice of Jesus before his death are carried by the people. While the procession is going on, there are people who chant the verses of the “Passion” as they walk. On Good Friday, a procession is also held to depict the burial of Jesus. Many women wear black clothes as a sign of mourning for Jesus’ death. On “Sabado de Gloria” a mass is celebrated and at the sound of the church bells, because the bells have not been rung for two days, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, people jump for enjoyment besides the belief of becoming tall. They also shake the trees believing that the trees will bear more fruit.

May is a month of activities in this town. Everyday a novena is said in the afternoon by an organization called “Flores de Mayo”. This is an association of children, young men and women who are single. This association is not like the other associations which have fixed laws and by-laws. Officers are elected by a group of ladies and gentlemen. Some rules are set up during the meeting and the other members give their just share. The fiesta of the “Blessed Virgin of Flowers” is often celebrated in the last Sunday of May or sometimes on the last day of the month. There is also an “Hermana” who takes charge of serving the people on the feast day. Everyday there is “Cabecilla” who also serves the children who offers bouquets to the Blessed Virgin during the Novena. The practices done during the other feast days are also done during the fiesta of the Blessed Virgin.

The town fiesta falls on May. It is on the sixteenth and seventeenth day of the month. In almost all homes foods are prepared for visitors. Bands from other places are hired to provide merry-making.

October is another month that makes people festive also. An organization named “Kapisanan ng Santo Rosario” makes a novena for nine days, under the leadership of the “hermano”. The usual practice done by other “hermanos” is also done by him.

November brings a day of merry-making although the case should not be. All Souls’ Day brings merry-making especially to children.

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At night they go from house to house chanting songs and prayers and in return they receive money or cakes. In most houses food is served to visitors and in the altar are found food offered to the souls of the departed. In the morning those foods are buried in the ground.

Christmas Day is much awaited by children. Nine days before Christmas, a mass is said at dawn and after the mass, the musicians go to a “Cabecilla” where they eat their breakfast. On Christmas Eve the “Panawagan” is done. The Blessed Virgin, accompanied by St. Joseph goes to several houses and begs to stay for a night but was rejected. The next morning, a mass is said. After mass, children go from house to house and in return they are given money by their relatives or friends.

Those year-round activities provide the people with enjoyment and are carried from generation to generation.

5. Punishments-

In the town of Alfonso, as in the other towns of the province, it has been the practice that when something is lost in the house, some measures are taken in order to find the culprit. Each person suspected of the crime is required to chew a little less than half a handful of uncooked rice. After about three minutes of chewing, the chewed rice is put out of the mouth. The one that has the chewed rice almost dry is the culprit. He is then told to lie flat on the floor with his face down. He is lashed two or three times with a stick. Sometimes, the lost article is returned and sometimes it is not.

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Amusements-

1. Cockfighting (Popular among the males only)

2. Attending the movie.

7. Puzzles and Riddles

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8. Proverbs and Sayings-

a. Aanhin pa ang damo,
Kung patay na ang kabayo.

b. Magpahaba-haba ng prusisyon,
Sa simbahan din ang tuloy.

c. Madali ang maging tao,
Mahirap ang magpakatao.

d. Bahay man ay kubo at ang nakatira ay tao,
Daig ang bahay na bato na ang nakatira ay kuwago.

e. Kapag may isinuksok,
May titingalain.

f. Nahiyaw ang may sala,
Nahingi ng parusa.

g. Nasa Diyos ang awa,
Nasa tao ang gawa.

h. Bago ka papahid ng sa ibang uling,
Uling mo muna ang iyong papahirin.

i. Kung ano ang bara,
Ay siya ang dipa.

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j. Makalilibang maligaya ang malayang ibon
Kaysa Haring nakakulong.

k. Huwag tatawid ng tulay,
Hanggang hindi nakasasapit sa daungan.

l. Kapag hangin ang itinanim,
Bagyo ang aanihin.

m. Walang malaking ligayang di pinamulunanan ng luha.

n. Sa paghahangad ng kagitna, isang salop ang nawala.

o. Walang utang na di pinagbabayaran.

p. Kung ano ang hitsura, ay siyang lasa.

q. Kung ano ang hinala, ay siyang gawa.

r. Ngayon tutukain, ngayon kakahigin.

s. Malakas ang loob, mahina ang tuhod.

t. Kung hindi ukol, hindi bubukol.

u. Ang maniwala sa sabi, walang bait na sarili.

v. Kung ano ang tugtog, ay siyang sayaw.

w. Ubas-ubas biyaya, bukna ay wala.

x. Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan, hindi makakarating sa paroroonan.

y. Marami sa salita, kulang sa gawa.

9. Methods of Measuring Time-

a. When a person gets hungry at the middle of the day,
it is already twelve o'clock.

b. When the cock crows at midnight, it is twelve o'clock at night.

c. When the chickens fly away from the roost in the morning it is six o'clock.

d. When the shadow of a person is very, very short and is very near him, it is twelve of the day.

e. When the plant called "Alas cuatro" closes its flowers

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It is four o'clock in the afternoon.

f. When the flowers of the patola open, it is four o'clock in the afternoon.