125 Years On: Commemorating the Return of Los Últimos de Filipinas to Spain, and the Filipinos’ Role in their Journey Home
Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro and Inspector General of the Spanish Army Lieutenant General Manuel Busquier Saez lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the exhibit
BARCELONA 02 October 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona hosted a special event on 26 September 2024, to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the return to Spain of Los Últimos de Filipinas, the last Spanish soldiers to leave the Philippines following the Siege of Baler. Attended by distinguished guests, including Spanish Army officers, members of the consular corps, academics and descendants of los ultimos de Filipinas, the event honored the shared history between Spain and the Philippines and underscored the crucial role Filipinos played in ensuring the safe return of the Spanish forces.
Reflections on Shared History
Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro, in her opening speech, underscored the lasting significance of the Siege of Baler. "The story of Baler is one of heroism, courage, patriotism, endurance, and humanity—from both sides. This is how we want it to be remembered, and we hope that it will guide the future of our relationship with Spain," she remarked.
A Historic Diplomatic Gesture
The Siege of Baler, one of the final chapters of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines, remains a pivotal moment in Philippine-Spanish relations. Under the leadership of President Emilio Aguinaldo and the counsel of Apolinario Mabini, the revolutionary government granted safe passage to the Spanish soldiers who had defended Baler for nearly a year, unaware that the Philippines had already gained independence.
As Dr. Ros Costelo, Assistant Professor of History at the University of the Philippines, noted in her remarks, this diplomatic act was the new Philippine Republic’s first significant foreign policy action. “The safe passage given to Los Últimos de Filipinas was urged by Apolinario Mabini as a way to introduce the Philippines to the world as a young nation capable of humane and civilized actions, even in times of conflict,” said Dr. Costelo, highlighting the role this gesture played in establishing the Philippines' international standing. She also underscored how crucial it was that the soldiers survived, noting their arduous journey on foot through the Sierra Madre mountains to Tarlac after surrendering in Baler. Dr. Costelo further emphasized the vital role of Filipino locals, particularly women, who provided the Spanish soldiers with food and shelter along the way, including Aguinaldo’s wife, who gave them money to aid their passage.
Documentary Screening and Cultural Highlights
A key feature of the evening was the screening of the documentary “The Last of The Philippines: Return to Baler,” produced by Musas Producciones, written and directed by Jesús Valbuena, and narrated by the late Philippine-born Spanish musician Luis Eduardo Aute. The documentary gave attendees a deeper understanding of the Spanish soldiers’ experience during the siege through the stories they shared to their descendants, and their eventual return home. The descendants interviewed, as well as Filipino and Spanish officials, including the late Senator Edgardo Angara, underscored the valor of Spanish and Filipino forces and the magnanimity of Filipinos in ensuring the Spanish soldiers make it back home after their surrender.
Adding a special cultural touch to the evening, Dr. Eris Navarro, a Filipino dentist pursuing postgraduate studies at the University of Barcelona, performed the song Yo Te Diré from the classic 1945 film Los Últimos de Filipinas. Her moving rendition of this iconic love song captivated the audience, providing a nostalgic moment that resonated with the event’s historical context and artistic homage.
Mr. Aurelio Calvo Infante, President of the Los Ultimos de Filipinas, Heroes de Baler introduces the film
Dra. Julianne Eris Navarro delivers a cultural performance
Panel Discussion: Revisiting Baler
The event also featured a panel discussion with Mr. Aurelio Calvo Infante, President of the National Association of Last of the Philippines, Heroes of Baler; Brigadier General Manuel Blasco Gómez of the Spanish Ministry of Defense; and Dr. Ros Costelo. The panel provided a nuanced exploration of the historical, diplomatic, military and cultural significance of the Siege of Baler from both Spanish and Filipino perspectives.
Panel discussion
Exhibit and Closing Remarks
The evening concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the exhibit titled "Siege of Baler," led by Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro and Lt. Gen. Manuel Busquier Saez. The exhibit, based in part on a 2010 exhibit by the University of the Philippines Bulwagan ng Dangal University Heritage Museum curated by Professor Ruben Defeo, featured informative panels that recounted the story of the siege and its broader historical significance. In line with the evening’s theme, one panel honored the Katipuneros known to have defended the Philippines against the Spanish forces, highlighting that this chapter of history is also a story of Filipino heroes.
A notable section of the exhibit focused on the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day or Republic Act No. 9187, which allows the Philippines to commemorate June 30 each year as a celebration of Philippine-Spanish relations—a unique gesture from the Philippines, possibly the only former Spanish colony to enact such a law. The exhibit provided guests with a tangible connection to this pivotal historical event, reinforcing the deep cultural and historical ties between the two nations.
As the event concluded, Consul General Lazaro invited attendees to a reception and cocktails, encouraging reflection on the shared history between Spain and the Philippines and the promising future of their continued partnership.
For more information and updates, please visit the Consulate's official website or follow on Facebook, Instagram and X (@PHinBarcelona). END
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