Topic: First Cry of the Philippine Revolution

The first cry marked the start of the Philippine revolution against the 300 years of colonization
by Spain, this is where the remarkable tearing of cedulas took place.

This event happened after the members of Katipunan were tracked and imprisoned after being
exposed to the Spaniards. Bonifacio then rose up in revolt somewhere outside the city with the
agenda of attacking the Spanish government. The revolt later grew in strength and spread to 8
provinces including Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Pampanga, Tarlac, Laguna, Batangas, and Nueva
Ecija which were eventually represented by the eight rays of the sun in the present Filipino flag.

The "First Cry of the Philippine Revolution" was a cry for freedom. Its historic significance to us
consists of the realization that the Filipino people had finally realized the lasting value of
freedom and independence and the need to fight in order to prove themselves worthy to be
called a truly free people.

Two Conflicting Views of the First Cry of the Philippine Revolution:

Pío Valenzuela, a close associate of Andrés Bonifacio, declared in 1948 that it happened in
Pugad Lawin on August 23, 1896. Guillermo Magsangkay, a friend and adviser of Andres
Bonifacio claimed that the “Cry” happened in Balintawak on August 26, 1896.

It used to be celebrated as the "Cry of Balintawak" every August 26 since 1908. However,
controversies erupted after the place and date of the celebration were superseded in 1962 with
Pugad Lawin and August 23, respectively.

For every historical article or reading (text source), do the following:

1. Research on the background of the author/s

Pio Valenzuela y Alejandrino (July 11, 1869 - April 6, 1956)

- On July 11, 1869, Pio Valenzuela was born in Polo, Bulacan to well-to-do parents,
Francisco Valenzuela and Lorenza Alejandrino.
- When the Spanish colonial rule was becoming intolerable, he joined the Katipunan when
he was just 22. He became the Surgeon General of the movement. Bonifacio and
Valenzuela became close friends. They discussed many things about the Katipunan.
- As one of its original members, the doctor took on the responsibility of establishing
factions of the secret society in different parts of Morong or Rizal Province and Bulacan.
- He participated in the planning and execution of the Katipunan uprising.
 - When the Spaniards discovered the movement, he was arrested and jailed at Bilibid
prisons.
- After the signing of the Treaty of Paris he was released.
- In 1948, he published his memoirs, "Mga Gunita at Balita ng Himagsikan," which
provided an account of the First Cry of the Revolution.

Guillermo Masangkay (June 25, 1867 - May 30, 1963)

- Guillermo Masangkay was born on June 25, 1867 in Tondo, Manila. His parents were
Domingo Masangkay of Batangas and Victoria Rafael of Tanza, Cavite.
- Masangkay had no formal education. However, he had a strong intellectual drive. He
read books borrowed from his neighbors. Thus, although he was only a bangkero, or
boatman, he became fluent in Spanish and deeply aware of the political and social
conditions of his time.
- He is a friend and adviser of Andres Bonifacio, the founder of the Katipunan.
- He is one of the first members of the Katipunan as he joined that underground society
when he was only 17.
- As his adviser, Bonifacio sought Masangkay for his approval in transforming the
Katipunan into a revolutionary association. It was Masangkay whom he had designated
to organize the Katipunan chapter in Cavite.
- He played a key role in the Filipino-American War as a revolutionary general. His
accounts contributed to the understanding of the Cry of Balintawak and the death of
Bonifacio.

2. Come up with a short summary of the document/issue

Valenzuela's Testimony, “Cry of the Pugadlawin”

- In his 1948 testimony, Valenzuela stated that the "Cry" occurred in Pugad Lawin on
August 23, 1896. He claimed that the Katipunan leaders had gathered in Pugad Lawin to
discuss the initiation of the revolution. After a heated debate, Bonifacio declared the start
of the uprising, and the Katipuneros tore up their cedulas to signify their defiance of
Spanish rule

Additional Info:

- Based on the accounts of Pio Valenzuela, the first place of refuge of the Katipunan was
in Balintawak specifically at the house and yard of Apolonio Samson at Kangkong on
August 22, 1896. Among himself were Andres Bonifacio, Procopio Bonifacio, Emilio
Jacinto, Teodoro Plata, and Agueldo del Rosario. There was no big decision made there,
rather only views were exchanged.
- His second account taken from his book “Mga Gunita at Balita ng Himagsikan,” claims
that the Cry took place at Pugad Lawin on August 23, 1896, in the store-house and yard
of Juan Ramos. It is here wherein they debated whether the revolution against the
 Spanish government was to be started or not on August 29, 1896. Only Teodoro Plata
protested and fought against a war. After the intense debate, the people tore their cedula
certificates and shouted "Long live the Philippines! Long live the Philippines!"

Masangkay’s Accounts, “Cry of Balintawak”

- The uprising happened on August 26, 1896 at Balintawak. A big meeting was held in
Balintawak, at the house of Apolonio Samson, then cabeza of that barrio of Caloocan.
The main goal of the meeting was to decide when the uprising was to take place. After
the decision was made, Bonifacio proclaimed the beginning of the uprising, and the
Katipuneros tore up their cedulas as a symbol of their defiance of Spanish authority.

