Recounting Fast:

A History of Baraosoain’s Past

For 160 years since after its

establishment in 1859, Barasoain Church on its
titular Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish boasts the
claim of being the “Most Important Religious
Building”1 in the country. The church had
witnessed a number of significant events in the
Philippines’s past, recounting not only its
ecclesiastical history but also the community in
which the Church belongs. As Paul Dumol would
argue, the foundation of a pueblo during the
Spanish colonial period depends on the
foundation of a parroquia. Thus, the parish is a
primary colonial enterprise. The parish is an
indispensable part of the society and its history
resides in the history of the community.

1
Marquez, Teodoro S., Malolos, Bulacan and
Philippine Nationalism: Collected Writings. Malolos
City: TSM Books and Souvenirs Enterprises and
Agency Services. 1968.
PRE-SPANISH CONTACT

Even before Malolos earned its name probably from “paluslos”2 meaning downward, or “lulos”3
referring to a variety of grass known among the locals as tambo, or to an old word for forgotten
(nalimutan), fainted (nawalan ng malay), and forgetfulness (malilimutin) which are related to the “lolos”
or “leles” of Palawan and Borneo meaning forgotten (nalimot) and to have passed out (nawalan ng
malay)4, the “Li-han”, currently Liang under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of Barasoain Church, was
recorded in the ancient accounts of the Chinese. According to the account entitled Chu-Fan-Chi by a
Chinese named Chao Ju Kua, “Li-han in the country of Mai,”5 was listed among many pre-Hispanic states
such as the Rajahnate of Butuan, Kingdom of Tondo, and Sultanate of Maguindanao. Li-han was under
the leadership of maharlikas that used the title “Gat,” thus, the ruler of Li-han was referred to as “Gat-
sa-Lihan,” a close origin of the surname Gatchalian.

Li-han, back then, was a center of commerce. It was an important trading post. Natives residing
in Li-han had a long economic trade with the merchants from Cathay6 and to some extent had resulted
in marriage even before the founding of Encomienda de Malolos. Natives married to the Chinese
merchants became the principalia of the Spanish colonial period. They were the rich residents produced
by the system known as reduccion de los bajos de las campanas . These natives, whom in their blood run
the Chinese blood as well, married the Spaniards, thus, they become the rich ruling classes of mestizos
de sangleyes of Malolos. It is from this race that the Women of Malolos praised by Jose Rizal in his letter
upon the request of Marcelo del Pilar came from.

ENCOMIENDA DE MALOLOS

In 1571, Adelentado Miguel Lopez de Legazpi conquered eight villages along the Malolos River
and integrated to a single encomienda awarded to the conquistador Don Marcos de Herrera. In 1572,
Adelentado Miguel Lopez de Legazpi merged the encomienda de Malolos and encomienda de Calumpit

2
“Paluslos” or downwards referred to many rivers in which the waters flow toward the bay. The word “malolos”
probably came from a misunderstanding between the Spanish conquistadores who reached the land searching for
the inhabited community in Calumpit and the natives who answered the question of the former of their where
about.
3
According to Nicanor Tiongson, Malolos came from a variety of grass called reed. The natives called the reed
“tambo.” This variety of grass grew abundantly near the rivers and creeks of the area which would be known later
as Malolos.
4
Dempwolf, Otto. Comparative Phonology OF Austronesian Wordlist,
5
Blair, Emma Helen and James A. Robertson, The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898. Manila, 1903-1909.
6
An alternative historical name for China
into a single encomienda entrusted to Don Juan Moron and Don Marcos de Herrera.7 The
Christianization of the natives in the Encomienda de Calumpit was supervised by Fray Diego de Herrera,
one of the first five Augustinians that arrived in the islands. However, Fray Diego de Herrera was
dispatched to Nueva Espana8 and was replaced by Fray Martin de Rada. Fray Martin de Rada together
with his vicar, Fray Diego Ordonez de Vivar, then, became responsible to the Christianization of the
natives in the merged encomiendas of Malolos and Calumpit.9 Also in 1572, Adelentado Miguel Lopez de
Legazpi awarded six villages along the Atlag River to Don Jeronimo Tirado.10

In 1580, under the administration of Governor General Gonzalo Ronquillo de Penalosa, Malolos
was dismembered from then the Alcaldia de Calumpit and became officially a pueblo in the Alcaldia de
Bulacan. Fray Matheo de Mendoza became the first minister of the pueblo. Don Juan Tirado, on the
other hand, was responsible in the civil administration.11

