Upcoming Event

Pila Historical Marker Unveiled

The Pila Historical Marker was unveiled yesterday, December 4, 2007 by former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos.

More stories and photos of the unveiling will be uploaded on this website soon.

Pila, Laguna Team Grabs 2007 Laguna Girls Volleyball Crown

San Antonio de Padua College Foundation Inc. of Pila, Laguna defeated Perpetual Help College of Biñan in three sets, 21-25, 25-18, 26-24 to capture the Laguna HS Girls Volleyball Championship. SAPC Raiders will represent Laguna in the 2008 Southern Tagalog - Calabarzon Regional Athletic Meet early next year. SAPC Raiders lost the first set, but was able to adjust it's defense to even the score 1-1. In the final set, Perpetual girls team was the first on the hill, 24-21. The Raiders rallied and overtook Perpetual, 26-24, to take the last set and the 2007 championship.

This is the third championship for the SAPC Raiders in six years. SAPC Raiders was the 2002-2003 Laguna Champion while the Biñan squad was the 2004-2006 title holder.

Pila School Bags Laguna Skills Olympics Award

San Antonio de Padua College Foundation Inc. of Pila, Laguna captured the first place team award in the recently concluded 4th Laguna Provincial Skills Olympics held at the Colegio de San Agustin campus in Binan, Laguna.

The Hotel and Restaurant Management majors of SAPC captured the gold medal in napkin folding, silver medal in table skirting, silver medal in pasta recipe, 3rd place in cake decorating, 6th place in bar tending and 8th in the waiter relay.

Colegio de San Juan de Letran of Calamba, Laguna took home the 2nd over-all award while NST Cavite placed third.

SAPC improved their second place finish last year while 2006 champion St Michael College of Binan and third place Colegio de San Agustin failed to maintain their ranking this year.

Unveiling of Pila Town Historical Marker

The National Historical Institute Marker will be unveiled on December 4, 2007, 8:30 AM, Pila Town Plaza. Former President Fidel V. Ramos will grace the occasion and witness the installation of the NHI marker

Program of Activities:

National Anthem - San Antonio de Padua College Drum & Lyre Band

Invocation - Councilor Zaldy Pantua

Welcome Remarks - Vice Mayor Edgardo Ramos

Unveiling of the Marker - Former President Fidel Ramos
Pila Mayor Wilfredo Quiat
NHI Executive Director Ludovico Badoy

Blessing of the Marker - Father Mar Castillo - Parish Priest of Pila

Presentation of the HIstorical Marker - Executive Director Ludovico Badoy

Signing of Certificate of Transfer -

Mayor Wilfredo Quiat for the Municipality ofPila and Exec. Dir. Ludovico Badoy for the NHI. Witnesses: Former President Fidel V. Ramos, NHI Deputy Exec Director Emelita Almasora, PHSF* President Monina Rivera

Acceptance and Response - Mayor Wilfredo Quiat

Introduction of Guest of Honor - PHSF Vice President Cora Relova

Message - President Fidel Ramos

Master of Ceremonies - Mr. Jojo Gonzales and Ms. Maiel de Lumban

A short cultural presentation by the Liksilaw Dance troupe of SAPC will follow.

Calumpang Dam Repaired!

After more than one year of waiting, the farmers of Pila, Laguna can now plant rice again. Thanks to the fast repair of the Calumpang River Dam done by the National Irrigation Administration. The Calumpang River Dam was totally damaged during typhoon Rosing last September 29, 2006.


This horse is also very happy! A refreshing cool bath along the NIA irrigation canal located in Masico, Pila, Laguna.

Pila Historical Marker Unveiling

Pila Historical Society Foundation Inc. met last Thursday, October 18, 2007 to finalize the unveiling of the National Historical Institute Pila Historical marker. The meeting was attended by Vice Admiral Mateo M. Mayuga, Evangeline Tayag Mayuga, General Efren Abu, Lorna Agra Abu, Dr. Antonio Rivera, Sosoy Relova, Jaime F. Tiongson, Vic Del Mundo, Beth Miranda, Monina Rivera, Cora Relova, Jovit Tomas and Cecille Carillo.

The Pila Historical Society Foundation Inc. will announce soon the date of the unveiling of the NHI Pila Historical Marker.

