MINIATURES

The morning of August 29, 1896, Saturday, was uncommon for the commander of the Guardia Civil in Pasig Lt. Manuel Sityar. It was supposed to be "tiangge," but just across the street from his detachment where he stood, he saw the market half empty. From the church down to the plaza, it was silent, strangely silent. Although Sityar had some knowledge and morbid apprehension about specific gatherings of men in the wee hours months before in his area of designation, he was clueless on what was about to transpire. By dusk, it had become apparent. Pasig Katipuneros were attacking the Spanish detachment. Sityar might have thought only of a small disturbance, but what he was facing that time was non-other than the beginning of the revolution. Later to be called -- "Nagsabado" Pasig historian Dean Carlos Tech, the foremost narrator of Nagsabado described the event: "Nightfall of August 29, the men from the Pasig barrios of Pineda, Bagong Ilog and Ugong crossed the San ...

In the latter part of the 1990s, as the country prepared for the Centennial year celebration, the city of Pasig embarked on a grand endeavor: documenting and discussing its role in the founding of the nation, particularly its connection with the Katipunan. Pasig, often considered a stronghold of the Supremo, Andres Bonifacio, was central to this historical exploration. Indeed, civic groups were formed, public discussions held, commemorations organized, and historical markers erected, all aimed at highlighting Pasig's historical significance. In the process, a substantial amount of literature on the subject was published. One of the foremost topics of discussion revolved around Katipunan themes, including the "Asamblea Magna," "Nagsabado," "Bitukang Manok," and more. Local government units also took part by placing historical markers, some of which were done without the support of verified documents or rigorous research. Now, two decades later, with the...