Friday, December 23, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
MR GAKI PLAYS THE PIANO LIVE
Ever wondered why Piddig's covered theater is called Gaki? Did you know that Piddig in the past is synonymous to Gaki. And Why Gaki?
Gaki was coined after Prof. Luis Castueras, the famous Piddig musician who used to make Piano concerts in a makeshift stage located in the very Gaki Theater today. It is believed that gaki was coined after the word khaki. Prof. Castueras used to pronounce khaki - his favorite clothing - into ghaki. Soon people called him gakhi and later on called the concert place Gakhi.
Here are 3 rare recordings of Mr. Gakhi in the late 1950's.
Gaki was coined after Prof. Luis Castueras, the famous Piddig musician who used to make Piano concerts in a makeshift stage located in the very Gaki Theater today. It is believed that gaki was coined after the word khaki. Prof. Castueras used to pronounce khaki - his favorite clothing - into ghaki. Soon people called him gakhi and later on called the concert place Gakhi.
Here are 3 rare recordings of Mr. Gakhi in the late 1950's.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
MAP OF PIDDIG
This map is availalble in high quality PDF format. Contact me or just click the link below:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzfsqSl-dilRTm1BVzhNOHFjaGc/edit
PIDDIG AS DESCRIBED FROM THE ILOCOS NORTE OFFICIAL PORTAL
PIDDIG
Shield, derived from the Provincial seal of Ilocos Norte
Harp, manifest the love of music of the Piddiguenos
Quill Pen, denotes the Piddiguenos exemplary contribution to Ilocano Literature
Sugar Cane, the source of wine locally produced by the municipality; it also denotes the bountiful glory and success of the famous men of Piddig
Eastern Jar, stands for local wine production prohibited by the Spaniards which led to the famous Piddig Basi Revolt of 1807
Brief History
Piddig is bounded on the west partly by Laoag City and partly by the town of Sarrat; on the north by the Municipality of Vintar; on the south by the town of Solsona and on the east by the Municipality of Carasi. The town occupies an area of 121.33 square kilometres. Despite its proximity to Laoag City, Piddig is sparsely populated. It had a population of 17,797 in 1995.
Piddig is picturesquely spread on the crests and slopes of rolling hills between the Guisit and Baramban rivers. Because of it hilly position, the people called Pidipid which was later changed to Piddig.
The area of what is now Piddig was probably a part of Batak, which was established by the Augustinians on January 15, 1585. It was subsequently elevated into a visita when Dingras was made into a ministry. Finally, it was established as a parish in 1775.
In 1762, the Spanish authorities conscripted the skilled native archers of Piddig known as theTingguian, in the pursuit of Gabriela Silang and her troops who led and continued the armed rebellion after the treacherous death of her husband, Diego Silang. Gabriela was overpowered by the Piddig pursuers and was brought to Vigan where was hanged in October 1763.
During the Philippine Revolution, Piddig was occupied by the revolutionary forces of General Manuel Tinio in August 1898. In Filipino-American War that was to follow, the town became a part of the operational area of Bishop Aglipay’s guerrillas. In 1902, Aglipay established the Philppine Independent Church.
At the height of the World War II, Piddig an dthe surrounding towns became the strong hold of guerrilla resistance against the occuping Japanese forces in Ilocos Norte. It was also in this town that the 15th Infantry USAFFE-NL was formed. This command was responsible for the liberation of the Ilocos Region from the Japanese. Piddig was also made the military capital of Ilocos Norte when the 21st Infantry was stationed there during the early part of war.
Piddig is home to Sgt. Teofilo Ildefonso, a great swimmer and a war hero. A monument has been erected to honor him. The town is also the birthplace of Claro Caluya, the prince of Ilocos poets.
Piddig is basically an agricultural town. Its primary crops are rice, garlic, tobacco, sugarcane, and a variety of vegetables. Its chief cottage industry, which dates back to the Spanish Era, is weaving cloth. The place is known for its blankets, bathrobes, towels, bedsheets, pillows and clothings. The town’s suaco (cigar pipe) is greatly admired for its tide industry.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
LEGEND OF THE BARANGAYS OF PIDDIG
1. CABAROAN
Long, long time ago when the Spaniards were still in Piddig, they made a census in the place to find to find its population. They found out that there are more males than females. So they named it Cabaroan meaning many boys.