Coke Donation for Pila Town Plaza Food Stall Improvement

Coca Cola Bottlers Philippines Inc. thru representative Francis Tatlonghari donated P200,000.00 for the improvement and beautification of the food stalls located beside the Pila Museum. Picture above shows Mayor Boy Quiat together with the Sanguniang Bayan of Pila and Cora Relova of the Pila Historical Society Foundation Inc. receiving the check donation last July 16, 2007 after the weekly flag ceremony.

Clearing of old Pila PNP Station

The old PNP station beside the Pila Municipal Center is currently being cleared as previously planned. The clearing is part of the restoration of Pila Municipal Center. The Pila Municipal Center was inaugurated on June 13, 1931. It was inaugurated during the septenary of St. Anthony of Padua. The Pila Municipal Center is now 76 years old.

Pila Museum Improvement

Pila Historical Society Foundation Inc. is currently spearheading the improvement of the Pila museum. Please visit Pila Museum to view Treasures of Pila boards and read the story about our town.



One can also read the articles in Treasures of Pila by clicking this link.

Still No Irrigation Water

There is still no irrigation water for the rice fields of Pila. Pila farmers already missed two planting cycles because of lack of irrigation water due to the destruction of Calumpang dam last year. The National Irrigation Administration is rushing the completion of the new dam and according to them it will be completed this coming November 2007.

June 20, 2007: Pinagbayanan 50th Foundation Day

Pinagbayanan will celebrate its 50th founding anniversary today. It was converted into a barrio on June 20, 1957. Pinagbayanan was formerly a sitio of Linga, Pila, Laguna. It is the site of Philippines’ oldest crematorium found in 1967 by a group of archeologists from the University of San Carlos, Cebu City. Various activities are scheduled today to mark the golden anniversary.

Republic Act No. 1689 is printed in full below.


H. NO. 5140


REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1689

AN ACT CONVERTING THE SITIO OF PINAGBAYANAN, MUNICIPALITY OF PILA, PROVINCE OF LAGUNA, INTO A BARRIO OF SAID MUNICIPALITY.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. The Sitio of Pinagbayanan, Municipality of Pila, Province of Laguna, is converted into a barrio of said municipality.

SECTION 2. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved, June 20, 1957


From: Official Gazzette, August 31, 1957 page 5136
GPD PI.6 1957 53(16)
Philippine National Library

Rizal Day

Today is the birthday of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

Our national hero was born on June 19, 1861 in Calamba, Laguna. The provincial government of Laguna declared June 19 a public holiday.

The municipal government of Pila, in preparation for Rizal day festivities, transferred to the Northeast corner of the town plaza the statue of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

San Antonio Miracle:Plaza Spring Flows Again

Several days after the start of the novena for San Antonio last June 4, 2007, spring water started to trickle out. Since the installation in 1911 of the Pila Plaza fountain by the Americans, water continuously flows out of the well until last April when the well slowly went dry. After ninety-six (96) years, the water stopped coming out of the well. Global warming and lack of irrigation water due to Calumpang dam collapse last year could have caused the sudden stoppage.

Thanks to the miracle of San Antonio, Pila is once again blessed with abundant supply of spring water. Pila, Laguna is indeed a Bayang Pinagpala.

776th Feast Day Celebration of San Antonio de Padua

Diocesian Shrine of San Antonio de Padua celebrated last June 13, 2007 the 776th Feast Day of San Antonio de Padua. From June 3 up to June 13, Eucharistic Celebration, Novena and different activities were held at the church and Pila town plaza respectively. The celebration started with a motorcade followed by Palarong Pinoy last June 3, 2007. Gabi ng Parokya and Kabataan were scheduled the following day. Pila Idol Singing Contest was held last June 5, 2007.

San Antonio de Padua College presented Hataw ng Lahi show highlighting different dances from North to South Philippines on the 4th day. Gabi ng Barangay and Turismo, Agaw Buhay play of Colegio Monterei de Pila and Gabi ng Liceo where also held in the same plaza. The celebration was spearheaded by the new parish priest of Pila, Rev. Msgr. Mario Rafael Castillo, EV.

The life story and miracles of San Antonio de Padua was presented by San Antonio de Padua College. Pictures of the play can be viewed below.

Another Banner Year For Pila, Laguna Team

San Antonio de Padua College defeated San Beda Alabang, 2-1, grabbing 2nd runner-up honors in the recently concluded 2007 Women's Volleyball League held at San Beda College Manila Gym. St. Scholastica College of Manila captured the gold medal while School of St.Anthony took home the silver.

