1st BULACAN MARATHON: Running in the Land of Heroic Generals

Bulacan is a province of patriotic Filipinos. Arguably, it can be said that Bulacan  is the cradle of Philippine nationalism for after all the First Philippine Republic was established in Malolos back in 1898. Likewise, the Malolos Constitution, the first republican constitution in all of Asia, was drafted and ratified in Bulacan.      Bulacan  was one of the first 8  provinces to take arms against the Spanish colonizers in 1896.  Given this, Bulacan is also a province with its more than fair share of heroic generals who fought for Philippine independence.  In Wikipedia, there is a compendium of Filipino generals who fought during the Philippine revolution, Filipino-American War and the post-war insurgencies, and on that list, Bulacan  has 16 native sons of the 166 listed. Indeed, Bulacan the Land of Heroic Generals.

Of these 16 heroic generals of Bulacan,  two have monuments which are part of the 42km route of the 1st Bulacan Marathon:  Gen. Isidoro Torres in Malolos; and Gen. Gregorio del Pilar in Calumpit. Kudos to the organizers led by RD Prince for including these statues of our brave generals from Bulacan in the route.  

Last runner standing, the Bicolano Penguin (BP) at the finish line. RD Prince confirming that the BP crossed the finish line with 2 minutes to spare before the 8-hr cut off finish time.   

What is the significance of these statues and memorials? There is a well-written opinion piece in the Indian broadsheet daily newspaper The Statesman that talks about the importance of these edifices:

"Statues and memorials embody narratives of the past and symbolise societal values. Be it for religious significance, commemoration of patriots, representation of country, preservation of cultural heritage, famous celebrities and revered leaders; monuments are collective tributes to memorialise unique individuals, events and activities. And, to this end, statues and memorials are having profound impact on societies and their culture."    

It is indeed our wish that these statues would have profound and positive impact on our Philippine society. In this day and age where the Filipino nation in general and the Pinoy youth in particular of today are more keen on K-Pop stars and sugary milk teas, it would be best indeed that we are reminded of the heroic values of our forefathers. I echo the sentiment of Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando when last June 2022, he said "...it is sad that the heroism, patriotism, nationalism, and self-sacrifice of the Filipinos'ancestors in the struggle for independence are being forgotten by the youth, particularly those who have become too attached to social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram." The Bulacan governor reminded the province's youth to always remember Bulacan's and its heroes contributions to Philippine independence and nationalism.    So every opportunity for us to view memorials of heroes and generals, let's take it. Or more appropriately for us runners, let's run it.  Such is the significance for the Bicolano Penguin (BP) of the 1st Bulacan Marathon and its 42km route. It gave me an opportunity to visit their statues and gaze into their eyes and for a moment, albeit brief, feel something extraordinary.   

Who is Gen. Isidoro Torres?  Who is Gen. Gregorio del Pilar? Who are these 2 heroic generals of Bulacan? What did they embody that are worth emulating these modern times?        

Admittedly, Gen. del Pilar or "Goyo" is more known than Gen. Torres, but by no means is the contribution of Gen Torres no less than that of Goyo.  There are historical insinuations  that the 2 Bulacan generals had an ongoing feud and in one instance, both were vying on who would lead the inaugural parade of the First Philippine Republic in Jan. 23, 1899.  Eventually, Gen Torres headed the 6,000-man strong Filipino army that marched in the parade.  Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo more likely recognized how Torres was del Pilar's senior in both rank and age. 

The Inaugural Parade of the First Philippine Republic in Jan 23 1899 in Malolos.  During this parade, Gen. Torres headed the march of the 6,000-man strong Filipino Army.  

So who is this dude who bested the charming and debonaire Goyo in leading the parade of the 19th Century Philippines?  Isidoro Torres was born on April 10, 1866 in Barangay Matimbo, Malolos to Florencio Torres and Maria Dayao. He studied high school in Colegio San Juan de Letran and college at Universidad de Santo Tomas. Better known as "Matang Lawin" in revolutinary circles, Torres was initiated into the Katipunan in Manila on March 1896, together with 2 fellow Malolos progressives. They organized a group called Sangguniang Lalawigan Balanggay Apoy together with other Katipuneros in Bulacan.   Torres headed the revolutionary forces in Malolos after the outbreak the Philippine revolution in Aug 1896.    In June 1897, Gen. Aguinaldo appointed him Brigadier General.  He engaged in many battles with the Spaniards including Malolos, Biak-na-Bato, Bustos, San Miguel, Calumpit and Macabebe. During the administration of Pres. Aguinaldo, Torres played an important role in how Malolos became the venue of the opening ceremony of the First Congress, and the drafting of the First Constitution.  Unlike del Pilar, he did not die in battle in the hands of the Americans but Torres' action did something no mortal politicians would normally do -  at the end of the Phil-American War, he declined an offer from the victorious Americans to become Governor of Bulacan. He and his wife left the Philippines for Singapore but in 1903 returned to the country and settled in San Antonio, Nueva Ecija, where he served as a peace justice of the town  and later being elected as a delegate to the Philippine Assembly.   He died peacefully Dec. 5, 1928.  Clearly, Gen. Torres exhibited the values of Patriotism, Courage, Leadership and Commitment.  

