a writer's diary... journalist chronicle...

(from the marker in Bessang Pass Shrine, Malaya, Cervantes, Ilocos Sur)

Began with assault on the Japanese Line at Bitalag, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur by United States Army in the Philippines, North Luzon (USAFIP-NL), 8th January, 1945.
Followed by seizure of enemy strongholds along highway 4, and defeat Japanese defenders of the Pass, 14 June 1945.
The battle spearheaded by 121st Infantry, USAFIP-NL was conceded by American Military authorities as "One of the most terrible and incredibly difficult battle of the entire war."
Hastened the surrender of the Japanese Imperial Forces under General Tomoyoki Yamashita.

"Honor of 3,400 men killed and wounded."

Candon City was chosen by Malacanang as one of the sites for the simultaneous Flag Raising Ceremony for the celebration of Philippine Independence this year.

It’s because the “Ikkis Ti Kandon” which was founded by local hero Don Isabelo Abaya who lead the 1-Day Independence of Candon on March 25, 1898 was recognized by National Historical Institute.

And so, Candon was honored and placed on the map of history. Candon will be simultaneously raising the Philippine Flag on this date. It is a national event.

The other sites includes in Bacolod City (who will honor the surrender of Spaniards to General Aniceto Lacson and Juan Araneta), Cebu City (commemorating the Tres de Abril), Tarlac (commemorating the surrender of Spaniards to the forces of Gen. Francisco Makabulos), Nueva Ecija (honoring the Cry of Nueva Ecija lead by Gen. Mariano Llanera)

These sites were considered historic sites during the Spanish period. It also includes shrines in the country like the Kawit Shrine and other.

In this events, the raising of the flag will be coincide in Luneta were Pres. Gloria Arroyo is there.

In Candon City, the guest of honor is DPWH secretary Hermogenes Ebdane.

So much have been written about Don Isabelo Abaya, but basing on some interviews, many have not known Don Belong.

Of course, some Candonians have read that Don Belong have killed Fr. Redondo (including to other priests) which is considered the Fr. Damoso in the famous Noli Me Tangere because of its characteristics. He has Igorot Army. Killed by Americans…

But little have known about his life. When he was born? Where? Does he have any children? The death of Don Belong is still debatable, whether he was killed in Pagangpang, Candon or in Abaya, Galimuyod. Where is his tomb? What happen to his commandants after the war? Where did they go? Also with his Igorot Army?

Today, we honor him, but much has to be research for his colorful life.

And maybe, it is now that we should honor the hero by naming one of the streets or place or building in Candon.

Buti pa ang Galimuyod, may Abaya na barangay…

Eco-Histourism!
This a new program of the provincial government of Ilocos Sur which aim to attract tourists all over the globe by reviving Historical sites, refreshing and rehabilitating it.
I am writing a paper regarding Cervantes, Ilocos Sur. The home of the Capitol Building of Mountain Province and the place of the renowned Bessang Pass Battle where the last stand of General Tomoyoki Yamashita lies here.
I was in Cervantes last June 4 and 5 regarding the KABSAT Caravan of Gov. DV Savellano. It was a memorable trip to Pass because I want to see Bessang Pass... what changes in it during my last visit, way back 2000.
There was big change, especially the road to Cervantes. It is under construction by Thai-Italian Construction which airms to cement the road from Tagudin, Ilocos Sur way up to Baguio City.
June 14,1945 when General Yamashita surrender to USAFIP troops when he and his Japanese Imperial Army defeated at the said battle.
At 2:15 pm, June 5, we were going back home. We reached the peak of Bessang Pass, the fog was everywhere, you could'nt almost see the car or people in front of you. In Baguio City, you can experience fog by 4pm, but here in Malaya, Cervantes, you can experience it at this very point in time.
It was cold and the mountains is covered this fog that it is like in the movie April Snow that it was covered bysnow.
Mayor Benjamin Maggay invited the governor and us to up the hill, to see the fox holes used to be the shield of the Japanese Army. There were lots of them. Some where covered with earth and grass, some were not.
There are lots of holes digged by treasure hunters. These treasure hunters is hoping for some gold bars presumably left during the retreat of the Japanese.
We gather some metal scraps. I cant believe it, the until now, you can see some bullets, empty shell of garand rifles, mortars and other war weapons when you dig the land. I got one, a bullet of garand, it was bluish. I kept it as a souvenir.
Mayor Maggay invited us again in the higher hill in what he called "Crown of Pine Trees". Why? Because it is the highest Point in Bessang Pass, where you can see the whole Ilocandia.
He further explains why Yamashita was defeated during world war two.
Gov. Savellano has plan to revive this place,make it have of tourism. It includes a museum where you can see some artifacts, goods and things that is used during the World War II. There is also a plan to put up mountain resort so that you can stay here for a whole night of a month.
It was a nice idea... I hope it will work.
Kase, ang mga turista, dumadaan lang dito.
I hope, they will go here not just only to buy sayote or patatas... but to see

Ilocos Sur has two World Heritage Site...
The Vigan Heritage Village and the Santa Maria Church.
I seldom go to Santa Maria... Its amazing that this baroquial church is included in the heritage site.
It is magnificent. The baroque architecture, the leaning tower, and the 84 steps up to heaven.
While your in top, you can see the whole Santa Maria proper.
But more than this, is the feeling of belongingness. It seems your in the cloud of heaven.
And while your there, you will have feeling of lightness... and mystery.
Yes, what you see is not enough. You will think what's inside and outside this church.
What mystery and secrets that it possesses.
There are many things to be write about this place... but i think, for now, this is enough.
Well, I guess, you should come here and i'll be willing to be guide.

ABOUT ISABELO ABAYA

As a member of the newly organized Ilocos Sur Historians Enthusiasts, I want to write about History, of course.
But I don’t know where to begin.
And then, I accompanied NBN 4 Mike Escobar to interview descendants of Don Isabelo Abaya—the Greatest Revolutionary Hero of Candon.
Of course, I long to write it—I am a Candonian.
I have read much stories (essay and fictionalized story) of Don Belong. He is the first Filipino to install the First Philippine Republic in the country through Ikkis ti Candon (Cry of Candon). The Independence of the Philippines is June 12, 1898 but Candon was a victory ahead on March 27, 1898. It is an overnight independence because it was fought back by Spaniards, but still, it is a revolutions victory.
His battalion is from fellow Candonians and the Igorot Army of him.
But much for this, because I still have no enough papers to write this. This is only a pre-write, maybe, for my succeeding writings.
For now, I just want to post this “kattukong” of Belong Abaya. Maybe I can call it also “Payabyab”.
Kattukong or Payabyab—I am not sure. Why, just look at the picture. The cap neither was not made of “tabungaw or upo” or metal. It was made up of weaved cloth of Igorot. It is made more than century old cap.
This is courtesy of Mr. Albert Abaya—descendant of Don Belong.
Some of the pictures will be posted in my photo album.