Title

 

 

 

 

 

Los Baňos- A Tale Of Two Clans

 

 

 

Art Saguinsin

Disclaimer

All names, events, and places mentioned in the story are fictional and any similarity in real life is coincidental, except those personalities, places, and events that existed in reality and at present time that form part of the country’s historically iconic heritage which serves as inspiration and catalysts in the realization of this rarely conceived story

 

Table of Contents

Foreword

Disclaimer

Acknowledgment

Introduction

Chapter 1

Las Islas Filipinas

1788

Chapter 2

The Churchmen’s Mission In the Community

The Conquistadores Build Their Homes

Chapter 3

The Wild Forest of Los Baños

1840

The Death Of The Spanish Patriarchs

The Chief Magistrate of the Town

Chapter 4

In Gay Los Baños

1859

The Anomaly In The Bureaucracy

Chapter 5

The Voyage to Spain

1886

The Meeting With The Illustrados

The Assembly Of Compatriots

The Anomalous Deal Begins

The Property Deal Amidst Confusion

The Feigned Documents

The Business Deal Continues

Chapter 6

Rizal’ Execution

Bagumbayan, Luneta, Manila

December, 1896

The Legal Proceedings Commenced

The Verdict

The Property Succession

Chapter 7

The Naval Battle

Intramuros, Manila

May 1, 1898

The Revilleras Accuses the Ferreiras

The Legal Proceedings During The Transition Period

Chapter 8

The Japanese Occupation

1942

Managing The Business Affairs

The Period Of Infamy

The Search And Seizure Operation

The Escape to the Mountain

Chapter 9

The Revelations of David Revillera

The Brawl and Death of Carmela

Chapter 10

The Japanese Intensify Their War Campaign

Deciphering The Legal Documents

Chapter 11

February,1945 Liberation Day

Los Baños Prison Camp

Chapter 12

The Aftermath of War

The Legal Battle Continues

The Court Triumph of the Revilleras

The Secession of the Ferreiras

Chapter 13

The Present Day

Reminiscing the Past

The Cadastral Issue Rises Against Mario Revillera

 

 

 

Introduction

According to the 2010 census, Los Banos had a population of 101,884 inhabitants and considered as the first class urban municipality in the province of Laguna, Philippines. It has a total area of 54.22 km2 The weather is 27 o C Wind NE at 21 km/h, 87% humidity. Founded in September 1615, Los Banos consists of 14 barangays and located in the border on the south and southwest of Mt Makiling, on the north by Laguna de Bay, on the northwest by Calamba City and on the east by the town of Bay. The town is situated 63 kilometers southeast of Manila traversing toward South Luzon Expressway.

First and foremost, Los Banos has been known for its hot spring resorts. Along with other foreign destinations in the Philippines is the University of the Philippines, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity, the Philippine Rice Research Institute, Philippine Carabao Center at UPLB, and SEAMEO-SEARCA, making the town a hub for tens of thousands of undergraduate and graduate students, researchers and expatriates.

Historically, a barrio Bay in Los Banos called “Mainit” in Tagalog or hot (in English) started as a settlement through the thermal springs at the base of Mount Makiling. The name, Los Banos sprang from the nature of the town itself when a Franciscan friar named it Los Banos (in Spanish) in 1589 which means in hot springs by which it is popularly known today.

Chapter 1

 

Las Islas Filipinas

1788

The violent waves of the seas kept tossing a galleon in different directions as restive Spanish soldiers aboard a galleon ship were struggling against the fury of the tempest to save their vessel in the midst of nocturnal turbulence. They had miscalculated the strength of the unpredictable weather when they left the harbor to sail the expanse of the lake or seas as they never knew the ways and behavior of the weather in the region. Five days after their arrival from Spain, Captain Francisco Ferreira the commander of the galleon was summoned by Governor-General of Manila to set his expedition afar the surrounding territories to find, occupy and assess the wealth of the nation that would provide business resources for the government.

“ The vast areas of this colony are never conquered nor have we learned if they have been inhabited, however, we have sent an emissary to those virgin forests as we were informed by an Indio that there were some rebel Indios mostly armed with bolos that were trying to repel our forces in the vicinity. Our forces shunned some perilous areas and never dwell since the ambush that killed some of our men.” The Governor explained. ( in Spanish)

“ I believe that our forces will never let those bolo-wielding Indios overpower us, yet we will repress them as soon as we get into the wild,” Ferreira replied.

“ I hope you will do your best Ferreira, however, do not miscalculate these bolo-men. They are ferocious and strong that they could let their blades penetrate your shield and kill you all once you miss them. What I mean is that you must be smart and keen enough to trick them, otherwise, you’ll get your neck chopped.” The Governor continued.