Photo of Gen. Isidoro Torres. Look at his piercing eyes. 

Issued by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, a 1 peso commemorative coin with the image of Gen. Isidoro Torres.  

 

How about Gen. Gregorio del Pilar?  Much has been said and written already about the dashing Goyo who was born on Nov 14, 1875 in Bulacan, Bulacan to Fernando H. del Pilar and Felipia Sempio.  He died in a blaze of glory (ala Sparta's 300) at the Battle of Tirad Pass on Dec 2, 1899.  A contemporary article that is a very good read on the young general is this  2018 Esquire Magazine article by Justin Umali  entitled "What Do We Really Know About Gregorio del Pilar, Philippine History's Baby-Faced Assassin?" At least 2 movies have been made about del Pilar, one in 1996 (Tirad Pass: The Last Stand of Gen. Gregorio del Pilar  and another one in 2018 (Goyo: The Boy General).  Despite the movie glitz, let us not lose sight of the important message in the story of a hero like Gen. Gregorio del Pilar.  To quote from Benito Soliven, Congressman of Ilocos Sur during the Philippine Commonwealth back in 1930 ( the quote taken from a 2015 opinion piece  written by Sara Soliven de Guzman at the Philippine Star) :

"The story of Del Pilar has a peculiar lesson for the youths of our land. He died when only 24, at an age when life looks so rosy, when love so ardently cherished, when the future appears so bright. Like our other generals, he could have avoided death, and could have waited to enjoy the benefits of peace. That he had ambition and unusual ability had been demonstrated by his rapid rise to fame.  He was one of the foremost national figures at an age when other men are just beginning to get their bearings in life.  That he loved and was loved was shown in a most pathetic fashion by the lock of hair of his bride and her handkerchief pressed to his heart when he died. But he preferred to sacrifice his young life, his future entirely and absolutely, without reservations for his beloved country. 

May the youths of our land be like him willing to consecrate their lives to the cause of their Country, and like him be ready to sacrifice on the altar of freedom their youth with all its joys and rosy promises, when the exigencies of the hour so demand.  May they ever look up to the shining examples of patriotism and unselfishness set up the be the martyr of Tirad Pass, the model of youth."      

Photo of Gen. Gregorio del Pilar in horseback with troops under his command.  

Posters of 2 movies about the life and times of Gen. Gregorio del Pilar.   

Examples of patriotism.  Such are the examples of Gen Isidoro Torres and Gen. Gregorio del Pilar, proud sons of Bulacan.   Thankfully their patriotic examples are celebrated in statues and monuments for us to see.  For runners like the Bicolano Penguin, we got to see and visit these monuments thanks to the 42km route of the 1st Bulacan Marathon. 

42-km route of the 1st Bulacan Marathon

At Km 0 and Km 42 (both the start and finish are in Malolos), there is the monument of Gen. Isidoro Torres.  The monument is the centerpiece of 3,486 sq meter People's Republika Park which is located in front of the Malolos City Hall on MacArthur Highway.  The statue is 7 feet tall and his presence dominates the people's park.  There have been a bit of controversy on the matter of resemblance of the statue to the heroic general but it should not discount the fact that in Malolos and in the whole of Bulacan, Gen. Torres is remembered with admiration and gratitude for his patriotism and public service. 

The BP posing for a photo with the Gen. Isidoro Torres monument in front of the Malolos City Hall.

The Bicolano Penguin  had the chance to have  a photo  after the race and I could not help but notice the fierce look in the face of the Gen. Torres statue, perhaps in keeping up with his nom de guerre "Matang Lawin."  

Between Km. 32 and Km 33 (just my guestimate as I was not wearing a GPS watch during this marathon), is  the Gen. Gregorio del Pilar Monument. From NLEX, along Pulilan Regional Road, which is just a stone throw away from the bridge. Parallel to this new bridge is actually an old bridge called Old Bagbag Bridge. This area is one of the site of the Battles of Bagbag and Pampanga Rivers, which happened in April 25-29, 1899 during the Philippine-American War.  American forces under Gen. Arthur MacArhur faced Filipino troops under Gen. Antonio Luna.  But during the actual battle, Gen Luna was nowhere near Calumpit as he embarked on a joruney to Macabebe, Pampanga to punish Gen. Tomas Mascardo for insubordination. Gen Luna took most of the cavalry and artillery with him, leaving Gen. del Pilar in command of a now diminished Filipino force to counter the advancing American troopers.  This explains why Gen. del Pilar has a monument in this area in Calumpit.  

Gen. Gregorio del Pilar Monument in Calumpit.

The Old Bagbag Bridge in Calumpit

When the Bicolano Penguin  passed  this area in the morning hours of the 1st Bulacan Marathon, I was not able to take a photo with the statue as the celphone I had with me was wet from all my sweat and water I  was pouring on my head to counter the heat and humidity of the plains of Central Luzon. But I did manage to read the marker. It simply said in bold capital letters "ALA-ALA NG BAYAN KAY HEN. GREGORIO H. DEL PILAR."

