The kings of Pangasinan
Posted on July 25, 2007 - Filed Under Punch Forum |
Rafael L. Oriel, Jr.
25 July 2007
Talking about subjects, Mr. Ed Fernandez, I think you allow yourself to be easily misinformed. You jumped right away to conclusion when you said, “Now I know, there is no King in Pangasinan. Duh!”
It is very interesting to note that contrary to what you said, we can learn from history that there were kings in Pangasinan.
In addition, just like the late Mr. Ermin Garcia, I am a strong believer that there is a King in Pangasinan. I am proud to be one of His subjects.
According to history, an ancient kingdom called Luyag na Kaboloan existed in Pangasinan long before the arrival of Spaniards in the Philippines.
If there is a kingdom, obviously there is a king., is it not? His name, according to history is King Kasikis.
Accordingly, around the 14th century., a legendary woman warrior, is believed to have ruled in Pangasinan. Her name is Princess Urduja. Of course, if we talk about a Princess, a king and a kingdom is not far behind in our mind.
Another indication of a kingdom of Pangasinan is the fact that in 1660, Andres Malong, a native chief of the town of Binalatongan, now named San Carlos City was proclaimed king of Pangasinan after leading a rebellion that liberated the province from the Spanish rule.
It has been said also that Juan dela Cruz Palaris, the leader of the second revolt against Spain was also proclaimed as king of Pangasinan and ruled the province during his time. They say that because of the Spaniards, the kingdom of Pangasinan vanished to oblivion. Is it really or just a matter of perception?
If we look from a different perspective that Pangasinan, once a kingdom always a kingdom, then we can consider that Pangasinenses were born in an ancient kingdom known as Luyag na Kaboloan. Is it safe to say that there is nothing wrong to call our province, the Kingdom of Pangasinan if we like to?
In addition, I strongly believe that there is a King in our beloved province of Pangasinan. His name is Jesus Christ, the King of kings that is why we celebrate every year in Pangasinan the Feast of Christ the King or Cristro Rey, the King of Pangasinan and the rest of the world and beyond.
After reading “Karina and Ermin" by Arsenio C Jesena, I am quite sure that I will never forget the late Mr. Ermin Garcia and his message to us especially when he said “Divine faith—that God is with us; divine faith—for as I lay bleeding and dying there with three bullet wounds in my body, my last words were the words of prayer. I believed in God and trusted in Him as I lay dying, just as I had done through all my life. For we are not, my friends, fighting our battles alone. We are fighting with God, and for God. Divine faith—belief, yes, that with the help of God we can do all things.
I like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the men and women behind the Sunday Punch on their 51st Anniversary celebration. More power to you all most especially to the Garcia family.
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