What 13th of August mean to Filipinos?

What 13th of August mean to Filipinos?

August is one of the most historically charged months for Filipinos, filled with revolutionary sparks, political turning points, and cultural commemoration for Filipinos.

• August 23–26, 1896 – Cry of Balintawak / Pugad Lawin: Andres Bonifacio and fellow Katipuneros tear their cedulas, symbolizing defiance against Spanish rule. This act marks the formal launch of the revolution, which was prelude to formation of the revolutionary government and the first Philippine Republic.

• August 21, 1983 – Assassination of Ninoy Aquino: His death at the Manila airport sparks mass protests and eventually leads to the 1986 People Power Revolution.

• Buwan ng Wika (Month of Language) – Celebrated all August to honor the Filipino language and its role in nation-building.

• Buwan ng Kasaysayan (History Month) – Declared in 2012 to recognize August’s rich historical significance.

• August 26 – National Heroes Day: Honors both known and unsung heroes, including OFWs, teachers, and soldiers.

However, this date, August 13,1898, is the most pivotal and a game changer and yet the least known and understood by both the Filipinos and the global community, particularly the Americans and the Hispanic world.

Of course, let us not forget Tita Cory.

• On August 2, 2009, the Philippines lost a beacon of democracy—President Corazon Aquino, whose quiet courage helped dismantle dictatorship and restore the soul of a nation. Her legacy lives on in every act of peaceful resistance and in the enduring hope of people power. May her memory continue to guide those who dare to lead with integrity and love of country.

In SoMa Pilipinas, the Filipino Cultural Heritage District in San Francisco, there are must see events to commemorate our rich history and heritage.

• MAKIBAKA: A Living Legacy

Opening: August 1, 2025

Location: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA), San Francisco

Opening Night Party: August 1 at 6:30 PM

Duration: August 1, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Full details on SOMA Pilipinas’ site

• Pistahan Parade & Festival – August 9–10, 2025

 Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco

 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

 Free Admission

Watch my presentation on August 13 at YBCA.

Join us for an insightful exploration of the August 13, 1898 Battle of Manila in 'Scripted War, Silenced Victory.' This talk delves into the colonial choreography of the conflict, highlighting the entrance of America during the Spanish-American War, the pivotal moments of intervention, and the ultimate exclusion of Filipino forces from the victory. Discover the untold stories and historical contexts that shaped this significant event in Philippine history.

This is also a reframing on the inscriptions on the Dewey Monument in Union Square.