QUINGUA: REVISITING PLARIDEL

Plaridel previously known as Quingua was an Agustinian Estate during the Spanish Colonial period. Prior to 1732, Baliwag was a sitio of Quingua. The Southern part of Baliwag was under the Administration of the Augustinians in Plaridel and those in the Northern part including the present day Bustos (Bonga Menor) was under the authority of the Augustinian fathers in Angat.

The Church of Santiago Matamoros is reminiscent of the Moorish architecture in Alhambra, Spain

Early History

Plaridel's history can be traced through records dating back to 1595 during the early years of the Spanish colonization. The place was a vast plain covered with thick forest and cogon grass, with the rivers Angat and Tabang running through it. The Angat River flowed directly to Calumpit meeting the Pampanga River. The Tabang river, a mere branch with adjoining intersections dividing the middle of the present Poblacion, flowed to Manila Bay passing the Guiguinto and Bulacan towns. The water of this river was called "Tabang" or fresh water.

The newly renovated retablo depicting (from left to right) Santa Monica and Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, Santiago Apostol, San Agustin and Inmaculado Corazon de Maria. On top is the image of the Santo Nino.

Spanish Colonial (1595 -1898)

Very few people lived here, and most were closely related. Each group had a leader called "tandis". Different groups spoke different dialects; Pampango, Pangasinan, Ilocano and Tagalog. From Calumpit, Spanish priests and missionaries of the Augustinian Order, led by the Rev. Fr. Bernardino de Leon, frequently visited the place, preaching the Catholic faith, using the "balsa" or bamboo raft as their means of transportation.

The Augustinians decided to clear the land and establish settlements, from which they could work to bring unity to the people. They needed ideas to bring this about so each "Tandis" drew up a plan to pursue. For seven years, the groups of people labored, so much so that when the priest returned they found the area completely cleared. They inquired among the natives for who should be credited and the Pampangos exclaimed, "Quing wawa". So every now and then, to every question of the friars, the people would reply "Quing wa". Thereafter, the place was called Quingua.

American Colonial Period (1898 -1945)

One of the greatest battles in the Philippine-American War was fought here by Gen. Gregorio del Pilar . Del Pilar’s troop fought with those of Col. John Stotsenberg during a battle on April 23, 1899 where the latter was killed. A marker now stands at the site of this historic event in Barangay Agnaya.

Jose J. Mariano, then the "Alcalde" or town mayor, took the initiative of renaming the town. Congressman Pedro Magsalin, a friend of the Alcalde, sponsored a bill changing the name of the town from Quingwa to Plaridel. The bill was passed by the Philippine Congress and was approved by President Manuel L. Quezon. On December 29, 1936, the town was renamed 'Plaridel' in honor of the great hero of Bulacan, Marcelo H. del Pilar. The celebrations were attended by the political luminaries, Speaker Gil Montilla, Congressman Pedro Magsalin, Honorable Nicolas Buendia, Honorable Eulogio Rodriguez, Honorable Elpidio Quirino and Governor José Padilla, Sr.

A monument to Saint James, slayer of the Moors

Japanese Occupation (1942 – 1944)

The Imperial Japanese armed forces occupied Plaridel in 1942 during in World War II. The Japanese military garrisons were stationed there from 1942 to 1945. Bulaceño guerrillas fought side by side in Plaridel attacking Japanese troops from 1942 to 1945 before the liberation. Local Filipino forces under the Philippine Commonwealth Army and Bulaceno guerrillas liberated Plaridel in 1945.

The century old Carroza (float) of Saint James

Tourism

The Church of Santiago Apostol situated in the center of the town with its fantastic combination of Neo-Gothic, Mudejar, Moorish and Neo-Classical motifs. The Simboryo Chapel which dates back to the early 1800s is characterized by its beautifully-cut volcanic stone and enclosed in a Renaissance plaster and cornice design. The Stotsenberg Monument is a tribute to John W. Stotsenberg, a West Pointer and a decorated commander of the US Army whose heroic deed saved the lives of many and whose legacy is of fond remembrance to many.

The Church at night

There are several ancestral homes in Plaridel which are among the largest and most beautiful in this part of Bulacan displaying the Bulakeños’ love for cultural heritage and artistic excellence, which the people of Plaridel have well-preserved. They do make beautiful architectural attractions. The Plaridel Airport is the only municipal airport in Bulacan. Built in 1935 by the US Bureau of Aeronautics, it is a historical site that brings back memories of the Japanese-American war. The airport is a major base for training pilots.

One of the tourist highlights of Plaridel is its horse festival held on Dec. 29 which features the “salubong” of Santiago Apostol and St. James the Great. It is a parade marked with the attendance of brass bands accompanied by horseback riders in beautiful gala outfits.

The town likewise boasts of its cottage industry making beautiful abanikos or fans that make good pasalubong and rare gift items. There is also the abundance of native bags, rattan and marble crafts, handcrafted wooden accessories and furniture that are sources of delight to tourists, whether local but more so the foreigners who have started to flock to Plaridel to see the beauty of the place and the hospitality of its people.

Today, the municipality is beaming with progress, and to the delight of travelers who might just be passing by Plaridel are the culinary specialties of the town known as Gotong Plaridel with its distinct taste and flavor.

An image of Apong Tiago welcomes all parishioners and visitors alike at the Parish Museum showcasing photos and mementos from Santiago de Compostela in Spain.