Born: July 23, 1864 — Tanauan, Batangas, Captaincy General of the Philippines, Spanish Empire

Died: May 13, 1903 (aged 38) — Manila, Philippine Islands, United States Administration

Cause of Death: Cholera

Resting Place: Mabini Shrine, Tanauan, Batangas

Other Names: “Sublime Paralytic”, “Brains of the Revolution”

Alma Mater: Colegio de San Juan de Letran (BA), University of Santo Tomas (Law)

Organizations: Revolutionary Government of the Philippines

Notable Work: El Verdadero Decálogo (1898)

Movement: Philippine Revolution

Parents: Inocencio Mabini (father) and Dionisia Maranan (mother)

Summary:
Apolinario Mabini rose from humble origins to become one of the foremost intellectual architects of Philippine independence. Despite being paralyzed from the waist down, he became the chief adviser to General Emilio Aguinaldo during the Philippine Revolution and the First Philippine Republic. He drafted the decrees and constitution for the First Republic, guided Aguinaldo’s government, and defended the nation’s sovereignty in his writings and policies. Even when captured and exiled to Guam by U.S. forces, he remained steadfast in his ideals.

Born: September 27, 1865 — Santo Tomas, Batangas, Captaincy General of the Philippines

Died: October 13, 1911 (aged 46) — Santo Tomas, Batangas, Philippine Islands

Cause of Death: Liver disease

Resting Place: Malvar Shrine, Santo Tomas, Batangas

Other Names: General Malvar

Alma Mater: Colegio de San Juan de Letran

Organizations: Katipunan; Revolutionary Army of the Philippines

Movement: Philippine Revolution; Philippine–American War

Spouse: Paula Maloles

Parents: Maximo Malvar (father) and Tiburcia Carpio (mother)

Summary:
Malvar fought bravely in Batangas and Laguna against Spanish and later American forces. After Aguinaldo’s capture in 1901, Malvar continued the fight as Commander-in-Chief of the remaining Filipino forces until his surrender in 1902. He is hailed as a symbol of unwavering patriotism and sacrifice.

Born: August 22, 1861 — Tondo, Manila, Philippines

Died: September 13, 1939 (aged 78) — Tondo, Manila, Philippines

Summary:
Don Timoteo Paez came from a rich family in Malabon. He became an adviser of laws and was a skilled writer in both Spanish and Tagalog. He traveled to different parts of the world to study ways other countries improved livelihood for their citizens. When Dr. Jose Rizal organized the "La Liga Filipina," Timoteo Paez became his right hand and helped with the propagation of the organization. He also supported prominent Filipinos such as Marcelo H. del Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena, Andres Bonifacio, and other Katipuneros. Paez financially helped Rizal and del Pilar in Spain, assisted in publishing "La Solidaridad," and contributed to the formation of the Katipunan by Bonifacio. He suggested the celebration of Rizal's day, including a monument in his honor, and also advocated remembering Bonifacio's day. Public schools in Manila and Pasay, streets in Manila and other provinces, bear his name in tribute. Timoteo Paez was praised by Dr. Jose Rizal for his patriotism, honor, and exemplary character.

Born: February 27, 1857 — Santa Cruz, Manila, Captaincy General of the Philippines

Died: March 11, 1911 (aged 54) — Manila, Philippine Islands

Resting Place: Manila North Cemetery

Alma Mater: University of Santo Tomas; University of Madrid

Organizations: Malolos Congress; Philippine Revolutionary Government

Notable Works: Ninay (1885) — first Philippine novel; La Familia Tagala (1889)

Movement: Propaganda Movement; Reform Movement

Spouse: Luisa Plata

Parents: Maximo Paterno (father), Carmen de Vera Ignacio (mother)

Summary:
Educated in Spain, Paterno bridged Filipino and Spanish elites through literature and diplomacy. He negotiated peace between Spain and Filipino revolutionaries, served in the Malolos Congress, and later joined the American colonial government. Despite criticism for shifting political alliances, his intellectual and literary works marked an early Filipino cultural renaissance.