Additional Info:

- In his narrative, a big meeting was held in Balintawak in the house of Apolonio Samson
with the presence of Andres Bonifacio as the presider, Emilio Jacinto as the secretary,
Aguedo del Rosario, Tomas Remigio, Briccio Pantas, Teodoro Plata, Pio Valenzuela and
others. According to him, Plata, Pantas, and Valenzuela opposed the idea of starting the
revolution too early and without adequate preparation.
- Bonifacio asked the people to pledge in revolt through destroying their cedulas, once the
pledge was obtained the board of directors were told that the people were to revolt. It is
said that if they were not to start the uprising early, hundreds might be shot. Everyone
then voted for revolution despite the protests of other leaders. After the decision was
made, the people shouted “Long Live Philippine Republic”

3. Make a content analysis of the important historical information in relation the

document/issue

- The Cry: The turning point when the Filipinos finally refused Spanish colonial dominion
over the Philippine Islands. With tears in their eyes, the people as one man, pulled out
their cedulas and tore them into pieces. It was the beginning of “freedom.”

- The Location of the Cry: The exact location of the "Cry" remains a subject of debate
among historians. The competing claims of Valenzuela and Masangkay highlight the
challenges of relying solely on eyewitness accounts, as individual memories can be
unreliable or biased.
 - The Timing of the Cry: The timing of the "Cry" is also debated, with some accounts
suggesting it occurred earlier than August 26. This uncertainty stems from the
clandestine nature of the Katipunan and the lack of definitive records.

- The Symbolism of the Cry: The tearing of cedulas was a potent symbolic act of
defiance against Spanish rule. It represented a rejection of colonial identity and a
commitment to fighting for independence.

4. Cite the contribution and relevance of the document/conflicting views in

understanding the grand narrative of Philippine history

Valenzuela's Account:

- Valenzuela's account, claiming the "Cry of Pugad Lawin" on August 23, 1896, holds
significance due to his proximity to Andrés Bonifacio, lending weight to the symbolic
beginning of the revolution. This narrative emphasizes the emotional and symbolic
importance of Pugad Lawin as the site where Filipinos rallied against Spanish colonial
rule. Valenzuela's assertion emphasizes the revolutionary spirit and unity among the
Filipinos against oppression, becoming a foundational moment in the narrative of
Philippine independence. Valenzuela's account places the "Cry of Pugad Lawin" on
August 23, 1896, shaping the narrative around a significant event marking the start of
the Philippine Revolution. This perspective, tied to his closeness with Bonifacio,
emphasizes the symbolism of Pugad Lawin in sparking the revolt.

Masangkay’s Account:

- On the other hand, Masangkay's account, locating the event in Balintawak on August 26,
1896, challenges the traditional narrative. His perspective introduces a different
geographic location and timeline for the commencement of the revolution. This
contradictory viewpoint prompts a reevaluation of historical records and perspectives,
inviting a critical examination of the sources and interpretations shaping Philippine
history. It invites scholars and historians to delve deeper into archives and testimonies,
encouraging a more nuanced understanding of the revolution's beginnings and the
intricacies surrounding historical narratives. It emphasizes the complexity of historical
narratives and the importance of considering multiple perspectives in understanding
Philippine history.

DEBATE:
 - Dr. Pio Valenzuela y Alejandrino’s version gained a particular weight due to several
reasons: his seniority in the Katipunan, status as physician, political career, relation with
other historians and more evidently his prominence at commemorations of the
revolution.
- Teodoro Agoncillo, author of Revolt of the Masses, acknowledged Valenzuela's
testimony about the Cry due to reasons of the latter being an eyewitness of this historic
event claiming it was "complete with details." The term Pugad Lawin then gained greater
currency after it was emphasized in Agoncillo's Revolt of the Masses.

- However, General Guillermo Masangkay's account of the Cry of Balintawak was a

more credible source for some the fact that there were more accurate and clear claims of
many witnesses on the events of August 26th.
- First evidence, Julio Nakpil's handwritten notes on the Philippine Revolution in 1925
mention that the revolution started in Balintawak, but he later remembered it was on
August 26, 1896, in Kangkong, Caloocan. Second, Andres Bonifacio's letters to the
Katipuneros, addressed to Balintawak, were also found to be incomplete, as Balintawak
was a smaller location than Pugad Lawin. Third, He is also an eyewitness of the historic
event and a childhood friend of Bonifacio.

5. Describe your learning experiences while doing the aforesaid activities.

- The Importance of Historical Context: Analyzing the "Cry" controversy highlights the
significance of historical context in evaluating historical claims. The motivations, biases,
and experiences of the individuals involved shape their understanding of events.

- The Challenges of Historical Interpretation: The "Cry" debate serves as a reminder

that historical interpretations are not always definitive. Multiple perspectives and
conflicting evidence can complicate the understanding of the past.

- The Ongoing Quest for Truth: The search for the "true" location and timing of the "Cry"
underscores the dynamic nature of historical inquiry. As new evidence emerges and
interpretations evolve, our understanding of the past continues to refine.

- The First Cry of the Philippine revolution remains a puzzling discussion among Filipinos
as it is still open for debates regarding its timeline and location given by the
eyewitnesses of the event. Nonetheless, this significant episode in our history tells the
tale of Filipinos putting an end to the oppression and slavery that was caused by the
Spanish colonization.