This 2012, the Province of Negros Occidental is celebrating its 114th Cinco de Noviembre.
With the theme: "Pasidungog sa mga Dungganon nga Negrosanon... mga Bugal kag Manggad sang Probinsya"
[Tribute to the Honorable Negrenses... the Pride and Treasure of the Province], the Province prepared a whole day program and activities commemorating all Negrenses.
What happened in November 5, 1898 is believed to be the first bloodless revolution in the Phlippines.
November 5, 1898 (Cinco de Noviembre) is the date when Negrenses are proud to exclaim that they are inhabitants of a small sock-shaped island full of natural resources. This is the day when thousands of Negreses manifested their bravery and courage, in the most coordinated way headed by various local leaders, to proted the land they well-loved in a bloodless revolt against the Spanish conquistadores.
It was in this "Cinco de Noviembre" when the marching revolutionists, led by Gen. Juan Araneta from Bago and Gen. Aniceto Lacson from Talisay were actually carrying fake arms consisting of rifles carved out of nipa stalks and cannons of bamboo mats painted black. The courageous strategy deceived the Spaniards led by Col. Isidro Castro looking afar using a hazy telescope from atop the San Sebastian Cathedral belfry, surrendered upon seeing a large formation of soldiers, and heavily armed with rifles and cannons.
This event is being commemorated in Negros Occidental every Cinco de Noviembre as the day the Negrenses bluffed the Spaniards to attain freedom. November 5 has been declared as a special non-working holiday in the province through Republic Act No. 6709 signed by President Corazon Aquino on February 10, 1989.
How to Get There
From Manila, you can fly to Bacolod (Php2500++, round trip, 45 minutes). From Bacolod-Silay Airport, you can take a shuttle (Php75-100 per head) going to the city proper. You can also take a cab from the airport but this is a bit expensive (Php400++).
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photos/source/reference: C.M. Pelayo and Negros Occidental Historical Council | republicanegrense.com
