Jose Abad Santos .
First Kapampangan to become Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.
After Pres. Manuel L. Quezon and Vice-President Sergio Osmena left Philippine
soil for the safety in America, Justice Abad Santos was the highest ranking
official of the Philippine government until his execution on May 2, 1942
by the Japanese Imperial Army for his refusal to cooperate.
Pedro Abad Santos. Founder of the Socialist Party of the Philippines
and vice-chairman of the Communist Party.
Vicente Abad Santos. The nephew of Pedro and Jose Abad Santos. He
was both a professor and dean at the UP law school. Served on the board
of directors of the Philippine Exchange and many other Philippine corporations.
Was appointed Secretary of Justice, and finally as a justice of the Supreme
Court of the Philippines. (Pol Kekai Manansala).
Sally Acosta (Bacolor, Pampanga) -- Was elected twice as assembly
woman to the California Senior Legislature. She distinguished herself with
a lot of bills she authored or co-authored one of which was the "Catastrophic
Health Bill". She holds the distinction of being the first Fil-American
to be elected to senior assemblyman. (Ernie Turla).
Marcos Agustin. Famous under the name Marking, he was a Filipino
ex-boxer and ex-bus driver who led the guerrilla group popularly known
as Marking's Guerrillas (by Pol Kekai Manansala).
Jose M. Alejandrino - Diplomat, lawyer and writer. Graduated
from U.P. and place tenth in the l934 bar exam.
and topped the foreign service exam in l946. Sent as a scholar to the
U.S. Dept. of State and finished the course
at the head of his class. He rose through the ranks of the Foreign
Service and in the end became an ambassador
to Spain. (ref. EH. Lacson) (Ernie Turla)
Kumander Alibasbas (Manarang). Famous leader in the Hukbalahap movement
hails from Concepcion Tarlac. (Mel Tolentino).
Dr. Mariano Alimurung. First Asian president of International Federation
of Catholic Physicians.
Jesus Alvaro - One of the recipients of "Most Outstanding Kapampangan
" awards for l994. An ambassador, he was
cited for his achievement in government service. (Ernie Turla)
Edwin Angeles. Born to a Kapampangan father and a Tausug mother,
he is an officer of the Muslim fundamentalist group Abu Sayyaf (Edwin Camaya).
Dr. Nicolas Angeles (aka Don Culas). Prominent Doctor of San Fernando,
Pampanga in the late 18th century and early 19th century. Was able to control
the outbreak of dengue fever epidemic that struck Pampanga in the early
part of 19th century (by Pedro
Mercado).
Agapito Aquino. Former Senator who was not allowed to take his seat
in the last election due to not meeting residency requirements in his district
of Makati. (Paul Kekai Manansala)
Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino. One of the first people to be arrested without
charge when Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in 1972, Ninoy Aquino
was Marcos' leading opponent and critic. The tough but charismatic Ninoy
had in quick succession become the youngest mayor in Philippine history
(at 22), the youngest governor (at 29) and could have been the youngest
President, too, as soon as Marocs' second and final term ended in 1973.
Before that could happen Marcos threw him in jail. After his release from
confinement in 1980 Ninoy was granted permission to travel to the U.S.
for triple-bypass heart surgery. In 1983, however, defying repeated warnings
from Manila he decided to return to the Philippines to challenge Marcos
and hardly had his plane touched down in Manila when he was assasinated
as he was getting out of the plane.
Corazon
Aquino. Not long after the assasination of her husband, Ninoy Aquino,
Cory acceded to the pleas for her candidacy and conceded that she would
stand for the presidency -- provided that Marcos called a snap election
and that 1 million people petitioned her. Installed as President of the
Philippines as a result of "people power" after military coup of 1986.
Cory's inclusion in this list is by virtue of her having been accorded
the status of "honorary Kapampangan" by the Province of Pampanga during
the tenure of Gov. Guiao and "by marriage" to Ninoy Aquino. For more information
on Cory Aquino you may check out "What's New" on Tracing
Cory's Roots on Tribal Pursuits (Edwin Camaya and Marc Nepomuceno).
Servillano Aquino. Organized revolutionary forces in Tarlac. The
father of Begnino Aquino Sr. (Pol Kekai Manansala).
Macario Arnedo of Apalit, four-term elected governor at the turn
of the century, credited for the rapid development of agriculture, sugar
manufacturing and commerce as a result of the construction of modern roads,
railroads and dikes to prevent flooding. The flood control dike in Apalit,
the Arnedo Dike, was named after him. The seat of provincial government
was transferred from Bacolor to San Fernando during his term as governor
(by Alejandro S. Camiling).
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Sworn in as the 14th President of the Republic of the Philippines, after
Pres. Joseph "Ejercito" Estrada, was forced out of office by People's Power
II. Elected in 1998 as Vice-President of the Philippines and to the
Philippine Senate with the largest tally of votes of all candidates, Gloria
is the daughter of former President Diosdado Macapagal and Dr. Evangelina
Macaraeg-Macapgal of Binalonan, Pangasinan. She was consistently on the
Dean's List during her two-year college stint at Georgetown University
in Washington, D.C. where former US President Bill Clinton became her classmate.
As a journalist, Gloria wrote a column for Balita and Liwayway Magazine.
She hosted "Dighay Bayan", a television show catering to farmers which
is aired on Channel 4. As an economist, Gloria was at the forefront of
legislative efforts to build prosperity for the greatest number of Filipinos.
She has filed more than 300 Bills and Resolutions. Thirty-four of these
were signed into law, including: the Tax Exemption of 13th Month Pay; the
Export Development Act; Loans for Women's Microenterprises; the Build-Operated-and
Transfer Law; the Thrift Banks Act; the Anti-Sexual Harassment Law; and
the Crop Insurance Law. President Macapagal-Arroyo is married to lawyer-businessman
Jose Miguel Tuason Arroyo of Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, the grandson
of the late Senator Jose Ma. Arroyo of Iloilo. They have three children.
