The Philippine Archipelago is a compact group of islands. The distances
between each island require only a few hours of sailing. They therefore
have been said to possess strategic unity. From the northernmost
port, Aparri, to the southernmost Zamboanga, the total distance is
895 miles. It takes only 36 hours from Manila to Aparri and about 72
from Manila to Zamboanga. With faster boats, the time required will
be much less.
In each island the provinces and the important towns are easily
accessible. They are connected by good roads. In the bigger islands
the Manila Railroad operates lines, such as in Luzon, Cebu, and Iloilo.
The trip through the provinces should be taken whenever
possible. Barring the usual discomforts of a tropical clime, there are
delights galore for everyone, even for the hardy sportsman--pristine
forests, crystal streams, splashing falls. The panoramas that unfold
as the traveler motors from province to province or cruises about
from island to island present a continuous series of scenic pictures
of infinite variety. In other lands nature and man have combined
their efforts in forming recreation spots of compelling charm. In
the Philippines it is only nature that has done the work.
The services of a guide should in all cases be secured in order to
expedite the visits. Applications for guides should be made to the
Director of the Bureau of Commerce and Industry.
LAGUNA PROVINCE.--The Province of Laguna is situated on a narrow
plain which lies to the east, south, and southeast of Laguna Lake,
commonly known as Laguna de Bay. It is a very fertile province and has
a very pleasant climate, the usual temperature being several degrees
cooler than Manila. It produces coconuts, rice, sugar-cane, abaca,
corn and a great variety of fruits and vegetables.
In industrial enterprises the province is very progressive. Some of
the largest kind of hemp cables are made in the rope factory of Santa
Cruz. Buntal hats and pandan mats are made in Majayjay and Luisiana,
pandan hats in Cavisti, Sabutan hats in Mavitac, rattan chairs in
Paquil and Los Baños, wooden slippers in Biñan and Calamba, and abacá
slippers in Lilio. Furniture is also made in Paete, soap in Santa
Cruz, crude pottery in Lumban, better grade of glazed pottery in
San Pedro Tunasan, coconut wine in the upper towns, and embroidery
in Lumbang. Mineral waters are bottled in Los Baños, Pagsanjan, and
Magdalena. A steam saw mill is located in Santa Maria. In Los Baños
is a stone quarry that supplies crushed stone for the Provinces of
Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, and Tayabas.
The province, besides having a rich soil, has an abundance of water
supply. The Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines, permits
of easy and cheap transportation. Fifteen of the 28 municipalities
are reached by water and a line of steam launches provides a daily
service between the lake and the city of Manila. The lake abounds
in fish. The swamps along its eastern shores are overgrown with
pandan groves. The bay is covered during the rainy season with the
pink-flowered lotus plant. Along the low shores are veritable hunting
grounds which abound in snipe and wild ducks.
The province also abounds in picturesque sceneries, in the San Pablo
Valley there are nine beautifully-set crater lakes. Banahaw, a mountain
having an elevation of 7,382 feet, is covered with vegetation of all
kinds. In the crater of San Cristobal which has an elevation of about
5,000 feet there is a beautiful fresh water lake.
San Pablo is a progressive town well worth visiting. It is one of the
largest towns in the Islands and is up-to-date in every respect. A
large park overlooks a lake of rare beauty with the majestic San
Cristobal mountains in the background. A long flight of white stone
steps leads from the cliff above down to the lake shore, and the
park is a favorite picnic ground. The veteran's monument at this
point always attracts much attention. The town has numerous private
residences of striking architectural design.
[Pagsanjan Falls]
One of the prettiest and wildest spots lies within easy reach of
Manila--Pagsanjan Falls. Pagsanjan, the town, in itself worth seeing
for its beautiful residences and the surrounding forests, can be
reached in three and one-half hours by train or automobile through
a lovely coconut country. There are good hotel accommodations with
clean beds and food. Everything is done for the tourist; arrangements
are made for boats and guides, and launches are provided.
From the hotel you walk a short distance to a long row of bancas,
prow on shore, and a noisy throng of men clamoring for the favor of
your patronage; but you have probably chosen men at the hotel and are
conducted to certain boats by your guide. In the center of your boat
is the seat, a split bamboo chair with reclining back and bottom of
bamboo splints. The two boatmen take their places at the ends of the
boat and push off into the small stream for a few hundred yards to
Pagsanjan River.
The boat is paddled up the river past large rafts of coconuts, by
great trees dipping their leaves into the water. Along the shores are
parties of laughing people--some bathing and some washing clothes. Now
there are long reaches of quiet water, clear and deep; then banks
begin to rise above you; there is a swirl here, a ripple there, and
a swish below the gunwales. You are drawing toward the rapids. The
boatmen get put into the water and pull and tug and shove; the water
sucks viciously. The boat enters the gorge and its shadows. The river
becomes silent stretches of black water, and the air is cold. Above,
for hundreds of feet, tower the great cliffs of Pagsanjan to which
cling vines, desperate trees, and dripping shrubs. On all sides are
falls breaking upon the rocks and filling the canyon with a pleasant
murmur; then more rapids and sweeps of fierce water. Great boulders
have fallen into the river. Unable to paddle against the current or
to wade, the men now fight painfully forward by clinging to vines,
the rocks, anything. Then out of the boat again, lifting it and you
bodily up steps of pouring water, around corners, shooting across a
quiet pool into a fury of cascading foam. At times you scramble out
of the boat and detour a little over intervening rocks, while the
fight with the river goes on. For two hours the journey continues,
until you come to the end--a large pool--above you, Pagsanjan Falls,
the largest waterfall in the Islands, around, the insurmountable
cliffs fringed above by shining palms. Monkeys and iguanas scurry
over the slippery bluffs complaining at intrusion.
You should go prepared to rough it. Only a bathing suit is worn in
the boats and except at times of low water, kodaks had better be left
at the hotel, for rapids lap over the side. Indeed many have been the
spills in the swift water. But there is no danger, and a wetting is
of no consequence. The whole trip need cost no more than twenty pesos
nor occupy more than a day and a half.
It is a wonderful trip for those who enjoy the wilds. The gorge is
considered one of the beauty spots of the world.
RIZAL PROVINCE.--To the north of Laguna de Bay, is Rizal Province,
named after the national hero of the Filipinos. Pasig, the capital
is an important commercial town. It is located on the Pasig River,
a stream which is navigable thruout the year. Malabon, noted for her
fisheries and fish ponds, furnishes the City of Manila with choice fish
to the value of hundreds of thousands of pesos a year. A flourishing
poultry industry may be seen at Pateros. Parañaque is noted for its
embroideries while in Mariquina the chief industry is the making of
shoes and slippers. Along the borders of the Pasig River much grass is
cultivated to furnish the Manila market with green fodder for horses
and carabaos.
In this province are the towns of Pasig, San Juan del Monte,
and Caloocan where the first blood of the Philippine Revolution
against Spain was shed. Here also is to be found the historic spot
of Balintawak where Andres Bonifacio and his followers sounded the
well-remembered "Cry of Balintawak," the call for the outbreak of
the Revolution.
[Antipolo]
Antipolo has the shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Prosperous Voyages. It
is a town about half an hour's ride from Manila. It is built on a
mountainous section of the province of Rizal. The road is rather
steep and the scenery quite wild and impressive.
The image of the Virgin, commonly known as the "Virgin of Antipolo,"
was originally brought from Mexico by the Spaniards to insure the
safety of the galleons from the anger of the sea, and from the attacks
of the pirates who used to lie in wait in the San Bernardino Strait
and Verde Island Passage.
[Shrine]
The shrine is the most famous of all Philippine shrines. To
it thousands of devout Filipinos journey annually to pay their
respects. The Virgin is dressed in a robe that falls in a cone stiff
with gold and other jewels. It is estimated that the value of her
decoration is as high as P1,000,000.
The true history of the image is interesting, but still more remarkable
is the crust of legend with which the facts have become overlaid. It
was actually brought to the Islands in 1626 by Juan Niño de Tabora,
who had just been appointed Governor-General, and in 1672 it was
removed to its present home. According to the legends, the Virgin
crossed the Pacific eight or nine times, in addition to the original
voyage, and, on each one, calmed a tempest. On other occasions she
is said to have descended and appeared among the branches of the
antipolo or bread-fruit tree (whence the name of the present church),
to have survived the roaring fire in which the Chinese rebels cast
her in 1639, and to have given the Spaniards a complete victory over
twelve Dutch warships off Mariveles!
CAVITE PROVINCE.--This province is in the southwestern part of Luzon
lying along the shore of Manila Bay. It has a fine harbor in the city
of Cavite, actually the site of the United States Naval Station.
The most important agricultural products are rice, hemp, sugar, copra,
cacao, coffee, corn, and coconuts.
The city of Cavite, the capital, noted for its dock-yards is just
across the bay from Manila. It is an old town of historic interest. It
was there that the ships used in the Manila-Acapulco trade and in the
expeditions against the Mohammedan pirates in the south were fitted
out. In 1647 a Dutch squadron suddenly made its appearance off the
coast of the city and bombarded the fort. It is said that the Dutch
fired more than 2,000 cannon balls at the place, but in the end,
however, were forced to withdraw.
In 1872, a military mutiny led by Lamadrid took place in Cavite. This
mutiny though insignificant in itself had important political
results. The government made it an excuse for the execution of three
leading native priests, Dr. Jose Burgos and Fathers Gomez and Zamora,
and for the exile of many Filipino leaders of the liberal movement
of 1869-1871.