For the third straight year, San Antonio de Padua College received the Team Sportsmanship Award. The Team Sportsmanship Award is the highest award given by the league to top teams. San Antonio de Padua College middle blocker, Judy Caballejo, is the best server of the league.


School year 2006-2007 is another banner year for the team and Coach Ramon F. Tiongson. Last August 2006, the team captured the Nestea Inter-secondary Beach Volleyball Tournament held at La Salle Greenhills. The SAPC Volleyball team captured the Pila District and Unit Meet Championship plum. The team placed second in the Laguna Provinical Meet and landed in the semi-finals of the Toribio Cup.

The Torbio Cup Championship trophy was won by Hope Christian School and this team eventually became the National Capital Region champion squad and will represent the region in this year’s Palarong Pambansa. Two SAPC middle blockers, Judy Caballejo and Jenine Peñaranda, were chosen to be part of the Southern Tagalog volleyball team which will also compete in the same sports fest to be held in Koronadal City this coming April, 2007.


More stories here.

Pila, Laguna School Bags Women’s Volleyball League Semifinal Slot

San Antonio de Padua College high school girl’s volleyball team defeated St. James of Malabon, 2-1, to barged into the semifinal round of the 2007 Women’s Volleyball League last February 18, 2007 at the Xavier School Sports Complex in Greenhills, San Juan.

The three-time WVL champion squad will battle title hungry School of Saint Anthony. The clash of the two Antonine schools is scheduled on March 4, 2007 at the Xavier School Sports Complex. St. Scholastica’s College-Manila will be pitted against San Beda College-Alabang A in the other semifinal match. The winners of both semifinal matches will contest the championship trophy on March 11, 2007.

Fifteen elementary school teams and 31 high school squads competed in this year’s competition organized by BEST Center and sponsored by Milo.

High School competitive level:

San Antonio de Padua College-Pila, Laguna, Assumption College, Holy Family School, School of St. Anthony, Sienna College, St. Mary’s College, St. Scholastica’s College-Manila, St. Theresa’s College-Quezon City, Antipolo Lady of Lourdes, Poveda Learning Centre, PWU-JASMS, San Beda College-Alabang A and St. James Academy of Malabon.

High School developmental level:

Assumption Antipolo, Notre Dame of Greater Manila, Our Lord’s Grace Montessori, Paref-Rosehill School, SBC-Alabang B, St. Joseph School Fairview Inc., St. Scholastica’s College-Manila B, St. Theresa’s College-QC B, Angelicum College, Cavite School of St. Mark, Day Spring Academy, Holy Trinity Academy, Immaculate Heart of Mary, La Salle College Antipolo, New Era University, SBC-Rizal and Southville
International School.

Elementary competitive level:

Colegio San Agustin, Mercedarian School, Miriam College, PWU-JASMS, San Pedro Poveda LC, Diliman Prep School, Golden Sunbeams Christian School, Holy Family, Holy Trinity Academy and St. Scholastica’s College.

Elementary developmental level:

Assumption College, Baesa Adventist Elementary School, Day Spring Academy, Sienna College and Southville International School.

Philippine Presidents and Pila, Laguna

I was informed by Cora Relova that the National Historical Institute will invite President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to officially inaugurate the NHI marker declaring the Town Plaza and surrounding heritage houses a National Historical Landmark.

GMA will be the third Philippine President to visit Pila, Laguna. President Ramon Magsaysay went to Pila on February 24, 1956. President Magsaysay officiated the ground breaking ceremony of the P3,180,000.00 Santa Cruz-Mabacan river irrigation project which irrigated some 6,000 hectares of land. President Fidel V. Ramos went to Pila sometime in June 1993 and launched the Laguna Lake Development Authority’s program for the development and management of Laguna de Bay.

President Ramos was stationed in Pila, Laguna during the Philippine Constabulary’s campaign against the Hukbalahap. He stayed in Camp Nazareth (now Campo, San Antonio, Pila, Laguna).

According to Nick Joaquin, in his book Joseph Estrada and other sketches published in 1977, Joseph Estrada attended the Cursillo in Pila, Laguna.

Making History by Searching "History"

Congratulations Citizen Scholars and Historians!

