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history/?ampACCESSED MAY 17, 2017
Top 10 Hoaxes in Philippine History
Dr. Jose Rizal is not the author of “Sa
Aking mga Kabata”? Say what?!
You better believe it, mgaKapuso! Last
Sunday, “Ang Pinaka” debunked ten
“historical chismis” that were once
believed to be true.
To help us distinguish fact from fiction,
the following history experts joined our
discussion: Xiao Chua, Professor and TV
host of ‘It’s Xiao Time’; Dr. Jose Victor
Torres, Professor from De La Salle University; and Augusto Deviana, Chairperson of UST History
Department.
10. Fernando Poe Sr. served as the model for the UP Oblation
Hoax: There were rumors that actor-
director Fernando Poe Sr., the father of
‘The King’ Fernando Poe Jr., posed as the
model for the oblation statue at the
University of the Philippines-Diliman by
National Artist for Sculpture Guillermo
Tolentino.
Truth: According to the university records,
Oble was not Fernando Poe Sr., but the
National Artist’s assistant and protege,
Anastacio Caedo. Aside from Guillermo
Tolentino’s assistant, he also asked his brother-in-law Virgilio Raymundo to pose as model for the
university’s statue.
Now, how did it end up with Fernando Poe Sr.? According to Dr. Jose Victor Torres, “Siguronoong
time na ‘yun popular si Fernando Poe bilangisangartista. Malamangginamitsiyang model but not
necessarily sa oblation.”
9. Alibata was the pre-Spanish national
writing script
Hoax: At one point, we were taught that
before the Spanish came to the
Philippines, Filipinos already had
“Alibata” as a “National Script” as their
way of communicating with each other in
written form.
Truth: Back then, there was no such thing as “National Script.” Also, Filipinos’ first writing script was
called “Baybayin” and not “Alibata.”
Augusto Devianasaid “Ang Alibata ay invented word lang ‘yan. AngBaybayin, ‘yon [talaga]
angginamitkasi may Baybayin ng mga Tagalog, Visayas at Mindanao. Iba’tibang version ‘yan.”
Then, what was the “National Script” that Pinoy used before the Spanish occupation? Many scholars
believe that the “Old Kawi” found in the Laguna Copperplate and Butuan Ivory seal is the ancestor of
Baybayin and other pre-hispanic writing scripts in the Philippines.
8. Intramuros remained exclusive to the Spanish during the Spanish period
Hoax:Intramuros or also known as “The
Walled City” was built during the 16th
century. Its main purpose was to protect
and preserve the Spanish colonial
influence within the wall.
Truth: Some said that the exclusive
enclave was for the elite ruling class only,
but that was just a hoax! Xiao Chua said
Filipinos also lived in the walled city,
“Nagkaroon ng panahon na tinirhan narin
ng mga indio ang Intramuros. ‘Yung
crowded nasa Intramuros at maraming
sakit ang [nag-umpisang] kumalat doon.”
7. Prisoners of war during World War
II drowned in the dungeons of Fort Santiago
Hoax: We all know what the soldiers, as
well as the prisoners, went through
during the war. There were also
testimonies saying that hundreds of
American prisoners of war drowned in the
bottom of Fort Santiago called the “Hole
of Death.”
Truth: Yes, it was found out that there
were hundreds of prisoners died in the
said dungeon but the cause of death was
really suffocation and not drowning. According to Dr. Victor Torres, “Base sa mga archeological
research naginawa noong 1980s, hindi naman tumataas ang tubig sa mga kulungan na ito. Malamang
nabanggit sa ilang dokumento ‘yung El Tambo nasa Ingles ay “devil’s drum” which is a chamber flood
na napupuno ng tubig sa ilalim ng lupa ng Fort Santiago.”
Now, how did the story about drowning spread? “Description din ng mga nakulong doon at sinasabing
those who survived the Fort Santiago tortures. Plus, nahalo rin ito sa kuwento ng isang Amerikano who
travelled the Philippines noong early 1900s at inilarawanang chamber na ito. Kaya lang, ang chamber
na kaniyang itinuro ay hindi naman talaga ‘yon,” Torres said.
6. Dr. Jose Rizal was the author of the poem “Sa Aking mga Kabata”
Hoax:During Filipino class, you would often hear your teacher say “Ang hindi magmahal sa sariling
wika mahigit pa sa hayop at malansang isda.” Well, many of us believe that this famous quote
appeared in the poem “Sa Aking mga Kabata” that was written by Dr. Jose Rizal.