She was named outstanding Senator by several associations and publications,
as well as included by Asia Week in a select list of Asia's most powerful
women, and selected Woman of the Year by the Catholic Education Association
of the Philippines.
Rodolfo C. Bacani. Was a former Councilor of Manila representing
Sampaloc before becoming a Congressman, is originally from San Nicolas,
Guagua, Pampanga (by Manny Garcia).
Sotero Baluyot. Provincial governor during the Commonwealth, he
formed an organization known as "Cawal ning Capayan," described as "the
largest amd most powerful provincial organization" of its time (Sturtevant,
Popular Uprisings in the Philippines: 1840-1949). Although it claimed to
be a "conservative labor union," it was, in fact, a strike-breaking group
of "Fascist thugs," as the communists called them. (Pol Kekai Manansala).
Purificacion Capulong Barron. An RN from Minalin, Pampanga
included in Who's Who In American Nursing by the Society of Nursing Professionals
in Washington DC. Got her BS in Columbia University and her master's at
PWU
in Manila. Was chief nurse at American Hospital, principal of Luzon
Colleges of Nursing, lecturer at Lorraine School of Nursing in Ottawa
and at Ottawa General Hospital School of Nursing, professor at Indiana
State Univ. (Ernie Turla)
Mariano Cabrera Banting, Sr. - of San Nicolas II, Sasmuan.
His father is from Lubao and his mother hails
from Bulacan. Appointed by then Secretary of Education, General
Carlos P. Romulo in 1976 to serve as
Assistant Minister for Budget and Finance, Philippine Ministry of Education
and Culture. (Maria Theresa Banting)
Felix B. Bautista - Born May l, l890 in Macabebe. Married
to Florencia Hernandez (l896-l933), another
Kapampangan writer like him. He wrote a novel in Kapampangan
entitled "Estela". He finished Law at the Escuela de Derecho
and doctorate of Laws from the Univ. of Wash. in Seattle. He was elected
representative to the Philippine Legislature and a delegate to the l935
Constitutional Convention. (ref.:E.H. Lacson) (Ernie Turla)
Felix B. Bautista, Jr. - Head of the Journalism Department of the
U.S.T., l968-l972. He joined the staffs of Philippines Herald and Evening
News, and became the editor-in-chief of the latter in l960. He wrote the
biography "Magsaysay - The Friend Of The Common Man". (ref.: E.H.
Lacson) (Ernie Turla)
Natalio Beltran, Jr. Born in Romblon to parents from Lubao, he was
the congressman of Romblon from 1988-1992 (Edwin Camaya).
Armando Biliwang, successful business executive, former long term
mayor of San Fernando who became nationally known for his fearless anti-Huk
and anti-NPA activities in the '60s through the '80s and eliminated criminal
elements during his term as a government official (by Alejandro S. Camiling).
Bernabe Buscayno. Better known by his nom de guerre of Commander
Dante, he is famous as the founder of the NPA. Captured along with Jose
Ma. Sison.
Narciso M. Cabrera of Apalit became a general and Chief of Police
of Manila (by Alejandro S. Camiling).
Jeremias Calagui - Born March l3,l93l in Concepcion, Tarlac. Graduated
magna cum laude when he finished
Bachelor of Theology. M.A. in l96l from Northwestern University
in Illinois and Ph.D. at Centro Escolar Univ.
in l97l. He rose through the ranks in the bureau of private
schools. A Methodist church minister, he was a writer
as well. His scientific papers include "Unique Features of Pampango
Syntax. He wrote a play entitled "Flor de Liza"
and a book of songs entitled "Ing Lugud Ning Dios Labis-Labis.
(ref. E.H. Lacson) (Ernie Turla)
Juan M. Cancio of Macabebe, lawyer, university professor, career
government official who became Assistant Executive Secretary and acting
Executive Secretary during the presidency of Diosdado Macapagal in the
'60s (by Alejandro S. Camiling).
Jose Luna Castro - Born on March 4, l9l5 in Manila to Faustino Castro
and Claudia Luna - both of Lubao, Pampanga.
Finished High school at Pampanga High. Finished his M.A. in Journalism
and political science at Syracuse University. He became president of the
Asian Institute of Journalism and has held such high positions as press
counselor of the Phil.
Embassy in Peking, editor of the Manila Times (l959 - l972), editor-in-chief
of the Times-Journal. He was a lecturer in
Journalism at U.P. and an Eisenhower Fellow in l970. He participated
in international meetings in the U.S., Korea,
Thailand, Singapore and Japan. He authored "Journalism Handbook". (ref.
E.H. Lacson) (Ernie Turla)
Rosalina Icban Castro - Married to Jose Luna Castro, and while born
in Rosales, Pangasinan, both her parents are from Pampanga and she speaks
Kapampangan fluently. Obtained an M.A. in English at Syracuse University
, was a professor in English at U.E. for several decades. During
all her years as an educator, she was sought by researchers in Kapampangan
literature for her intimate knowledge of Kapampangan writing. She is the
author of "The Literature of the Pampangos - an anthology and at the same
time a political literary history. (ref. E.H. Lacson) (Ernie Turla)
Librado Cayco. Served as Philippine ambassador to the Netherlands,
and as Political Advisor with the Philippine Mission to the UN. He later
served as Consul of the Philippines at New York, and then as Philippine
ambassador. From Santa Rita, Pampanga. (Pol Kekai Manansala).
The Cojuangcos. The Cojuangcos are thought to be originally from
the province of Bulacan but settled and resided in Paniqui, Tarlac and
have acquired some Kapampangan roots. One of the wealthiest families in
the country, they also obtained political prominence after Corazon Cojuangco
Aquino came into power. However, after their defeat in the last presidential
election, their political influence has waned somewhat. Jose Cojuangco.
Secretary-General of LDP.
Eduardo Cojuangco. President of Nationalist People's Coalition.
One of the richest men in the country. Declared war against Huks many years
ago. For more information on the Cojuangcos you may check out "What's New"
on Tracing Cory's
Roots on Tribal Pursuits (Pol Kekai Manansala and Marc Nepomuceno).
