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

BATTLE OF BESSANG PASS

noreply@blogspirit.com () — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:33:34 +0800

(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."…

Kalayaan 2008

noreply@blogspirit.com () — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:40:00 +0800

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…

Parcel of Curtain

noreply@blogspirit.com () — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:25:43 +0800

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…

84 STEPS TO HEAVEN

noreply@blogspirit.com () — Sat, 31 May 2008 14:45:00 +0800

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…

Of Heroes

noreply@blogspirit.com () — Mon, 26 May 2008 14:56:39 +0800

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…