This was the time, and this was the scene. Philippine independence had earlier been declared on June 12, 1898. It hoped to send ripples down the archipelago.
And it did. On the 5th of November that year, Negrenses took to the streets to claim their inalienable right to self-determination. No other story in the archives of Negros wields greater sway in the evolution of Negrense heritage than this historic fight for independence from Spanish rule, and the consequent establishment of the Cantonal Republic of Negros.
A hundred twenty three years later, Cinco de Noviembre is an annual, province-wide holiday commemorating the brave spirit of Negrenses. And?
