Thursday, February 8, 2007

getting known...

Vince Saldana

Commercial Model
First runner up (Close-up to Fame)
From Dasmariñas, Cavite

Municipality of Dasmariñas


Other Information

Economy
The municipality of Dasmariñas is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the province of Cavite. Numerous commercial establishments, which include fast foods, groceries, convenient stores, restaurants and other service-oriented businesses, are mostly concentrated in the town proper. Industrial establishments are located in the outskirts of the municipality. It has the greatest number of universities in the province.

Transportation
Jeeps and buses that are bound for Silang and Tagaytay pass the town proper. Tricycles provide transportation for the municipality’s inner roads. The municipality has a total road network of 76.12 kilometers. Thirty-five concrete bridges are also found in the municipality. The National Highway serves as the spine that links Dasmariñas with its neighboring municipalities.

Communication and Information
Dasmariñas rely upon agencies for their communication needs. The Bureau of Telecommunications (BUTEL) provides telegraph services to the residents of the municipality. RCPI also renders telecommunication services to the inhabitants of Dasmariñas. The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) has installed telephone lines in the Poblacion, part of San Agustin, Sampaloc, Salitran, San Jose and Bagong Bayan. There are also the Bureau of Posts, Digital Telecommunications (DIGITEL), GLOBE Telecom and ISLACOM. Nationwide newspapers circulate daily in the town. Radio and television channels are received clearly in the area. Cable television provider (DASCA Cable) is also available. With its first of its kind in our country, Dasmariñas has its own channel (Channel 47) available on DASCA Cable. Here, upcoming events, projects, announcements, finished projects, etc. are reached out to the Dasmariñas residents. The town also has its own newspaper, Usaping Bayan, the official newspaper of Dasmariñas. The town has the rightful claim to be tagged as "the internet hub of Cavite" due to the presence of numerous Internet Service Providers (ISP) in Dasmariñas. Computer Centers and Internet Cafés, which provides access to the information super highway, are lined along the busy avenues of the town.

Power and Electrification
The main source of power supply is the National Power Corporation (NPC) with a substation at San Agustin. Power is distributed by the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) having taken over FCECI since March 1985. It provides electrical power in all of the 73 barangays.

Water
The Dasmariñas Water District (DWD) facilitates the water supply in the municipality. It draws water from springs, groundwater, and deep wells. There are 12 industrial establishments, about 45 institutional sites and 365 commercial establishments that draw water from the DWD water supply system. The institutions include public and private schools, hospitals and health stations and other government buildings.

Education
Day Care Centers 51, Pre-School 115, Elementary (Public) 25, (Private) 5, Secondary (Public) 9, (Private) 3, Immaculate Conception Academy, Philippine Christian University, Divine Learning School, Tertiary 11, De La Salle University – Dasmariñas, De La Salle University – Health and Sciences Campus, Philippine Christian University, Technological University of the Philippines, Magsaysay Institute of Shipping, Guzman Institute of Technology, Southern Luzon College, NCST, STI, AMA, and Emilio Aguinaldo College.

Health
The municipality has 2 Rural Health Units located in the town proper and Barangay Sta. Cruz in addition to a number of health centers in the different barangays. The De La Salle University Medical Center (DLSUMC) is considered the center for medical care of the town’s people and for residents of the surrounding areas. The Dasmariñas Bagong Bayan Community Hospital and the Jose P. Rizal National Memorial Research Center also attend to the medical needs of the local residents.