PUEBLO DE BARASOAIN

From 1822 to 1858, Malolos was organized as a formal municipal unit. In 1822, Don Jorge de
Victoria was appointed as its first alcalde constitutional or municipal head. Malolos, then, was divided
into three districts – the districts of Malolos, Barasoain, and Santa Isabel. However, in 1858, upon the
decision of the powers vested to the general administration, the three districts became three separate
municipalities each with own capitan and cura parroco. This decision signed in 1858 took effect the
following year.12

In 1859, Don Alejandro Valenzuela became the Gobernadorcillo of Barasoain. In 1860, the first
Cura Parroco of Barasoain, Fray Francisco Arriola, OSA, was installed. While there was still no church
built, the space in the pantheon in front of Casa Tribunal, beside the river that divides Barasoain from
Malolos, was used.13 During this time, a church made of cauaian and pauid was ordered to be built in

7
Ibid, vol. 34, 304-310pp
8
Now Mexico
9
Ibid, 304-310pp
10
Historia General Archivo de Sevilla
11
Ibid.
12
Malolos Historical Digest, June 2000
13
Mga Ulat ni D. Antonio Bautista, in Ang Malulos sa Dahon ng Kasaysayan na isinaayos ni Santos, Jose P. (1934)
Lungsod ng Malolos, Center for Bulacan Studies (2000). 63p.
the patio of Barasoain Church (now).14 In 1862, the collection of “kaloob” began in order to raise a
sufficient funding in the erecting of church made from bato and tisa. In 1863, the convent made from
bato and tisa was built.15

In order to sustain the treasury of the pueblo, polo y servicio was ordered in 1867. Males were
required to render forced labor for 15 days, and each day, they had to pay 12 cualta. Besides, a tax was
also paid twice – one is 12 saikapat or P1.50 and the other is 4 saikapat or P0.50. Moreover, a finiquito
had to be paid as well. Finiquito was an additional payment of 34 cualta or P.0.42. Males were also
required to guard the outposts of the pueblo. In case of violation, a fine of 10 saikapat or P0.125 was to
be paid by the offender.16

In 1869, Fray Emiterio Ruperas17 assisted the cura parroco, Fray F. Arriola.18 Consequently, Fray
E. Ruperas succeeded Fray F. Arriola in 1871 until the new cura parroco arrives. He installed one of the
existing bells of the Barasoain Church in which the year 1870 bears. The bell was donated by the
principalia of Malolos and was dedicated to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.

Fray Francsico Royo, OSA succeeded Fray E. Ruperas as the new Cura Parroco of Barasoain
Church. However, the people were annoyed by the buni of Cura Parroco.

Ang cura ay nagkasakit ng ng “buni” nasa kati ay napakakamot maski na kangino na

19
lubhang kinamuhian ng mga taong-bayan.

In 1879, Fray F. Royo was replaced by the Cura Parroco of Santa Isabel, Fray Juan Giron, OSA.20
During the administration of Fray J. Giron, Barasoain Church was hit by a huge earthquake of 1880. The
belfry standing on the stone structure of the Church fell on the roof made of hiero. The roof of Barasoain
Church was then replaced by a roof made from cauaian and pauid.21

14
Was to be in the present location of the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes
15
Ibid, 64p.
16
Ibid, 65p. (See table of conversion in page 65)
17
Some documents states Fray Emterio Ruperez
18
Ibid, 65p.
19
Ibid, 66p.
20
Ibid, 67p.
21
Ibid, 67p.
 COPIA EXACTA DE UN DOCUMENTO DEL ESTADO
EXPRESIVO DE LOS BARRIOS Y NUMEROS DE ALMAS
DEL PUEBLO DE BARASOAIN EN EL ANO DE 188322

Barrios y Rancherias Num. de Tributos Num. de Almas

Caingen 662 1259
San Agustin 241 556
Liyang 582 973
San Gabriel 232 593
Catmon 223 427
Guinhawa 233 529
Mojon 416 792
Sumapa 232 486
Pinagbakahan 204 494
Santisima Trinidad 231 524
Barihan 275 594
Lugam 296 609
Look 1.o 255 460
Lungos 422 808
Bulihan 259 541
Anilao 155 425
Suma 4928 10070

In 1882, a locust infestation and cholera hit the municipality of Barasoain. A strong earthquake
also hit Barasoain in 1882 which damaged vast properties and left a number of crops and people died.23
In 1884, a huge fire struck Liyang. Flames reached San Gabriel, San Agustin, and Caingin.

Nang buwan nang Mayo nang taong 1884 ay nagkasunog sa mga nayong Liyang, San Gabriel,
San Agustin at Caingen, na nadamay pati ng simbahan ng Barasoain sapagkat nalakpakan ng
24
alipato ang atip na pauid na nalaksakan ng kampanaryo ay napabayaang hindi naaptan ng hiero.

