Today marks the country’s 13th Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day where Filipinos celebrate and commemorate historical ties with former colonist country, Spain.
The Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day Bill or Republic Act 9187 was approved on February 5, 2003 and is celebrated on June 30th annually for the goal of strengthening relations with Spain
Celebration of the Friendship Day, however, commemorates the Siege of Baler, the heroic last defense made by Spanish soldiers in the country, where they valiantly fought and lost their post. Their bravery was recognized and granted safe passage back to Spain by General Emilio Aguinaldo.
Spain was the first country to colonize the Philippines and carve in the first set of cultural marks which included language, religion, architecture, and even the name of the country.
Spanish was an official language of the country until the 1890s and has greatly influenced the Philippine language.
The country’s dominant religion, Catholicism was also brought by Spain during the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan.
Most of the historical structures in the country were built during the Spanish era, including churches and walled cities.
MANILA BULLETIN