Slope
Strongly sloping to elevated areas cover approximately 1,532.16 hectares or 18.61% of the total area. These are dispersed among Burol, Langkaan, Paliparan, Salawag, Sampaloc and San Agustin. Areas with slopes 10.1 to 18% cover about 575.72 hectares of land in portions of Salawag, Salitran, Burol, and other parts.
On the other hand, gently sloping or under lating areas comprise merely 710.4 hectares or 8.62% of the total land area while under lating areas with slope of 2.6 to 5% account for the biggest percentage of 50.59% of the total land area equivalent to 4, 165.64 hectares of land which are dispersed over the municipality except Sabang and San Jose.
Climate
Two pronounced seasons: wet season and dry season. Wet season covers the period from May to December of each year and dry season covers the period from January to April.
The temperature in Dasmariñas has been noted to range from below 60 F to about 90 F. Further, south, however, where there is a higher elevation, the temperature becomes as cool as 50 F during the Christmas season.
-donna siongco-

-- DasMariñaS --

Dasmariñas is about 8,234 hectares, 12 kilometers from Metro Manila or the the National Capital Region and 27 kilometers south of the center of the City of Manila. It is bounded by the municipalities of Imus and Silang, both in Cavite at the north and south respectively, at the east by the towns of San Pedro and Biñan by the side of Laguna Province and Carmona and at the west, it is bounded by General Trias,also in Cavite and a little further from this boundary is Trece Martirez City.
Topography
Dasmariñas is partly lowland and partly hill. The Poblacion itself is elevated. From an elevation of 80 meters at the Poblacion, the land rises to 250 meters towards Silang. Generally, land near rivers and creeks are rugged. Dasmariñas is outside the typhoon belt and has no fault line constraints. Further, it is served by natural drainage system since it is traversed by several rivers and water tributaries draining to the Manila Bay. The town has not yet to experienced floods. http://elgu2.ncc.gov.ph/dasmarinas/index.php?id1=4

Religion

Majority of the people are Roman Catholics but there is a fast-growth of Protestant/Christian Churches throughout Dasmariñas. Iglesia ni Cristo, Baptist, Adventist, Jehovah's Witness, Mormon Churches and Islam are established in the area. http://elgu2.ncc.gov.ph/dasmarinas/index.php?id1=6