2. ANAO
When December comes, the entire place is covered with fog which makes the people afraid to walk especially in the morning. Because of this rounded moist, people called it linnaaw, meaning foggy.
3. LOING
The people of this barrio were fond of playing violin. Many of them begun to play starting from the lower do. The word Loing derived from the word high and low pitch.
4. BIMMANGA
According to legend, this barangay has been called Bimmanga because it resembles to a clay pot floating on the water. But when the Spaniards came, the place was called Bayog. Today, Bayog is just a sitio of Barangay Bimmanga.
According to legend, this barangay has been called Bimmanga because it resembles to a clay pot floating on the water. But when the Spaniards came, the place was called Bayog. Today, Bayog is just a sitio of Barangay Bimmanga.
During the Spanish rule, the town officials were very cruel. The laws were very stiff and anyone that violates them are beheaded. The head is then placed on top of bamboo poles erected and the people are called on to witness how they are prosecuted once they don’t comply with the laws.
And since it is in this place where beheading of the town’s law breakers is done, people know it better as “Bayog” instead of “Bimmanga”. .Bayog is a word meaning raise since the heads of the criminals are raised in bamboo poles.
5. MANGITAYAG
There was a mass held in this place. When the priest raised the blessed body of Christ, the people were surprised. Whenever the priest raised the blessed body of Christ, the people say “mangitayag” which later became the name of the place.
6. TONOTON
This barrio is good and safe to live in. Neighboring barrios want to own a lot from here. Many of them claiming the lot of their grandfather. Later on the people named this place tonoton which was derived from the word agtonton meaning claiming.
7. SUCSUQUEN
This barrio is woody and hilly. Most of it is covered with big trees. In this place, the people have enemies from neighboring barrios. Whenever the enemies attack the people hide themselves in the forest. Sucsuquen is derived from the word agsuksuk meaning hide
8. TANGAOAN
The Spaniards at that time were going from one place to another looking for a place to live in. On their way they saw a group of boys who were gambling. One of the Spaniards asked the name of the barrio. Unfortunately the boys cannot understand Spanish language, so they just continued playing. One of the boys shouted tanga, the other shouted awan. The Spaniards put the two words together and named the place Tangaoan.
9. AB-ABUT
The main occupation of Piddig is basi making. They used to dig holes under their house to keep the jars full of basi. The more jars, the more holes were made. This barrio was named ab-abut because of the holes.
10. ARUA-AY
It is an expression of the people in this barrio “aruy” followed by a sigh which is “ay” The words were put together and became the name of this barrio.
11. LAGANDIT
Years ago, there was a woman carrying a basket made of bamboo. On her way, she met a Spanish soldier who asked her the name of the barrio. Since the woman cannot understand his language she just thought that he was asking her name and of the basket. The woman said “laga” as she pointed the basket and “Andit” as she pointed herself. The soldier named the place lagandit.
12. MAAB-ABACA
Most of the grass that grows in this barrio is bakbaka, a grass that is used for catching mollusks or shells. The word later on changed to maab-abaca which was finally used as the name of this barrio.
13. LIBNAOAN
A young woman was married to an American. Most of the foods that they eat were vegetables. The American cannot survive with the vegetables only and so they quarreled occasionally. The woman could only say “leave me now” the only words she learned from him every time they quarrel. The people who always hear the word could not understand but kept on babbling “libnaoan” which later on became the name of the place.
14. CALAMBEG
This place is very calm. The people are very industrious. Most of the trees that grew in this place is labig. The leaves of the plant is used by farmers for raincoat. Because there’s no name for the place, the people put together the word calm and labig into calambeg and became the name of the place.
15. MARUAYA
There are many birds in the place and most of which is maya. When the birds are in the fields, the boy shouted maya! Maya, naruayda!. The people later on coined the word “maruaya” and became the name of the place
16. GAYAMAT
There were many centipedes in this place which the Itnegs called them gayaman. The people then were looking for a name which is suited for the place. The people were called in a meeting to decide the name of the place. When they begun mentioning names, one man saw the insect and shouted “gayaman!, gayaman!” The people did not find hard to select a name for the place because they adapted the word gayamat from the word gayaman.