Born: c. 1580 — Abucay, Bataan, Captaincy General of the Philippines

Died: after 1648 (approx. age 68)

Resting Place: Unknown

Occupation: Printer, writer, publisher

Notable Work: Librong Pag-aaralan ng mga Tagalog ng Uicang Castilla (1610)

Movement: Early Colonial Printing Era

Summary:
Pinpín learned the art of printing in the Dominican press of Abucay and became the first native Filipino printer to author a book. His work preserved early Tagalog grammar and language, marking the beginning of Filipino literature and journalism.

Born: c. 1488 — Tondo, Manila, Luzon, Precolonial Philippines

Died: 1576 (aged about 88) — Manila, Captaincy General of the Philippines

Occupation: Blacksmith, cannon maker

Movement: Precolonial Manila and Spanish Conquest Period

Summary:
Panday Pira’s skill in metalworking made him a vital figure during the early days of Spanish colonization. Initially serving local Muslim rulers, his cannons defended Manila before Spanish conquest. The Spaniards later employed him to manufacture artillery, marking him as a pioneer of Filipino metallurgy and defense technology.

Born: March 23, 1863 — Baliuag, Bulacan, Captaincy General of the Philippines

Died: May 23, 1918 (aged 55) — Hong Kong

Resting Place: Baliuag, Bulacan

Occupation: Physician, journalist, diplomat

Alma Mater: University of Santo Tomas; Universidad Central de Madrid

Organizations: La Solidaridad; La Liga Filipina

Notable Works: Cartas Sobre la Revolución (Letters on the Revolution)

Movement: Propaganda Movement

Spouse: Ticang Vda. de Ponce

Parents: Mariano Ponce Sr. and Carmen Collantes

Summary:
A staunch reformist, Ponce used his writings to expose Spanish abuses and advocate for Filipino self-governance. He served as a diplomat for the revolutionary government in Japan, establishing contacts to gain support for independence. His friendship with Rizal and contributions to Philippine literature and foreign relations solidified his legacy as a key intellectual of the revolution.

Title/Role: Brave Princess of Sulu

Summary:
A very beautiful princess from Sulu. She had a strong heart and dominant willpower with which she tried to bewitch the Spanish soldiers, leading them to their destruction. Siri Kala, a Moro chief, joined forces with Sigalo, another Moro chief, but they still could not attack the Spaniards who were well-armed. Purmassuri went to the barracks of the Spaniards, and the Spanish soldiers were bewitched by her beauty. She entertained them and created an opportunity for her forces. Siri Kala's and Sigalo's soldiers attacked the Spaniards, killing almost all except those left on the ship, who later revealed what happened. This story of Purmassuri shows that the country was never conquered without defense, and that women were always ready to contribute to their motherland.

Born: June 19, 1861 — Calamba, Laguna, Captaincy General of the Philippines

Died: December 30, 1896 (aged 35) — Bagumbayan, Manila, Captaincy General of the Philippines

Cause of Death: Execution by firing squad

Resting Place: Rizal Monument, Manila

Other Names: Pepe, José

Alma Mater: Ateneo Municipal de Manila; University of Santo Tomas; Universidad Central de Madrid (MD)

Organizations: La Solidaridad; La Liga Filipina

Notable Works: Noli Me Tángere (1887); El Filibusterismo (1891)

Movement: Propaganda Movement

Spouse: Josephine Bracken (m. 1896)

Parents: Francisco Rizal Mercado (father); Teodora Alonso Realonda (mother)

Relatives: Saturnina Hidalgo, Paciano Rizal, Trinidad Rizal

Summary:
Rizal’s novels and writings awakened Filipino nationalism and inspired the Philippine Revolution. His execution by Spanish authorities made him a martyr for independence and the symbol of Filipino pride, intellect, and courage.

Born: May 24, 1826 — Binondo, Manila, Captaincy General of the Philippines

Died: 1903 (aged 77) — Manila, Philippine Islands

Occupation: Businesswoman, philanthropist

Spouse: Antonio de Ayala

Parents: Domingo Roxas (father), Maria de Castro (mother)

Movement: Early Filipino Economic Development

Summary:
Margarita managed the Roxas family’s haciendas and commercial enterprises after her husband’s death, expanding them into what became Ayala y Compañía (now Ayala Corporation). Her leadership laid the foundation for one of the Philippines’ longest-standing economic institutions.