[Zapote Bridge]
From the beginning to the very end of the Revolution, Cavite Province
was the center of military operations. Zapote bridge, for example,
was more than once the scene of hard fighting. Practically every town
in the province was at one time or another fought over. Many of the
leaders of the Revolution, like Emilio Aguinaldo, who was President
of the Philippine Republic, his cousin Baldomero, Noriel, Trias,
and others are sons of Cavite. Moreover, when the Revolutionary
Government was established, Bacoor was really the first capital.
[Radio Station]
The city of Cavite is the United States' Navy base and radio station
in the Philippine Islands. The arsenal as well as the modern wireless
station in the extreme end of the peninsula should not be missed. The
city is about an hour's ride by automobile passing through the towns
of Parañaque, Las Piñas, Kawit, Noveleta, and San Roque. In the church
at Las Piñas may be seen the famous bamboo organ, old and quaint,
yet still serviceable. It was made by a priest exclusively from the
native bamboo tree. Cavite can also be reached by water, there being
small boats plying between the city and Manila at regular intervals.
[Kawit]
Kawit or Cavite Viejo is the town of General Emilio Aguinaldo. He
has his home there, which is noted for its historic interest. It is
preserved as it was during revolutionary days. Visitors can still see
the desk used by the General during the revolution as well as the holes
made by a cannon ball from Admiral Dewey's flagship "The Olimpia."
BATANGAS PROVINCE.--Batangas Province is immediately south of Cavite
Province. It has an irregular coastline and has many important ports,
such as Nasugbu, Calatagan, Balayan, Calaca, Lemeri, Taal, San Luis,
Batangas, Lobo, and San Juan.
At Laiya on the coast between San Juan and Lobo are the famous Lobo
submarine gardens. During fair weather the water here is as clear as
crystal and the submarine growth may be seen in all its varied colors.
The valleys and slopes of the province are extremely fertile because
of the disintegrated volcanic rock that is carried down from the
mountains by the river. Sugar, hemp, citrus fruits, coconut, corn,
mangoes, and other fruits and vegetables are grown in abundance. The
province is especially noted for its delicious oranges, grown in
Tanawan and Santo Tomas. Great herds of horses famous throughout the
archipelago as well as carabaos and cattle are raised on the mountain
slopes. Bawan and Lemeri are famous for the fine jusi and piña cloths
manufactured there and for the knotted abaca that is sent to Japan
for the manufacture of hats.
[Historical Incidents]
Throughout the 17th century the coast towns of Batangas suffered
greatly from Moro attacks. Stone forts were erected at various points
along the coast--in Lemeri, Taal, Bawan, and Batangas--but still
the Moros came. In 1754 as many as 38 Moro vessels appeared off the
coast. In 1763 the northern part of the province was visited by the
British in search of the treasure of the galleon "Philippine." The
expedition failed to find the treasure but went as far as Lipa
and plundered the town. Batangas was one of the first provinces to
start the revolution of 1896. Two of the great leaders of the period
were sons of the province, namely, the great lawyer and statesman,
Apolinario Mabini, and Miguel Malvar, the famous general.
[Attractions]
Among the attractions are the old picturesque buildings of Lipa
and Taal, the San Juan sulphur springs, the Bawan hot springs, and
the Rosario fresh water spring. There are also several caves and
grottos. The two largest are found in the slopes of Mount Pulan,
Suya, and Kamantigue of San Juan. One of the caves has an opening
of 40 meters in circumference. Issuing therefrom is an underground
river which empties into Lake Taal. Along its course are extensive
galleries and chambers lined with fantastically shaped stalactites
and stalagmites. At the approach of an eruption of the Taal Volcano
nearby, the cave emits a weird sound, audible at great distances.
[Taal Volcano]
Taal Volcano is the great scenic asset of the province. Almost at
the doors of Manila it is easily reached with practically none of the
discomfort which a trip to nature's wild spots usually involves. The
volcano is commonly known as the "cloud maker" and "the terrible." How
long this volcano has been emitting sulphurous smoke is not known; all
that is known is that back in the geologic past, volcanic outbursts
of enormous magnitude disturbed the regions about it. In the 18th
century the volcano erupted several times, and ruined many towns in
the neighborhood. The last and perhaps the worst eruption occurred
in January, 1911.
Then, after a long interval, old Taal, in a paroxysm of volcanic
activity, showed that he was still lusty and capable of making a huge
disturbance. In addition to the steam which had been coming from the
crater more or less continuously, the volcano began throwing out
mud. This activity increased, and culminated in a great explosion
at about half past 2 on the morning of January 30th. The hot water,
mud, and ashes completely devastated about 90 square miles of country;
while some mud and fine ashes fell over an area of more than 800 square
miles. Many villages were destroyed and the official estimate of the
dead was 1,335. The spasm of activity died away until the volcano
again assumed its normal state about February 8th. Since then it has
been very quiet, though a small mud geyser has started up along the
old fault line which extends from Taal to the coast. This is located
on the beach at the village of Sinisian.
Before the eruption the floor of the crater stood about five feet
above the level of Lake Bombon. In it were four prominent features:
Two small lakes of hot water, one green, the other more or less red;
near the center a gas vent five or six feet in diameter, from which the
hot gases roared as from a blast furnace; and just a little distance
away a triangular obelisk of hard volcanic rock. During the eruption
all of the material in the bottom of this crater, to a depth of about
230 feet, was heaved up and spread broadcast over the country. Later
on, this hole filled up with water, which seeped in from the lake
almost up to the level of the old floor, or about that of the lake
itself. There is now one large body of steaming water in place of
the former features, but the old obelisk still stands defiantly in
its place.
The volcano consists of an active crater near the center of a low
island not over 5 1/2 miles in its longest diameter. The island is
situated at the center of Taal Lake (Bombon) which is about 17 miles
long and 10 1/2 miles wide. The lake is 10 meters deep and is 2.5
meters above sea level.
A small launch carries those who would look down into the crater across
the lake to the island from which the volcano rises. The volcano is
about a thousand feet in height and is fairly easy to climb.
TAYABAS PROVINCE, the second largest, is on the Pacific coast of the
Philippine Islands. The province is noted for its copra, abacá and
corn which are raised for export. Mineral resources are abundant in
the Bondoc Peninsula where gold, coal, and petroleum are found. Aside
from agriculture and mining, however, there are other industries such
as hat-making and lumbering. There is a lumber camp at Guinayañgan
and a modern saw and planing mill in Lucena. The Botocan Falls,
where a stream 40 feet wide makes a leap of 190 feet, could supply
the entire province with light and power for all its needs.
[Lucena and Atimonan]
The spin to Lucena and Atimonan, both in the Province of Tayabas over
the South Road, is a favorite one. On the east are the little town of
Binañgonan de Lampon, a celebrated port in the sixteenth century in
the galleon trade, and the landlocked harbor of Hondagua, destined
to be the direct port of call of steamers coming from the Pacific
Coast of the United States and Canada.
On the way, stop can readily be made at the town of Calamba, Laguna,
about 37 miles from Manila. This is the birthplace of the Filipino
author, and patriot Dr. Jose Rizal. Although the house where he was
born is no longer standing, the site can easily be found opposite the
church and market. Calamba has an added importance in that the town has
a modern sugar central, which the traveler should not fail to visit.
[Los Baños]
A short detour can readily be made also at Los Baños ("The Baths"),
a town which owes its name and its importance to the hot mineral
springs which abound in the neighborhood and have been found to be of
great medicinal value especially for the treatment of certain skin
diseases and rheumatism. The springs have been known for a great
length of time. Even during the Spanish days the town was a much
frequented resort, a hospital with pools and vapored rooms having
been built as far back as 1571.
[College of Agriculture]
A short distance from Los Baños, and occupying an extremely picturesque
side are the palms and buildings of the College of Agriculture
of the University of the Philippines, an institution which trains
young Filipinos in a calling which must for many years to come be
the foundation of the economic prosperity of the islands.
THE BICOL PROVINCES.--Farther south, are the provinces of Albay,
Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon, known as the Bicol
Provinces, because inhabited by Bicolanos. All four provinces are
noted for their beautiful mountain views and extensive plantations of
coconut and hemp. In Albay the forests are extensive, providing timber,
rattan, pili-nuts, and gum for export. Gutta-percha and Para rubber
trees are extensively cultivated. There are wide pasture grounds for
horses, cattle, carabaos, goats, and sheep. The temperature is even
and the nights are cool and refreshing. There are also salubrious
mineral springs, the best known being the Tiwi Hot Sulphur Springs
in the town of Naga.
The Province of Catanduanes abounds in gold, copper, and iron. The
Batan coal mines which are being operated are supplying several
manufacturing and gas plants. There are quarries of marble in Pantaon;
gypsum deposits in Ligao; and lime in Guinobatan and Camalig.
Camarines Norte is rich in mineral resources. Gold is found in many
places, exploitation being actually carried on in Paracale. There
are also deposits of iron, silver, lead, and copper.
Camarines Sur, on the valley of Bicol River and the Caramoan Peninsula,
is noted for its rattan industry. Hemp planting and fishing and
coconut growing are the other principal industries.
Sorsogon occupies the southernmost tip of the Bicol Peninsula. The
largest indenture in its irregular coast is the gulf of Sorsogon,
a land-locked body of water and one of the finest harbors in the
Philippines. The land is mountainous and covered with excellent lumber
suitable for ship-building and furniture making. In the forests rattan
grows in abundance and is exported to all the provinces. The chief
products are abaca and coconuts.
