Significant Events in April in Filipino History

On April 1, 1989, Colonel James Rowe of the US Army was killed by hit squad ambush. He was the first serving US Army officer to be killed by a rebel group in the Philippines.

On April 1, 1901, a significant event unfolded in the annals of Philippine history. Emilio Aguinaldo, the first President of the Philippines, voluntarily pledged his allegiance to the United States.

The history of Philippine literature and the emergence of a distinct national identity are inextricably linked to the life and works of Francisco Baltazar, commonly known as Balagtas. Born on April 2, 1788, in the barrio of Panginay, Bigaa, Bulacan, Baltazar's life spanned a period of significant colonial transition, from the height of Spanish ecclesiastical influence to the early stirrings of nationalist sentiment.

On April 2, 1917, Cesar Torrente Legaspi a renowned Filipino artist, was born in Tondo, Manila. He was recognized as a National Artist in painting, a prestigious honor in the Philippines. Legaspi's work was not confined to the canvas; he also served as an art director before dedicating himself entirely to his visual art practice in the 1960s.

On April 3, 1946, Lieutenant General Masaharu Homma (本間 雅晴), commander of the 14th Japanese Army during the initial battles for the Philippines from December 1941 to August 1942, was put to death because of his involvement in the war crimes committed during that period.

On April 3, 1939, Catalino Ortiz Brocka, better known as Lino Brocka, one of the greatest film directors of the Philippines and National Artist for Films (1997), was born in Pilar, Sorsogon.

On April 4, 1868, a significant figure in Philippine history was born in Santa Cruz de Malabon, now known as Tanza, in Cavite. This individual was none other than Felipe Calderon. Born to Don Jose Gonzales Calderon and Doña Manuela Roca, Calderon grew up to become a lawyer and statesman.

Benito Villanueva López, born on April 3, 1877, in Jaro, Iloilo (present day Jaro District, Iloilo City), came into the world as a member of two of the Philippines' most influential families: the Lópezes and the Villanuevas. His remarkable but tragically brief life would leave an indelible imprint on Philippine society, politics, and the enduring legacy of one of the country's most powerful dynasties.

On April 5, 1880, Vicente María Epifanio Madrigal y López was born in Gumaca, Tayabas province (now Quezon). He was the only son of José María Madrigal, who emigrated from Barcelona, Spain, a Catalan migrant and former soldier, and Macaria López y Pardo de Tavera, a Castilian mestiza. Macaria was one of two natural daughters of Joaquín Pardo de Tavera who lived in Albay as a bachelor prior to his marriage to Gertrudis Gorricho, a wealthy heiress.