November 5 or Cinco de Noviembre would not be an esteemed holiday in Negros Occidental, a symbol of Negrense freedom, if not for the heroism and tactical brilliance of one man – General Juan Anton Anacleto Torres, fondly known as Tan Juan. This year, the descendants of Tan Juan gathered from all over the world to converge in Bago City, Negros Occidental, to commemorate his centennial death anniversary.
Tan Juan’s Death
General Juan Araneta, beloved father and leader, died on October 3, 1924, due to a cerebral hemorrhage.
He was first buried at the newly established ‘Patio sang Banua‘ in 1924. But on the 50th year of his death, he was rightfully reinterred in a permanent place of honor, which is now known as the Araneta Monument at the Public Plaza of Bago.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of his death. To remember him, his numerous descendants converged in Bago City. Celebrations started early with a mass, which was then followed by a unity walk going to the public plaza. Everyone gathered at the monument where a solemn ceremony was held.
The Philippine flag and the city banner were raised, followed by a floral offering headed by Mayor Nicholas Yulo and Vice Mayor Ramon Torres, who are themselves descendants of Tan Juan’s siblings. They were followed by the city councilors and representatives of each of Tan Juan’s children.
There was also a dance presentation depicting some historic moments of Tan Juan’s life. Everyone then proceeded to the Balay ni Tan Juan Community Museum to partake in a brunch hosted by Bago City in honor of the city’s greatest hero. The family enjoyed the spread of local delicacies that have a special place in everyone’s core memories.
Fit for a Hero
Tan Juan was a sugar farmer with vast land ownership in Bago City. He built his life around his family as a farmer and businessman during the Spanish regime.
But what elevated him to hero status was his valiance in facing the formidable Spanish army without the proper armaments and ammunition. With his quick-thinking, ingenuity, and tactical genius , his troops made mock cannons that caused the Spanish soldiers to retreat, marking the end of the foreigners’ reign in Negros Occidental. In a nutshell, Gen. Araneta led his troops to victory and reclaimed the province in a bloodless revolution. It was the grandest win in the province’s history.
In the present day, the Araneta monument houses Tan Juan’s remains. It is marked by a bronze statue immortalizing the hero riding his black stallion, Requinto. This is a famous Bago City landmark. Pass by here and have your photos taken.
Today, October 5, there are more festivities in Bago as Tan Juan’s clan remembers their roots and celebrates the legendary status of their forefather.
