November 5 marks the 123rd anniversary of the Negros Revolution - Al Cinco de Noviembre or Negros Day.
This was the 1898 political movement which created an independent government in Negros Island in the Philippines.
Local sugar planters and traders along with their farm workers and grassroots groups led by political and religious heads like Dios Buhawi and Papa Isio instigated open rebellion.
Spanish-era depiction of the Cathedral and the Plaza Publica
Ending Spanish control of the island and resulting in a government run by the island natives on the western side [Negros Occidental].
The newly established Negros Republic would last a mere three months. American forces landed on the island unopposed on February 2, 1899 which brought the island's independence to an end.
pre-war photo of the Plaza Publica & historic bandstand, 1930s
Negros Island experienced three peace time years many old timers still refer to as their golden years, until the Japanese invasion of World War II.
Many islanders take pride in their revolt against the authorities and today there still is a dedicated core who promote secession and federalism.
1950's photo of plaza & bandstand with checkerboard tiles
That folks is the mixed bag of pride and prejudice for the sake of local independence.
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| current aerial view of plaza & bandstand |
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