Mapping our heritage, charting our future.
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EVERARD VICENTE

EVERARD VICENTE

CMPG

Everard C. Vicente, born in 1974 in Leon, Iloilo, is a well-known composer who grew up in Barotac Viejo and is recognized for creating its first municipal hymn. Influenced by his musical family, he developed a unique style blending classical, pop, and choral music, which led him to pursue formal studies at the University of San Agustin. Over the years, he taught at several music schools and directed various choirs, contributing to musical productions and competitions nationwide. One of his major achievements was leading the CSCJ BED Choral group to victory in the 2010 National Canticle Choral Fest. Despite his ...
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Leoncio P. Deriada

CMPG

Leoncio P. Deriada, born in Barotac Viejo in 1938, was a respected writer and professor known for his works in English, Filipino, Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a, and Cebuano. He won 17 Palanca Awards, including five first prizes, and was inducted into the Palanca Hall of Fame in 2001. Aside from writing, he taught at the University of the Philippines Visayas and was active in promoting local languages and literature. Deriada received many honors, such as the Gawad CCP para sa Sining and Metrobank’s Outstanding Teacher Award. Deriada’s legacy lives on through his stories, his cultural work, and the inspiration he gave to ...
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ELMER “LACKNET” BEDIA

CMPG

Elmer “Lacknet” Bedia, born in Barotac Nuevo in 1962, began playing football at a young age and rose to national fame by winning a major tournament at just 17. During the 1970s and 1980s, he became one of the top footballers in the Philippines, earning multiple “Mr. Football” awards and playing for the national team and Philippine Air Force squad. In 1986, he moved to Australia to pursue a professional football career and later became a coach while still supporting the development of football in the Philippines. He returned in 1991 to play for the national team in the Southeast ...
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MSGR. JOHN BAÑAS BRILLANTES

CMPG

Monsignor John Brillantes, born in Iloilo City in 1967, is a Catholic priest and former military chaplain who served in the Armed Forces of the Philippines with the rank of Major. He completed his philosophy and theology studies in Iloilo before being ordained in 1996 and later joining the military as a chaplain in 1998. Over the years, he held various roles, including Command Chaplain, instructor, and official in both military and church offices, and he was deeply involved in organizing religious events like the 2008 visit of the relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. He earned a Doctorate in ...
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GIL “DADDY GIL” LASTIMOSO MIATAPAL

CMPG

Gil Miatapal, born in Talisay City in 1961, settled in Brgy. Dangulaan, Anilao in 1989 after working abroad as a mechanical technician. He became a farmer and fisherfolk, supporting his family through a fish coral business. In 2004, he was elected president of the Dangulaan Fisherfolk Association and led many marine projects with government support. He played a key role in launching the Coral Garden project in 2009 and helped deploy 600 artificial reefs in the Anilao Marine Sanctuary. In 2010, he became an official Bantay Dagat and earned awards for his work in marine conservation. His leadership and dedication ...
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PIO APIL

CMPG

Pio Apil, a respected Hiligaynon writer born in Anilao, Iloilo, in 1928, who began his writing career in 1949 with Hiligaynon Magazine. Despite health challenges that stopped his early job opportunities, he focused on writing and became known for his short stories and poems in various local publications. Apil faced difficulties during the martial law era when publications were restricted, but he remained committed to preserving Ilonggo culture through his writing. He received several awards, including the Concepcion Hosillos Literature Prize and honors for his lifelong work in literature. Apil’s stories portrayed Ilonggo life, values, and history, helping readers understand ...
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ART GEROCHE

CMPG

Art Geroche, born in Pavia, Iloilo in 1946, was a renowned Filipino illustrator, painter, and cartoonist known for his dynamic comic art and historical paintings. He studied Drafting at the West Visayas College of Science and Technology (now Iloilo Science and Technology University) and began his career illustrating novels and contributing to comics, including work for DC Comics during the horror genre’s peak in the 1970s. His paintings often highlighted Filipino history and culture, with notable works like “The Barter of Panay” and the mural of Hinilawod , earning him multiple awards. Geroche’s art bridged comics and fine art, influenced ...
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MAGDALENA G. JALANDONI

CMPG

Magdalena G. Jalandoni, born in Jaro, Iloilo on May 27, 1891, was a prolific Hiligaynon writer whose literary career spanned novels, poetry, plays, and historical works. She produced over 60 volumes and earning national recognition, including the first “Republic Cultural Heritage Award” for literature and the Papal Award. Her works are preserved in institutions such as the National Library and the University of the Philippines, with some reaching universities abroad like Yale and Syracuse. In her later years, she donated land in Barangay Balabag, Pavia, to the local elementary school, which now houses a dedicated room for her works, officially ...
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ROSENDO MEJICA

CMPG

Rosendo Mejica, born in 1873 in Iloilo City, was a pioneering Ilonggo journalist, public servant, and educator who founded Makinaugalingon, the longest-running Hiligaynon newspaper, and translated Rizal’s novels into the local language. After becoming the first certified public accountant in Iloilo, he served briefly as Bacolod’s municipal treasurer before returning to Iloilo, where he established the first public school building under American rule in 1905. He formed the Mga Baybayanon (The Seaside Dwellers), making learning more accessible to underprivileged children. Mejica also founded Union Obrera to protect workers’ rights and served on the Iloilo city council for 30 years, contributing ...
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PATROCINIO V. GAMBOA

CMPG

Patrocinio Gamboa, born in 1865 in Jaro, Iloilo, was a revolutionary heroine best known for secretly delivering the Philippine flag to General Martin Delgado in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo in 1898, evading Spanish forces by disguising it under her clothes. Coming from a wealthy, educated family, she was inspired by nationalist literature and became active in the revolution as a Red Cross nurse, fundraiser, and key member of underground revolutionary committees. Gamboa played a major role in organizing the Visayan revolutionary movement and later led women in supporting war efforts through caregiving, gathering supplies, and message delivery. Her legacy is commemorated ...
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