MUNICIPALITY OF IMUS, CAVITE, Historical Data of Part 2

PART II

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About these Historical Data

The transcription of this page was done using AI technology.

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great deal. Life at this time was so miserable. Every male citizen especially was at the mercy of the civil guard known as the Guardia Civil. Men, young and old were not allowed to walk at night. Whenever you disregard the regulations of the Friars for sure you will meet punishment. And several punishments were enforced by the Spaniards during this period. Such punishments were the Following:

1. The Enforced Labor – With Spanish sovereignty came the enforced labor. The Filipinos were forcibly employed in cutting timber and digging mines. They were made to work in the construction of churches, convents and erection of houses for the Spaniards. Others were forced to build ships or were engaged in foreign conquests to the South like Jolo, Borneo and Ternate. This enforced labor ranging from fifteen days to one month without pay was so unjust to our people.

2. Facing toward the sun. – By this means the supposed criminal faces the rising sun with open eyes and when you disobey the order you were butted or kicked. As a result most people became blind.

3. Kneeling on mongo. – By this method mongo were spread on the floor or ground and the culprits were forced to kneel on them for hours.

4. Slapping –

5. By the gallows or garrotte system – A two wooden device which met together in order to squeeze the neck of the individual concerned.

As a consequence of the cruelties and abuses inflicted on our people, the Filipinos never became reconciled to the Spanish rule. Thus when the people of Imus could no longer bear the hardship they revolted against the Spanish government in 1896 resulting in its overthrow in this part of the globe.

WRITERS OF IMUS

INFORMATION TREATING OF THE PHILIPPINES

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A. Educational

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B. Literary

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B. Literary (Cont’d)

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POPULAR SONGS

Popular songs in our community had been composed by young men and women. They speak of the love of men for women. They also interprets the sufferings of Mother Filipina under the yoke of foreigners.

The song below tells of the happy mood of a young lover asking the woman to go with him to gather some pomelo.

AWIT NG PAGSISINTAHAN

Halina O Neneng ko,

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At tayo ay magpasyal-pasyal – Saan?
Sa pook ng Kabukiran – Ayoko
Tayo ay mamitas – ng ano?
Bunga ng halaman – Ako ay sasama
Ano ba ang pipitasin – Suha bagang nangagbitin?
Siyang ikasaliw ng dalawang dibdib natin

Another popular song speaks of the hardships of Mother Filipina. This song was composed during the time of Aguinaldo’s popularity as a leader.

HALINA KABABAYAN

Halina kababayan sa mapen ng rospotan
Pag-ibig sa tinubuan tiisin ang bilangguan
Tiisin ang siyang matuwid sa bayang ko’y magtangkilikk
Ayon sa madlang pasakit pag-ibig sa mga kapatid
Wala akong isang hinahangad
Kung hindi tayo matanyag
Itong ating Filipinas mahugasan ng hirap
Hindi ba ninyo dinaramdam ang hirap kung dumaratal?
Dalawang pisong buwis
Kabayaran sa cedula personal
Lupa’t bahay mandi’y gayon din
Dies por ciento ang sisingiling
Ang utos na bilin pipiliting susundin
Nasaan kayong mamamayan
Na marunong magdasal
Bakit di mo ipagdiwang sa Americanong kaaway
Don Emilio Aguinaldo de Guia

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Umaho sa gilid bandera ang kinuha
Pagtapat sa Rangway
Humiyaw ng viva
Hayan si Don Emilio contra America

POPULAR SONGS

BAHAY KUBO

CHITCHIRITCHIT

MAHAL NA GINOO

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ANG PANYO KO

HISTORY OF ALAPAN

According to the story told by the oldest man, Tandang Ano in the barrio, he says that long ago when this barrio was not yet taken by the Spaniards was covered by trees and forest. There was no fixed road and the houses were few. The rice paddies were in disorder. There was no school. There was no stable government to govern the people at that time. The people during that time were so ignorant about the methods of planting and cultivating the land.

