IN THE old Roman calendar, the month of May was originally called “Maius.” It is the fifth month of the Gregorian calendar. It could have originated from the Latin “majores” which means “elders” and could be the month dedicated to the senior citizens. It could have been taken from the upper chamber of Roman Senate, the “Majores,” or from “Maia,” the ancient goddess of spring and growth.
What are worth remembering in May? May Day is the celebration of workers’ rights. On May 1, 1903, Labor Day was celebrated for the first time in the Philippines. The working class reminds President Rodrigo Duterte to give them salary increase. The nationwide rally yesterday reminded us the role of labor in nation-building. Labor leaders demanded to stop the “end of contract” that squeezes casual workers. The red flag bearers raised their voice to high heavens that the workplace should be humanized.
In 1898, there was the Battle of Manila Bay, the first battle in the Philippines between the American and Spanish forces as a result of the outbreak of the Spanish-American War. This also marked the start of American Occupation of the Philippines. The Spaniards made us “indios;” the Americans called us “monkeys” (justified by President Quezon as “monkeys with tails in front”).
My idol, Gregorio Aglipay, was born in 1860 in Batac, Ilocos Norte. He is a nationalist priest and founder of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (popularly known as Aglipayan Church). Aglipayan priests live like normal males by having one wife only. (We want to be discreet about it.) Priests have their biological needs also. I am a grandson of an Aglipayan priest. Lolo Leon Fabillar, the parish priest of Dueñas, was the best friend of Tenyente Guimo, the suspected “aswang.”
In 1942, Corregidor had fallen to the Japanese. Following the surrender of Philippine-American forces in Bataan, Jonathan Wainwright decided to surrender his remaining force of about 12,000 men in the island. The surrender marked the total collapse of defense against the Japanese invasion. That gave birth to the organization of the guerrillas in the provinces.
May is for Santacruzan. This is a religious pageant featuring St. Helena’s search for the cross. This is not a road fashion show. The Santacruzan highlights the daily rosaries and flower offerings of little children to honor the Virgin Mary. That could be the reason why Messenger Guillermo Gaston wants the Santacruzan to follow the original script with genuine characters.
The Philippine Constitution that created the Commonwealth of the Philippines was ratified in 1935. It has undergone metamorphosis until such time that President Ferdinand Marcos gave us a “halo-halo” constitution and President Cory Aquino revolutionized it and now President Duterte wants Federalism. Negrosanons wants Negros Island Region first before making our island a federal state. This could be fun and funny.
In 1961, Famas or Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Famas has been giving awards since 1952, in an effort to develop the Philippine film industry. It is the oldest award-giving body in Philippine movies. “Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo” was its first Best Picture awardee. Have we really developed good movies?
Have you remembered your KB or Kabataang Barangay during the time of President Marcos? Some parents now were KB officials during the Martial Law days. They were singing with their hearts out the many songs of “Bagong Lipunan.” Now we have SK or the Sangguniang Kabataan that hibernated. In 1943 (Second World War), the Japanese Imperial Army organized our youth and they became members of Kabataang Kalibapi or the Kapisanan sa Paglilingkod sa Bagong Pilipinas.
One of the May unforgettable events is the 1967 Lapiang Malaya (LM) Massacre in Pasay City. There was a violent confrontation between the members of LM headed by its founder Valentin de los Santos, and the Philippine Constabulary. This resulted in the death of 32 LM members. “Tatang” de los Santos was charged with rebellion but the charges were dropped. He was proven “buang” and was committed to the National Mental Hospital where he died.
The month of May is loaded with memories. This is the month of the Bull. It bears a “horned symbol.” Be careful with your horns. The Greek legend reminds us the abduction of Europa by Zeus who disguised as a great white bull. The horn of Zeus gave Europa three children. Don’t be influenced by the legend.