“ The snipers in the forest are not merely armed with bolo, but they are witty and smart, too. They use sharpened bamboo to kill wild boar which they also use against their enemies. They dig pit and plant pointed bamboos which ensnare boar in the same way they will use it against their enemies.” An Adjutant said.

“ If they make us like a boar, we will make them a beaten monkey riddled with bullets.” Ferreira amused.

“ I know your tactics and gallantry in the Southern jungle, Ferreira. I trust you.” the Governor sighed.

“Thank you, Governor. Trust me; I will bring you back good news.” Ferreira said.

Ferreira brought with him squads of reliable, experienced and gallant soldiers who were trained to die in battle. Ferreira’s right hand, Marco Revillera, a decorated soldier with a rank of Lieutenant (Lt.). had fought a number of wars for Spain in its expeditionary conquest in the South. Together, two young priests or Spanish Friars Gavino Marquez and Enrico Lazarriaga who came from Barcelona were commissioned by the high priest in Madrid and approved by the King to establish churches in towns and localities where they would settle in their conquest.

Ferreira was stunned by the wrath of the tempest that tossed their vessel left and right as they struggled to control its direction. Another turn of a huge violent wave drove them to the seashore which sustained irreparable damage at the belly of the galleon.

“ It’s a blessing in disguise. Better get damaged ashore than sink in the midst of violent seas.” Ferreira sighed.

“ You’re right, Captain. At least, we sustain no casualty.” Revillera replied.

“ Let the storm pass away. Tomorrow we’ll see where we are.” Ferreira added.

They trod their way into the wilds with their eyes all around nature’s suspecting serenity that once their vigilant senses were disrupted by any momentary movement their reprisal instinct got elicited.

“ What was hit ?” Ferreira asked.

“ Wild boar” Revillera replied.

However, the treasonous serenity of the wilds really concealed guardians of death that had been monitoring their movements as they were strangers in the place. Although their passive mission in the place was vaguely unknown, they had no choice but to defend themselves against the warlike Indios (as they called them) led by Macario Lopez and Diego Hilario, both rebel-Indios who had been inhabiting the forest and defenders of the natives. The two were intimately related to the lasses in the community named, Lualhati and Ligaya . The latter were sisters who were engaged by their parents to be their future partners, however, in their bloody confrontation with the conquistadores, the hostile Indios suffered heavy casualties as their blades and sharpened bamboo poles were contained by the burning bullets of the foreign invaders. The only option was to retract to save their remaining lives.

“ To the seas, Diego quick take the banca with your men and flee. They will not spare our lives.” Macario exclaimed as they rushed to the seashore where their bancas were anchored along the rocky shore.

“ Where to ?” asked the confused Diego.

“ Just embark and we will take the route to the nearby islands.” Macario insinuated.

As they hurried their way to the boats the chasing conquistadores continued to fire at them causing some of his men to fall along the way. They oared their way quickly as they could to avoid the ensuing salvos.

“ What’s that galleon doing there. Can you see that ?” Macario asked as he noticed in a distant coast the anchored galleon of Ferreira.

“ I believe that’s their damaged galleon hampered by the storm,” Diego replied.

“ How about them? “ Diego asked.

“ We shall return. Just keep moving or we get noticed by enemy-patrol” Macario said.

Occupation Begins

The surviving Indios were forced to flee the treacherous wilds that were once their habitat which eventually adopted new occupants. Ferreira lost five men in their ambitious campaign to occupy the wilds but he and his men were determined to host the King’s flag in this newly-found territory.

“ Let’s keep moving. This place is cool and fertile. This is a promising territory.” Ferreira pronounced.

“ This forest is vast and uninhabited as this is rich. We can settle and establish in this broad territory, Captain.” Revillera commended.

“ I know but we have to be explicit to lessen the danger. We have to scour the area.” Ferreira added.

“ The only threat to us is the remaining belligerent Indios who may keep haunting this place to sow terror. We have to find out their hiding place to conquer them.” Ferreira insinuated.

“ We will do it, Captain. We really have to find their fort to talk to their master to compromise.” Revillera suggested.

“ Father Marquez and Lazzariaga will do their part to peacefully convince and settle with them.” Ferreira continued.

“ Yes, Captain. We are ready to negotiate by any peaceful means to avoid hostilities.” Father Lazzariaga replied.

Soon after a long walk and clearing their way to the open fields, hidden falls and springs of clear hot water surprised them. It was not one but two or more in distant areas concealed by grown shrubs and trees appeared before them as they enjoyed bathing. They were delighted by the smooth and healing effect in their skin scratches and wounds.

“ Vamos ! This place is great and wonderful! From now on, we shall call this place, Los Baños for there are more falls and hot springs to bath out there! I know dwellers like Indios are enjoying the gift of nature.” Ferreira exclaimed.