Dr. Emilio P. Cortez. From Sta. Ana, Pampanga, he was elected
Congressman representing the 2nd Distrct of Pampanga (Andro Camiling).
Gen. Pelagio Cruz (from Candaba, Pampanga) He was at one time the
chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (ref.: Bert Pelayo)
(Ernie Turla).
Benjamin Cunanan. AKA Kumander Hizon of Tarlac, he was the leader
of the Old People's Army, which naturally was the predecessor of the New
People's Army. (Pol Kekai Manansala)
Abel L. David of San Fernando, human resources executive who recruited
and hired thousands of Pampangans at Clark Field USAF Base after World
War II who became a politician and got elected as vice mayor of his hometown.
He died in the late '60s while serving as chief of personnel services at
the Pampanga Sugar Development Co., the largest private employer in Pampanga
at that time (by Alejandro S. Camiling).
Pablo Angeles David of Bacolor, long-term provincial government
executive and former senator of the Philippines after World War II (by
Alejandro S. Camiling).
Romeo Soliman David of San Fernando, PMA graduate, retired Philippine
Air Force general and regional commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,
former chairman of PAGCOR, former Executive Vice President of Philipine
Airlines, presidential confidante and adviser to President Fidel Ramos
and president of Clark Development Corporation (by Alejandro S. Camiling).
Jose Gutierrez David - Born in l891. Passed the bar in l916 and
became a lawyer. In l934, he was elected delegate
to the Constitutional Convention. Became the Presiding Justice of the
Court of Appeals in l956 and then, an associate
justice of the Supreme Court in l959. As a writer, he became the editor
of El Imparcial:Ing E Mangabiran. He wrote Bulaklak King Krus Ning Martir
dedicated to Rizal - a poem which won first prize in a contest conducted
by Sotto, Mercado and Hilario. His last poem was Misan Pa. (ref.
E.H. Hilario)(Ernie Turla)
Virgilio David of Bacolor, PMA graduate, retired Philippine Army
general and former Anti-Drug chief during the presidency of Cory Aquino,
business executive and government agency director (by Alejandro S. Camiling).
Tirso D. Dayrit of San Fernando, nationally famous architect,
building contractor, landscape designer and real estate developer topped
the national examination for architects in 1960 (by Alejandro S. Camiling).
Felipa "Dayang-Dayang" Culala. "A fierce woman, whom her followers
called Dayang-Dayang, organized an irregular unit of her own, fought against
the Japanese, and cooperated with the Huks. Unfortunately for her, she
also spoke frankly about her intention to get rich from plunder in the
process. Even though she was widely regarded as a heroine, Huk general
headquarters had her executed." (Pol Kekai Manansala).
Dimasalang. Probably the most successful field commander among the
guerillas of WW II. His early success in Huk raids and ambushes are often
credited with giving other groups the confidence to carry on with armed
struggle (Pol Kekai Manansala).
Herminia "Minang" Dizon. Girlfriend of Ray Hunt (author of Behind
Japanese Lines), who wrote: "Minang was a schoolteacher before the war
and a most remarkable individual. The only word to describe her would be
'fierce.' She had taken up with Maj. Claude Thorpe before the fall of Bataan
... and she had been captured with Thorpe. .. some of her captors were
quite taken with her. One high ranking Japanese officer even offered to
take her with him when his countrymen conquered Australia ...One day Minang
got a chance to escape and did so, but her life was precarious in the extreme
because she was pursued not only by the Japanese but by the communist guerrillas
(Huks), who hated her, and by her uncle who wanted her killed ... a tough
and resourceful woman. She was not especially pretty, though she did have
flashing eyes, but she was intelligent, well organized, and articulate.
... I soon became smitten with her and she with me. ... Though she was
just a slip of a girl who weighed no more than 90 pounds and could stand
under my outstretched arm, no lion ever had a stouter heart. Near the end
of the war ... she was commissioned a lieutenant in recognition of her
wartime services." [source: "Behind Japanese Lines" by Ray C. Hunt and
Bernard Norling, 1986, 333 pages] (by Pol Kekai Manansala)
Catalino Domingo of Mabalacat, famous medical doctor who primarily
serve the poor and his community as an effective municipal mayor who is
credited for the rapid growth of commerce in northern Pampanga particularly
in Dau (by Alejandro S. Camiling).
Ernesto Escaler of Apalit, prominent business magnate, chief executive
officer of Resource Finance Corporation, secretary-treasurer of PASUDECO
and CEO of Pepsi Cola, Philippines, Inc.
Jose Escaler (Jan. 19, 1885 Apalit, Pampanga - Feb. 17, 1927) Industrialist.
Finished Law at the Escuela de Derecho at the top of his class. Attended
Yale and Oxford . First president and general manager of the Pampanga Sugar
Development Co. (PASUDECO); first Filipino assistant director of Education
during the American regime after World War I; was Undersecretary of Justice
ln 1917; became U.P. acting president in 1918. His business ventures included
Phil. Oil Prod., Malayan Trading and PASUDECO. (ref.; C. Quirino ) (by
Alejandro S. Camiling and Ernie Turla).
Jose Feliciano. Former Secretary of Agriculture and Administrator
of the Rice and Corn Administration (RCA) during the tenure of Pres. Diosdado
Macapagal (Mel Tolentino).
Nicolas Feliciano, Sr.. Former Governor of Tarlac and brotther of
Jose Feliciano, he was gunned down in front of the Tarlac Capitol building
(Mel Tolentino).
Ricardo Galang. Dean of the graduate school in Angeles, publisher,
but best known for being commissioned as a spy by MacArthur during WW II.
He wrote a very popular book on his hair-raising exploits as an espionage
agent ("Secret Mission to the Philippines"). (Pol Kekai Manansala).