~~teresa alicio~~


MaP of DasMariñas


PlaCes in DasMariñas

Poblacion
The town's center which is home to Dasmariñas' old residents. The newly renovated old church of the Parish of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Dasmariñas Library, Dasmariñas Elementary School and the Immaculate Conception Academy-Science High School are located in the town's plaza. Municipal Government's municipio or the town hall is located a few meters away from the plaza. Near the Poblacion is the De La Salle University-Health Sciences Campus and the DLSU-Medical Center, the 1st ISO Certified Hospital in the Philippines. Divided into four zones, the town's center is mostly residential area but is still lined with many business establishments. Celebrations, shows and gatherings are being held at the plaza. Every 8th of December, the town's Poblacion celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception wherein colorful banderitas, loud marching bands and expectacular display of fireworks are seen and is being visited by many people coming from the different towns in Cavite. Cultural shows and many celebrations are happening here almost weekly so it has the rightful claim to be called "the liveliest town in Cavite".
San Agustin
Kasuyan is its first name of this place, during the Spanish period, because of the presence of many cashew trees on the area. After many years, its name became Luksuhin and on July 18, 1889, it was renamed again by the petition passed by Don Juan Bautista requesting the place be named after San Agustin. The place is lying between the Poblacion and Sampaloc in the north. Farming was the chief source of income of the people here. San Agustin is blessed with rich soil that can be planted with rice, sugarcane, fruits and vegetables. Here, vast lands with big mango trees can be found. There was a continuous flow of water coming from Bucal to the Poblacion during the Spanish period which they call Simbro. However, due to the town's development, most lands are now being converted into subdivisions and other business establishments. On December 17, 1944, three persons living here were killed at the sona (zonification) in the Poblacion. They were Conrado Aledia, Primitivo Sango and Matiaga Ramirez. Today, the place is on development. The Dasmariñas Central Market and the business establishments such as the Walter Mart and FSC are located here.
San Jose
This barangay is situated between the Poblacion and Sabang. On April 13, 1889, a petition was passed appealing the sitio, once known Sitio Tamban, to be transformed into a barangay. The place was renamed on July 18, 1889, and was given the name San Jose in commemoration of their patron saint, St. Joseph. Cumpuerta is the name of the hide-out of the Filipino revolucionarios during the revolution against Spain. This is a deep canal of flowing water which still exists until now. The families of Cantada, Camañag, Ramos and Pastor are the first ones who settled here.
Salitran
This place is known for the name "Salitran" even during the Spanish period. There are no exact historical accounts for the origin of the name. Some says that such name was given because the early settlers of this place were from Pampanga, Visayas, Tagalog region and some Chinese that served the Spanish friars. However, according to the original settlers here, the place was originally called "Bayanan". They said that this has numerous big Spanish houses which is like in a small town. An old house in the eastern part of Salitran was used by the Spanish friars as the storage place for the rice and was called "Makina". It was also used as a headquarter by the Guardia Civil. When the revolution ignited, the "Makina" became the center of attack by the revolucionarios from the Poblacion and this barrio. The friars weren't aware of the said assault. On March 7, 1897, the Spanish went to Salitran where the Magdalo soldiers led by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo hid. General Emilio Aguinaldo received help from one thousand men and formed a greater force and even the Spanish troops led by General Lechambre didn't penetrate Salitran. Because of the rebelry, the Spanish burned all the houses and establishments in the barrio. There were only left three houses unburned. During the World War II, Simplicio Lara and Teodorico Timbang were killed by the Japanese soldiers. Now, Salitran is on vast development due to the presence of numerous subdivisions and villages. Schools located here are the St. Jude College, the Immaculate Conception Academy-North Campus, and many others. There are also many business establishments here.
Sabang
On the northern part of Dasmariñas is where this barangay can be found. The word "Sabang" means "to overflow"; wherein the creeks running from Malagasang, Imus tend to overflow in this place. This were made by the Spanish friars to irrigate the vast ricefields in the barangay. The divertion in the direction of the waterflow made a big change in the agriculture during the Spanish period. There were rich production of rice and because of this, a bodega was made here for the storage of rice and was called "Kamalig ng Pare" (Silo of the Priest). This place is considered to be the richest land in Dasmariñas during the Spanish period. Residents here where known to be industrious. Agriculture is still a source of income in this barangay though it diminish due to the development of the lands into subdivisions and schools. More than 85% of the population are professionals and have a high standard of living. In this place, the Madona Charity Clinic is located which is owned by Mrs. Bracia Tengko. This clinic is a big help to the less fortunate residents of the barangay which seeks medical help.
Burol
On the eastern part of Dasmariñas, we can find Barangay Burol which is 3 kilometers away from the Poblacion (Town's Center). The complete name of barrio Burol is Pansol-Burol. Pansol is a Tagalog word meaning aqueduct, while Burol, also a native word, means mound. Eventhough there are no historical records about its establishment, it is safe to say that it was formed during the Spanish period due to the presence of ruins of old Spanish houses and sugarmills. The families of Quillao and Beltran are the first ones to settle in this place. This barangay became the hide-out of the Katipuneros/revolucionarios. During the Japanese occupation, there are some Dasmarineños who were killed in this place. They were Alfredo Purificacion, Pedro Calupad, Victor de Jesus and Angel Olaes. The Japanese soldiers also planted several cotton trees on the area. Now, this place is considered one of the richest barangay in Dasmariñas. Many schools and colleges can be found here such as the Southern Luzon College, International English Center, Asian Trinity School, and many others. Adjacent to the place is the Emilio Aguinaldo College. Numerous subdivisions and villages are also located here.
Langkaan