“ Yes, Captain, You’re right! There might be some more hot springs we have not seen, but I believe there are a lot more out there .” Revillera replied.

“ The mountain high is where the hot springs are coming. It brings down hot water with a healing effect. This is good for our body.” Father Marquez said.

“ This is the treasure of the place. But we have not known that mountain where the hot springs are probably originating. Perhaps, the Indios have given the name to that high mountain. Then, let’s explore the area. There are more surprising things out there .” Ferreira added.

As they predicted there had been a number of springs they discovered in the proximity of the place. Likewise, they survived by the fruits of the trees particularly bananas and coconuts and furthermore, the abundance and beauty of the forest mesmerized the intruders to dwell.

“ It doesn’t mean, we trust this place but, we have to be vigilant for the unseen enemies are keeping their eyes on us somewhere. They could launch a treacherous attack on us.” Ferreira warned.

“ There’s something out there. It looks as if there are people chatting.” Revillera guessed.

“ Exactly, let’s take a look. Take cover. Everyone avoid being seen nor being sensed.” Ferreira commanded.

From a high ground. They slowly moved as they concealed among the bushes to find out the noise down the slope.

“ Five young women, bathing and laundering in the stream. Check it out if they are guarded. Stay where you are. Just observe.” Ferreira asked.

“ There’s an old man and woman approaching them. Perhaps, their parents.” Revillera said.

“ We can approach and peacefully and talk to them,” Lazzariaga suggested.

“ You’re right but we are not sure if they have male companions in the vicinity. Let’s wait for a minute before we take the next steps.” Ferreira said.

“ It would be safe for us to wait for them to go and follow them, so we will be able to determine where they dwell and if they are guarded by Indios,” Ferreira explained.

They waited for the Indios to go home as the group followed them surreptitiously behind the trees and grown bushes.

“ There are five dwelling houses made of cogon and bamboo. It’s like a community of settlers, mostly what looks like a family. There are no armed men, but two old men and women.” Ferreira sighed.

“ What do we do now?” Revillera asked.

“ Father Marquez and Lazzariaga in their habits will approach them peacefully, but we stay here as lookout. They will introduce themselves as priest-missionaries and they have come to help and establish a congregation” Ferreira insinuated.

“ Exactly, that’s our duty and essence of our mission. We can precisely convince and capture their hearts. I am sure that most Indio-women are soft-hearted, compassionate and love religion. Am I right Father Marquez? ” Lazzariaga insinuated.

“ Yes. Father Lazzariaga. You’re right. That’s our duty and mission.” Father Marquez replied without hesitation.

 

Chapter 2

 

The Churchmen’s Mission

Promptly the two Friars in their customary brown habits with hoods on their heads and a bagful of belongings went their way towards the dwellers’ site. With difficulties in their way of communication( the friars spoke purely Spanish), they relayed their message and concerns particular to the old man as head of the family by means of sign language while being accompanied by speaking in broken Tagalog . As they predicted, they were promptly perceived by the settlers as church emissaries and they became happy when they learned that the priests would build them a church. However, they had not been informed by the two priests about the expeditionary forces that were concealed behind the woods for doubts that the settlers would reject them and get scared of them.

“Scared? How do we go about this? We can’t just stay here forever.” Ferreira asked.

“ We can’t make things fast. This is a delicate mission and it may cost us our lives because we do not know if they are affiliated with armed Indios or their kids are one of them who might come back. Let’s give time to know these concerns first. Settlers are afraid of uniformed men. It will spoil our mission in this place. Okay, calm down. We have an intelligent solution for this. Just be patient.” Lazzariaga replied.

“ Okay, father Lazzariaga lay down your platforms and we will listen,” Ferreira asked.

Promptly the two Spanish Friars commenced gathering materials in the woods to initiate the church-building project in the site. Ferreira and his men in altered appearances in connivance with the two friars appeared with the settlers haggard, tired and weak as they hid their paraphernalia in a concealed cave of the woods. They were led and slowly trod their way to the site.

The old men of the family and the women were astonished when they saw their desperate situation, on their knees and some on the ground.

“ What happened to them? Who are they? The old man asked in Tagalog.

Friar Lazzariaga perceived that the old man was asking the identity of his comrades promptly replied and began his dialogue. ( in stammering Spanish)

“ They’re Spanish visitors who were trapped in their sunken galleon in the bay. They survived the tragedy and happened to pass by in that area in search of food. Let’s help them and feed them. So sorry for their loved ones who did not make it.” Lazzariaga insinuated.

With mercy and benevolence, the settlers coddled them in an isolated accommodation while the two Friars assured the settlers of their safety and good behavior of their fellow men. The settlers accepted and trusted the words of the Friars as the Spanish soldiers were able to penetrate and captured the trust of the latter.