17. DUPITAC
Earlier, the people named their place “napitac” which means muddy. But later on, they changed the name into “dupitac”
18. ESTANCIA
Long, long time ago there were two lovers in that place, named Tanto and Tancia. Their relationship did not last long. For both parents were not in favor. Because Tancia was deeply in love with Tanto. The people mourned for them and to honor the two lovers, the people named the place estancia.
19. ABUCAY
This barrio has many bucay, a medicinal vine which is used by the mothers to wean their child because of its bitterness. Everybody knows the use of this vine. The taste is pungent. When the mother wants to wean her child, she just put the juice extracted from the vine into the nipple of her breast. After the baby tasted it that will be the time the baby will refuse to such the nipple of her mother. Because there was no name for the place, the people named the place abucay, derived from the vine makabukay.
20. CALLUZA
There was a Spaniard who lost his way going to the east. On his way, he met an old woman who was very afraid of him. The Spaniard asked the name of the place. Since she cannot understand Spanish she called out her sister Luisa. She shouted: Ca Luisa! Ca Luisa. Then the Spaniard named the place Calluza.
21. STA. MARIA
The place was named in honor of the Virgin Mary.
22. BOYBOY
There was a wedding feast that was held in the barrio. One of the guests is an American. When they finished eating, the American wants to drink, an old woman gave him a boyoboy, a coconut shell used for drinking instead of a glassware. |The American was very surprised. When he arrived in his boarding house, he told his daughter about the boyoboy. Then the girl named the place into boyboy.
23. SAN ANTONIO
It was named in honor of San Antonio. However, the place was created during the term of Congressman Antonio Raquiza. Raquiza is a native of Piddig and own sizeable tract of rice lands in that place. It was believed that the name of the place is derived from his name since it was him who filed the bill in congress creating the barangay.
PIDDIG:THE MONUMENT OF UNSUNG HEROES - Rudy Evans Calixto
Piddig, mounted on “twin peaks” is a town of two hills, one is Bantay Calvario (Mount Calvary) where the municipal hall named “Capitol Hill” is located. And the other named “cathedral hill” on which perched the Catholic Church.
It is flanked by two rivers – one of them is the “Dingris River” west of the town which, during the early thirties, had deep waters that served as the training ground for a great Piddigueño athlete and one time, Filipino athlete of the year. He was Teofilo Ildefonso, who placed the Philippines in the world map when he won bronze medal in swimming event, 100 meters free style in the Berlin Olympics.
In the early days, Piddig was, as it has always been, famous for its natural beauty seen in the trees, flowers, rolling grounds and other gifts of nature that produced famed poets, dancers, singers, musicians and artists. Among the men of letters and music were Guillermo Flores, Pascual Agcaoili, Florencio Castro, Prof. Saturnino Foronda and children, Juan Pandaraoan, Prof. Manuel Castueras and Meliton Guzman, but the most celebrated of them all was the late Claro Caluya, who is nationally known for two famous works, namely; a song entitled “Bannatiran” and his vernacular version of Rizal’s “Mi Ultimo Adios”, which according to local historian and scholar, Emilio Alvarez, is recognized as the best Ilokano translation.
Piddig in the past was also recognized for the beauty of its women, among whom was Julia Agcaoili (Mrs. Julia Martinez), chosen as Miss Philippines in the second Philippine carnival of 1916. Her father, Don Julio Agcaoili, was the second Gobernador Civil of Ilocos Norte during the closing years of the Spanish regime. Another relative of world-renowned is Engr. Justino Villaseñor, donor of the Community Hospital and Health Center (CHHC) with complete facilities in Piddig, Ilocos Norte. This hospital now is being looked upon as a reservoir for life in cases of emergency, especially to the masses who cannot afford to go to Laoag for treatment
In the country’s war history, Piddig played a satellite role for it was the military capital of the province in two wars- The Filipino-American War of 1898 and World War 2. It was here where the 15th Infantry, United States Armed Forces of the Philippines, North Luzon (USAFIP NL for short) was organized and the seat of the high command of the resistance movement. The 15th Infantry was composed of freedom loving Ilokanos who liberated the Province of Ilocos Norte, the northern part of Ilocos Sur and theProvince of Abra. It participated in the Battle of Bessang Pass which marked the fiercest battle against the Japanese Army in the whole Southeast Pacific.
