IN MANY Philippine history books, it is always mentioned that Silay was the cradle of the Negros Revolution. We all believe that. It was on November 5, 1898 that the Silaynons (hacenderos and jornaleros) put an end to the Spanish rule in Pueblo de Silay.
Years before the revolution, the propaganda movement was already secretly brewing. Many could not believe that because Silay was the “Paris of Negros”… the home of sugar barons, a place of cultured “damas” and caballeros,” the abode of orchestras, the birthplace of zarzuelas, the domicile of operas. It was the place where “banquetes” had no end in the mansions of the “hombres de riqueza” (men with wealth).
The “hacenderos” of Silay (and Negros) were not concerned with the socio-politico problem happening in the country. Their main concern was sugar production and trading. They were very friendly to the Spaniards. The parish priest in the convent was properly fattened and the contribution for the priest (church) was overflowing. The “cantantes” during the mass were “hermosas”… most of them were the “señoritas” of the “Buena familias.” The priest could only cross his eyes.
Somebody called it a paradox but the revolution that burst out was strategized, organized, and put to action by the “hacenderos” who were very close to the Spaniards and the friars… of course, with the support of the “jornaleros” having canine devotion to the “proprietarios.” (It holds true in the revolution and in local politics until now.)
While there was nationalistic upheaval in Luzon, the Negrosanon could be “a fuera” to that. Sugar was good and it sweetened Negros. It was just noted that the young Graciano Lopez-Jaena was able to stay longer in Silay to be with his relatives and his friends… the “ilustrados.” His “love for country” could have contaminated the sons of Silay who were honed to become activists.
Roque Lopez, the president of the Provisional Revolutionary Committee of Iloilo, was already having a constant communication with Aniceto Lacson who got relatives and friends in Silay. Even Martin Delgado, the General-in-Chief of Operations, believed that the “think tank” of the revolution in Silay could come up with a comprehensive war strategy that would surprise the Spanish civil authority and the friars who believed that they are “God’s collectors of wealth.”
Leandro Locsin who was the town president was also the general secretary of the Negros Provincial Revolutionary Chapter. He would always host “banquetes” and invite his friends to come. It would appear to be a meeting of gastronomes who would call themselves members of “Club de Buen Comer.” The outsiders would always believe that in the gathering “there was too much eating and drinking “. (The Silay Kaon Ta Festival… Nov. 4-5, originated from that part of authentic history).
While the agenda were focused on the revolution, the “Kaon Ta” and “Inom ta” group got overflowing food on the long table… morisqueta tostada, camaron rebozado, pescado de salsa agrio dulce, torta de cangrejo, sopa de nido, pinsec con caldo, and aletas de Tiburon. The discussion on revolution was getting hot after several boxes of imported wines were opened.
The “Farmacia Locsin” was the donation center for the donors of the revolution. (Here now stands the Cinco de Noviembre marker on Cinco de Noviembre St., Brgy. Cinco de Noviembre.) To protect the identity of the donors, Locsin would use a code in medical term. The name of a medicine and the donations were written in grams… Jarabe de Limon, 500 grams; Jarabe de Ipecoacana, 50 grams.
This Leandro Locsin later became the third governor of Negros Occidental under the Americal Rule (1901-1905). His grandson, Alfredo Montelibano Jr., became governor of our province also (1968-1986). Melecio Severino was the secretary of the revolutionary chapter (as part of Silay “think tank”). Later, he got the same position in the Revolutionary Government (after the defeat of the Spaniards), and later of the Negros Cantonal Government. He became the first Filipino elected Governor of Negros Occidental (1899-1900) under the American Regime. (He was governor for a year because he was anti-American).
The second in command to Aniceto Lacson (Commander of the Northern Negros Force) was Nicolas Golez y Coloso. Vicente Gamboa y Benedicto, and Timoteo Unson were officers of the Revolutionary Army. Nicolas, Vicente and Timoteo led the attack of the “guarnicion” (garrison) of the Spanish soldiers and the natives deputized as “guardia civil” by Lt. Maximiano Correa.