Truth: Guest panelist, Xiao Chua said that “Walang ebidensiya na isinulat ni Rizal ito. Walang anything
na nag-po-point out na mayroon siyang tula na isinulat noong 8 years-old siya.”
Is your childhood ruined already? Wait, there’s more!
According to scholars, Rizal used the word “kalayaan” twice in the poem. But, he once wrote to his
brother Paciano asking about the meaning of the word in 1882 when he was already 21.
“Basically, sinasabi niya na hindi ko alam ang salitang kalayaan na ginagamit ni Marcelo H. Del Pilar
kasi wala ito sa Florante at Laura. Kaya tinatanong niya si Paciano kung ano itong kalayaan na ito?”
Xiao said.
Dr. Victor Torres also added, “Nang suriin ng mga literary researchers, kasamaang National Artist for
Literature nasi Virgilio Almario at Ambeth Ocampo, may mgadetalye ng tula na hindi tugma sa
panahon. Bagamat sinasabi natin na boy genius siya, hindi pa rinkapani-paniwala na siya ang gumawa.”
5. ApolinarioMabini was paralyzed because of syphilis
Hoax:Unable to use his physical force to join his comrades in the battlefield, Apolinar Mabini used his
brilliance to encourage every Filipino to fight for independence. No doubt why Mabiniis known as
“The Brains of the Revolution” and “The Sublime [inspiring]Paralytic.”
However, the reason behind his condition was quite intriguing. Some said that Apolinario Mabiniwas
paralyzed due to syphilis.
Truth: Dr. Victor Torres shared that “Matagal nang kuwento [‘yan] hanggang 1920s nasi Mabini raw ay
naparalisa dahil sa syphilis o sa isang Sexually Transmitted Disease.” But, when Apolinario Mabini
died, an autopsy was conducted to further examine his bone condition and they found out the real
reason for his paralysis.
“Hinukay ang labi niya para ma-settle na once and for all ‘yung usapin. Lumalabas na polio militis at
walang germs ng venereal disease ‘yung labi ni Mabini,” Augusto Deviana said.
4. La Loba Negra (The Black She-Wolf)
Hoax: In October 1719, Governor General Fernando Manuel De Bustillo Bustamante y Rueda was
assassinated at Palacio Del Gobernador. During the World War II, a novel entitled “La Loba Negra”
written by Father Jose Burgos came out. It was about the governor’s widow who transforms into a wolf
at night to retaliate the culprit behind his husband’s death.
Truth: Dr. Victor Torres shared that, “Noong 1970s na-prove na fake ito dahil unang-una ‘yung
manuskrito na sinasabing sulat kamay daw ni Jose Burgos ay hindi naman niya sulat. At ‘yung facts
nabinanggit ay pinag-kopyahan lamang.
After several research, historian William Henry Scott found out that the novel was a hoax. It was
actually a fabrication of a con man by the name of Jose E. Marco.
“‘Yung provenance, ‘yung istorya ay hindi tugma sa panahon ni Burgos kaya sumablay ito,” said Dr.
Victor Torres.
3. Princess Urduja
Hoax:The story of Princess Urduja was about a brave amazon princess protecting her kingdom Tawilis
or known today as Pangasinan. The said story first appeared in the book by an Arab traveler named
Ibn Batuta.
Truth: The story of Princess Urduja is just another hoax. Xiao Chua explained that “Si Princess
Urdujapala ay based saisang legend. Hindi siya nag-e-exist talaga, ang history kasi nakabatay sa
documentation. So, walang documentation about the existence of Princess Urduja.”
However, the story of the Pangasinan amazon princess still persists among Pinoys because: “Hanggang
ngayon makikita natin na bahagi pa rin si Urduja ng [ating] kasaysayan. Among professional historians,
she is considered not a hoax but a myth. Such as the kingdom of Tawalisi that did not even exist here in
the Philippines,” said Dr. Victor Torres.
2. Ten Bornean Datus
Hoax: According to the story, these ten Bornean Datus named Datu Puti, Datu Sumakwel, Datu
Bangkaya, Datu Paiborong, Datu Paduhinogan, Datu Dumangsol, Datu Libay, Datu Dumangsil, Datu
Dumalogdog, and Datu Balensuela were believed to be our first ancestors who built their first
community in Panay Island.
Truth: There are studies that point out the incongruity [inconsistency] of the story. Dr. Victor Torres
said that “Ang problema hindi conclusive ito bagamat ang legend ng sampung Bornean Datus ay
makikita sa isang dokumento ng isang Spanish. Mukhang legend lang ito na ni-record kaya it remains a
legend.”
