“Mock Battle of Manila”
On May 1, 1898, the naval battle between a squadron of the United States led by Admiral George Dewey and a Spanish fleet under Admiral Montojo took place in Manila Bay, destroying the Spanish fleet. Soon after, the Spanish Governor-General intimated his willingness to surrender Manila but Dewey had no enough force to occupy the city. On August 7, a few months later, and after several contingents of Americans have arrived, General Wesley Merritt and Admiral Dewey jointly sent the Spanish Commander the following notice:
“…the operations of the land and naval forces of the United States against the defenses of Manila may begin at any time after the expiration of 48 hours (August 9) from the hour of receipt by you of this communication, or sooner if made necessary by attack on your part. This notice is given in order to afford you an opportunity to remove all non-combatants from the city….” (From the story of the Philippines by Murat Halstead)
Manila surrendered on August 13, 1898 after a brief and actually only a token bombardment of the outer fortifications by the fleet and an attack by the troops. This event is referred to by some Filipino historians as the “Mock Battle of Manila.”—Shared by Roberto Maymay/CDA
“Wedding of the Year”
On May 1, 1954, Ferdinand E. Marcos and Imelda Romualdez were married at the Pro Cathedral of San Miguel in Manila, after being married in a civil ceremony in Baguio City. Though they seemed an unlikely match, Marcos being a liberal and an Ilocano and Imelda being a Nacionalista by family tradition and a Waray-waray, he pursued President Ramon Magsaysay, the principal sponsor, held the breakfast reception in Malacañang Palace, where about 3,000 of Manila’s officials and social elites were invited.
They were celebrated by the media, their wedding publicized as the “Wedding of the Year”. The groom was among the most outstanding young politicians in the country, whose public image as a reputable trial lawyer and legislative figure was magnified by his dashing charismatic personality. The bride carried a name which was respected in both political circles and social register, and whose beauty and fine voice could charm gatherings. –Shared by Roberto Maymay/CDA
