Philippine History -- Plaridel: Marcelo H. del Pilar

Filipino.biz.ph - Philippine Culture

History Search

Hero of the Philippine Revolution
Marcelo H. del Pilar

popularly known as Plaridel

leading propagandist for reforms in the Philippines

editor and co-publisher of La Solidaridad

born August 30, 1850 in Cupang, San Nicolas, Bulacan to Julian del Pilar and Blasa Gatmaytan

died July 4, 1896 of tuberculosis, in Barcelona, Spain

Marcelo H. del Pilar's reputation as a propagandist was already established before an order for his arrest forced him to flee the country in 1880. Gifted with the common touch, he found ready audiences in the cockpits, the plazas, and the corner tiendas of his native Bulacan. Unlike Rizal who wrote his novels in Spanish, a fact which cut him off from most Filipinos who did not know the language, del Pilar wrote his propaganda pamphlets in simple Tagalog -- lucid, direct and forceful. His parodies of the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Apostle's Creed, the Ten Commandments and the catechism published in pamphlets which simulated the format and size of the novenas were highly effective propaganda.

The Philippines: A Past Revisited. Renato Constantino

Said the Spanish newspaper La Politica de España en Filipinas, the organ of the friars, as homage to del Pilar in 1896;

Marcelo del Pilar was the greatest journalist produced by the purely Filipino race.
We did not consider him an artful filibuster; at times we saw in him the calculating conspirator, the journalist gone astray, who had no real hatred for the sovereign country, through he showed he had it for the state of affairs prevailing in the Philippines.

Marcelo H. del Pilar started school in the College of Mr. Jose Flores. He transferred to the College of San Jose in Manila. He finished law in 1880. Marcelo H. del Pilar was more popularly known as Plaridel. Multi-talented Plaridel played the violin, the piano and the flute. He was good in fencing. He used to sing in serenades and played beautiful pieces on the violin during Flores de Mayo.

He later married his cousin Marciana del Pilar in 1878. They had seven children.

Plaridel established the Diariong Tagalog in 1882 to publish observations and criticisms on how the Spanish government in the Philippines was run.

Pedro Serrano Laktaw helped him in publishing "Dasalan at Tuksuhan" and the "Pasyong Dapat Ipa-alab ng Puso ng Taong Bayan".

In Spain, he and Graciano Lopez-Jaena published the "La Solidaridad" which was the organ which contained their desires in improving the Philippine Government. He succeeded Lopez-Jaena as editor of the La Solidaridad.

He died a poor man on July 4, 1896 in Barcelona, Spain.

Excerpts from Talambuhay ng mga Bayani by Rene Alba

� KC Gems - Elegant wearable fashion rosary necklace and bracelets prettified with the Aurora Borealis shimmer of Austrian Swarovski crystals, or luster of freshwater pearls, or classic beauty of Murano glass. Proudly Philippine made, a KabayanCentral.com exclusive! KC Gems are elegant, yet inexpensive fashion pieces that make perfect gifts for your loved ones.

Related Products

� Miniature Tricycle - Metal die cast model of one of the most common mode of short-distance transportation in the Philippines. As ubiquitous as the jeepney!

� Tunay na Lasang Pinoy - Savor traditional Pinoy food.

� Pinoy Tees: Uniquely Pinoy Shirts - These shirts reflect the Pilipino's sense of humor and artistic talent.

� Pampanga Christmas Lantern - Miniature version for your car. Made of moulded plastic frame, a durable and non-conductive material.

� KabayanCentral.Com -

Choose your Christmas gifts from among 7,100 Filipino items in the pioneer Philippine-based e-store

� e-Kain.Com -

Send the Christmas party to your loved ones! Be part of the family's celebration!

� Help the Street Children! -

Make a dream come true this Christmas through the Salesians of Don Bosco. Help the street children.

History Books
from Amazon!