Victor B. Galang (Jan.1, 1926 Porac, Pampanga - Dec. 27, 1994
Daly City, CA) War hero. Joined the Philippine Scouts during the outbreak
of World War II , and saw action in Pampanga, Tarlac and Pangasinan, was
captured and imprisoned twice and was able to escape. In the course of
the war, he got several citations. After the war, he was awarded the silver
medal for bravery, two bronze stars and the Purple Heart. (ref.: Philippine
News) (Ernie Turla)
Zoilo Galang. Often called "the Filipino Encyclopediist" for his
10-volume work, "Encylopedia of the Philippines. He also wrote the first
Filipino novel in English "Child of Sorrow," which for many years was the
best selling novel by a Filipino. Foreign scholars have commented on how
quickly the Philippines produced a novelist in English compared with other
English-speaking colonies (India, Egypt, etc.). Hailing from Bacolor, he
died before completing a 20 volume expansion of his Philippine encyclopedia.
(Pol Kekai Manansala).
Herminigildo Garcia of Apalit, careeer diplomat, Philippine Consul
General in Seattle, Washington (by Alejandro S. Camiling).
Juan T. Gatbonton. A son of Candaba, he established himself abroad
in Hong Kong where he founded and edited "Asia Magazine." He also edited
the premier travel journal of the British colony, "Orientation", and was
a columnist for "Times Journal". In the Philippines, he was an award winning
short story writer in English. (Pol Kekai Manansala).
Liborio Gomez (July 23, 1887 Santo Tomas, Pampanga - Jan. 10, 1958)
pathologist. Was among the first pensionados and scholars to go the
U.S. Received his medical degree from Rush Medical College and Ph.D.
from the University of Chicago. Was the first Filipino to earn a
doctorate from the U.S. Became a department head at F.E.U. and received
government award for his studies on hookworms, diptheria and leprosy. (ref.
C. Quirino) (by Ernie Turla).
Don Augusto Gonzalez. Another son of Dr. Joaquin Gonzalez - a successful
industrial executive, lawyer, philanthropist who donated the present site
and the Apalit Municipal Government building; co-founder of Pampanga Sugar
Development Co. Inc. (PASUDECO) and one of the most prominent and wealthy
Kapampangans during his lifetime. He was one of the PASUDECO corporate
officers assasinated by the Timbol brothers on July 12, 1939 (Andro Camiling).
Don Fausto Gonzalez. Another son of Dr. Joaquin Gonzalez - a noted
philanthropist and a distinguished member of the Philippine Assembly (Andro
Camiling).
Paterno Guevarra of San Fernando, lawyer and long term municipal
mayor who put his hometown in the national and international scene for
the promotion of its duty-free stores, Paskuan Village, National Sports
Arena and the display of giant lanterns during Christmas seasons in Manila
and abroad in coordination with the National Board of Tourism (by Alejandro
S. Camiling).
Ruben Guinto (Masantol, Pampanga) -- Recipient of a Ninoy Aquino
Memorial Award in l991, accepting for the Philippine Medical Society of
Southern California of which he was the president. Dr. Guinto and his society
did a great deal of community and humanitarian services. Among the 6 other
awardees with him then were Lea Salonga and NVM Gonzales. (Ernie Turla)
Sol Gwekoh. Famous biographer of Philippine presidents, he also
wrote plays. He is from Magalang. (Pol Kekai Manansala).
Jose de Jesus of Bacolor served as Secretary of Public Works &
Highways during the presidency of Cory Aquino (by Alejandro S. Camiling).
Sen. Eva Estrada Kalaw . Senator Kalaw is, the first woman senator
to be reelected, is part-Kapampangan, but she speaks the language and has
publicly declared that she is Kapampangan (before a mainly non-Kapampangan
audience at a political rally in Manila), so she is included in this list.
She is the daughter of Salvador Estrada, who was in turn the son of an
Estrada from Pangasinan who married one of the Quiambao sisters of Murcia,
Tarlac (Murcia, is a town that no longer exists, its barrios having been
distributed among the towns of Concepcion, Tarlac, and Capas). The Quiambao
sisters were children of Pablo Quiambao, a native of Macabebe. Another
Quiambao sister was the grandmother of Ninoy Aquino, making Ninoy her (Kalaw's)
second cousin. (Edwin Camaya)
Don Cristino Lagman of Minalin , Katipunan commander, first municipal
judge and mayor of his hometown (by Alejandro S. Camiling).
Eligio Lagman - Born in Guagua, Pampanga Jan.28, l898 Finished Law
at the Escuela de Derecho in l9l7 and passed the bar exam at l9.
He rose in politics starting as a councilor, mayor, twice as an assemblyman
and twice as a congressman. During the Japanese Occupation, he was appointed
by the Puppet Government as governor of Pampanga. (ref.: E.H. Lacson) (Ernie
Turla)
Jose Lansang Sr.. From St. Rita, he is described as "the first local
political analyst and commentator," of the Philippines. Very nationalistic,
he warned of "the perils of imperialistic exploitation of the Philippines
by foreign monopolies," before such ideas were widely discussed. His son,
Jose Jr. was also a noted writer in English. (Pol Kekai Manansala).
Francisco Laksamana. He wrote the social novels "Anino ng Kahapon"
and the popular "Banaag at Sikat", which were thinly-disguised works questioning
the aims of the American presence in the Philippines. (Pol Kekai Manansala)
Kumander Lapu-Lapu. Second in command under Tandang Banal of Masantol.
Before the outbreak of the war, he was imprisoned during the American regime
due to "subversive" activities with the Aguman movement (inspired by Pedro
Abad Santos). (Interestingly, he is a relative of Pol Kekai Manansala).
Rafael Lazatin - (of Angeles) N.P. governor of Pampanga, l952-l959.He
defeated L.P. governor Jose B. Lingad in the
l95l election. ( Ernie Turla)
Jose De Leon. Sugar magnate. Co-founder of Agricultural Association
of Pampanga. His efforts helped limit foreign penetration into the nation's
agriculture industry (Pol Kekai Manansala).