This place is located on the south-western part of Dasmariñas. The name "Langkaan" came from the word "langka" meaning jackfruit; which is believed to be planted in many parts of this barangay during the 1900, the year of its foundation. Barangay Langkaan was a part of a vast hacienda during the Spanich period that's why there are numerous water systems for ricefields that can be found here. The San Agustin Dam was constructed on 1855. On the last part of the 19th century, the Spaniards erected an indigo plantation here. The stone-made grinder of indigo still exists until now and it is the mark of the Spanish influence in the place. The Spaniards are the first ones who planted sugar canes and became the primary source of income during the 18th century. During those times, tarapiche and carabaos are used to make panucha and paldo. Don Placido Campos and Andres Medina are the ones who owned these tarapiche. When the Americans arrived, this place attracted residents from the Poblacion. The families Quillao, Bautista, Sarabusab, Reyes, Remulla, Sango, Laudato, Impoño, Satsatin, Medina, de Liam and others trasferred here during those times. During the Second World War, the Japanese had a big plantation of cotton trees in Langkaan. Dasmarineños were forced to work here. A Japanese concentration camp was also established in this area. Now, this is considered to be a backbone of the economic progress of Dasmariñas. The presence of numerous factories in different industrial estates in this area, such as the First Cavite Industrial Estate, serves as the working place for the workers living in Dasmariñas and other towns of Cavite as well.
Paliparan
Paliparan is situated at the southeastern part of Dasmariñas. In the easternmost part, is surrounded by the munipalities of Gen. Mariano Alvarez, Cavite and San Pedro, Laguna. This place was a grassy land with no trees growing on its wide space providing an excellent place for flying kites during summer. In fact, this was what used to be - a paliparan - meaning an airfield for flying kites. During the Spanish period, the Spaniards used to go to this place during weekends to fly kites of different designs and colors. The first settlers here came from the town of Imus. Among them are the families of Faustino Alvarez, Flaviano Pakingan, Gregorio de la Cruz, Pablo Papa, Dominguez and the Martinez. On 1911, most of the residents here are said to be uneducated because there were only eight persons who can vote. Also during the Spanish period, this place became a hiding place for the Katipuneros/revolucionarios. During the Japanese occupation, some hide-outs of the guerillas were found here such as of "P.Q.O.G., R.C.T.C. Hunters, Reyes Regimen and Saulog Regimen". On June 1943, the Japanese oredered the residents to assemble in front of the school wherein they were not given food and water from morning until evening. Suspected guerilla members were killed. This barangay is sub divided into six sitios which are Niugan(on the west), Crossing, Paliparan(on the north) , Paliparan Ilaya (also on the north), Pook and Burol (on the north-east). Today, it is considered to be one of the richest barangay in Dasmariñas because of the many factories and industrial estates that are located here. Among them are the Monterey, Reynold's Corporation, the First Cavite Industrial Estate and many others. A campus of the Immaculate Conception Academy is also located here. A Robinson's Mall is believed to be established here in the near future.
Salawag
Barangay Salawag is located in the south-eastern part of Dasmariñas. Such name was given to this place due to the presence of bamboo trees made for the construction of houses. This barangay has many names during the olden times. The Spanish called this "Pasong Tinta" because there were many plants called "tinta-tintahan" used as an ink. This was also called "Horong Bato" because the eraly settlers believed that there is a treausure here burried under a large rock. The first families to live here are the Macalinao, Pacifico, Purificacion and Paras. During the arrival of the Americans, the place was called "Mataas na Sampalok" because there were numerous tall sampaloc (tamarind) trees planted here. Today, the barangay boasts of the "world class" Orchard Golf and Country Club, the site of the past Johnnie Walker Golf Tournament" and a state university, the Technological University of the Philippines. Many subdivisions are also located here.
Sampaloc
There were numerous sampaloc (tamarind) trees in this place that's why it was given such name. It has the largest land area in Dasmariñas. Sitios formed here on 1896 were Palapala, Bukal, Malinta, Manalo, Piela and Talisayan. In this barangay, the Philippine Christian University and the Union Theological Seminary can be found. Hella Phils. is located in Malinta, EuroMed Laboratories and New Era Village of Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ) are in Bucal. More than half of the land is owned by the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction. An SM Mall will be established in Piela in the future.
Dasmariñas Bagong Bayan
DBB or the Dasmariñas Bagong Bayan was established on 1975 under the government of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos. At first, it occupies 234 hectares of land in the town and is 8 kilometers away from the town's Poblacion. This land was bought by the PHHC or the People Homesite Housing Corporation to the owners at two million and four hundred thousand pesos (P2,400,000) which then became the resettlement area for the less-priveledge families living in the depressed areas of Metro Manila. The families of Eduardo Coronel, Rogelio Tomas, Ruben Alvarez, Manuel Rabang, Isabela de la Cruz and Diosdado Alto were the first ones to live here. Disdado Alto, Rodolfo Urubia, Danilo Serrano, Maximo Esteban, Manuel Macuto and Francisco Gonzales became the first barangays leaders. After some years, DBB was divided into 30 barangays with a population of 100,000 living in more than 600 hectares of land. Each families were given 90-200 square meters which they loan from the NHA or the National Housing Authority. On September 12, 1990, the Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council) passed Order 108-90 ordering DBB to be divided into 47 barangays which then was approved by the authority. Today, the Congressional South Avenue is lined with numerous schools and business establishments. The Kadiwa market offers goods at cheaper price which then serve as an alternative market for the town. Schools such as the Dasmariñas Elementary School and the Dasmariñas National High School are just nearby the market. Subdivisions are also located in here like the Windward Hills Subdivision which serves most La Salle students. Just in front of the avenue is the DLSU or the De La Salle University-Dasmariñas Campus. (http://elgu2.ncc.gov.ph/dasmarinas/index.php?id1=5)
~~teresa alicio~~

A futuristic view

All development effort of the local government shall be geared towards full urbanizing and cityhood. The City of Dasmariñas or Dasmariñas City shall be a harmonious blend of a modernizing old town responding to the call of the time and an enterprising migrant population both contributing to the city's growth and development conductive to the attainment of its constituents goals and aspirations.To ensure a balanced and integrated development of the city, a rational spatial distribution of various land uses shall be effected. The city will be divided into development clusters or sub-city groupings having specific functions relative to land use and economic development. Each sub-city will be a rational mixed land use settlement areas with residential and commercial, institutional and recreational uses adequately provided with basic social services and infrastructure and utilities. Mixed usus shall be allowed provided the general character of the development cluster or sub-city is not adversely affected.Residential, commercial, institutional, recreational utilities are considered light intensity uses and can therefore be mixed. Medium and high intensity uses like the industrial shall be allowed only in designated areas. Upgrading and continuous improvement of residential areas of the native population of Dasmariñas shall be given impetus by the government. At the same time, the city shall be open to new residential development and provide the migrant population areas for residential purpose.Commercial areas to be utilized for public markets, financial and commercial banks and lending institutions, convenience shops and stores shall also be provided. These are aimed at both promoting business and trade and at the same time, providing employment opportunities to the residents of the city.Institutional areas shall also be provided for additional schools, hospitals and other government institutions while upgrading the facilities of existing ones shall also be a concern of the local government. This is to further enhance the unversity center role of the city relative to its neighboring municipalities, cities and provinces.Recreational area and facilities shall be provided for the well-rounded physical fitness development of its population, specifically the growth sector.Environmental sanitation and management is a major aspect of this envisioned development for the city. An efficient garbage collection and disposal system, drainage and sewerage system are must in a highly urbanized and developed settlement area. Thus, the city government will ensure that environmental sanitation systems are put in place and operating efficiently and effectively.Industrial developments will be the backbone of the city's economic growth. The employment opportunities will operate and will provide livelihood to the migrant population as well as the native residents. The benefits that may be derived from these industries will help the government perform its responsibility towards the city in terms of services and utilities.Consequently, the environmental management of industrial wastes is also a promary concern of the government. The local government will require industries located in the city to secure Environmental Compliance Certificate and ensure conformity with the document and strict adherence to the environmental safe guards provided therein. Installation of Anti-pollution devices shall be strictly required for these industries.With the full urbanization of the city, brought about by increase in population and their corresponding increase in requirements in terms of land area and services, the influx of migrants in the core of relocation projects and rivate endeavors due to market forces as well as business and industrial investors brought about by an environment created by the development, oriented local officials and the strategic location of the city and other areas will be greatly affected.With the envisioned development of the city, it is assumed, that the population will be benefited and their standard of living will be upgraded.

-Valerie Ann Asaña-

Dasmariñas: A bustling suburbia at the crossroads of development

From its humble beginnings, Dasmariñas has amazingly transformed itself. The town and its people have grown so much through a century old history of struggles, victories and defeats, hard work, unity and faith. Each chapter of its transformation is a nugget to treasure, making the precious gem that it has now become to its people and all those who have made it their home and source of sustenance.


From the "end of the forest", a humble town was born, sustained by the richness of its land and bounties and nurtured by the hands of the people who saw its potentials. Events and circumstances conspired and have continued to do so to make possible of its metamorphosis. The transformation is a sight to behold as the town renews itself physically but what is more important is that the spirit of its people's faith has remained a source of light steadfastly, guiding the town's journey toward where it is destined to go and what it is meant to be.
-Valerie Ann Asaña-
Gómez Pérez Dasmariñas y Ribadeneira (sometimes das Mariñas) (b. Betanzos, d. October 25, 1590[1], Caca, the Philippines) was a Spanish politician, diplomat, military officer and colonial official. He was governor of the Philippines from May or June 1, 1590 to October 25, 1593. The municipality of Dasmariñas, Cavite, 24 km from Manila and the most populous municipality in the country, was named after him.
Background
Pérez Dasmariñas was a native of
Galicia, Spain. He was named governor of León on January 30, 1579. There he built the meat market and various fountains and streets. He work there was viewed favorably, and he was promoted to corregidor of Murcia, Lorca and Cartagena, Spain on September 27, 1584. He held these positions until January 1, 1587. In 1589 he was named governor and captain general of the Philippines by King Philip II. At the same time, Philip increased the salary of the position to 10,000 Castilian ducados per year and made Pérez Dasmariñas a knight of the Order of Santiago.
His orders included the suppression of the Audiencia of Manila, something that had been requested by the Spanish settlers in the Philippines. He also had instructions to establish a garrison of 400 soldiers, paid at His Majesty's expense, for the defense of the colony.
Pérez Dasmariñas sailed for
New Spain on December 8, 1589, on the same ships as Luis de Velasco (hijo), the newly appointed viceroy of New Spain. Continuing his journey, Pérez Dasmariñas left from Acapulco on March 1, 1590 and arrived in Manila in May, or, according to his own account, on June 1.
As governor
Upon taking office, he quickly suppressed the Audiencia and established the garrison. He worked diligently to build a stone defensive wall around the city of Manila, so diligently that this project was nearly completed by the time of the governor's death in 1593. He rebuilt Fort Santiago. He also had the cathedral of Manila constructed in stone, and encouraged private citizens to build their dwellings in stone.
During his term of office he increased trade with China and improved communication with Spain. He built some galleys for the defense of the coast and suppressed an uprising in Zambales. He sent his son Luis Pérez Dasmariñas at the head of a military expedition to Cagayan, across parts of the island of Luzon never before seen by Spaniards. He also built an artillery foundry in Manila, but because of a lack of skilled founders, this project was not very successful.
In the first year of his administration, he sent the president and the oidores (judges) of the suppressed Audiencia to Spain. However Licentiado
Pedro de Rojas, the senior oidor, remained in Manila by order of the king as lieutenant-assessor in matters of justice, until some years later he was appointed alcalde in Mexico City.
Also during his administration (1592), an arrogant letter was received from Toyotomi Hideyoshi, ruler of Japan, demanding submission and tribute and threatening to come with a fleet and troops to lay waste the country. The correspondence dragged out for several years, until finally Hideyoshi died.
In 1593 the king of Cambodia sent an embassy to the governor, namely the Portuguese Diego Belloso. Belloso brought a present of two elephants and offers of friendship and trade. He also implored aid against Siam, which was threatening the kingdom. Pérez Dasmariñas sent the king a present of a horse and some emeralds and other objects, but postponed a reply to the request for aid. This was the origin of the later Spanish involvement and expeditions to the kingdoms of Siam and Cambodia.
On May 12, 1591, Estevan Rodríguez de Figueroa, a wealthy Spaniard of Manila, made an agreement with the governor to conquer Mindanao. This was to be done at Rodríguez's own expense, in exchange for which he would name the governor of the conquered territory for two lifetimes.
Pérez Dasmariñas quarreled with Bishop Salazar, who departed for Spain in 1592.