Sorsogon, the capital, located on the gulf, is an important commercial
town. Pilar is noted for her shipyards; ships, lorchas, and boats
are built here from the fine timber grown nearby.
[Sceneries]
Among the sceneries are the Guinulajon waterfalls, near the capital,
the wild vegetation and the cataracts along the Irosin River, the
medicinal hot springs of Mombon, Bujan, and Mapaso, together with
the beautiful panorama from the Bulusan Volcano are especially
striking. Like Mount Vesuvius, Mount Bulusan has an old crater,
and a new cone that has appeared on the slopes. Inside the crater,
about 500 feet deep, are two pools of hot water which form the basin
from which the Irosin River rises.
A great event in the history of Sorsogon was the invention of a
hemp-stripping machine by a priest named Espellargas, about 1669. The
invention was made in Bacon, where it seems hemp then abounded. The
contrivance was ingeniously constructed and was quite well adapted
to local conditions.
[Historical Incidents]
Many of the galleons that the Spanish Government used in the
Manila-Acapulco trade were built in Sorsogon, especially on the
Island of Bagatao, at the entrance of Sorsogon Bay. Many of these
ships were wrecked while navigating the waters of Sorsogon, because
they laid their course for Mexico via the San Bernardino Strait, a
passage which abounds in dangerous currents, shoals, and rocks. The
galleon San Cristobal was wrecked in 1733 near the Calantas Rock. In
1793, the galleon Magallanes also ran aground at this place. Other
vessels went down in this neighborhood from time to time, as the Santo
Cristo de Burgos, in 1726, near Ticao, and the San Andres, in 1798,
near Naranja Island.
[Volcanoes]
Peerless Mayon of the perfect cone is in Albay, the volcano of Isarog
in Ambos Camarines, and Bulusan in Sorsogon.
For those who love mountain climbing, the ascent to the peak of Mayon
Volcano should not be missed.
The actual ascent, though arduous, is perfectly practicable. It
requires from a day and a half to two days from Albay. By leaving the
latter place on horseback at noon it is possible to ride one-third
of the way up before dark. Leaving the horses at the camping place,
the summit can be reached and the return trip made to Albay on the
following day. A vivid description of the trip, written by Dr. Paul
C. Freer, Director of the Bureau of Science, follows:
"This great volcano rises from the seacoast, between Legaspi and
Tabaco, in the form of an almost perfect cone--the white houses and
church towers of the surrounding settlements and the deeper-colored
verdure of the trees at its base, higher up the brilliant green
of the bare glass streaked here and there by old lava flows,
and still higher a grayish black cinder and ash cone tapering
to the peak, with a small plume of steam escaping apparently
from the extreme summit. The ascent is interesting, but may, if
proper precautions are not taken, be dangerous. The rise of the
land in the first part is scarcely perceptible, the road winding
through forest interspersed with great plantations of manila hemp;
above, as it becomes steeper, the latter give way almost entirely
to tropical jungle; and finally the path emerges into cogonal,
which extends as far as the angle of the slope will permit. Here
and there the entire slope is cut by deep ravines, indicating
old lava flows. The way up the cone at first invariably lies in
one of these ravines, but now and again the mountain climber is
compelled to cross rolling cinder beds only a few inches deep,
and lying upon a harder base, almost invariably with an abrupt
descent below. The angle is so great that every precaution must be
taken, as a slip would prove fatal. A good steelshod alpenstock
is practically indispensable. The last five hundred feet are
along the perpendicular lava and tuff crags of the summit, the
ambitious climber clinging to the latter with hands and toes,
wherever support is possible and slowly working his way to the
edge of the crater. Finally, standing upon the rotten foothold
afforded by the latter he looks down into what appears to be a
deep dark well from which small quantities of sulphur-laden gas
escape. Around him on the margin jets of steam arise; the ground
on which he stands is hot, the boys carrying the canteens are far
below, the dry breeze helps the evaporation, and he realizes that
he is very, very thirsty. However, the view from the top repays
all effort. The entire southern portion of Luzon is visible,
stretching away in a succession of fields, forests, and diminutive
villages, to the straits of San Bernardino, across which Samar
may be seen, and even Leyte, on a clear day. The lake of Bato,
the interisland waters, and finally Burias are seen to the west;
to the north there appears apparently one unbroken stretch of
land with here and there a glimpse of the sea; and the Gulf of
Albay with the towns of Legaspi, Tabaco, and Daraga, as well
as the smaller islands to the east, seem to be almost within a
stone's throw. I have been high up on the slopes of Etna, at the
entrance to the Val del Bobe, from which many travelers maintain
the finest in the world is to be obtained, but I certainly think
that from the summit of Mayon the vista surpasses the one from
its sister volcano in Sicily.... Mayon Volcano is decidedly one
of the show places of the Philippines, and the wonder is that many
of our visitors do not take the opportunity to make the ascent."
BULACAN PROVINCE is named from the Tagalog word "bulac" meaning
"cotton" which was once the principal product of the region. Together
with the Provinces of Pampanga, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija, the province
forms what is commonly known as the region of Central Luzon.
[Description and History]
The soil, which is of alluvial and volcanic origin, is rich. Rice,
corn, sugar, pineapples, bananas, betel nut, mangoes, and all sorts of
vegetables are raised in the well irrigated and low-lying lands. The
nipa swamps which supply most of the nipa thatches, vinegar, and
alcohol are the principal stand-by of a great many people. The forests
cover over 89,980 hectares and yield good commercial timber and many
minor forest products.
Aside from agriculture and mining, the industries of the province
are making hats (Baliuag) and silk textiles, weaving, tanning,
fish breeding, distilling alcohol, and furniture-making. Baliuag,
Meycauayan, Obando, Polo, Hagonoy, and San Miguel are the centers of
these industries.
In the events which followed the arrival of the British in 1762, the
province figured conspicuously, serving as a center of resistance
during British occupation of Manila. The Spanish Governor, Anda,
just before the capitulation of Manila escaped to this province where
he organized a government of his own to carry on hostilities against
the British and to hold the country in its loyalty to Spain. In the
encounters, however, between Anda's forces and the British, Anda's
resistance was overcome, and Bulacan like the other provinces fell
into British hands.
Some of the most notable events in the Philippine revolution took
place in Bulacan Province. It was at Biac-na-Bato, in the mountains of
Bulacan, where in December of 1897 the famous Pact of Biac-na-Bato was
concluded, and the town of Malolos was for some time the capital of
the Philippine Republic. Here, in the historic church of Barasoain,
the Congress which drafted the Constitution of the Republic held
its sessions. Conspicuous figures of the revolution like M. H. del
Pilar and Mariano Ponce whose names are connected with the period of
propaganda are sons of this province.
[Attractions]
Among the other attractions are the Mineral Baths at Marilao, on the
Manila north road, and Sibul Springs near San Miguel de Mayumo. This is
a popular health resort only about three hours ride from Manila. The
water of the springs have enjoyed a considerable reputation for a
long time. They are very beneficial in diseases of the intestinal
tract, especially those of a chronic and catarrhal nature. Owing to
the gases which the water contains the baths are most refreshing.
PAMPANGA PROVINCE is said to be the lowest and most level of all the
provinces. It is the chief sugar raising province in Luzon. Some of
the islands' modern sugar centrals are there. Besides farming, sugar
making, lumbering, and fishing, the people are engaged in several
other industries such as distillation of alcohol, buri hat making,
and pottery.
[Historical Incidents]
About the middle of the seventeenth century, two great rebellions
broke out in the province. The first of these took place in 1645 as a
result of the injustices connected with the collection of tributes. It
spread quickly and extended to Zambales. The second revolt took place
fifteen years later as a result of the forcible employment of natives
in the work of cutting timber and of the failure of the Government
to pay for large amounts of rice collected in Pampanga for the use
of the royal officials. The leader of the rebellion was Francisco
Maniago. It spread rapidly among the inhabitants of the towns along
the banks of the Pampanga River, and was only suppressed after drastic
measures were taken by Governor-General de Lara.
Pampanga was one of the first provinces to start the Revolution. During
the early part of the war Mariano Llanera commanded the Revolutionary
forces. Later Tiburcio Hilario took possession of the province as
governor in the name of the Revolutionary Government.
[Attractions]
Among the attractions are the sugar centrals, Camp Stotsenberg, one of
the principal Army posts and an airplane station of the United States,
dome-shaped Mount Arayat, about 3,300 feet in height and fairly easy
to climb, and San Fernando, the capital, with its handsome capitol
and school buildings grouped about the pretty plaza.
Arayat, a picturesque village lying at the foot of the mountain of that
name is an ideal spot for those desiring to camp out. Nearby is the
little barrio of Baño where there is an ancient tile bath constructed
by the Spanish Friars. It consists of a tile lined tank some forty
feet in length and of varying depths, filled by a crystal-clear spring
which gushes into it from a grassy bank just above.
Mount Arayat is a perfect cone that rises majestically from the
immense plain of Central Luzon, and is visible for miles around,
presenting the same conical shape no matter from what direction viewed.
Several trails lead to the top of the mountain from where a wonderful
panorama can be seen. It was an insurgent stronghold during the war,
but its heights were scaled by American troops and its defenders
dispersed. Scientists state that the mountain is an extinct volcano and
local tradition has it that the original town of Arayat was destroyed
by an eruption and covered by ashes.
TARLAC PROVINCE is also in the central plain of Luzon. The province
has two distinct geographical areas. The northern and eastern parts
consists of an extensive plain while the rest is covered with mountains
which abound in timber suitable for building material and furniture
making. The minor forest products are anahaw, palasan, rattan, honey
and bojo for sawali.