Jose B. Lingad of Lubao, World War II military major and guerrilla
commander, former provincial governor, chief of the Philippine Bureau of
Customs, chief of the Bureau of the Internal Revenue and presidential adviser
during the term of President Diosdado Macapagal in the '60s (by Alejandro
S. Camiling).
Silvestre Liwanag Sr.. Known as the famous Linda Bie during the
Huk movement, "Mang Beting", was the financial officer of the Huks during
the Japanese occupation. He is from Concepcion, Lubao (by Carl Ronquillo).
Chona Lazatin Mejia Lopez. One of the most successful Filipino women
on the US West Coast. Chona is an investment broker with a major American
firm. Like a few other Filipino women on Wall Street, she has crashed the
male-dominated financial world. For the past several years, Chona has been
a top-rate financial adviser at Prudential Securities, San Francisco, California
branch. She has the distinction of being the first woman president in the
20-year history of the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of San Francisco.
[Source: Profiles in Excellence -- Filipino Achievers in the USA and Canada
(Crisostomo, 1996)]. (Christina Mejia).
Gen. Francisco Makabulos, the first Filipino Governor of the province
of Tarlac. Before that, the honor was bestowed on Don Alfonso Ramos, one
of the army generals under Makabulos' command. It was because of
the heroism of Makabulos and his men that Tarlac was represented as one
of the eight rays of the sun in the Philippine flag. The eight rays of
the sun in the Philippine flag honors the first eight provinces to rise
in revolt against Spain. Two years ago, Tarlac officials finally recognized
the province's revolutionary hero and liberator (From Ramon A. Tagle, Jr's
"The Fax and Email News Bulletin", July 10, 1998: by Dave Nepomuceno).
Diosdado Pangan
Macapagal. First Kapampangan to be elected to the highest office
of the land as Fifth President of the Philippines is a descendant of Lakandula.
He is affectionately known as the "poor boy from Lubao" and "Champion of
the Common Man" because of his goal of improving the plight of the masses
and of the poor. His sterling character and unquestionable integrity during
his term is a rare model for present and future generation of Filipinos
and he has proven that one can rise up above poverty, having been truly
the first poor man to become President of the country.
Felicisimo Macapagal. President of the Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas
(PKP), from which the CCP eventually broke off. This party is Marxist rather
than Maoist like the CCP (Pol Kekai Manansala).
Brig. Gen. Orlando Macaspac (from Sta. Barbara, Lubao, Pampanga)
-- He rose through the ranks of the P.N..P. He was at one time the chief
of police of Angeles City. A classmate of the contributor ( Ernie
Turla).
Armando Q. Madamba of San Fernando, PMA graduate, Philippine Navy
commodore, a staunch advocate of the modernization of the Philippine Navy,
senior staff member, Armed Forces of the Philippines Joint Chiefs of Staff
and served as military attache in the Middle East (by Alejandro S. Camiling).
Policarpio Manansala. He formed a massive organization in the United
States in the 1930s known as the Pacific Movement of the Eastern World.
In actuality it was a grouping of other nationalist organizations in the
U.S. and in Asia (Pol Kekai Manansala).
Rafael Maniago of Mexico, PMA graduate, Philippine Army general
who served as regional military commander in different military zones and
installations in the Philippine Archipelago (by Alejandro S. Camiling).
Teodoro Megia (April 15, 1913 Bamban, Tarlac - June 16, 1965) Oceanographer.
Received a B.S. in sugar technology from U.P. 1937 and M.A. at University
of Washington 1956. Became a chemist at the Central Azucarera del
Norte and for the Philippine Fishery Program. Became chairman of
the Department of Fisheries at U.P. and oceanographer at the Bureau of
Fisheries where he conducted experiments after being with the Galatea exploration
cast of the Philippines (ref. Carlos Quirino) (by Ernie Turla).
Estelito Mendoza of Bacolor, law scholar, provincial governor and
solicitor-general of the Philippines during the Marcos regime (by Alejandro
S. Camiling).
Monico Mercado - Guagua, Pampanga (l875-l953) Served two terms in
the Philippine Assembly, representing the
first district of Pampanga. Wrote in both Spanish and Kapampangan.
His "Ketang Milabas", a novel in verse,
deals with a historical battle fought in Porac. Don Monico's
fame was further enhanced when he wrote the elegy "Ing
Bie Na Ning Tau" which he dedicated to Felix Galura in 1919.
During his lifetime he was a philantropist, and even after
he died, his foundation helped in worthwhile causes. (ref.:E.H.
Lacson) (Ernie Turla)
Regalado Montemayor of Lubao, self-made millionaire, founder and
president of X'or Studios and official photographer of the Office of the
President of the Philippines (by Alejandro S. Camiling).
Amelito Mutuc of Arayat, well-known diplomat and Philippine ambassador
during the '60s (by Alejandro S. Camiling).
Irene Natividad. Born to Kapampangan parents from Pampanga and Tarlac
and immigrated to the U.S. in the 1970s, she is the former chair of the
Women's Democratic Caucus and nationally-known woman political leader.
She also was the editor of "Asian American Almanac, the director of the
Global Forum on Women, and one of the organizers of the UN World Conference
on Women. (Edwin Camaya and Pol Kekai Manansala).
Francisco "Kitong" Nepomuceno and Juanita "Saning" Nepomuceno. This
popular husband and wife team have served in various positions in the government
during their earlier years. "Kitong" served as mayor of Angeles City several
times, governor of Pampanga, and also as congressman. "Saning" served as
governor, congresswoman and assemblywoman. She was also the recipient of
the Golden Plow Award by President Ramos for passing the Land Reform Bill.
(by Tim Tayag).
Ruperto S. Nicdao. From Guagua, he was a scholar and eventually
became president of Elizalde & Co. (Andro Camiling).
Brig. Gen. Ramsey Lapuz Ocampo ( from Candaba, Pampanga) Police
superintendent and regional director of police command VII. He was responsible
for the very good peace and order situation in Cebu City. (ref.: Bert Pelayo)
(Ernie Turla).