Expedition to the Moluccas
In 1593, Gómez Pérez Dasmariñas organized an expedition from Manila to capture the fort at
Terrenate, in the Moluccas. (Two previous Spanish expeditions, in 1582 and 1584, had failed.) Pérez Dasmariñas had planned this expedition for some time, but in secret, and did not reveal his intention until most of the preparations had been made. He intended to lead the expedition personally. Before he set sail, he sent his son, Luis Pérez Dasmariñas, on ahead with part of the fleet to the province of Pintado.
The governor left the military affairs of Manila and the rest of the Philippines in charge of Diego Ronquillo, and the civil affairs in charge of Pedro de Rojas. After his son left, he remained briefly in Manila, making final preparations and arming a galley (La Capitana) of 28 benches, in which he was to sail. This galley he manned with good Chinese rowers, with pay. According to Antonio de Morga, in order to win the good will of the rowers, he would not allow them to be chained, and even winked at their carrying certain weapons.
About forty Spaniards embarked on the galley, and the galley itself was accompanied by a few frigates and smaller vessels, in which private individuals also embarked. The entire fleet consisted of 200 sail, counting galleys, galliots, frigates, vireys and other craft. More than 900
Spaniards were on the expedition.
The governor set sail from
Cavite for Pintados in October 1593, to join the part of the fleet under Luis Pérez already at Pintados. They were then to proceed to the Moluccas.
Mutiny and death of the governor
On the second day of this first leg of the expedition, the governor's fleet reached the island of Caca, 24 leagues from Manila and just off the coast of Luzon. They found it difficult to round the headland known as Punta del Acufre because of a strong head wind. The governor ordered the ships to anchor there for the night, and attempt to round the point the next day. The Chinese rowers had been plotting for three days to seize the galley, and this night gave them an opportunity.
In the last watch before dawn, they attacked the guards and the sleeping Spaniards, killing most of them, although a few escaped by swimming or in the galley's tender. Upon hearing the commotion, Governor Dasmariñas, thinking that the galley was dragging and the men were taking to the oars, carelessly left his cabin bareheaded. He was killed by several Chinese waiting outside the door. Two Spaniards, Juan de Cuellar, the governor's secretary, and Franciscan Father Montilla, survived by remaining in their cabin amidships. They were later released ashore by the rebels.
The rebels then made for China in the captured galley, but were unable to arrive there. Instead they reached Cochin China, where the king confiscated the two cannons aboard and all the items of value (jewels, money, etc.). The rebels were dispersed to different places and the galley was abandoned. A few of the rebels were later captured in Malacca and sent back to Manila, where "justice was dealt them."
The story of Gil Pérez
A curious story about the death of this governor is related in New Spain. On the evening of
October 24, 1593 (so the story goes), a soldier, Gil Pérez, appeared suddenly in a confused state in the main square in Mexico City, wearing the uniform of a Philippine regiment. He claimed that moments before finding himself in Mexico he had been on sentry duty in Manila at the governor’s palace. He said that he was aware he was no longer in the Philippines, but that he had no idea where he was or how he had gotten there. He reported that the governor had been killed. When it was explained to him that he was now in Mexico City, Perez refused to believe it, saying that he had received his orders on the morning of October 25 in Manila and that it was therefore impossible for him to be in Mexico City on the evening of October 24.
This was two months before news of the governor's death reached Mexico. When it did, not only was the event confirmed, but also many details of Gil Pérez's story. The ship carrying the news also brought at least one witness who confirmed seeing Gil Pérez in Manila on October 23.
The choice of a new governor
The colony was now without a governor. Pérez Dasmariñas had brought with him to the Philippines a royal order directing him to choose a temporary successor in the event of his own death. He had shown this order to various prominent Spaniards in the colony, implying to each that he was the designated successor. In particular, both the governor's son and conquistador Captain Estevan Rodríguez de Figueroa expected the appointment. Both were on the expedition to the Moluccas, and both hurried back to Manila to take command of the colony.
Meanwhile, the citizens and soldiers in Manila elected Licenciado Pedro de Rojas governor and captain general. But with the return of Luis Pérez Dasmariñas, the previous governor's instructions were found, and his son became the new governor. -Andrea Mijares

Sunday, February 4, 2007

On People

In the whole province of Cavite, Dasmariñas is known for having the biggest population among the other cities and municipalities. It has a population of 379,520 people in 77,315 households, making it the most populous municipality in the Philippines. Even though it is not the largest place in terms of its land area, that did not hinder Dasmariñas for holding that title.

Most wealthy families from Metro Manila and nearby towns, cities and provinces have chosen Dasmariñas to be their home due to its contiguity to the National Capital Region. The mass migration of people here in Dasmariñas is also caused by the industrial boom which brought about more jobs and opportunities for more people. The place is not only exclusively for Filipino people because there are also a huge number of foreign inhabitants such as Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, Americans, Hindus, and a lot more. Because of this, Dasmariñas can be also considered as the "Melting Pot" of Cavite.

As for the people living in Dasmariñas, especially the Filipinos, I can honestly say that most of them are very nice and kind. I have been regularly going to Dasmariñas for almost two years now since I am studying at De La Salle University-Dasmariñas though I live in Noveleta, Cavite. At first, I was really scared to study in a new place because I am afraid of seeing and mingling with new and strange people and even though Dasmariñas is still a part of my province, it was not an exemption since I very seldom visit the place. I even asked my sister to accompany me to school early in the morning though her classes are not up until afternoon. But after some time, I’ve learned to adjust with the place. I realized that not all people are as bad or as strange as I think so there’s no need for me to be scared or keep my distance from these people. With the long hours I spent in Dasmariñas, I discovered that most people there are helpful. I know that it is one of the most progressive municipalities compared to the other parts of the province of Cavite and I guess the good values of the people are one of the things that keep it that way. There was an instance when I was inside a jeepney and my money inside my bag’s pocket was about to fall then a lady across me pointed at my bag and told me to keep my money in my pocket because it might fall or other people might snatch it from my bag. I was quite grateful and then I thanked her. There was also another case that helped show me the integrity of the residents of Dasmariñas. One time, I texted my classmate to ask her about some matters when the number I texted replied saying that she wasn’t my classmate and that she found that cell phone while she and her father were walking. I immediately looked for my classmate to confirm if she really lost her phone and she said yes. Then I told her that someone used her phone and replied to me saying that she’s from Dasma and they should meet so she could give the phone back to my classmate. The latter was so happy that she went to the meeting place right away. When she came back, I asked her what happened and she said that a teenager found her phone and didn’t hesitate to return it to her. She was indeed very happy and thankful and I could see it in her eyes. It makes me feel kind of pleased and delighted to know that good people still exist in our world.

But of course, there are still bad and evil things that occur brought about by the negative attitudes of the people. We can’t close our eyes to reality about the bad conditions of our society. Evil things happen, maybe but hopefully not, just as much as good things do. And Dasmariñas isn’t safe from these actions. I know a person who was beaten up for no reason at all by a group of drunk and much older men who reside in Dasmariñas. There are also corruption, endless robbing, snatching and hold-ups, merciless killings, ruthless rape cases, irritating gossips, unworthy punishments, man-made accidents and disasters, wrong practices, deprived education and neglected faith that happen in the place. These are basically the result of selfishness and self-centeredness of some people.
There are things that are beyond our control. But there are also certain things where we can do something. Both of the things I stated, the positive and negative sides of the people, are their nature. It is a part of their culture, their culture as people and as residents of Dasmariñas.
-donna siongco-