There was an uprising in this province somewhere in 1762 headed by
Juan de la Cruz Palaris. In 1896 the province was one of the original
eight provinces where a state of war was declared to be in existence
against the Spaniards. When Malolos was evacuated by the Philippine
Revolutionary Government, the town of Tarlac became for a time the
central headquarters.
Among the attractions are the medicinal springs in O'Donell in the
municipality of Capas and those of Sinait.
NUEVA ECIJA PROVINCE is the rice granary of the Philippine Islands,
being first in the production of the cereal, Pangasinan coming
second. The rolling hills towards the mountains are suitable for
pasture lands. The mountains are thick with untouched forests that
yield fine wood and other minor products. In the mountains and rivers
gold is found. The province was one of the first eight provinces to
raise the standard of revolt in 1896. It has a number of flourishing
towns at present, due to the continuous boom in the rice market. There
are many mineral hot springs, the ones at Bongabon and Pantabañgan
being the most important. Among the attractions are the irrigation
system in San Jose which supplies water over an extensive territory
and the Government Agricultural School at Muñoz which is attended
by many students from all the provinces, and which is noted for its
unique method of practical instruction.
[Attractions]
BATAAN PROVINCE occupies the whole of the peninsula lying between
the China Sea and Manila Bay. It is a province of various peculiar
phenomena. Northwest of Dinalupihan is a small conical mountain,
250 meters high, which has a fresh water lake at the top. In the
neighborhood of Malasimbo are a few shallow marshes, the shores and
waters of which are tinted red by dust said to be formed from the
remains of microscopic animalculæ. Near Orani is a bed of iron hydride
which the people of the region used to make into paints for walls
and carriages. There are also deposits of clay of which "pilones"
are made. There is also a large deposit of shells which are burned
for lime used in the indigo and sugar industries. On the shores of
Orani is a fresh water spring that rises from a spot covered daily
by the tides. Near the town of Orion is a quaking bog, impassable by
either man or beast. Another, smaller one, is found in Ogon, Balanga.
[Historical Incidents]
During the first two decades of the seventeenth century, the coast of
Bataan was more than once the scene of battles against the Dutch. The
first of these encounters took place in 1600 off the coast of
Mariveles. The Dutch were commanded by Admiral Van Noort, while the
Spanish-Filipino army was led by the historian, Antonio de Morga,
then an order of the Manila Real Audiencia. The Spanish-Filipino
squadron suffered heavy losses, but the Dutch were nevertheless
forced to retreat. Nine years later, the Dutch again appeared off
the Mariveles coast. This time they were led by Admiral Wittert,
against whom Governor Silva sent a hastily fitted out squadron
of six small vessels manned by Spaniards and Filipinos. The Dutch
were defeated. In spite of these reverses, the Dutch continued their
hostile visits to the Philippines. In 1646, they bombarded Zamboanga,
unsuccessfully attacked Cavite, and finally effected a landing in
Abucay, Bataan. Here they committed depredations and massacred more
than four hundred Filipino soldiers who had laid down their arms. They
were not driven away until after a long siege.
[Mariveles]
The town of Mariveles and Mount Mariveles are the principal
attractions. The town has an important harbor where the ships are
detained and fumigated when necessary before entering or leaving
Manila Bay. West of the town is a quarry of white stone called by the
Spaniards, "mármol de Mariveles." This stone has served as material
for the pedestal and column of the statue of Charles IV in Manila. A
well near the quarry produces siliceous water.
There is a beautiful legend connected with the town of Mariveles. A
Spanish girl by the name of Maria Velez, who was a nun in Santa Clara
Convent, fell in love with a friar, with whom she later eloped to
Kamaya, there to await a galleon on which they intended to secure
passage for Acapulco. The elopement caused excitement in Manila,
and the corregidor (magistrate) with a few men was sent to Kamaya
in search of the refugees. It is said that in memory of the persons
involved in this story Kamaya was given the name of Mariveles, the
big island to the south was named Corregidor, the little island to
the west was called Monja (nun) and another small island, off the
Cavite coast, was called Fraile.
[Mount Mariveles]
Mount Mariveles rises in the midst of the whole peninsula of Bataan. It
is about 4,700 feet in height and forms a conspicuous object from
the city especially when illuminated by the brilliant hues of the
sunset sky. Though once an active volcano its sides are now covered
with vegetation and practically the whole of its slopes down to a
very short distance off the shore are virgin tropical jungles. The
ascent of the mountain can be conveniently made from a day and a half
to two days from Lamao, where the Philippine Government maintains a
scientific experimental farm. The trail up the mountain passes along
a ridge with here and there steep but short slopes. As the ascent is
made the trees become noticeably smaller and orchids, ferns, mosses
and the like much more abundant. From the first peak 2,800 feet high,
the traveler can obtain a view of what Agassiz termed the greatest
wonders of nature--the sea, the mountains, and the tropical forests.
The view from the very top surpasses that from the first peak. To
the east lies the bay, with Manila and Cavite in the distance; to
the south nestles Corregidor Island with the surf beating its shores;
beyond is the China Sea, dotted here and there with specks of vessels
bound to and from Hongkong or the other islands; to the north and
west is a semi-circle of forest-covered peaks, standing as sentinels
guarding the amphitheater-like crater; and to the northeast lie the
cultivated fields of rice and sugar cane, studded here and there with
the church steeples that mark the sites of the towns.
ZAMBALES PROVINCE.--North of Bataan along the western coast of Luzon
is the Province of Zambales. It has two important harbors that are
well sheltered--Olongapo and Subic. Olongapo is a naval station which
boasts of one of the largest floating dry docks in the world.
Zambales was also visited by the Dutch during the early part of
the seventeenth century. It was in 1617 that Admiral Spielbergen,
with a powerful fleet appeared off the coast of Playa Honda. The
Government forces, under the command of Juan Ronquillo, sallied out
and engaged the Dutch squadron. Spielbergen displayed much bravery,
but was defeated.
[Naval Station]
The only points of particular interest are the Naval Station along the
coast which is, however, practically abandoned, and the fortifications
on Grande Island, at the entrance to the bay. To visit either of them
permits from the military or naval authorities are necessary. The
floating dry-dock Dewey whose voyage from the United States was a
matter of much public interest in 1906 is now located here.
PANGASINAN PROVINCE is the second largest rice producing province in
the archipelago. Tobacco and coconuts are also principal products. The
swamp lands and the tide flats are sources of nipa thatches and
alcohol. Mongo, cogon, sugar cane, and mangoes are also raised
extensively.
[Salt Making and Industries]
Along the tidal flats, salt making is so universal that the province
has been named "Pangasinan," meaning, "the place where there is
salt." Large parts of these same tidal lands are converted into
artificial fish ponds with suitable gates that admit water during
high tide. Even as far south as Bayambang, the overflowed lands of the
Agno River have been converted into similar ponds where quantities of
fresh-water fish are obtained and shipped to Manila in large baskets
containing water.
The famous Calasiao hat made from the leaf of the buri palm comes from
Pangasinan. Mat-making is an industry in Bani and Bolinao. Lingayen
uses the palm fiber for making sugar sacks and San Carlos for the
"salacot" or native helmet. Calasiao, Mañgaldan, and San Carlos prepare
the "tabo" or native cup from the coconut shell. Binmaley and Dagupan
manufacture the "sueco" (wooden shoe), from the woods cut in the
Zambales mountains. San Carlos, Binmaley, Santa Barbara, Malasiqui,
and Bayambang have brickyards and manufactories of pottery. Mañgaldan
is famous for its indigo blue and blue-black dyes.
[Historical Events]
Historically the province is important in that it was there that in
1574 the Chinese pirate Limahong after his repulse in Manila appeared
with his vast army at the mouth of the Agno River and tried to found
a settlement on its banks. This attempt, however, was a failure.
During the period from 1660 to about 1765, two important revolts
occurred in Pangasinan. The first was in 1660 led by Andres Malong,
who attempted to establish a great kingdom with Binalatoñgan as
capital and comprising all of northern and western Luzon as far
south as Zambales and Pampanga. The second revolt was led by the
famous Pangasinan leader, Juan de la Cruz Palaris, often known as
"Palaripar." It took place in 1762, caused by the injustices of the
tribute. Its center was also at Binalatoñgan. It lasted over two years,
ending with the capture and execution of Palaris in 1765.
MOUNTAIN PROVINCE.--The Mountain Province is the third largest province
in the Philippines. It comprises the vast mountainous territory between
the Provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and the Ilocos. It
is made up of several sub-provinces.
Bakun district in the sub-province of Amburayan has some of the
most striking rice terraces thousands of feet high. It is a region
surrounded by high precipices, so that parts of the trails to Bakun
consist of ladders hundreds of feet high on the sides of the cliffs.
The sub-province of Apayao contains one of the richest virgin forests
in the Philippines but because of the difficulty of transportation
lumber is not cut on a commercial scale. There are also deposits of
copper and ore as well as limestone but they are little explored.
The sub-province of Benguet is at present the most important
gold-mining district in the Mountain Province. The Igorots had
exploited the mines long before the coming of the Spaniards and it is
said that because of the experience already acquired, the Igorots are
today more skillful gold miners than those who use their knowledge of
chemistry and mining engineering. Hot springs are found at Klondikes,
Daklan, and Bungias. Coal deposits exist in Mount Kapangan.