Mariano Ocampo of Minalin, migrated to Tarlac, became a successful
and wealthy businessman and served as provincial governor (by Alejandro
S. Camiling).
Satur Ocampo from Sta. Rita, Pampanga was a political prisoner of
the Marcos regime and released shortly after Cory Aquino took office. He
was a key figure during the peace negotiations between the National Democratic
Front (NDF) and the Philippine Government. (J. Beltran-Figueroa).
Crispin Ogtong. Like Benito Vergara he was from Mexico, Pampanga
and arrested in 1904 for continuing the revolution against the American
commonwealth government (Pol Kekai Manansala).
Francisco Ortigas (Sept. 11, 1875 Porac, Pampanga - Nov. 1935) lawyer.
Graduated from the U.S.T. in 1896. Became Registrar of Deeds in Manila
in 1899 and led the investigation of anomalous titles from the purchase
of friars' lands. Taught in U.P. and was offered the university presidency
but declined due to poor health, but became a member of its Board of Regents.
(ref. C. Quirino) (by Ernie Turla).
Marco G. Palo. A resident of Angeles City, was arrested in Feb.
1982 with other trade union organizers; severely tortured and was hospitalized
as a result of this. Detained at the Bicutan Rehabilitation Center for
two years and charged with conspiracy to commit subversion. Re-arrested
in 1988 with alleged leaders of the CPP-NPA. and detained at the Camp Crame
PC stockade. Charged with rebellion and released after two years (Dave
Nepomuceno).
Godofredo Pangan of Apalit, engineer, served as administrator of
the Rural Electrification Program of the Philippines, Undersecretary and
later acting Secretary of Public Works and Communications (by Alejandro
S. Camiling).
Ben Pangilinan. Born in Macabebe, he is a former President
of the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Pol Kekai Manansala).
Levi Panlilio. Elected number one councilor of San Fernando on his
first try for public office, elected as Vice-Mayor after four years and
then finally as Mayor. Re-elected as Mayor but his life was cut short when
he was assasinated before completing his second term (Andro Camiling with
information provided by his son Manny Panlilio).
Don. Luis D. Panlilio, Barrio Captain of Forbes Park, Makati, Philippines;
Doctor of International Law and taught, said subject for many decades at
Manuel Luis Quezon University. Past President of PASUDECO, etc. (by Pedro
Mercado).
Yay Panlilio. The "brains" of "Marking's Guerrillas", she was a
sharp, energetic, and tenacious mestiza who bore the picturesque name of
Yay Panlilio (from "Yay Panlilio", The Crucible. New York: MacMillan, 1950).
Before the war she had been a newspaperwoman. During the conflict she displayed
sufficient ability and personal magnetism that Marking's guerrillas caller
her Mammy and named one of their regiments after her while no less a figure
than General Willoughby (from Willoughby, Charles A. The Guerrilla Resistance
Movement in the Philippines, New York: Vantage Press, 1972.) paid tribute
to her contribution to the Allied cause. After the war she wrote one of
the most informative and interesting books done either by a guerrilla or
about irregulars (by Pol Kekai Manansala).
Leo Parungao of Arayat, journalist and former Press Secretary of
President Diosdado Macapagal in the '60s (by Alejandro S. Camiling).
Lilia Garcia "Baby" Pineda -- Lubao town mayor who was elected president
of the Pampanga Mayors League and more recently, as vice president for
Luzon in the League of Municipalities, the umbrella organization of 1,540
towns in the
Philippines. She does a great deal of humanitarian work, including
helping in the resettlement of people in lahar-devasted areas. A well-known
philantropist, she financially helps the poor in Pampanga especially families
who cannot afford to send their children to college. Way back in the 60's,
she was among the outstanding students in this author's class. (Ernie Turla)
Bernardo Poblete (Tandang Banal). A former Philippine Scout, he
organized the Banal Regiment of the Hukbalahap. (Pol Kekai Manansala).
Ricardo Puno - Born l923. A.B. summa cum laude from Ateneo, magna
cum laude in Law at MLQ, Doctor of Laws honoris causa from South-western
University. Government positions he had held are: District Judge, Court
of First Instance, Associate Justice, Court of Appeals, Minister of Justice,
and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Served as delegate in many
international conferences, professor of laws in several universities, bar
examiner. He received many citations from many various organizations. He
published Quizzer In Civil Law and several other law books. ( E. H.
Lacson) (Ernie Turla)
Cicero J. Punsalan of San Fernando and San Simon, scholar, lawyer
of the common man, private school executive and former vice governor and
acting provincial governor (by Alejandro S. Camiling).
Lt. Colonel Leon Flores Punsalan, hailed from San Simon, Pampanga.
He graduated from PHS in 1928 a year ahead of Pres. Diosdado Macapagal.
In 1930 he took the civil service exam for admission to West Point Army
Academy and passed it, but was not. He took and passed it three more
times and was admitted in 1933, passing it in the No. 1 position, as they
only admitted one candidate each year. He graduated as a Mechanical
Engineer at West Point in the top ten of his class, and he was assigned
to served in the Philippine Army in 1938. In 1940 he was assigned
in an Army base in Boston, MA and he studied at night and got
his Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering from MIT. He served in the
Phil. Army during WW2. He was assigned at various army bases throughout
America and Europe. He invented a durable pistol ejector and obtained a
patent for it. After serving for 31 years in the U.S. Army, he retired
in Hampton, VA. He was the founder of the Pampanga Language Club
of Virginia and drafted its constitution and by-
laws ; as well as the by-laws of the Phil. American Community of Tidewater
Virginia. and became it's first president. He was also a writer and a poet,
although his writings and poetry were not published. .He died October 3,
2001 at the age of 91 (Aladino Alfaro Simbulan).
Silvestre Punsalan. Lawyer, banker, kingmaker and master of letters
(Pol Kekai Manansala).
Senator Gil Puyat. Son of the pioneer Pampangan industrialist,
Don Gonzalo Puyat. Graduated in l929 in Business Administration (cum laude)
from U.P. where he became a dean in its department of economics.