Despite being just a legend, the story still persists because it is already part of our tradition. Dr. Victor
Torres continued that “Aminin man natin o hindi colorful ang story. Sinasabi na ang tradisyon ng
aatihan ay nanggaling sa kuwento ng mga Datung ito. Sinasabi rin nila na kung wala ang istoryang ito
ay hindi magkakaroon ng festival.”
1. The Code of Kalantiaw
Hoax: In the epic story of Maragtas, there was this mythical legal code called “The Code of
Kalantiaw,” authored, allegedly in 1433, by Datu Kalantiaw, Chief of the Island of Negros. According
to the epic story, the said legal code contained eighteen orders and listed punishments for social and
moral disobedience.
Truth: Besides lack of evidence, the mythical code was again fabricated by the con man Jose E. Marco.
In his 50-year career as a forger and a fraud, the Code of Kalantiaw became the most successful.
“Bahagi ito ng isang set ng documents na ibinigay ni Jose E. Marco. Dahil sa tuwa na ito ang mga pre-
Hispanic documents about the Philippines, hindi na kinuwestiyon ‘yung authenticity. So, tanggap lang
nang tanggap at kasama ditto ang Code of Kalantiaw,” explained Dr. Victor Torres. —Tyne
Villan/BMS, GMA Public Affairs
INSTITUTE OF ARTS and SCIENCES
PHILIPPINE HISTORY
2ND SEMESTER 2020 – 2021
FINAL EXAMINATION - A
NAME.............................................................. COURSE & YEAR.......................... TIME................................
10 HOAXES
1. Fernando Poe Sr., is a popular figure as a/an....during pre-war years in the country.
a. politician b. doctor c. actor d. minister
2. Oblation statue is situated in....
a. University of Santo Tomas b. University of the Philippines c. San Carlos University d. Silliman University
3. Guillermo Tolentino is popular for being the national artist for....
a. sculpture b. music c. literature d. theatre
4. Intramuros or the “Walled City” in Manila was built during the....century.
a. 16th b. 17th c. 18th d. 19th
5. Intramuros was believed to be the exclusive residence of the....during the Spanish colonial regime.
a. Chinese b. Spaniards c. Indio d. Mestizo
6. The cause of death of hundreds of American soldiers in Fort Santiago during WWII is really....
a. drowning b. torture c. suffocation d. starvation
7. Sa “Aking mga Kabata” was supposedly written by Rizal when he was....years old.
a. 5 b. 6 c. 7 d. 8
8. The Code of Kalantiaw was allegedly crafted in......... by Datu Kalantiaw, the chief of the island of Negros. It
contained18 orders to be obeyed by the people, if not, they will be meted out a punishment.
a. 1898 b. 1900 c. 1433 d. 1521
9. The ten Bornean Datu was believed to settle in the island of..............even before the arrival of Spanish
colonizers in the archipelago.
a. Camiguin b. Panay c. Sulu d. Cebu
10. Due to the epic story of the ten Bornean datus,.......festival came to life in Iloilo city.
a. Maskara b. Sinulog c. Ati-atihan d. Moriones
11. The kingdom of PricessUrduja was falsely believed to be the present day............
a. Cotabato b. Masbate c. Tondo d. Pangasinan
12. “La LobaNegra” is a.........
a. novel b. historical narrative c. magazine d. journal
13. “La LobaNegra” was believed to be written by...........
a. Fr. Jose Burgos b. Andres Bonifacio c. Jose Rizal d. Emilio Jacinto
14. 1433, allegedly the time during the reign of Datu Kalantiaw in Negros is what century?
a. 14th b. 15th c. 16th d. 12th
15. Con man like in the persona of Joe E. Marco means he is a.........man
a. kind b. generous c. deceitful d. extortionist
16. Ati-atihan festival comes from the tradition of the arrival of........in Panay
a. Negritos b. Malays Makhdums c. Bornean Datus d. 10 Chinese merchants
17. “La LobaNegra” came into notice in public during.................................................
a. Commonwealth period b. World War II c. Martial Law d. Edsa Revolution
18. Syphilis is a....................................................................
a. cyst in the throat b. swelling of the abdomen c. sexually transmitted disease d. cancer of the cervix
19. After World War II, the Japanese government planted.....in Gaston Park as a symbol of friendship to
Cagayanons.
a. roses b. orchids c. cherry blossoms d. eucalyptus
20. Baybayin is a national............................. during the archipelago’s precolonial era.
a. singing b. dancing c. writing d. burial