The city of Baguio, the capital of Benguet, is situated in the
southwestern part of the province. About 160 miles to the north of
Manila, it is built high up among the Benguet mountains. It ranges in
elevation from 4,500 to over 5,500 feet, and is surrounded practically
on all sides by high mountains. The city at present is the summer
capital of the Philippines. For a fuller description see page 61.
The sub-province of Bontok is exceedingly mountainous. Besides
agriculture and pottery making, the principal industries consist of
basket making, lumbering, weaving, and metal working. The women by
means of their hand-looms weave a great deal of high colored cloth
out of yarn which they get by barter from the people of Isabela and
Abra. The men manufacture head-axes and knives.
[Ifugao Rice Terraces]
The sub-province of Ifugao is famous for the remarkable rice terraces
along its mountain sides. Nowhere in the Philippines is irrigation
developed to the point reached in this sub-province. There are
approximately 100 square miles of irrigated rice terraces that are
watered by great ditches several miles long. The terraces are all
buttressed with stone walls which measure a total length of about
12,000 miles. These terraces have been built without any knowledge
of engineering. It is believed that the construction of the present
terraces and irrigation systems has taken from 1,200 to 1,500 years of
time. Generation after generation had toiled on them patiently. The
Ifugaos have so utilized every drop of available water supply that
in most places no more ditches can be constructed for lack of water.
The terraces are built of stones mined near by, of which there are
extensive areas. No animals are used for field work everything being
done by hand. Salt springs and deposits of rock salts are also found
in several places.
The sub-province of Lepanto is next to Ifugao in the number of
rice terraces. Camotes, pineapples, sugar cane, and cotton are also
raised. Lepanto and Benguet are the regions having the most minerals
in Luzon. All the mountain ranges have millions of pesos worth of
copper ore deposits. Mankayan is the center of the copper mining
industry. Here the Spaniards found the natives using the Chinese
method of mine smelting.
[Gold Mining and Industries]
Suyok is the gold mining center. Here is found one of the most striking
features of the world. The whole side of a range of mountains, about
15 kilometers across, slides down to the valley, and on this slide,
named the Palidan Slide, are found parts of gold veins which must
have their connection somewhere else.
The household industries are well developed. Clay products, such
as pots, jars, and pipes are made for export. The men are experts
in metal-working. They make weapons, pots, and spoons out of copper
which they mine and smelt by native process. They also manufacture
iron or steel spears, bolos, knives, and tools of all sorts, which
they sell to or barter with the natives of the lowlands. They also
carve wood into images, bowls, ornaments, and other utensils.
The women make sufficient cloths for their own use and for sale. They
spin, dye, and weave the cotton raised there.
LA UNION PROVINCE occupies a narrow strip of land immediately north of
the Province of Pangasinan and west of the Mountain Province. Tobacco,
rice, sisal, hemp, sugar, coconuts, corn, and cotton form the most
important products. At the foot of Mount Bayabas is a hot salt
spring. The Manila Railroad operates lines as far as Bauang. San
Fernando, the capital, may be reached either by boat or by automobile
from Bauang.
[Industries]
ILOCOS SUR PROVINCE.--Immediately north of La Union is the Province of
Ilocos Sur, a region specially adapted to the cultivation of maguey
the fiber of which constitutes the principal export. But because
the soil will not support the population a great many persons have
turned to manufacture and trade. This has given rise to industrial
specialization in different towns. Those along the coast extract
salt from the sea water and export it in great quantities to inland
provinces. In San Esteban, there is a quarry of stone from which
mortars and grindstones are made. San Vicente, Vigan, and San Ildefonso
specialize in woodworking, the first in carved wooden boxes and images
and the others in household furniture. Most of the wood used in these
handicrafts is imported from Abra and Cagayan. Bantay is the home of
skilled silversmiths. In the other towns saddles, harness, slippers,
mats, pottery, and hats are made and exported to some extent. Sisal
and hemp fiber extraction and weaving of cotton cloth are common
household industries throughout the province.
The province embraces within its confines some of the oldest towns in
the Philippines. Besides Vigan several other towns already existed
in this region before the close of the sixteenth century; namely,
Santa, Narvacan, Bantay, Candon, and Sinait.
Just above Narvacan, on the highway which runs along the beach is an
ancient watch-tower and a stretch of road bordered by a curious brick
retaining wall of Spanish construction. Numerous ancient shrines are
also to be seen along the Ilocos roads where the pious prayed that
Heavenly favor might be shown them in their journeys.
The towns of Paoay and Batac are noted for their magnificent churches
which are worth traveling a long distance to see.
[Historical]
Two important uprisings are recorded in the history of Ilocos Sur--the
Malong rebellion in 1660 and the Silang rebellion in 1763. Malong,
who was trying to carve out a kingdom for himself in Pangasinan
and the neighboring territory, sent his two able generals, "Count"
Gumapos and Jacinto Macasiag to the north to effect the conquest of
this region. Gumapos and Macasiag, however, proceeded only as far as
Vigan, from which place they were recalled by Malong. Diego Silang,
who led the great rebellion of 1762, dominated the greater part of
Ilocos Sur. He fought pitched battles with the Spanish forces at Vigan
and Cabugao and practically succeeded in establishing a government
of his own in Ilocos Sur.
ILOCOS NORTE PROVINCE occupies the whole of the coastal plain in the
northwestern corner of Luzon. This province is noted for the many
revolts that occurred there, from the beginning of Spanish rule to the
first decades of the nineteenth century. The two most important were
those caused by the general discontent over the tobacco monopoly and
over the wine monopoly, which occurred in 1788 and 1807 respectively.
The mountains surrounding the province are covered with fine timber
trees. Resin, honey, and wax are also found on their slopes. A few
grottos or caves are found in the interior. There are a number of
stone quarries. Limestone is found in at least three places, while
the beach supplies a great amount of coral for road building. There
are also deposits of manganese and asbestos which are being exploited.
The weaving of textiles--towels, blankets, wearing apparel, and
handkerchiefs--is the principal industry among women. Mat-making and
the pottery industry are also well developed.
Laoag, the capital, has a population of about 40,000. It is entered
from the south by crossing the longest bridge in the islands. Laoag
plaza, on which the provincial buildings front, is well cared for
and the ancient bell tower on the opposite side is said to resemble
a famous Italian campanile.
Bangui is "farthest north" in Luzon where the highway ends. Its climate
is cool resembling that of a California summer. Woolen clothes may
be worn with comfort in the cold season. It is always swept by cool
breezes. The view of sea and land from the crest of a hill just
before Bangui is entered will hold the attention of even the most
travelled tourist.
ABRA PROVINCE is south of Ilocos Norte. It is a beautiful mountainous
region. It is considered to be the seismic center of Northern Luzon. It
is drained by the voluminous Abra River which is the highway to the
Province of Ilocos Sur. The valley drained by this river and its
tributaries is covered with luxuriant vegetation. Corn, tobacco, and
rice are the most important products. The mountains are covered with
forests containing timber eminently suitable for construction. There
is gold dust along the Binoñgan River in the town of Lacub. Of mineral
springs that of the Iomin River is the most important. This has a
temperature ranging from 70 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit with a
flow of 3 to 4 cubic centimeters per second.
[Cagayan River]
THE CAGAYAN VALLEY.--Adjoining the Mountain Province in the very
northeastern corner of Luzon is the Province of Cagayan. Together with
the neighboring Provinces of Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya to the south it
forms what is known as the Cagayan Valley. Something of these great
tobacco provinces can be seen by taking the steamer from Manila to
Aparri and then sailing up the Cagayan River. This is a Mississippi,
a Nile of a river, navigable by interisland steamers for twenty-five
miles. Its chief importance lies in its periodical inundations,
which, leaving their deposits of alluvial loam along the strips
of lowland by the banks of the stream, make it the finest tobacco
country of this part of the world. This crop has for a very long
time been the staple source of wealth, though other plants can be
cultivated with success. How great is the productivity of the soil,
despite the exhausting effect of tobacco upon it, may be gathered from
the following remark made in an official report. "The 'good land' was
understood to be those parts fertilized annually by the overflow of
the river.... The other land was not considered first class because it
could only produce tobacco for ten or twelve years without enrichment,
the subject of fertilizing never having received any attention from
the planters of that region."
By small boats it is possible to reach Cauayan, Isabela. From there
the road is so nearly completed that autos can be taken to Santa Fé,
Nueva Vizcaya, where it divides, one branch, an automobile road,
leading to San Jose, Nueva Ecija, and thence to Manila; the other a
horseback trail to San Nicolas, Pangasinan, a short and easy stage
to the railroad. Among the sights is a salt-incrusted mountain,
a dazzling landmark for miles around in Nueva Vizcaya. The people
thereabouts often place small objects, such as baskets, under the
drip of the salt springs. These become coated with salt in such a
manner that they appear to be of pure marble.
[Isabela and Palanan]
Like many other provinces Isabela Province was the scene of important
uprisings. In 1763, for example, stirred by the influence of the
Silang rebellion in Ilocos, the people of Isabela revolted, led
on by Dabo and Juan Morayac. The centers of rebellion were Ilagan
and Cabagan. Again in 1785, another revolt broke out. This time the
rebellion was led by Labutao and Baladon. The rebellion was caused
by the grievances of the people against the collection of tribute
and the enforcement of the tobacco monopoly.