First elected senator in l955, he was consistently named "One of the Five
Most Outstanding Senators" every year. He became the President of
the Senate in l967. Very popular and well-known, and a notable economist
Senator Puyat became Majority Floor Leader in the Senate. He hails from
Guagua -- he loved the people of Guagua such that he was instrumental in
constructing several public works such as the bridges leading to Barrio
Santa Filomena and the plaza in front of the town church . Buendia
Ave. in Makati is now renamed after him. (Andro Camiilng) (E.H. Lacson)
(Ernie Turla)
Jose "Popit" Puyat. Assemblyman and a very prominent politician,
industrialist and businessman. Before becoming a politician, Popit has
been (and up to now) the Gen. Manager of Jose Puyat and Sons. Started his
political career by winning the lone Congressional district of Surigao
del Sur until Marcos declared martial law. He represented region 11 of
Mindanao in the defunct Batasan Pambansa until it's abolishment. He is
loved by the Surigaonon's more than their own native son. Father in law
of Paeng Nepomuceno (by Halley
Ondona (hmondona@shore.intercom.net) .
Ismael Quiambao. Born in Macabebe, he was Foreign Affairs Officer
for the Philippine Mission at the United Nations.
Serafin D. Quiason - Born in Angeles City June l5, l930. His
academic preparation include the ff.: A.B. (cum Laude)
at U.P.; M.A. and Ph.D.- University of Pennsylvania, l962. Started
teaching at U.P. in l952 where he later became a
permanent professional lecturer. Appointed director of the National
Library in l966 and as acting chairman of the
National Historical Institute. Published more than 42 scientific articles
and a book. Attended 37 international conferences and was a member of 13
international honor societies. (E.H. Lacson) (Ernie Turla)
Fidel Ramos - a president of the Philippines who was proclaimed
an "Adopted Son of Pampanga" on Dec. 10, l994.
Gov. Bren Guiao presented him with a resolution on a plaque prepared
by the provincial board at the Pampanga Convention Center during the 423rd
anniversary of the founding of the Philippines' premiere province. (Note:
The places discovered early by the Spaniards were not organized as provinces
until much later. Manila and Pampanga were established as a city and as
a province respectively in l571, and Pampanga 's territorial boundaries
then extended from Manila Bay to the Caraballo Mountains. (Ernie Turla)
Jesus C. Razon of Lubao, lawyer, government sponsored scholar to
the USA, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of the Philippines and first
president of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (by Alejandro
S. Camiling).
Cornelio Regala of Lubao, became Director of the Bureau of Printing
during the tenure of Pres. Diosdado Macapagal.
Dr. Jose Regala of Lubao, younger brother of Cornelio Regala, became
Secretary to the Mayor and City Administrator of Manila, during the tenure
of Arsenio Lacson as Mayor of the City of Manila.
Gen. Jose D. Regala of Sasmuan, retired general in the Philippine
Army and became Chief of the TRAFCON Division.
Roberto Regala. From Bacolor, he served as Consul General of the
Philippines in San Francisco. Then he became Philippine minister in Australia,
before being appointed ambassador. He also served as a minister in Israel
and Austria. Finally he was appointed a Supreme Court justice after a long
successful career (A cousin of Mandy Regala's father). (Pol Kekai Manansala).
Gerry H. Rodriguez of San Fernando, successful agricultural, banking,
business and industrial executive, former general manager and president
of Pampanga Sugar Development Co., PASUDECO Planters Association, president
and executive director of the Sugar Producers Cooperative Association of
the Philippines and director of the Philippine National Bank (by Alejandro
S. Camiling).
Adelina Santos Rodriguez . Originally from Apalit, she is a former
mayor of Quezon City (until 1986) (Edwin Camaya).
Rosa Danon Rosal . More popularly known by her screen name of Rosa
Rosal, born in Manila 16 October 1931 to Julio Danon and Gloria Lansang
(from which town of Pampanga?), lived in garage for 16 years, sold sweepstakes
tickets starting at six years old, studied at Antonio Regidor Elementary
School. secondary schooling at Arellano High School. Worked at National
Coconut Corporation as weaver, moved to soap factory where she pounded
and shaped soap cakes under the sun, promoted to wrapping department, learned
typing on old typewriter and worked as secretary. "Discovered" while watching
shooting of a film and starred in film "Kamagong" (I remember this film--weren't
parts of it shot at the Don Pepe Henson house in Angeles. I seem to remember
being aware of the shooting when I was a little girl.). Finished secondary
schooling between movies. Won best actress for Sonny Boy (1956), won highest
award in Southeast Asian film festival in HK in 1956 for Anak Dalita, leading
to presidential award from Magsaysay. Refused to start in bomba films and
instead devoted energies to social work and rearing of daughter (didn't
she become famous too?). Gave up weekly TV show for lesser paying daily
show called Damayan to help socially disadvantaged. Active in innumerable
socio-civic areas ranging from promotional activities for Red Cross to
relief work. Recipient of countless awards and citations from movie, civic,
and religious organizations for humanitarian work, including the Outstanding
Pampanguena Award in 1979. When asked why she's so dedicated to the poor,
she replied: "I have been poor and I know how it feels to be pushed around."
(Pat Sutter)
Florentino Salac. Better known as Kumander Fonting, he is the notorious
leader of Kumander Sumulong's 'liquidation' squads (Pol Kekai Manansala).
Josephina Salas. Wife of Rudy Salas, she was first involved in the
labour movement, before joining the propaganda wing of the Communists.
Later, she became a staff member of the central committee. She spent much
time in prison for her ideology. (Pol. Kekai Manansala).
Rudolfo Salas. Took over as chief of NPA and CCP after capture of
Sison and Dante.
Cielo Macapagal Salgado.