The victory of the USAFIP NL at the Pass spelled the total defeat of the Japanese war machine in the Philippines leading to the downfall and capture of Supreme Commander General Yamashita known as the Tiger of Malaysia”
Piddig is known in history for the famous “Basi” Rebellion in 1807. In his book, former President Marcos said: “The Basi Revolt, a full-scale war mounted by folks in Piddig, Ilocos Norte, against the Spaniards in 1807. The unique revolt was in defense of basi, a potent wine fermented from sugarcane juice, which along with tobacco was a major product of the Ilocos Region. Its brunt fell on the individual’s livelihood. The basi warriors were crushed, but their courage served as a fine example to the people from other regions, where pocket revolts against Spanish authority soon broke out”
Indeed the Basi revolt of Piddig as depicted in graphic sketch of the war as displayed in the lobby of the Batasang Pambansa occupies the same degree of importance as the duel between Lapu-lapu and Magellan in Mactan, that of Sultan Kudarat, execution of Rizal and the Katipuneros headed by Andres Bonifacio.
If there is any town that suffered most in the war of liberation during World War 2, it was Piddig. Because of it’s strategic location for purposes of security and proximity to the coastal towns of Ilocos Norte, Piddig was center of evacuation particularly the people of Sarrat, Laoag and other towns. The Piddigenos did not only welcome the refugees with open arms but shared with them the scanty food they have. But when the guerilla, soldiers and civilians numbering by the thousands settled in Piddig for about six months waiting preparationfor war that liberated Ilocos Norte, the people gave not only the food they had like rice, livestock, beans, salt until they had nothing for themselves.
Exhausted with hunger, weakened by disease and demoralized by frequent executions both by the Japanese and by the guerillas themselves of the so called “spies” worried by the frequent raid by the Japanese, people without number died everyday. But the saddest moment of Piddig was when the full force of the Japanese Army in Ilocos Norte raided Piddig at night in December 1944 killing hundreds of people, and burned the whole town. The fire was so thorough and complete that after the conflagration, the whole town was turned into ashes and rubbles. No building or construction of any kin including pigpens, chicken cages or fences remained. And if it were not for the Catholic Church standing in ruins, strangers would not know whether the fire site was previously an inhabited town or not.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
PIDDIG CELEBRATES CALUYA'S 143RD BIRTHDAY
Piddig Mayor Engr. Eddie Guillen
The Guest Speaker Dr. Anunciation D. Pagdilao, and other guesta and officials
Dr. Pagdilao, Caluya's Great grand daughter and GuestSpeaker receives plaque from Mayor Guillen
Mayor Guillen, Dr, Pagdilao, Pinili Mayor Samuel Pagdilao, Mr. Pepito Alvares and Caluya heirs
Ilocos Norte's historian Jose Pepito Alvarez
June 22, 2011. 143rd Birthday of Don Claro Caluya, the Prince of Ilocano Poets. The guest of Honor was Caluya's great grand daughter Dr. Anunciation Duldulao Pagdilao of Pinili. Ilocos Norte.
Also on this day, Mayor Eddie Guillen announced that the Municipal government is embarking an a special project - writing of Piddig's history. Soon our children will be taught in schools that Piddig was once the center of Ilocano poetry, literature and culture; that Piddig produced great leaders, heroes and many people that contributed a lot in our country's history.(Pictures used in this blog taken from Gliceria Cayaban's FB upload.)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
BASI REVOLT
http://dotregion1.com/home/v1/images/imageBank/imageBank_basi%20making.jpg
The Basi Revolt, also known as the Ambaristo Revolt, was a revolt who started in September 16,1807. It was led by Pedro Mateo and Salarogo Ambaristo and developed in Piddig, Badoc and other towns of Ilocos Norte. This revolt is unique as it revolves around the Ilocanos' love for basi ( sugarcane wine) but last but not least for Ilocanos love for freedom
In 1786, the Spanish colonial government manufacture and sale of basi, effectively banning private manufacture of the wine, which was done before expropriation. Ilocanos were forced to buy from government stores. However, wine-loving Ilocanos in Piddig rose in revolt on September 16, 1807.Spanish troops eventually quelled the revolt on September 28,1807, albeit with much force and loss of life on the losing side.