The historical spot of Isabela is the little town of Palanan on
Palanan Bay, on the Pacific Coast. The bay is exposed to the weather
and the anchorage is reefy, while the town is separated from the
rest of the province by great mountains which make communication
and travel difficult and dangerous. It was in this town that General
Emilio Aguinaldo retreated and maintained his headquarters until his
capture by General Funston by a ruse in March, 1901.
[Salinas Salt Springs]
NUEVA VIZCAYA PROVINCE is south of Cagayan on the Pacific Coast
of Luzon. It contains vast areas of fertile public lands suitable
for rice, tobacco, sugar, coconuts, beans, potatoes, coffee, and
abaca, practically untouched, as well as virgin forests filled
with all classes of valuable timber. The province is the gateway
to and granary of the tobacco-producing provinces to the north. The
climatic conditions of the province are unsurpassed. There are places
the climate of which is similar to that of Baguio. There are also
places of scenic beauty, such as Salinas, which are not inferior
to world-famous objectives of tourist travel. The salt springs at
Salinas have been from time immemorial the source of this essential
food element to the peoples of even distant regions.
MINDORO PROVINCE is named after the Spanish phrase "mina de oro" or
"gold mine," as mining is said to have once been a great source of
wealth in the region. The province is co-extensive in territory with
the Island of Mindoro, southwest of Luzon. Rice, copra, abacá, sugar,
and corn are the principal products. Along the coast are extensive
nipa swamps.
[Mineral Deposits]
Gold is found in the Rivers of Binabay, Baco, Bongabong, and Magasauan
Tubig. Coal of good quality is found north and west of Bulalacao,
white marbles northwest of Mount Halcon, slate deposits near the
headquarters of Pagaban and other rivers of the western coast, sulphur,
and gypsum on Lake Naujan, and south of Calapan, hot springs between
the sea and the northwestern part of Lake Naujan, and salt springs
in Damagan, Bulalacao. Guano deposits are found in the caves.
[Submarine Garden]
An interesting two-day trip from Manila is that to the landlocked
harbor of Puerto Galera at the northern end of the island. The
attraction of the place lies in the fine scenery along the coast and
in the unusual transparency of the water, which permits visitors,
especially if glass-bottomed boats are at hand, to inspect the varied
life which teems in the depths below. There is here as on the coast of
Batangas a marine garden of bewildering and exquisite beauty. Nature
seems to have made special effort to crowd beneath a few acres of
sea all of the most entrancing wonders of the deep. There is coral of
every design, color, and variety. There are thousands of plants which
present a wealthy and gorgeous harmony of color. There are myriads of
wonderful fish which outrival the coral and the vegetation in variety
and richness of hue. Some are as green as grass, others as gold as
a guinea.
There are at present no regular boats making the trip and special
arrangements will have to be made in order to be able to visit
the place.
PALAWAN.--The province of Palawan occupies the long and narrow Island
of Palawan situated between Mindoro on the north and Borneo on the
south. Besides this long and narrow island the province includes about
200 other small islets. A great part of the island is still unexplored,
the island itself not being accessible to the traveler. The chief
industries of the people are fishing, gathering trepangs, sea-shells,
and edible birds' nest on the limestone cliffs near the shore.
The proximity of the island with the Dutch East Indies and to Borneo
puts it in a very advantageous position commercially. It is also
favored by valleys of great fertility and by well protected harbors.
[Iwahig Penal Colony]
Among the places of special interest in Palawan may be mentioned
Balabac on the island of the same name. It was to this island that many
of the Filipinos were exiled in 1896 because of alleged complicity
in the Katipunan which in August of that year raised the standard of
revolt. The Iwahig Penal Colony about 8 miles from Puerto Princesa,
the capital, is also easy of access. This is a novel experiment
in the reformatory treatment of criminals. Here have been gathered
under the name of "colonists" over 500 convicts who have conducted
themselves well at Bilibid prison in Manila. They are put at entire
liberty without any armed guard or any special restraint. All of the
petty officers are prisoners as are also all the police. Agriculture
and various trades are carried on, and, under certain conditions,
the prisoners are given an allotment of land and their families are
allowed to join them.
[Culion Leper Colony]
To the north of the province is the little Island of Culion where
the leper colony is situated. There is no regular transportation
except by the government cutter that makes periodical trips, and
the colony itself is not ordinarily open to visitors. There are
about 2,000 inmates in the colony and they are well taken care of by
the Philippine Government, many having been cured completely of the
unfortunate malady. In minor matters the lepers form a self-governing
community electing their own council and supplying the policemen and
other subordinate officials.
[Underground River]
On the west coast of Palawan, almost uninhabited and still largely
uncharted, there is a very remarkable underground river. This has
been explored several times by Government officials, a launch having
in one instance entered the mouth and proceeded under the mountain
for more than 2 miles. At present the river can only be reached by
taking a long and expensive trip away from the main routes of travel,
but it is destined some time to be known as one of the remarkable
sights of the world.
ROMBLON PROVINCE.--The Province of Romblon has nothing of special
interest to the tourist except the town of Romblon which has one of the
best natural harbors in the islands and the extensive marble deposits
which have been quarried and used for years and are now disappearing.
THE VISAYAS.--The "Visayas" is the general name given to the central
portion of the Philippine Archipelago. It includes the large Islands of
Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, and Samar, and a very great number
of smaller islands and islets. Though greatly broken up by mountains,
these contain the most thickly populated districts in the Islands
and constitute by far the largest area inhabited by a single stock
(the Visayan) and speaking, though with many dialect variations, one
language. Within this area are the best sugar and some of the best
hemp lands, and many other important products of the Islands grow
well. To the tourist, perhaps, they do not, outside of the cities of
Cebu and Iloilo, abound in "sights." But the larger islands exhibit
many fine vistas; and the smaller ones, mostly mountainous, form with
the surrounding tropical waters a combination which, for color and
variety of outline, rivals the Inland Sea of Japan at its best.
SAMAR PROVINCE comprises the whole Island of Samar which is the
fourth largest island in the Archipelago. It lies southeast of
Luzon and is separated from the Province of Sorsogon by the San
Bernardino Strait. The island is very rugged and nearly all of the
towns are located near the coast. Another characteristic feature
of the mountain regions is the presence of caves of which the most
noted is the Sohotan cave near Basey. River transportation is the
chief means of communication.
[Where the Spaniards first landed]
To Samar belongs the distinction of being the first island of the
Philippine Archipelago to be discovered by the Spaniards. On March 16,
1521, Ferdinand Magellan sighted the island, and the day following,
landed on the little island of Homonhon. In 1649 the greatest part
of the Island of Samar became involved in a great rebellion which
became the signal of general uprising in the Visayan Islands and in
parts of Mindanao. The cause of the uprising was enforced labor in
connection with shipbuilding. It lasted about a year. The rebels
fortified themselves in the mountains and there established an
independent settlement. From here they sallied forth from time to
time and harassed the Spanish forces sent against them.
ILOILO AND CAPIZ.--The Provinces of Iloilo and Capiz occupy the
entire eastern portion of the Island of Panay, immediately south of
Romblon Island. They consist of an extensive plain extending far back
to the foot of a range of mountains that traverses the western part
of the island.
The Panay line of the Philippine Railway Company cuts directly through
this plain extending as far as Capiz, the capital of the province of
the same name, immediately north of Iloilo Province.
[Attractions]
The trip over the railroad takes the traveler past several points
of interest. Just beyond Ventura there are seen to the west of the
tract a series of high mountain cliffs of white coral rock. These
are honeycombed by caves of wonderful structure and great beauty. One
of the most beautiful resembles an immense stage, set with elaborate
scenery. Another of great extent and variety is entered by descending
through a shaft resembling a well. An hour's walk from the entrance
leads the traveler to a place where the roof has collapsed and trees
have grown to gigantic heights, the cave continuing to an unknown
distance.
The natural bridge of Suhut in the town of Dumalag, Capiz, is also
worth visiting. Near the natural bridge is a spring of sulphurous
and salty water.
The City of Iloilo is described elsewhere, page 64.
[Haciendas and Sugar Centrals]
THE ISLAND OF NEGROS.--This island is divided into two
provinces--Occidental Negros and Oriental Negros. Occidental Negros
is about three hours' ride by boat from the City of Iloilo. It is the
most important sugar producing district in the Philippines. About 75
per cent of all the exported sugar comes from this province. Bacolod,
Bago, Talisay, San Carlos, Binalbagan, and La Carlota are the centers
of the sugar industry. There are about 518 haciendas and about half
a dozen sugar centrals in actual operation. The sugar centrals are
well worth the visit and the traveler should not miss them. Other
principal places of interest are Mount Canlaon, an active volcano and
the Mambucal Hot Springs, which is recommended by medical authorities.
The trip to Oriental Negros has to be made direct from Manila, although
there are boats from Cebu and Iloilo calling occasionally at Dumaguete,
the capital.
[Silliman Institute]
The principal points of interest in Dumaguete are the old watch-tower
on the plaza, built to guard against surprise by piratical Moro
fleets, and the buildings of the Silliman Institute. This latter is
a high-grade Protestant endowed school, with preparatory, classical,
and industrial departments; in it are enrolled some 500 students,
representing a wide range of localities. It was founded in 1901 with
a gift of Dr. Horace B. Silliman, of New York, and is now maintained
by the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions. The buildings are
located on the beach, about five minutes' walk from the central part
of the town.
[Other Places of Interest]
There are a few other places of some interest within a moderate
distance of Dumaguete. Among these are some hot springs, about 6
kilometers (about 4 miles) west of the town. There is a fairly good
horse trail to within a few minutes' walk of them, and the scenery
along the route is picturesque. Of more interest is the active Volcano
of Magaso, which lies 14 kilometers to the south. It is accessible by
a good trail; and a horse can be ridden to the top of the crater. The
descent into the latter is not difficult.