RESPECT. ADMIRATION. GRATITUDE. PRIDE. I believe these are the emotions that the people of Bulacan have for their heroic generals like Torres and del Pilar.  That too are what I feel looking at the 2 monuments during the 1st Bulacan Marathon. How about the other participants in the 1st Bulacan Marathon?  What are their thoughts about the heroic generals and about the marathon itself?

Let's go ask them. 

Rozano Fajardo Yu

Rozano Fajardo Yu (Bib# 42049) is a runner born in Bustos, Bulacan and raised in the neighboring town of San Ildefonso. Currently residing in Laguna, his running club is called SGX Kalabaw.

BP:  What is the significance for you in running a full marathon in your home province of Bulacan?

RF Yu:  I got into running just over a year ago and has been training ever since.  Although I think I am still not ready for a full marathon, I was determined to participate in the event since Bulacan is where I grew up.  It is just fitting that my first marathon be held in Bulacan in their first ever full marathon. 

BP:  Did you like the 42km route of the 1st Bulacan Marathon? If yes, what did you like about the 42km route? 

RF Yu:  The organizers did the best they could to come up with the best route for the runners. Like all firsts though, there are improvements that will have to be made for the safety of the runners like more street lights as it was really dark in some areas and more race marshals would be nice too so first time marathoners  can ask for directions.  I did like the hands on support of the organizers during the race, making sure that the runners are guided and informed.  Overall, it was a successful event and I was really happy that the organizers (Prince Multisports ) were able to pull off the first marathon of my beloved province of Bulacan. 

BP:  Running the 42km route, did you notice  the monuments/statues for 2 heroic generals from Bulacan? If yes, what is the significance for you as a Pinoy from Bulacan? 

RF Yu:  Yes, I was able to see the hero generals of Bulacan statues early during the race.  Bulacan played a significant part in the revolution against the invaders and makes me prpud of being a Bulakenyo. Just looking at historical places like Barasoain Church gives me goosebumps and I always share the stories behind these places to my kids. 

Lyn Runner Hiker

Lyn Runner Hiker (Bib#42031)  is a runner from Bulacan, Bulacan.  She has no affiliation with any running club. This free lancer loves to run in Bulacan and Bataan. 

BP:  What is the significance for you in running a full marathon in your home province?

LR Hiker:  Napakasaya ko dahilsa home province ko dito ako nakapag full marathon mula ng naging runner ako year 2017. Inabot lang ng pandemic. Bagujan runner lang kaya ngayon lang nasubukan ang 42k. Ang nasasalihan ko ay puro 21k.

BP:  Did you like the 42km route of the 1st Bulacan Marathon? If yes, what did you like about the 42km route?  

LR Hiker:  Yes, magandang routa siya lalo na sa kahabaan ng By Pass Road Pulilan. Buti na lang may ka running buddy ako kasama habang tumatakbo sa madilim na lugar.  Buti na lang may baon ako hudration. Handa lagi dahil malalayo ang hydration. Nasanay lang ako sa mga trail run ko na may baon ako ng hydration. 

Heavenly Lody Garcia

Heavenly Lody Garcia(Bib#42068) is a member of Running Team Calabarzone (RTC) and Paranaque Ultra Running Evolution (PURE). Although she is not from Bulacan, she has friends residing in Bulacan. 

BP:  Did you like the 42km route of the 1st Bulacan Marathon?  If yes, what did you like about the 42km route?

HL Garcia:  The route is very challenging. Of course, like any other full marathon, challenge will always be there. But it was fun and good experience. 

When inquired if she noticed the monuments of 2 of the heroic generals of Bulacan, Heavenly Lody replied that she failed to notice them as it was dark and rainy. Understandable indeed. 

So there we have it. Some of the feedback from some of our successful finishers of the 1st Bulacan Marathon.  Candid and straight to the point.  Marathoners generally go straight to the point as we have the habit of conerving energy for the long haul. 

As for the BP, the quest continues on my bucket list of finishing a marathon or an ultra in all 82 provinces of our beloved Philippines.  Bulacan is my 25th province.  57 more provinces to go. Long ways to go.  

The BP more than a kilometer away from the finish line of the 1st Bulacan Marathon. In the background is part of the Malolos-Clark Railway project currently being constructed.    

One last point before we conclude this blog article.  It is about the name of the province.  According to the Bulacan LGU website, the name of the province was derived from the Tagalog word "Bulak", which was abundant in many parts of the province back in the day.  However, there is another entry in the Tagalog dictionary on the word "Bulakan." It means "isang uri ng palay na pitong buwan bago anihin." In the context of Bulacan being the land of heroic generals, seems to me that bulak (which is cotton that connotes softness) is less apt than the Bulakan,  the special kind of rice variety.  

Totoo nga na sa probinsiya ng Bulacan, ang bayang Pilipinas ay nag-ani ng masaganang numero ng mga bayaning heneral. 

MABUHAY ang BULACAN. 

            

  

             

 .