The flag used by the Basi Rebels
http://www.watawat.net/images/p034_1_00.jpg
Himagsikan Dahil Sa ‘Basi’
SA dami ng mga himagsikan na ginanap sa Ilocos, pinaka-tangi ng mga tagaruon ang aklasan dahil sa basi, kapantay o higit pa, sa isip ng iba, sa himagsikan ni Diego Silang nuong 1762-1764. Patibay nito: Hanggang ngayon, pinag-aagawan kung kangino talaga ang himagsikan ng basi nuong 1807. Sa mga Español, ang ‘El Alzamiento de Ambaristo’ (‘ang aklasan ni Ambaristo’) ay kagagawan ni Salarogo Ambaristo, isang pinuno ng mga magsasaka (campesinos, peasants). Sa mga taga-Ilocos naman, ang naghimagsik ay si Pedro Mateo, isang dating pinuno ng baranggay (cabeza de barangay) ng Piddig. ‘Kanang-kamay’ (teniente, lieutenant) lamang daw niya si Ambaristo.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L2xQIjD5cpM/UHgMeaY6eNI/AAAAAAAABEA/UU9fYPk55YQ/s400/415749_479362068761022_1926158720_o.jpg
http://www.pia.gov.ph/press/image/110309-r1-dadapilan.jpg
Matagal nang nag-aklas si Ambaristo, pinatay kasi ang asawa niya ng isang oficial na Español. Maliban sa paminsan-minsang salakay sa bahay ng mga Español, walang nagawa ang kanyang maliit na pangkat ng mga magsasaka kundi magtago-tago sa mga bundok ng Piddig (‘mabundok’ ang kahulugan ng ‘piddig’ sa wika ruon) nuong cabeza pa si Mateo.
Kahit mula sa angkan ng maharlika (principalia, native elite) duon, hindi natanggap niMateo ang malupit na turing sa tao. Mainit ang ulo, ilang ulit siyang napa-away dahil ayaw tumulong, kinalaban pa, ang pagsamantala ng mga frayle at Español na sinimulang tawagin siyang ‘taksil’ (traidor).
Bilang cabeza, alam ni Pedro Mateo ang lahat ng lihim saPiddig, pati na kung saan ginagawa at itinatago ng mga tagaruon ang kanilang basi upang hindi mailit (confisca) ng mga Español at principales na nagsisilbi sa kanila. Madalas tumalilis si Mateo sa lalim ng gabi upang makipag-inuman ngbasi sa kanyang mga kanayon.
Bagaman at hindi siya nabisto kahit minsan ng mga frayle at ng mga alagad nitong principales, lalong nag-init ang mga mata nila kay Mateo na itinuring nilang ‘traidor.’ Kaya nang nasaksak at napatay ang isang taga-Piddig na kaibigan niMateo, siya ang inusig ng mga Español. Pinaratang nilang naglasing silang dalawa ni Mateo at nangnag-away, sinaksak ni Mateo ang kaibigan. Nahatulan na mabilanggo nang 5 taon, nakalabas lamang si Mateo nang tubusin ( fianza, bail) ng kanyang abogado sa halagang 200 pesetas.
Hindi pa rin siya pina-alpas ng mga frayle. Hinabla siya sa pinaka-mataas na hukuman (corte suprema, supreme court) sa salang pagkalaban sa pamahalaan ng España. Humiling si Mateo ng patawad mula sa Manila subalit tinanggihan siya at ipinadakip. Inutos din ng hukuman na ilitin (seize) ang kanyang bukid at mga ari-arian. Pati ang kanyang familia ay inutos na tiktikan (surveillance).
Naglabas ang mga frayle ng kasulatan (documentos) at iba pang ‘evidencias’ na mag-aaklas si Mateo at ang kanyang mga kainuman. Mayruon pang ‘mapa’ ng mga pinagtaguan ng mga burnay ng basi. Wala nang pag-asa, tumakas si Mateo at nagtago sa mga bundok sa paligid ng Piddig. Duon at nuon niya natagpuan at naka-panalig si Ambaristo. Maliit lamang ang pangkat nila kaya nagkasundo ang dalawa na gamitin angpagsarili sa basi upang yakagin ang mga taga-paligid na sumama sa kanilang mag-aklas laban sa Español.
Ang San Ildefonso ay 2 nayon na lamang mula sa Vigan. Tinahak ito ng ilog Bantaoay at sa dalampasigan nito tinalo ng mga Español ang mga manghihimagsik nina Mateo at Ambaristo.
Umurong sila sa Badoc subalit sumunod at pinaligiran sila ng hukbong Español hanggang nuong Septiembre 28, 1807, napasuko nila sina Mateo at Ambaristo. Kasama ang dalawa sa mga nabihag, kinaladkad at binitay sa liwasan (plaza) ng Vigan. Hindi pa contento ang mga Español pagkatapos ng pagbitay, sobra kasi ang takot na dinanas nila sa paghimagsik. Pinapugot nila ang ulo ng mga bangkay. Subalit nabigo ang kanilang tangka na hamakin ang mga naghimagsik at takutin ang mga taga-Ilocos sapagkat itinanghal ng mga tao na bayani (caballeros, heros) sina Mateo at Ambaristo, at inalaala ang luwalhati (gloria) at kalayaang idinulot ng 14 araw ng himagsikan. Kahit nagwagi ang mga Español, sa mata ng mga taga-Ilocos, sila pa rin ang ‘contra-vida’ (malditos, villains).
Pagkaraan ng 14 taon, hindi pa rin napawi ang parangal sa himagsikan ng mga tao saIlocos, kaya nagpundar ang pamahalaan sa Vigan nuong 1821 upang hamakin ang mga naghimagsik, purihin ang mga Español, at takutin ang mga tao na huwag nang maghimagsik uli. Inupahan nila ang isang mestizong pintor sa Vigan, si Esteban Pichay Villanueva , upang ilarawan ang pagkatalo nina Mateo at Ambaristo, 14 larawan ng sunud-sunod na pangyayari nuong himagsikan dahil sa basi.
Source: http://www.elaput.org/chrm1807.htm
Friday, June 3, 2011
PIDDIG
http://chingleen1980.tripod.com/ilocosnorte/id2.html
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/5156772317_d8448944cf.jpg
Geographical Features
Location and Boundaries
Some seven kilometers east of Laoag City, Piddig lies on a beautiful land of rolling hills against the romantic background of the Cordillera mountain ranges that border it on the northeast. Its other boundaries are Vintar on the north, Carasi on the east, Solsona on the south, and Sarrat on the west and Dingras on the southwest.
Land Area and Topography
The 23 barangays composing it are spread out through a land area of 17,043 hectares. Almost all of its surface are hilly and rugged mountain ranges which are rich in lumber, nito, rattan and cogon grass. There are two rivers that surround the area - the Guisit and Palayan rivers.
Climate
Just like any other town of the province, Piddig has its wet and dry seasons. The long dry season falls on November to April, while the wet season is on May to the early part of October. December to February are the coldest months during the year, while April is the hottest.
Town History
Establishment
The town was settled by a group of Itnegs as early as 1770. These settlers cleared the lands, tilled the soil and raised abundant food supply. A few years later, the people of San Juan, La Union and some towns of Ilocos Sur arrived in the settlement and drove the natives away. The Itnegs fled to the mountains called Anayan and to some other places. As the semi-civilized settlers increased in number, they intermarried with the people of the neighboring towns.
Origin of Its Name
When the settlers increased in number, they founded the town and called it Pidipid, an Ilocano term which signifies a hilly place. Later on, when the Americans arrived in the country and reached the place, they changed the name Pidipid to Piddig, because the hilly place is situated at the foot of the mountains.
Religious History
The people are religious and God-fearing. Many religious sects were established. The Roman Catholic Church pioneered in the town. Augustinian missionaries began the Christianization of the people. Fr. Manuel Madriaga was the first resident priest. The people were easily converted to Christianity as a result of the great zeal of the missionaries.