CEBU PROVINCE.--The Island of Cebu which is co-extensive with
the province of that name was discovered by Magellan on April 7,
1521. The town was then under the rule of Raja Humabon, a powerful
chief who had eight subordinate chieftains and a force of some two
thousand warriors under him. Magellan made friends with Humabon and
succeeded in baptizing him, his wife, and as many as eight hundred
of his men. Magellan also endeavored to bring the people of Mactan
under Spanish influence. In this attempt, he was killed while engaged
in battle with the people of Opon who were then under Chief Lapulapu.
[First Spanish Settlement]
Forty-four years after Magellan's time, Legaspi occupied the town
of Cebu which was then under the rule of Tupas. Here Legaspi founded
the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines which he called San
Miguel. The town, which was planned in the shape of a triangle, was
defended on the land side by a palisade and on the two sides facing
the sea by artillery. The name of the town was later changed to the
City of the Most Holy Name of Jesus "in honor of an image of the
Child Jesus which a soldier had found in one of the houses."
The establishment of the Spanish settlement in Cebu brought to
this island the Portuguese who then disputed the ownership of the
Archipelago. In 1566, 1568, and 1570, Portuguese expeditionary forces
were sent to Cebu to drive away the Spaniards. First in 1568 and
again in 1570, the Portuguese blockaded Cebu, but in both cases the
blockade resulted in a failure.
The plains yield as many as three crops of corn a year. Coconuts,
sugar cane, abaca, peanuts, bananas, pineapples, camotes, and tobacco
are other products.
[Industries]
The island is rich in minerals, of which gold and coal are the most
important. Industries are well developed in Cebu. Good fishing banks
found along the coast furnish the people with food for local use and
for export. Hogs and goats are raised for local use. Poultry raising
enables the people to export chickens and eggs to neighboring islands
and even to Manila. Cotton cloth, woven for local use and sinamay
made from the fiber extracted from banana and pineapple leaves,
are exported. Much tuba, a native wine, is collected in the coconut
regions.
The town of Cebu, however, existed as a prosperous native settlement
before the discovery of the Philippines by Magellan. For a description
of the places of interest in the city, see page 63.
BOHOL PROVINCE, the island southeast of Cebu, is noted for the two
big rebellions against the Spaniards which occurred in 1622 and 1744,
respectively. The leader of the revolt in 1622, which was really an
armed protest against Jesuitical influence, was one by the name of
Tamblot. The uprising rapidly spread throughout the entire island;
only the towns of Loboc and Baclayon remained peaceful. The rebels
retreated "to the summit of a rugged and lofty hill, difficult of
access," and there fortified themselves. It took the government six
months to suppress this rebellion.
[Rebellions]
Another rebellion, no less formidable than the Tamblot uprising,
broke out in 1744. It gained strength in 1750 under the leadership of
Dagohoy, who for a long time was the whole soul of the movement. The
rebellion affected almost the entire island and lasted for over eighty
years. The government sent several expeditions to put it down, but
without success. The rebels established a local government and lived
as an independent people. This was, perhaps, the most successful
revolt the Filipinos ever conducted from the viewpoint of duration
of resistance.
[Attractions]
Among the attractions are the mineral springs in Guindulman as well
as those in San Juan, Candon, Napo, Lubod, and Cambalaguin which are
reputed to be efficacious for curing skin diseases. Edible birds'
nests are gathered in the Cananoan Cave. Other caves are found in
Baclayon, Guindulman, Jagna, and Sierra Bullones. "Buri," "ticog," and
"salacot" hats are made in almost every town. The weaving of "piña" and
"sinamay" cloth is a specialty in Baclayon, Loboc, Jagna, and Duero,
and "saguaran" weaving in Talibon, Inabanga, Baclayon, and Jetafe. The
commercial exploitation of the pearl and shell banks in the Bohol
seas has only recently been begun. The catching of the flying lemur
and the tanning and preparation of its hide is a new occupation. Most
of the towns are found along the coast so that a great portion of
the inhabitants are engaged in coastwise and interisland trade.
LEYTE PROVINCE and island, one of the largest and most fertile
regions in the Visayan group, is situated southwest of Samar and
is separated from Samar by the San Juanico Strait, said to be one
of the most beautiful water-ways in the world. Hemp and copra are
the most important products exported. Coal is found in the towns of
Leyte, Ormoc, and Jaro. Asphalt is being mined in Leyte for street
paving purposes. Gold is found in Pintuyan and San Isidro; sulphur
in Mahagnao; mineral springs in the crater of Mahagnao, Ormoc, San
Isidro, Mainit, and Carigara.
[Where Mass First Celebrated]
Limasawa, a little island south of Leyte, has the unique
distinction of being the place where mass was first celebrated in the
Philippines. Toward the end of March, 1521, Magellan discovered this
little island, which then appeared to be a prosperous community. It
was here that Magellan met Raja Calambu and Ciagu, who feasted the
Spaniards and exchanged presents with them. The Island of Leyte itself,
then called Tandaya, was the first island of the Philippine Archipelago
to receive the name of "Felipina."
THE ISLAND OF MINDANAO.--This island is the second largest and
potentially perhaps the richest of the archipelago. It is divided
into seven provinces--Zamboanga, Misamis, Lanao, Bukidnon, Cotabato,
Davao, Agusan, and Surigao.
[Origin of Name]
The term "Mindanao" or "Maguindanao" was originally given to the town
now known as Cotabato and its immediate vicinity. (See page 104.) The
word is derived from the root "danao" which means inundation by a
river, lake, or sea. The derivative "Mindanao" means "inundated"
or "that which is inundated." "Maguindanao" means "that which has
inundated."
[Islam]
Islam was successfully introduced and firmly established in Mindanao by
Sharif Mohammed Kabungsuwan. He is believed to have established himself
in this region toward the end of the fifteenth century. He was also
the founder of the Sultanate so that today most of the inhabitants
of Mindanao are Mohammedans. The Christian population came from the
northern islands. They immigrated into Mindanao to exploit the rich
sections of the islands. They have built their homes along the river
basins and near the bays accessible to commerce. In many cases they
hold the important municipal positions such as tax-collectors and
teachers. The Moros who inhabit the interior valleys have acknowledged
the authority of their Christian brothers from the north and are
living peacefully with them.
THE PROVINCE OF ZAMBOANGA includes the whole of the western peninsula
of the island. The central portion is covered with dense forests
containing much valuable hardwood timber. Abaca and copra are the
principal products though sugar, cacao, hemp, and rice are cultivated
to some extent. Among the important forest products are guttapercha for
insulating cable wires and almaciga for varnish. Basilan Island nearby
is covered with forests, and lumber mills are in operation. There
are also plantations for the growing of rubber in this island.
As a whole the interior of the province is not at present very
accessible, and most of the attractions center in the capital City
of Zamboanga at the extreme end of the peninsula, which is described
on page 65.
COTABATO PROVINCE is in the southwestern portion of Mindanao. The term
"Cotabato" signifies a "stone fort." Cotabato is the capital and is
located near the mouth of the river called Cotabato also. The Cotabato
River system, though not as swift as the Rhine River of Germany,
serves the same purpose to Cotabato as the Rhine to Germany in the
sense that it forms the chief means of communication and transportation
for conveying finished products and raw materials from the different
towns to the coast.
On the valley of this river are some of the most fertile and productive
regions of the whole Philippine Archipelago, although due to the
scarcity of population and of laborers very little cultivation has
been done.
On the eastern side of the valley are many extensive but shallow
swamps, such as the Liguasan and Libungan. Large lakes as Buluan and
Cebu, and many small ones abound. These natural basins yield an immense
wealth for the country. On the marshes, mangroves and nipa grow in
abundance, while the lakes teem with the rarest and choicest fish.
[Attractions]
Sulphur is abundant near and around Mount Apo, an extinct volcano,
9,610 feet high, being the highest peak in the archipelago. The
difficult ascent and the lack of transportation facilities make
exploitation impossible at present. Mineral springs can be found near
the town of Cotabato.
The land is well adopted to the cultivation of coconut and rice. The
mountains are densely wooded. With the exception of the small portion
around Sarangani Bay where logging is being carried on most of the
forested area is not yet exploited. The most important forest products,
which are at present exported in great quantities, are the candlenut,
almaciga, and guttapercha.
[Fertility]
BUKIDNON PROVINCE occupies the great fertile plateau of Mindanao
immediately north of Cotabato. It contains immense areas of fertile
soil unsurpassed for grazing and general farming. There are at
least 300,000 hectares of open grass-covered land which would yield
rich returns under the plow. The Bukidnons themselves, learning to
use modern agricultural implements, are taking advantage of their
opportunities, this being clearly evidenced by the beautiful fields
of corn surrounding their settlements, by the increased plantings
of rice and camotes, and by the great increase in the exportation of
hemp and coffee. The lower levels of Bukidnon produce the best grade
of hemp in northern Mindanao. Corn grows to a height of 13 feet on
the Bukidnon plateaus, the stalks supporting two ears. Two crops may
be grown annually.
There are some Manobos and a few Moros in the province, but the greater
part of the inhabitants are Bukidnons who are timid, peaceable farmers.