In 1885, the construction of Barasoain Church that is made of stone, wood, and hiero
commenced. Fray J. Giron hired the services of a contractor named Miguel Magpayo . In the façade of
the stone church scribbled the inscription Fr. J. Girón Dirigió M. Magpayo construyó – 1885.25

22
Exact copy of a document expressing the state of barrios through tributes (tax) collected and souls converted (to
Christianity. Ibid, 70p.
23
Ibid, 67p.
24
Ibid, 67p.
25
Ibid, 68p.
 A royal decree in 1887 replaced the title of the provincial leader from “Alcalde” to “Gobernador
Civil.” In each province, a Juez de Primera Instancia was instituted. Also, in every town, a Juez de Paz was
appointed. D. Sabino de Victoria was appointed as the first Juez de Paz of Barasoain in 1887.26

In 1889, Fray Juan Giron, OSA was succeeded by Fray Martin Arconada, OSA.27 During the
administration of Fray M. Arconada, the construction of the bell tower and the restoration of the
convent started.

Fray M. Arconada was succeeded by Fray Miguel Vera, OSA in 1894. During the administration
of Fray M. Vera, the convent had undergone another restoration.

In 1895, Fray M. Vera was succeeded by Fray Martin Arnada, OSA, the last Augustian friar curate
of Barasoain Church.28 Three bells were installed in 1897. One of the bells was dedicated to St. Martin
and was donated by the former cura parroco, Fray M. Arconada.

Don Juan Tello de Victoria, on the other hand, took oath as the Capitan Municipal of Barasoain.
Don Juan pledged loyalty to the Spanish authorities. This made him captured by the revolutionaries in
the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution in 1896 while he was on his way to visit the barrios under his
authority.29 Don Severino Cruz succeeded Don J. T. de Victoria as Capitan Municipal. In 1898, the Spanish
Colonization ended.30

TOWARDS INDEPENDENCE

After the revolutionaries freed the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangan, Bulacan,
Kapampangan, and the areas and towns surrounding Manila,31 revolutionary leaders met in Kawit,
Cavite and they proclaimed the independence of the Filipinos. National government was established as
well as provincial and municipal governments. Municipal government was composed of a Presidente
Local and Delegados de Justicia, Renta, and Policia. Provincial government was composed of jefe or

26
Ibid, 68p.
27
Ibid, 68p.
28
Ibid, 68p.
29
Ibid, 70p.
30
Ibid, 70p.
31
Now Rizal
gobernador of the province and three advisers or Concejeros de Justicia, Renta, and Policia. National
government was composed of the President and cabinet secretaries.32

PAMAHALAANG NAGSASARILI (NG BARASOAIN)

GOBIERNO REVOLUCIONARIO AT REPUBLICA FILIPINA
1898 – 189933

Presidente Local G. Manuel Crisostomo

Delegado de Justicia G. Martin Tengco
Delegado de Rentas G. Justo Teodoro
Delegado de Policia G. Damaso Reyes
Cura Parroco R. P. Juan dela Rosa
Cura Parroco R.P. Gregorio Crisostomo

On August 13, 1898, although Gen. Artemio Ricarte, Gen. Pantaleon Garcia, Gen. Pio del Pilar,
Gen. Mariano Noriel, Gen. Gregorio del Pilar, Col. Pacheco, Col. Luciano Miguel, and Col. Antonio
Montenegro held control over Tondo, Singalong, Paco, Ermita, and Maalat, the American forces forced
to enter Manila, and to them, the remaining Spanish authorities in Intramuros surrendered.34

As tensions started to brew between the Filipino revolutionaries and the Americans, the
Philippine Revolutionary Government35 under the leadership of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo decided to move
the capital from Manila to Malolos.36 Then, the Revolutionary Government is planning to write a
Constitution for the much-awaited proclamation of the Philippine Republic.

MGA GUSALING GINAMIT NG PAMAHALAANG NAGSASARILI37

Palacio Presidencial Convento ng Simbahang Catolico sa Malolos

Secretaria de Guerra Bahay ngayon ng Juez Arcadio Ejercito sa panulukan
ng Pariancillo at F. Estrella
Secretaria del Interior Bahay ni G. Erastro Cervantes sa Pariansillo
Secretaria del Exterior Bahay ni G. Lino Reyes 38