In 1902 a new sect was organized by Monsignor Gregorio Aglipay, with the cooperation of Rev. Jose Castro, who became the first priest of tbe Philip-pine Independent Church in Piddig. Almost all of the people of the town pledged their faith and became followers of the new sect.
The Protestant church was established in the town in 1905 by an American Misaionary, Mr. William H. Hanna The first minister was Rev. Esteban Salomon,who carried on the ministry with considerable success.
Places to See
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· The Baroque-style Church of St. Anne, built atop a moderately elevated hill, has a grand stone stairway from the church to the plaza. During the Philippine-American War, it was occupied by a 5-man Filipino guerilla team who repulsed early American attacks. The church was repaired after the March 19, 1932 earthquake toppled the upper level of the bell tower. During World War II, it was occupied by American forces. The convent, sacristy as well as parochial records, furniture and statues were burned when Japanese forces raided the town. In 1965, the facade and interior of the church was restored. The convent, with its series of arcades, was repaired and converted into a parochial school.The courtyard, enclosed by a stone and brick fence, rises above two lower squares that flank it. Inside the church are the original wooden pulpit and five Neo-Classic retablos of brick and lime. The central retablo houses the image of St. Anne supporting Mary on her lap.
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Brief History
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· Piddig was founded in 1732 as a visita of Dingras
· It became an independent parish in 1770.
· The town's name was probably derived from the word pidpideg meaning “corners” due to the first settlers having built their huts on the slopes of mountains. It was changed to its present name upon the arrival of the Americans.
ADDITIONAL READING:
Excerpt from:
THE ROAD TO ALMAGUER: FLEEING PIDDIG, HAVEN IN BAYOMBONG
http://bigberto.blogspot.com/2006/07/road-to-almaguer-fleeing-piddig-haven.html
. ...Enticed by his cousin Miguel, Lakay Burik decided to migrate to Nueva Vizcaya at around the first decade of the 1900s and settled in a place called Piddigan (later renamed La Torre in honor of the Spanish Governor Ramos de la Torre). Piddigan or La Torre is part of Bayombong that was established as a pueblo in 1739 by the Augustinians. It was, however, a Dominican --- Fr. Juan Crespo --- who started building the present church in 1773 that now serves as the diocesian cathedral and dedicated to Santo Domingo. Only the façade and the bell tower were left of the original structure.
Piddigan was so called because its first settlers were from Piddig, Ilocos Norte. According to family historians from my mother’s side, Miguel Castrovierde Tomas and his brothers killed the cruel Spanish priest of Piddig by stabbing him with a puyod. They then fled to Nueva Vizcaya, founded the barrio of Piddigan, and changed their names into Castros, Vierdes/Verdes, and Tomases. Miguel and his brothers became the Tomas branch. When the Americans invaded, they went back to Piddig to fetch their relatives to join them in Piddigan. That is how their first cousin Lakay Burik joined them.
I visited the church of Piddig (dedicated to Sta. Ana) on the same day I visited Dingras in 17 June 2005. In Dingras, I tried to commune with the spirits of my ancestors. In Piddig, I lighted a candle to hail the bravery of Miguel and his brothers and ask forgiveness for their deed. There are no records on when and who built the church but it is believed to be one of the earliest churches in the province of Ilocos Norte. It served as the headquarters of Filipino revolutionaries during the Filipino-American War, and by American forces during World War II. Piddig is also rich in local history: it was its conscripted skilled Tingguian archers who captured Gabriela Silang in 1762 and was the center of the 1806-1807 Basi Revolt led by Pedro Mateo and Salarogo Ambaristo. Its first Filipino parish priest, Fr. Jose Castro, became the country’s first Aglipayan priest when the Augustinians fled in the aftermath of the Filipino-Spanish War. Piddig is also the birthplace of Claro Caluya --- the “prince of Ilocano poets”, and Sgt. Teofilo Ildefonso --- the country’s only double Olympic bronze medalist.
Miguel did not stay long in Piddigan. At around 1906, he and some settlers relocated in a place near Bantay Sabon --- a forested area they passed along the dacquel nga carayan on their way to Piddigan where pure water bubbles from a spring that feeds into a creek with eels as big as a man’s leg. Lakay Burik again joined his cousin in this place where he cleared his dappat and raised his family. It is called Almaguer.
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