This place has no name yet when the Spaniards took possession of the Islands. But one day, when a group of Spaniards came to this place, they happened to meet a group of Filipino families, exchanging or bartering their home products and commodities with each other. The Spaniards being anxious to know the name of the place where they were made and inquired in their own dialect to the group of Filipinos, asking – “Como se llama este lugar?” – The oldest Filipino in the group answered the Spaniards in their own language – “Nag-aalapan po” without understanding the question of the Spaniards. The Spaniards believing from the answer of the old man said. “Este lugar es Alapan?” “Opo” answered the Filipinos. “Muy bien”, Gracias amigos y amigas. Adios a todos”. Then the Spaniards went away and proceeded to other place, leaving the barrio of Alapan.

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During the Spanish regime in the Islands, the Filipinos were discontented of the methods they ruled. They were very hostile to Filipinos, especially to the landowners. The Filipinos, being discontented against the ruling of the Spaniards, formed a secret society to overthrow the Spanish government. But, due to some anti-Filipinos during that time, the news regarding this secret society reached the ears of the Spanish officials. The Spanish officials made orders for the immediate arrest of all the members and the organizers of the said society. The secret society spread very quickly throughout the Islands which the Spaniards could no longer control. So, in the year 1896, the Filipinos began to revolt against the Spanish government.

Under different Filipino generals many battles were fought against the Spaniards in the different corners of the Archipelago but the Filipinos could not defeat the Spaniards. A decisive battle was fought by the Filipino Veterans in 1898 which took place in this barrio of Alapan in which the Filipino veterans of the Revolution were victorious over the Spaniards. Minor battles followed in other places in the Islands but the Spaniards were all defeated.

Coming back to the history of Alapan, where the old Veterans of the Revolution in 1898 were victorious over the Spaniards, a concrete monument symbolizing the Motherland was erected in front of the Alapan 1st Barrio School by the living Veterans of the Revolution, under the leadership and management of our respected and beloved General Emilio Aguinaldo. Every 28th day of May of every year, a parade and speeches were held to commemorate the battle of Alapan, which from time in generations, this event should be taught and explained not only to the young generations but also to those who have not reached this age.

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THE BATTLE OF ALAPAN

The battle of Alapan was an encounter between the Spanish army and the local Filipino veterans under General Emilio Aguinaldo who is still living up to the present time. The battle took place at Barrio Alapan in the municipality of Imus, Province of Cavite on May 28, 1898. In this battle there were few casualties on the Filipino side but many on the part of the Spaniards. The Filipino officers who gave their lives in this encounter were Captain Restituto Orcullo and Second Lieutenant Lucio Faumi who were both residents of the barrio. This battle may be considered a historic one because the Filipinos won in this encounter.

The surviving Filipino veterans of Alapan through General Aguinaldo erected a monument on the side of Alapan Elementary School to commemorate this event. On May 28th of every year the surviving veterans of Alapan together with those coming from other parts in Cavite gathered at the foot of this monument to commemorate the event.

POPULAR NAME OF ANABU

This is a story one of the historic barrios of Imus, tainted by heroic events in the annals of Philippine Revolution, the legendary forword [doubtful word] of “Anabu.”

During the 18th century, the Chinese wandered migrated to this country led by the famous pirate Limahong, who originally had a plan of conquest of the Philippines as lured by its richness in natural resources. They had not had the difficulty of adjusting themselves with the Filipinos, as to culture and ways of living, for they were our neighbors by reason of geographic location of this continent. For such basic reason, Filipino women married the Chinese. They (Chinese) were industrious, hardworking, tolerant and patient in all ways of life.

It was during those days that a Chinaman married a Filipina from this place whose name was Ana. He was a devoted husband for he loved Ana very much. It so

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happened that Ana did not love the Chinaman the way a devoted wife would.

Her love for the Chinaman was superficial especially so when he offered gifts to her. Their married life did not last long when Ana became unfaithful to him.

She eloped with a Filipino childhood sweetheart. The Chinese, upon learning the flight of his love and fate, ran through the streets crying for Ana, calling for the name of his wife. At this stage of his delirium, he met a Spanish officer of the “guardia civil”. He was on his way of acquainting himself with names of places under his command, when he met the Chinaman in the street crying and calling for Ana.

When the Spanish officer asked him the name of this barrio, he kept on saying and answering the officer “Ana – Bo,” “Ana – Bo” which the Chinaman meant that “Ana, no more” for the Chinese version “Bo” means, “no more or none”.

The Spanish officer, upon hearing what the Chinese told him, called this place, “Anabu” and from that time on, the Spaniards and all other succeeding authorities called this place “Anabu”, thus originating the legendary name of this historic barrio.

COLONEL LUCAS CAMERINO

This is a story of the unsung heroes of the Philippine Revolution, Col. Lucas Camerino, the son of Isabelo Camerino and Damasa Paredes of Anabu, Imus, Cavite. He spent his early days as a farmer and never had the opportunity of acquiring a better education. However, he was once under Spanish Tutorship during his boyhood days, but when his eyes were opened before the Spanish oppression and self-aggrandizement, he did not hesitate to run away from his tutors. He preferred to stay uneducated to be a tool and part of Spanish misrule. Since then he lived a farmer’s life and later married his first wife.

When the revolution broke out, he was commissioned as a Captain in the

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Revolutionary Army by General Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy. During the heat of the fight between the Spaniards and the Filipinos, he was given the full command of a Regiment with the full rank of Colonel and was assigned to defend the sector in Anabu, then the strategic bastion of enemy movement to Batangas and Laguna.

He distinguished himself in one of the bitterest encounters at Hacienda now the site of the Philippine Constabulary Garrison in Imus proper, then at Tanzang Luma up to Pasong Santól in Anabu. The ever-increasing number of the enemies almost successfully cut him and his men to a finish, but, due to his daring courage and gallantry, he made good his promise that none of the enemy column shall pass his line of defence.

Not only in the battles of Hacienda, Tanzang Luma, Kawit and Pasong Santol did he distinguish himself, he had gone as far as pursuing the retreating Spaniards up to Makati, Rizal. There he gave the enemies a terrible and relentless offensive and he was on the way to Taytay Campaign when he received the final announcement that the Spaniards were licked and were surrendering. Upon receipt of order from the Supreme Headquarters, he went back to Anabu and found out that the exigency of his services was badly needed in Silang and Dasmariñan, where the enemies were rallying their latest last minute strength. He immediately proceeded to the said sector and showed once more his determination to rid his country of the yoke of oppression.

It did not take long and the enemies were quickly subdued. The entire Spanish prestige suffered and collapsed, coupled by the timely arrival of the Americans under Admiral George Dewey, who had wiped out the Spanish Navy in the Philippine Waters. At this stage of the fighting, preliminary negotiations between the Spaniards and the Filipinos were going on in the fields. The

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entire situation caught the Spaniards between two fires, whether to negotiate their surrender to the Filipinos or to the Americans who demanded that they be given the full access of the truce.

By the time these precedents were going on, the American forces had landed at Manila and were trying to pacify the inhabitants, but in reality they had a plan of conquest. General Aguinaldo was in Hongkong that time securing more arms for the Revolutionary Army. Upon his arrival, he found out that things were different. The Americans claimed that they should be recognized the reigning authority as the Filipinos were not yet fit for self-government.

The Filipinos were irked by such actuations of the Americans and once more resolved to take up arms against these new enemies. A state of war began between the Americans and the Filipinos. Again the soldiers of the revolution against Spain were in the field fighting for a common cause. But these enemies were good in many ways, as they had the superiority in weapon and manpower. Col. Lucas Camerino was again in the field of battle, but, at long last, the Filipinos could not endure a weary battle against the Americans.

General Aguinaldo was driven up to Isabela and found refuge in a cave in Palanan, while all the rest of the Filipinos were resorting to guerilla warfare. The enemies had captured all the towns while the loyal Filipinos were driven in the mountains. Among these loyal Revolutionary soldiers was Colonel Lucas Camerino who remained hiding in the forest rather than surrender and accept allegiance to the American flag.

When General Aguinaldo was captured by the Americans under General Funston, he more he remained in hiding for his Nationalistic ideas were so firm that he resolved to die rather than accept foreign allegiance.

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But the life of the ill-fated colonel was not to last in such a state. He was constantly attacked by sickness and coupled by the frequent raids by the Americans in his hideout. Furthermore, Filipino spies paid and employed by the Americans were plenty during that time.

He was finally caught and put under arrest through the aid of one named Bautista, formerly a soldier under him who turned spy for the Americans. He was captured in Anabu Segundo and was immediately taken at the Presidencia to be tried by court martial. He was sentenced to be banished and deported outside the Philippine territory for not accepting allegiance to the American flag. His refusal to recognize American sovereignty made him live the remaining years of his career at Guam Island.

He died a few years after, thus ending the colorful saga of his life in the history of the Philippine Revolution. There is a common saying that “Old Soldiers Never Die, They Just Fade Away.” He is well remembered even in foreign lands. A monument in his honor was erected in the exact spot where he was buried. Filipinos who have the opportunity of passing at Guam may witness that solemn tribute, a symbol of undying love for Colonel Lucas Camerino.

HOW ONE OF THE SITIOS OF ANABU WAS CALLED SAN ROQUE

In a place located almost in the heart of Anabu, majority of the inhabitants belong to the Barco family. If they are not brothers or sisters, they are cousins.

During the Japanese occupation more houses were constructed in this place. Stores were opened. Prosperity began. The residents of this sitio were able to purchase carretelas for their transportation.

After liberation, they were very fortunate to accumulate more prosperities. Some engaged in the buy and sell business. They were very glad that they

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could live independently. Today houses of strong materials can be seen in this place. People constructed a narrow road traversing the rice field where only pedestrians could pass through it.

At last the people thought of calling their place San Roque after a crowded place in Cavite City which is called San Roque.

HOW PASONG SANTOL GOT ITS NAME

Pasong Santol is a sitio of the barrio of Anabu. This place is a narrow pass leading to a brook. People like to pass this way, because it is shady. On each side of the path there are many santol trees. Thus, the people called it Pasong Santol.

Later on, Pasong Santol became a historical place. General Emilio Aguinaldo and his men fought bravely against the Spaniards in this place. Today there stands a monument erected in Pasong Santol to remember the heroic deeds of our brave Filipino veterans.

PASONG LINGGO

Pasong Linggo is a pass in Anabu Segundo. It happened to get its name in this manner. Farmers usually worked in the farm all the days of the week but on Sundays they went to town to hear mass and later stayed in the cockpit the rest of the day. This pass was very popular on Sundays. So it was named Pasong Linggo.

PASONG MAHABA
(Anabu Second)

Way back in 1882, people living in Pasak, a barrio belonging to Anabu second, had a hard time to take their palay to the rice mill. Their harvest was carried on horseback. People had to pass on a very, very long lane be-

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fore they could reach the main road. As civilization progressed, the people learned to build ways where sledges and carts could pass. This pass was very, very long and very dark. Nowadays people living in the eastern part of Pasak could readily send their crops to market owing to this pass known as “Pasong Mahaba” or “Pasong Madilim.”

LEGEND OF PASONG KALABAW

The barrio of Anabu is composed of a number of passes. One of these passes is located in the southeastern part of the barrio. The people in this pass are mostly farmers. A long and narrow passage connects the pass with the fields where the farmers work. It is the only way through which the farmers could pass. During planting season all the farmers with their carabaos could be seen passing through this path. After a day’s work, they would take this pass again on their way home. That is how it acquired the name Pasong Kalabaw.

PASONG BUWAYA

Pasong Buwaya is a sitio in the eastern part of the barrio of Anabu. Two wide rivers meet in the southern end of the sitio. The rivers look like the mouth of a crocodile so people called the place Pasong Buwaya (Buwaya Crocodile) to distinguish it from the other sitios of Anabu.

SUPERSTITION PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE
DAILY PHILOSOPHY OF THE COMMON PEOPLE

Superstition still exerts a great influence in the daily philosophy of the common people. The establishment of the Philippine Public Schools under the American Regime has done much to combat superstitions, but the great bulk of illiterate Filipinos still cling to the superstitious beliefs which have been handed down to them by their great grandfathers.

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As a people the Filipinos are not inherently superstitious. It is rather parabolic to believe that these beliefs were introduced and encouraged by a certain group of people who were profited by the ignorance and fanaticism of a colonized race.

ON PLANTING:

1. When planting bananas, do not look up because if you do, the plant will grow tall before bearing fruit.
2. When watering the newly planted tree, put a lump of sugar in your mouth so that the fruit will be sweet.
3. When planting rice, carry with you betel nuts so that the rice will bear big grains.
4. When planting ampalaya, have a lump of sugar in your mouth so that the fruit will not be very bitter.
5. Do not plant ilang-ilang tree near a house for if you do, a member of the family will die.
6. When planting coconuts, carry as many children as you can on your back so that the coconut tree will bear plenty of fruit.

ON WAR? PESTILENCE? CALAMITY AND DEATH:

1. When an owl steps on the cross of the church, pestilence will soon come.
2. If a comet is seen, it means war or pestilence is likely to happen.
3. A hooting owl in the town plaza means that the town will soon be attacked or the town will meet calamity.

ON VISITORS:

1. If the house lizard makes a noise at the doorway, a visitor will soon arrive.
2. When the house cat washes its face, visitors are expected.
3. If the fire in the stove sings, visitors will arrive soon.

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4. When you find sparks at the bottom of the pot when cooking, it means visitors.

ON RAINS:

1. When cows bellow, heavy rain will soon come and make the river overflow its banks.
2. If a frog is killed facing the sky, rain will come during the day.
3. Bathing the cat causes rain.
4. If many winged ants are seen flying at night around a lamp, it means that many rainy days will soon follow.
5. If a snake crosses a river, it is a sign of a big flood.
6. When a carabao sneezes, it will rain.

ON THUNDER AND LIGHTNING:

1. A gecko in the house invites lightning. In order to prevent lightning from striking the house, pour vinegar on a plate and place the plate at the door or window.
2. When lightning flashes, cover the mirror so that the house will not be struck by the lightning or thunder.
3. Lightning has never struck the santol tree, because nearly all images of the saints in the Philippines are made of santol wood.

OTHERS:

1. When a gambler finds a coin on his way to the gambling place, he will win.
2. If you bite your tongue while eating, some evil things are being said against you.
3. If you place your book under your pillows, its contents will be readily understood.
4. If a dog scratches the ground at the foot of the stairs someone in the house is going to die.

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5. Those who die in childhood meet their parents in heaven with candles lighted.
6. The spirit of the dead visits relatives on the third day after he is buried.
7. When a hen cackles in the middle of the night, a person in the neighborhood will soon die.
8. Do not comb your hair at night, if you do, your mother will soon die.
9. Sweeping the floor at night makes the family poor.
10. A black butterfly seen in your room or house at unusual times means that one of your relatives is sick or dead.

HISTORY OF BAYAN LUMA

Today, Bayan Luma is just one of the numerous barrios comprising the town Imus. This barrio is small and is only about 1 kilometer away from the town. Unlike other barrios, Bayan Luma is a one-street barrio that starts from Bantayan, which today is better known Capt. F. Pacifico Street, and terminates at two places. Patindig Araw in the East and the Julian Bridge in the West. Bayan Luma is sparsely populated but it can be proud of the fact that its one thousand or more inhabitants are peace-loving citizens.

The passage of time has wrought very little changes in the life of its people. As in the past, the chief occupation is farming, there other minor occupations but they are practically negligible. The present educational consciousness of its people has given rise to professionals like teachers, lawyers, doctors, engineers, and the like but again, these professionals are comparatively few in number. Some of the modern trends have found their way into the hearts of Bayan Luma folks. For example, the women, except the very old, have discarded their “baro at saya” for the more practical European dresses. The men may have lost some of their gallantry, but in the

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