Cielo is the eldest daughter of former President Diosdado P. Macapagal
and the late Purita dela Rosa (sister of Rogelio and Jaime dela Rosa) of
Lubao, Pampanga. She's married to Agustin Pineda Salgado, Jr. of Magalang,
Pampanga. She is a two-time Vice-Governor Pampanga (elected in 1988). Before
her election as Vice-Governor she worked for the Philippine National Bank
and retired as Vice-President in 1987. She also served as Philnabank Chairman,
President of the PNB Savings & Loan Associaton and the PNB Executive
Development Academy. (Armando Regala).
Jovito Salonga. Born in Pasig to a Kapampangan father, he is a former
Senate President and Presidential candidate, and presently a leader of
'Kilosbayan', a "cause-oriented group" (Edwin Camaya).
Col. Francisco Cuyugan Sandico. Born on October 10, 1895 he was
handpicked to attend the Philippine Military Academy and graduated in 1918.
He served as Commander, First Military Area, Camp Olivas, Pampanga and
upon his retirement as Undersecretary for the Interior. Col. Sandico
organized a guerilla movement in the province of Albay during the Japanese
Occupation. (Lt. Col. Rey Sandico).
Elsie Goseco San Juan. Originally from Guagua, she is a former mayor
of Toledo City, Cebu (late 1980s) (Edwin Camaya).
Alfredo Saulo. During his time, a well-known writer and advocate
of the Pampanga-based agrarian movements Pol Kekai Manansala).
Jose Ma. Sison. Rose to the highest position in the Communist Party
of the Philippines. Jose Maria Sison's Pampango roots are from his Kapampangan
mother, Florentina Canlas, who is related to the Lacsamana family of Mexico,
Pampanga. His father comes from a mestizo family that immigrated from Pangasinan
to Ilokos some time ago. (from Sison's own book, "The Philippine Revolution";
contributed by Pol Kekai Manansala)
Marcos Soliman of Candaba became an army general and superintendent
of the Philippine Military Academy. He also served as Chief of the National
Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) and national security adviser to
President Diosdado Macapagal in the '60s (ref.: Bert Pelayo) (by
Ernie Turla and Alejandro S. Camiling).
Cecilia Gonzalez-Soriano, a daughter of chemist and businessman
Gerry Gonzalez (of the illustrious Gonzalez clan of Apalit) and former
PAL acounting and financial administration executive Celia Gonzalez, is
a career government official and served as Undersecretary of Finance during
the Ramos administration (Andro Camiling).
Antonio Ronquillo Suba, M.D., F.A.C.S.. Born in San Fernando
to a father from Santa Ana and a mother from Lubao, Pampanga, Tony R. Suba
graduated with honors from Pampanga High School at the age of 14 after
skipping two school grades. He earned his medical doctorate degree
(cum laude) from the University of Santo Tomas in 1952 and in 1957 completed
his postgraduate studies in surgery and hospital residency at St. Louis
University and at St. Louis County Hospital in St.Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.
He was drafted in 1959 by the U.S. Army Medical Corps as a captain and
became the chief surgeon of the U.S. Army Hospital in Bremerhaven, Germany.
Honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1961, he practiced medicine
specializing in Hand and Traume Surgery in St. Louis, Missouri and served
also as an occupational medicine and ergonomics consultant for various
firms such as Chrysler Corporation, Scullin Steel Company, Kroger Industries,
Six Flags Over Mid America, etc. He is married to the former Sylvia
Marie Karl and two of their six children are also medical doctors.
Dr. Suba ia former Sports Editor of "The Pampangan" and editor of "The
Varsitarian"at UST. He is credited with many publications in medical
journals and a popular featured speaker in many medical forums. He
is listed in Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the World (Andro Camiling).
Kumander Sumulong. Daring military leader in Huk army (Pol Kekai
Manansala).
Luis Taruc. Commander and Supremo of the Hukbalahap during the most
important years of their revolt.
Pedro Taruc. Became Supremo of the Hukbalahap.
Nilo Tayag. Appointed head of the Kabataang Makabayan by Jose Ma.
Sison. Tayag was then a young member of Sison's mostly Kapampangan staff.
Lately, he has become a born-again Christian preacher, and the head of
his own movement known as "Filipinism," a very nationalistic doctrine.
(Pol Kekai Manansala).
Renato Tayag. One of Pampanga's many notable journalists. Wrote
extensively on Angeles City and on his wide-ranging travels. (Pol Kekai
Manansala).
Benigno Toda. From Guagua, he was President of
Philippine Airlines prior to the government's "sequestration" of the company
during martilal law (Andro Camiling).
Ciriaco Toledano of Magalang, Spanish-English-Pampango interpreter,
private school executive, founder and Board Chairman of the Toledano Vocational
School and East Central Colleges in San Fernando (by Alejandro S. Camiling).
Edgar Dula Torres of Apalit became a general and superintendent
of the Northern Police District of the Philippines and vice chairman of
the Philippine Police Commission (by Alejandro S. Camiling).
Sixto V. Torres, Sr. of Apalit, former regional director and deputy
commisioner of the Land Transportation Commision of the Philippines and
founder of the Gonzales Memorial College (by Alejandro S. Camiling).
Benito Vergara. From Mexico, he was arrested and prosecuted in 1904
for his activities with the Universal Filipino Democratic Movement, which
had its origin in Pampanga. (Pol Kekai Manansala).
Antonio Villareal. Coming from a poor background, he had to work
to finance his education. This had him travelling to Japan to try an enlist
in the Japanese Army, which failed due to his nationality. He then ventured
to Algeria to join the French Army, but ran out of funds and had to return
home. Hoever, through perseverance he finally got his degree in law and
worked his way up to the position of Attorney General of the Philippines.
His crowning achievement was appointment as a justice to the Philippine
Supreme Court (Pol Kekai Manansala).
Jose Vitug (Lubao, Pampanga). Associate Justice of the Supreme
Court (Ernie Turla).
Nemesio Yabut. Originally from Macabebe, he was a former mayor of
Makati (until 1986) (Edwin Camaya).
Porfirio Zablan. First fighter pilot of the Philippines after whom
Zablan field was named.
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