“ You impressed me by your method, Father Lazzariaga. I never thought we would be able to enter this site by your peculiar tactic. You and Father Marquez are commendable for this mission.” Ferreira said.

“ Thank you, Captain. We have to be systematic in times like this. Now, we will all take our part in building a church and more houses.” Lazzariaga asked.

“ Definitely. You’re right. We take things one at a time but with precision.” Ferreira added delightedly.

Since then, Ferreira and his men became part of the church building project in the site. They became close friends with the settlers who supported the team in their mission. Although confronted with difficulties in communication they eventually learned each others’ ways and able to relay and perceive their messages. Hence, their real identities were never revealed to the settlers but instead, the Spanish conquistadores had learned to stay civilly as settlers with the indigenous settlers. Lualhati and Ligaya de la Cruz were two young sisters in the community whom Ferreira and Revillera fell in love with mutual respect and adoration as they observed their ethnic’s custom and tradition.

“ How long will you stay here? Are you staying here for good?” Lualhati asked Ferreira.

“ Definitely, we will build a family in this place and develop this into a big community of people,” Ferreira replied.

“ Aren’t you going back to Spain one day to see your relatives?” Lualhati added.

“ I have lost them and we will start anew in this place.” He replied.

“ How about them? “ she asked.

“No. they have decided to stay here also for good. By the way, how do you call that imposing mountain over there? ” He curiously asked.

“ We call it Mount Makiling. It’s a mythical mountain with a plump of mystery. It’s a lengthy story, but you will know it later.” Lualhati insinuated.

“ Aren’t you and your family related with any rebel Indios out there?” Ferreira curiously asked.

“ Some of them never came back since they left a long time ago when they fought the conquistadores, but I am not quite sure some of them would one day come to dwell here. Why? Are you in trouble with them?” Lualhati asked.

“ Not really. But once they come back and see us dwelling here they might be enraged. I know they hate our race.” Ferreira replied.

“ Don’t worry. We will meddle to appease them and tell them you’re good civilians. They will understand us and behave.” Lualhati ascertained as she caressed Ferreira’s arm.

“ Now that the church is already built, will you marry me?” Ferreira asked.

“ That’s too soon. We will ask the consent of my parents.” Lualhati replied.

“ I vow that we will make this place a fertile and happy community to live with big families.” He added.

“ Likewise, I will declare in this community that the name of this place is Los Banos because of the amazing hot springs and falls around the area.” He pronounced,

“ That sounds good. Los Banos, the name of this community. It’s really appropriate for there are hot springs and falls to bath in.” Lualhati said.

Conquistadores Build Their Homes

Ferreira and his men continued clearing an extended portion of the wilds and established a community school to encourage literacy among the growing settlers coming from nearby places to settle and live with them. Soon, Ferreira and Revillera were married with Lualhati and Ligaya , respectively and solemnized by Father Lazzariaga and Father Marquez. Likewise, some of his men got their own wives to settle within the community. However, the influx of community people into the place continued to grow and prompted for expansion to an extended wild portion. Later, Ferreira had a boy from Lualhati while Revillera and Ligaya also got a boy. Both Unico hijos of two conquistadores from Spanish descent were so fortunate to have their fathers for they inherited with them large tracts of estate. Ferreira and Lualhati christened their child, Antonio while Revillera and Ligaya christened their child, Federico. Like their advocacy for the community, they taught their children their ways, to become literate and learned individuals to be of service for the development of the community. Likewise, all other men produced their children and began settling to an extended portion of the wilds.

When Ferreira’s child was seven years old which was as old as his cousin with Revillera they brought them up in their own culture and exposed them in the jungle survival. In one occasion, Ferreira with his family endorsed possession a vast area of the forest wild for his son, Antonio.

“ You will dominate and possess the vast portion of this forest wild up to the reach of your eyes, Antonio. This will be yours and I will have documented for you.” Ferreira declared while Lualhati and child, Antonio delighted looked on.

Likewise, Revillera together with his wife Ligaya and their child, Federico endorsed dominion a vast wealth of forest land adjacent to Antonio’s possession.

“ We will set borders in your dominion to avoid conflict by the time to come. We must put things in writing by the instrumentality of title. The so-called Original Certificate of Title. This will be attested and ratified by me, is the Trustee and Administrator of this

Impressum

Verlag: BookRix GmbH & Co. KG

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 01.03.2019
ISBN: 978-3-7438-9824-0

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Widmung:
The old feud rooted from the past was brought forth to the next generations of the two clans, but never ended in animosity forever but love would always springs from the hearts of those who understand and believe in peace, love and forgiveness