32
Ibid, 77p.
33
Ibid, 76p. (See page 76 for Malolos and Santa Isabel)
34
Ibid, 77p.
35
Dictatorial Government was the first government that Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo established. It was established on
May 1898. It was advised by Consul Pratt and Consul Wildman while Gen. E. Aguinaldo was exiled in Hong Kong.
However, Apolinario Mabini advised Gen. E. Aguinaldo to study first the motive of the Americans. Thus, in June 23,
1898, Gen. E. Aguinaldo established a Revolutionary Government.
36
Agoncillo, Teodoro. Malolos: Crisis of the Republic
37
Bautista, Ibid, 79p.
38
Burnt
 Secretaria de Fomento
Secretaria de Hacienda
Comisaria de Guerra
Universidad Filipina
Congreso Filipino
Gobierno Militar de la Plaza
Maestranza Nacional
Imprenta Publica
Bahay ni G. Antonio Bautista sa Pariansillo
Bahay ni Bb. Basilia Tantoco at Gng. Luisa Buendia
Sa Plaza Plaridel
Bahay ni G. Ponciano Tiongson sa Pariansillo
Convento ng Barasoain
Simbahan ng Barasoain
Bahay na bato ni G. Ignacio Adriano sa Pariansillo
Kamalig ni G. Bartolome Agustin sa Calle Crisostomo
at Ten. Tanjeco
Presidencia Municipal39

In September 15, 1898, a Congress was convened in Barasoain Church,40 making the convention
called Malolos Congress. Malolos Congress held the First Philippine Congress to draft the Constitution. In
January 1899, the Malolos Constitution was ratified.41 This paved way to the formal inauguration of the
Republica Constitucional de Filipinas in January 23, 1899.42

However, the outbreak of Philippine-American War on February 4, 1899 brought the Republic
into a crisis.43 Malolos Congress held its last session on the last week of February 1899 as the Aguinaldo
government left Malolos and transferred the capital to Nueva Ecija.44 On March 31, 1899, the American
forces captured Malolos and Barasoain.45

AMERICAN COLONIZATION

In 1900, Taft Mission led by Willam Howard Taft arrived in Manila.46 Taft Mission brought about
the ruling called Codigo Municipal.47 Thus, on February 1900, Captain Provoste Cook announced the
newly appointed officials of Malolos, Barasoain, and Santa Isabel. Don Pedro del Rosario was appointed
Presidente Local of Barasoain assisted by Don Pio Gatsalian.48

39
Now Casa Real
40
Agoncillo, Ibid.
41
Ibid.
42
Ibid.
43
Ibid.
44
Ibid.
45
Ibid.
46
Bautista, Ibid, 91p.
47
Ibid, 91p.
48
Ibid, 89p.
 Meanwhile, Gen. Isidoro Torres, who replaced Gen. Gregorio del Pilar in the Gobierno Politico
Militar by Gen. Aguinaldo in Malolos, also established a provincial and municipal government. Don
Paulino Reyes served as Presidente Local of Barasoain.49

In 1901, a junta provincial was established in the province of Bulacan. General Grant of the
American forces appointed Capitan Jose Serapio, a native of Santa Maria and a Colonel of Milicia Filipina
during the late Spanish Colonial period, as the Governor of the Province of Bulacan. During his
administration, the capital of the province was transferred from the town of Bulakan to Malolos.50

Election was held in Barasoain on April 1901 and Don Juan Bernardo gathered the most number
of votes. However, Don J. Bernardo fell below the age prescribed by the law. Thus, a special election was
held and Don Pio Gatsalian was elected Presidente Municipal, assisted by Don Isidoro Peralta.51

Don Juan Bernardo was appointed Municipal Secretary and Don Bonifacio de Leon was
appointed Municipal Treasurer. Don Francisco Bernardo served as Juez de Paz and Don Jose Bautista
served as Juez Auxiliar. Don Hilario Palangui was appointed Police Sergeant.

Maestro Meliton Cruz, Maestro Ramon Cruz, and Meastra Rafaela Bernardo became the first
professional educators teaching in the municipality of Barasoain and in Mojon. Teachers in the towns of
Malolos, Barasoain, and Sta. Isabel assist the American teachers, Miss Blanch Lurton and Miss Mary
Crans, who were supervised by Mr. Louis Everett.52

In 1903, the former pueblo with a single Tribunal Real was restored. The towns of Barasoain and
Santa Isabel were reunited with the town of Malolos.53

49
Ibid, 89p.
50
Ibid, 92p.
51
Ibid, 97p.
52
Ibid, 97p.
53
Ibid, 98p.
BARASOAIN IN CONTEMPORARY HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINES

By the virtue of Presidential Decree No. 260, Barasoain Church was proclaimed a National Shrine
by then Dictator Ferdinand Marcos on August 1973. A museum was opened at the old convent under
the management of (now) National Historical Commission of the Philippines.54

In the wake of the centennial celebration of Philippine Independence, Barasoain Church became
the venue of the inauguration of President Joseph Ejercito Estrada as the 13th President of the Republic
of the Philippines on June 1998.

MMXIX

54
Presidential Decree No. 260, retrieved from Official Gazette