In commemoration of the Siege of Baler, a reenactment and cultural show was presented in the town of Baler in Aurora on June 30, 2024.
The historical reenactment at the patio of the San Luis Obispo Parish of Baler, also known as the Baler Church, commenced the day’s activities.
Historia Viviente Manila and the Ciriaco Brigad Tiradores reenactment groups depicted the important and pivotal scenes of the Siege of Baler in front of the Baler Church, the actual site of the historic battle and conclusion. Staged for the public for the first time, the performance encapsulated the heroism of Spanish soldiers and Filipino revolutionaries. It portrayed the surrender and safe passage of the remaining Spanish troops granted by the Filipino revolutionaries as they exited the town under the orders of President Emilio Aguinaldo.
Later in the evening, a cultural night production titled “El Amor Perdura” was shown to the public at the Sen. Edgardo J. Angara Convention Center. Staging a rural and western-influenced repertoire, the artistic groups featured were Bungkos Palay Performing Arts Foundation, the premiere artistic troupe of the first and only science city in the country; CLSU Maestro Singers Philippines, the official choir of the Central Luzon State University; and the Ascot Sindayaw Performing Arts Guild, the official performing group of the Aurora State College of Technology.
The cultural presentation concluded with “Komedya de Baler”, rendered by the members of the Teatro Kalinangan ng Aurora, who performed using real bladed weapons with loud martial music, colorful costumes, marches, battle formations, lively choreography, and stylized steps.
The next day, July 1, in celebration of the 22nd Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day, a wreath-laying ceremony was led by guests of honor, Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, and Ambassador Miguel Utray Delgado of the Spanish Embassy, at the Baler Church.
A short program followed at the Baler Municipal Plaza that was attended by National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) chairperson Lisa Guerrero Nakpil, Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, Senator Win Gatchalian, Aurora Congressman Rommel Rico T. Angara, Aurora Governor Reynante Tolentino, Baler Mayor Rhett Ronan T. Angara, San Luis Mayor Ariel A. de Jesus, Maria Aurora Mayor Ariel S. Bitong, Casiguran Mayor Roynald S. Soriano, and Dinalungan Mayor Manuel A. Torres.
The two-day activities were led by NHCP with the support of the Baler Municipal Tourism Office, and San Luis Obispo Parish.
The Siege of Baler tells the story of Spanish soldiers who held out in Baler, 15 days after the proclamation of Philippine independence. Despite repeated efforts to inform them that the war had already ended, the soldiers barricaded themselves for 11 long months. Lt. Col. Tecson along with Bulacan soldiers, was sent by President Aguinaldo to end the siege. Only when President Emilio Aguinaldo passed a presidential decree – commending their heroism, allowing them safe passage, and that they be treated as friends – did they finally come out and begin their journey back to Spain.
(Photos by Sonny Espiritu)