They named the country “Philippines” in honor of King Philip II of Spain. During Magellan’s stay on Cebu Islands (Central Visayas Region), he introduced Catholicism to the people, and began converting Filipinos to Roman Catholics.

However, the presence of Spanish colonizers on the island triggered a series of revolts among Filipinos, including Lapu-Lapu. He is a native chieftain and a national hero who resisted such oppression. Together with his allies, Lapu-Lapu killed Magellan on the island of Mactan, Cebu (Visayas) in 1521. Despite this defeat, Spanish colonization went on as several conquistadores (Spanish conquerors) arrived in the Philippines in 1565.

During the Spanish era, the people of the Philippine Islands were classified into different social classes. The Datu, Rajah, Lakan and “noble ones” made up the ruling class. The middle class were composed of the Timawa (in Visayas) and Maharlika (in Luzon). Timawa and Maharlika are words referring to a feudal warrior class. Those belonging to the lowest class were the Alipin (commoners or slaves).

Andres Bonifacio became the Father of Philippine Revolution being the founder of the Katipunan (an underground society seeking independence from the Spanish colonists). Bonifacio was also called the Supremo (the secret organization’s highest in command).

Jose P. Rizal, on the other hand, fought against Spain by publishing underground revolutionary materials. Rizal came from a relatively wealthy family, and was an illustrado (an educated Filipino during the Spanish regime in the Philippines).

Having studied in different universities in the country and abroad, he was a teacher, doctor, and linguist. He used his wisdom and education to ignite patriotism among his countrymen. Rizal’s writings inflamed the Filipino’s desire to liberate the Philippines from the colonizers. His most notable works were Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo – two novels that revealed inequalities of the Spanish government and the maltreatments of Filipinos under the hands of the Spanish friars (priests).

In 1896, Jose Rizal was charged with rebellion, conspiracy, and betrayal to Spain, and was sentenced to death by firing squad. On December 30, 1896, he was executed in Bagumbayan, Manila (currently known as Luneta or Luneta Park).

Both Andres Bonifacio and Jose P. Rizal played a major role in winning the country’s independence from Spain. These brave men strongly inspired other Filipinos to fight for their native land’s freedom.

The Americans recognized Jose P. Rizal’s heroism and peaceful way of achieving freedom for the country as a brilliant move. This is why he was declared as the National Hero of the Philippines.

To honor the sacrifices of all Filipino heroes who offered their lives for Philippine independence, the National Heroes Day is celebrated every last Monday of August. Rizal Day, on the other hand, is commemorated on every 30th day of December.

In this travel guide to Manila, you will learn more about Philippine history, how to travel around, and where to stay and dine in the Philippines’ capital.