LANAO PROVINCE.--Between Bukidnon and Zamboanga is the Province
of Lanao which includes the region centering about the large Lake
of Lanao. It consists for the most part of a plateau (altitude,
about 2,200 feet), with an invigorating climate and fine stretches
of grazing land. The soil is in the main excellent and, at various
altitudes, produces a very great variety of crops, including the
usual staples, some fruits like the "durian," unknown or rare in the
northern islands, coffee, and a variety of wild rubber, for which
plant, in its cultivated form, the district is well adapted.
For many years this valuable country has been the scene of the
lawlessness of the Lanao Moros, but after the institution of civil
government among them they have settled down and are living peacefully
side by side with the immigrants from the northern islands. The same
is true with the other provinces in the Island of Mindanao.
Much of the scenery in the Lanao Province is said to be among the
finest in the world, while the Moros are extremely interesting and
manufacture many small articles of great artistic value, especially
brasswork and weapons.
[Attractions]
Among the attractions is Lake Lanao, believed to have been formed as
a result of the subsidence of the land accompanying the eruption of
the volcanoes in the surrounding country. There are three of these
volcanoes, which are still active. The climate, especially around
Lake Lanao, is very cool. Dansalan nearby is the favorite resort of
the people in the lowlands of Mindanao and bears the promise of being
the Baguio of the southern islands.
Other attractions are the Maria Cristina Falls about 191 feet high
and the Mataling Fall about 40 feet in height, both of which are on
the road to the lake.
DAVAO PROVINCE occupies the southeastern part of Mindanao. Though
perhaps less fertile for some crops than the neighboring Province of
Cotabato, Davao comprises the finest hemp land in the archipelago and
there is a considerable colony of Japanese, American, and Filipino
planters.
More than half of the population, however, are pagans, the Mandayas
and Bagobos predominating in number. These two pagan tribes have the
best primitive civilization among all the non-Christian peoples of
the archipelago. Their women weave excellent cloth which is dyed in
curious and ornamental patterns and the men make daggers, spears,
and other articles of metal.
The town of Davao is the capital and principal port. It is well laid
out and has a number of interesting monuments.
AGUSAN PROVINCE, north of Davao, occupies the whole northern Valley
of Agusan. The soil is of the greatest fertility, holding a constant
moisture. The rainfall is very evenly distributed throughout the year,
and there has been no drought or destructive typhoon recorded. Abaca
and coconuts thrive well in this region. A splendid rice crop is
produced without irrigation. Bananas, papayas, and other tropical
fruits are grown in great abundance, the famous Mindanao papaya
attaining its perfection in the region about Butuan.
The numerous lakes and the extensive area of swampy land are sources
of incalculable wealth. Choicest fish abound in the lakes, while nipa
from which tuba and alcohol are obtained, and mangroves for fuel and
tanning purposes, grow wild in the fenlands.
Gold deposits exist in abundance. Most of these deposits are found
in the mountains on the eastern side of the valley. The location of
these mines is favorable, being near rivers. There are several gold
mining claims at present under operation.
Butuan, the capital and most important town of the province, is near
the mouth of the navigable Agusan River. This river port serves the
same purpose for the settlements built along Agusan River and its
tributaries, as the town of Cotabato to the well-scattered towns of
the Cotabato Valley.
SURIGAO PROVINCE, north of Agusan, occupies the whole northeastern
part of the Island of Mindanao. Abaca, copra, and corn are the
most important agricultural products. There is much fine timber
in the forests, the best obtainable equalling iron and concrete in
durability. Gold is at present mined in some parts of the province.
THE SULU ARCHIPELAGO.--The Sulu Province includes all of the islands of
the Sulu Archipelago, a region which is often visited by earthquakes,
the Sulu Sea being the seismic center. The climate of this region is
warm and moist, being near the equator.
Fishing is the most important industry. Jolo is the center for most of
the pearling fleet. Sitanki, Omapui, Tumindao, Balimbing, Landubas,
Laja, and Siasi are other important fishing centers. The sea turtle,
fish of all kinds, and the trepang are caught. Beautiful trays and
combs and other articles are made from the back of the sea turtle,
and the fish and trepang are cured and exported.
The Sulu Archipelago, especially Jolo, the capital and principal port,
trades with Zamboanga, Borneo, and Singapore. Chinese merchants traded
with Sulu long before the arrival of Legaspi in the Philippines. When
Manila and Cebu were yet small settlements, Jolo was already a city,
the most important in the Philippines.
[Introduction of Mohammedanism]
Mohammedanism was introduced and firmly established in the Archipelago
by three men--Makdum, Raja Baginda, and Abu Bakr. Makdum was a noted
Arabian scholar who, after introducing Mohammedanism into Malacca,
visited almost every island of the Sulu Archipelago toward the end
of the fourteenth century and made numerous converts especially in
Bevansa and Tapul. Raja Baginda, soon after the arrival of Makdum,
came by way of Zamboanga and Basilan. He was of princely rank and is
believed to have come accompanied by ministers of state. He settled
in Bevansa and became the supreme ruler of Sulu. Abu Bakr, who seemed
to have been quite a learned man, arrived in Bevansa about the middle
of the fifteenth century. Here, he lived with Raja Baginda, teaching
the people the Mohammedan religion. He later married Parasimuli, the
daughter of Raja Baginda, and succeeded his father-in-law as sultan.
The reign of Abu Bakr (1450-1480) was noteworthy not only because
of the firm establishment of Mohammedanism, but also because of the
governmental reforms then effected. Abu Bakr reorganized the government
of Sulu, dividing it into five main administrative districts, each
under a Panglima. He promulgated a new code of laws which became the
guide for all officials of the state. During his reign, Sulu's power
was felt not only in Mindanao and the Visayas, but even in Luzon.
The administration of Governor-General Sande (1575-80) was the
beginning of a continuous state of warfare between Spain and Sulu
which lasted to within two decades before the end of the Spanish
rule. Sande wanted to reduce Sulu to a subject state, impose tribute
on its people, secure for the Spaniards the trade of the Archipelago,
and convert the inhabitants to Catholicism. To attain these ends,
he sent Captain Rodriguez de Figueroa to Sulu with a large army. This
expedition, however, accomplished nothing beyond the arousing of the
Sulus to hostility and the inception of numerous Moro raids on the
Visayas and Luzon.
[The Sultan and His Present Position]
The whole Archipelago is still under the nominal sway of the Sultan
of Sulu, who lives in the Island of Jolo and enjoys pensions from
the Philippine Government and the British North Borneo Company. All
of the Moros in Mindanao and in Sulu have long ago recognized the
authority of the central Philippine Government in Manila, and the
hostility which has existed between the Moros and the inhabitants of
the northern islands during Spanish rule, has long passed away. The
policy of attraction inaugurated by the Philippine Government has
succeeded wonderfully. Disturbances among the Moros are now very few
and far between. They have their own senator in the Philippine Senate
and they have their own representatives in the House.
[Results of the Policy of Attraction]
Considering the past history of these southern islands, it is
almost incredible that such results have become possible. Many of
the non-Christians in the interior of Mindanao-Sulu have even changed
their manner of dressing and have adopted the garb of the Christians,
whom they are endeavoring to imitate as much as possible, mingling with
them in their work, and assisting in maintaining law and order. The
Moros themselves have changed a great deal; the juramentado (running
amok) is practically a thing of the past; they show greater religious
tolerance and a high sense of responsibility; they cooperate in every
way possible with the Christians and the Government authorities in
the maintenance of a government of law and order, and do everything
they can to identify themselves with the inhabitants of the north. For
this reason more beneficial and lasting changes have been accomplished
in the last five years, in moral, social, and political respects,
as well as in the material development of the people, than had been
accomplished for several centuries past. This progress is principally
due to the efforts of the Philippine Legislature, which furnished the
Department of Mindanao and Sulu with large annual appropriations and
thus made the policy of attraction a success.
[The town of Jolo]
The town of Jolo is the political and commercial center of the
archipelago and is reached from Manila direct. The trip through
island-studded Sulu Sea, is one of great scenic beauty.
Jolo consists of a picturesque little walled city and a considerable
town outside. The population is cosmopolitan. The town is more
Malayan, more Arabic, and more Oriental than Zamboanga. Thus it has
many attractions for the traveler.
The part within the walls has excellent streets and walks and is
adorned with parks, gardens, and fountains. One of the most curious
sights is furnished by the half-tame deer, which run at large about
the streets. The point of greatest interest in the outer town is the
"Chinese pier," a rickety affair, on which most of the merchants of
that nationality have their shops, both as a measure of safety and
for convenience in handling cargoes. These shops are the best places
to go to for Moro curios.
[Attractions]
The town as a whole is an excellent place in which to see the daily
life and occupations of the Moro people in their most characteristic
forms. The fact that it is the chief center of the pearl fisheries
of the Islands puts the pearling boats when in port, the market where
the pearls and shell are sold, and the places of manufacture and sale
of the shell ornaments, among the principal sights. Leading from the
town to the barracks at Asturias is a fine coconut avenue, known as
"Ariolas' Walk." It is named after its builder, who was the Spanish
military governor of the place in the early years of the last century.
THE LANGUAGE FOR THE TOURIST.--Spanish and English are the languages
universally used in the archipelago. As a general rule, however, an
English speaking tourist can travel in the different places described
in this book without knowledge of any except his mother tongue. Almost
all of the officials and employees of the government speak English
and, if there is no one else, a school child can generally be found
to do the interpreting.
[English-Speaking Filipinos]
Statistics show that there are at present more Filipinos who can
read, write, and speak the English language than those who can read,
write, and speak the Spanish language. The last Census (1918) gives
the following figures: