On this date in...
1861: Julián Felipe was born in Cavite City, Cavite. He is the composer of the Philippines national anthem Lupang Hinirang. A dedicated music teacher and composer, he was appointed by Emilio Aguinaldo as Director of the National Band of the First Philippine Republic. He died in Manila on October 2, 1944.
1919: The Lodge received its Charter, during the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands, which was signed by the new Grand Master, MW Bro Milton E. Springer and the Grand Secretary MW Bro Newton C. Comfort. The authorized name became Pampanga Masonic Lodge No. 48.
1947: Jan 28. President Roxas issues an amnesty proclamation to collaborators and releases Claro M. Recto, Jose P. Laurel, Benigno Ramos, Jose Vargas, and Jose C. Zulueta, among others.
1948: Philippine President Manuel Roxas grants amnesty to everyone accused of collaboration with the Japanese during World War II; the beneficiaries include President Jose P. Laurel and his entire cabinet that served during the Japanese Occupation period.
1919: After the United States took control of the Philippines in 1898, Melchora Aquino or Tandang Sora, like other exiles, returned to Philippines until her death at the age of 107. Her remains lie in her own backyard (now as Himlayang Pilipino Memorial Park, Quezon City).
1950: At the Nicanor Reyes Hall, Room 214, Far Eastern University, Manila, Philippines; the first organization of Alpha Phi Omega outside of the United States of America was established. It is now known as the Alpha Chapter.
