The History of the Visayas Region of the Philippines

I was born in Jaro, Iloilo in the island of Panay, one of the big island comprising the Visayan Region of Central Philippines. I spent my childhood and High school years in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo. My college years was in Diliman, Quezon City, a suburb of Manila- the Capital Region of the Island. It is with great pleasure to share with you my dear blog readers all over the world, the outline of the History of the Visayas Region- the Region of my Birth and Teenage Years in the Philippines. I immigrated to the US when I was 26 years old to further my education. In 1965, I obtained my Ph.D Degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Illinois in Chicago. My Family and I became US citizens in 1972.

The photo above is a beautiful rural scene typical of the Visayan Regions.

The Visayas is one of the three main geographical divisions of the Philippines, located in the central part of the country. Here's a brief history:

# Pre-Colonial Period (900s-1521)

1. *Ancient settlements*: The Visayas were inhabited by Austronesian-speaking peoples, including the Cebuanos, Hiligaynons, and Warays.

2. *Srivijaya and Majapahit empires*: The Visayas were influenced by these Indonesian empires, introducing Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam.

3. *Rajahnates and chiefdoms*: Local kingdoms, such as the Rajahnate of Cebu and the Confederation of Madya-as, flourished.

# Spanish Colonization (1521-1898)

1. *Magellan's arrival*: Ferdinand Magellan arrived in Homonhon, Eastern Samar, in 1521.

2. *Christianization*: Spanish missionaries introduced Christianity, suppressing indigenous beliefs.

3. *Establishment of Spanish provinces*: Cebu, Panay, and Negros became provincial capitals.

# American Colonization (1898-1946)

1. *American rule*: The Visayas became part of the American Philippines.

2. *Economic growth*: Sugar, tobacco, and coconut industries developed.

3. *Filipino nationalism*: Revolutionaries like Lapu-Lapu and Leon Kilat fought for independence.

# Japanese Occupation (1942-1945)

1. *Japanese invasion*: The Visayas were occupied during World War II.

2. *Guerrilla warfare*: Local resistance movements fought against Japanese forces.

# Modern Period (1946-present)

1. *Post-war reconstruction*: The Visayas recovered from wartime devastation.

2. *Regional development*: Economic growth, infrastructure projects, and cultural preservation efforts.

3. *Cultural heritage*: Preservation of traditional festivals, languages (Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Waray), and historical sites.

# Key figures

1. Lapu-Lapu (native warrior)

2. Rajah Humabon (Cebu's ruler)

3. Juan Luna (artist)

4. Graciano López Jaena (writer)

# Sources

1. "A History of the Philippines" by Renato Constantino

2. "The Visayas" by National Historical Commission of the Philippines

3. "Pre-Colonial Philippines" by Felix Dalisay

Meanwhile, Did you Know the Origin of Harana( Serenade) in the Philippines 

ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF HARANA IN THE PHILIPPINES

The harana (Spanish: Jarana) is a serenade tradition in rural areas of the Philippines in which young men may formally meet single lady visitors. ln harana, the songs that are usually sung are Kundiman or dansas.

The harana first gained popularity in the early part of the Spanish Philippines period. Its influence comes from folk Music of Spain and the mariachi sounds of Mexico. It is a traditional form of courtship music in which a man woos a woman by singing underneath her window at night.

It is widely practiced in many parts of the Philippines with a set of protocols, a code of conduct, and a specific style of music. Harana itself uses mainly Hispanic protocols in music, although its origins lie in the old pre-colonial Philippine musical styles which are still practiced around the country.

The main instrument used for harana is the guitar, which is played by the courter. However, other string instruments such as the ukulele and, less frequently, the violin and trumpets are also used.

The word harana has derived from the Spanish string instrument Jarana. It resembles a guitar, but is smaller in nature.