Despite having a relatively long name, José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda, was fondly called "Pepe" by her family and peers. His name was inspired by Saint Joseph and Saint Protacio who his mother, Doña Teodora Alonso, honoured.

In Excelsis, a book written by Felice Prudente Santa Maria, explained why the young Rizal was nicknamed Pepe. According to her, “Saint Joseph was the putative (commonly accepted) father of Jesus Christ. In Latin, San Jose’s name is always followed by the letters 'P.P' for pater putativus. In Spanish, the letter 'P' is pronounced 'peh' giving rise to the nickname Pepe for [anyone who is named] Jose.”

Related: What's on a Hero's Plate? 5 Of Dr Jose Rizal's Favourite Dishes

Mariano Gomez, José Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora or the "GOMBURZA" are the three Filipino Catholic priests who met their tragic end in a public execution using garrote (a handheld ligature of rope, scarf, or chain used to strangle a person).

Spanish authorities have alleged that the martyrs were masterminds in the insurrection of indios (native Filipinos) working at the Cavite arsenal. The three were also accused of having been part of a movement that seeks to oust the Spanish government. 

The GOMBURZA execution has since been labeled the 'Terror of 1872' and is recognised as a pivotal event relevant to the Philippine Revolution from 1986 to 1898. Last February 17, the country marked the 150th anniversary of martyrdom of the three priests.

San Juanico bridge, which has a total length of 2.16 kilometres (1.34 mi), is considered as the Philippines' longest bridge.

Made up of steel girder, the San Juanico is part of the Pan-Philippine Highway and stretches from Samar to Leyte across the San Juanico Strait.

Tatler Trivia: There are several urban legends in the Philippines but the one about San Juanico spooks everyone the most. Rumour has it that for the bridge to have such a stable condition, blood drawn from several children had to be included in the cement used for the bridge. 

Melchora Aquino was one of the key figures of Katipunan, the brotherhood that led the revolution to free the Philippines from Spanish colonial rule. Aquino was also nicknamed the 'Mother of Katipunan', and was often consulted by Andres Bonifacio, the brotherhood's founder and supreme leader, before making any decisions. Aquino was fondly called "Tandang Sora" because she was already 84 years old when she became involved with the revolution.

Related: Do You Know Why We Remember 'Araw Ng Kagitingan'?

Baguio is the "Summer Capital" of the Philippines because of its average temperature which is often around 15-23°c. Because of its elevated location, the place rarely experiences temperatures higher than 26°c, a reason for tourists to throng the place during the hot and humid summer season. 

Among the famous tourist destinations of Baguio is The Mansion, the official summer palace of the President of the Philippines. It was designed by architect William E Parsons, and was originally intended for the American Governor-General.

NOW READ

Reflect and Unwind: These Retreat Houses Offer Spiritual Activities This Holy Week 2022

Baybayin's History and Promise—Should We Revive Our Ancient Script?

Adlai Jan Garcia Jawid Colourises Historical Pictures To Inspire Filipino Youth: Why And How