For the third straight year, Philippines topped the list of countries searching "History" using Google. The data below are from Google Trends which started their free service last May 10, 2006. The service aims to provide insights into broad search patterns. Herewith please find ranking per year:

2006

1. Philippines
2. Nigeria
3. Australia
4. New Zealand
5. South Africa
6. United States
7. Pakistan
8. Ireland
9. United Kingdom
10.Sri Lanka

2005

1. Philippines
2. Nigeria
3. Australia
4. New Zealand
5. Ireland
6. United States
7. South Africa
8. United Kingdom
9. Pakistan
10.Canada

2004

1. Philippines
2. Australia
3. New Zealand
4. Nigeria
5. South Africa
6. United States
7. Ireland
8. United Kingdom
9. Canada
10.Pakistan

Our Kababayans are interested in the following History topics:

1. Political History: 2004-1st; 2005-2nd; 2006-2nd

2. World War II: 2004-2nd; 2005-2nd; 2006-2nd

3. World War I: 2004-3rd;2005-3rd;2006-2nd

4. Heroes: 2004-9th;2005-8th;2006-5th

5. Cultural History: 2004-1st; 2005-1st; 2006-1st

6. Art History: 2004-1st; 2005-1st; 2006-3rd

7. Anthropology: 2004-2nd; 2005-2nd; 2006-2nd

8. Social History: 2004-1st; 2005-1st; 2006-1st

9. Economic History: 2004-1st; 2005-2nd; 2006-2nd

10. Military History: 2004-3rd; 2005-2nd; 2006-3rd

11. World History: 2004-2nd; 2005-1st; 2006-5th

12. Asian History: 2004-1st; 2005-1st; 2006-1st

13. Prehistory: 2004-not in top ten; 2005-1st; 2006-1st

14. Chronology: 2004-1st; 2005-1st; 2006-1st

15. Big History: 2004-not in top ten; 2005-2nd; 2006-3rd

16. Social Change: 2005-1st; 2005-2nd; 2006-2nd

17. Human Evolution: 2004-1st; 2005-1st; 2006-1st

18. Historian: 2004-not in top ten; 2005-8th; 2006-8th

19. Local History: 2004-3rd; 2005-2nd; 2006-3rd

20. Naval History: not in top ten

21. Maritime History: not in top ten

22. Veterans: 2004-5th;2005-6th;2006-6th

23. Ancestry: 2004-8th;2005-8th;2006-8th

24. Genealogy: 2004-9th;2005-9th;2006-9th

25. Independence Day: 2004-3rd; 2005-3rd;2006-4th

26. Revolution: 2004-1st;2005-3rd;2006-2nd

27. Rebellion: 2004-5th;2005-6th;2006-6th

28. Insurgency: 2004-not in top ten;2005-1st;2006-1st

29. Japanese Occupation: 2005-2nd;2006-2nd

30. Colonialism: 2004-2nd;2005-3rd;2006-3rd

31. Imperialism: 2004-2nd;2005-3rd;2006-2nd

32. Communism: 2004-1st;2005-1st;2006-2nd

33. Democracy: 2004-8th;2005-6th;2006-9th

34. List of Presidents: 2004-2nd;2005-1st;2006-1st

35. Demography 2004-1st;2005-1st;2006-1st

36. Population: 2004-2nd;2005-3rd;2006-4th

37. History of China: 2004-1st;2005-1st;2006-1st

38. History of Spain: 2004-1st;2005-1st;2006-1st

39. History of United States: 2004-2nd;2005-2nd;2006-2nd

40. History of Japan: 2004-1st;2005-1st;2006-1st

41. History of Germany: 2005-1st;2006-1st

42. History of Malaysia: 2005-2nd;2006-2nd

43. History of Singapore: 2004-2nd;2005-2nd;2006-2nd

44. Geography: 2004-3rd;2005-2nd;2006-5th;

45. Human History: 2004-1st;2005-1st;2006-1st

Calumpang Dam Totally Destroyed

The Calumpang River Dam which is the main structure of the Santa Cruz-Mabacan River Irrigation System was totally destroyed last September 25, 2006 at the height of Typhoon Milenyo’s fury. The 50 year old dam collapsed because of the unabated river sand quarrying downstream. According to this report, the government will spend 160 million pesos of taxpayer’s money to construct a new dam upstream. It will take the government two years to build a new dam. In the meantime, the rice farmers of Pila will have to install temporary shallow wells to irrigate their rice fields.

President Ramon Magsaysay personally officiated on February 24, 1956 the ground-breaking ceremonies of the P3,180,000 Santa Cruz-Mabacan river-irrigation project at Pila, Laguna.