Silang Revolt Print

Bayani Art team produced this art project titled KASAYSAYAN. translated to “History.” in collaboration with Kristian Kabuay of Baybayin.com. Through this piece, Bayani Art wanted to emphasize the struggles, contributions and triumphs of the FilAm community. In the center of the mural is Gabriela Silang, Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, LapuLapu and Sultan Kudarat. These courageous leaders played a key part of the Philippines history. We centered these heroes to not only recognize Filipino American history, but to also acknowledge our roots.

On the bottom left side of the mural stands the Filipino veterans fighting alongside the Americans during World War II. Right above that we can see the Manongs, students, community organizers, and activists who came together in solidarity to fight against the demolishment of the International Hotel in the 1960’s. The faces on top of the I-Hotel are the students who played a crucial part in this movement. On the left side of Jose Rizal stands LapuLapu, the man who led the Filipinos victorious in the 1521 Victory at Mactan.

Larry Itliong is displayed on the top right side of the mural, alongside Philip Vera Cruz and other Filipino and Mexican farmworkers. Bayani Art wants to acknowledge the contributions that Filipinos made during the farmworkers movement as it is often a forgotten and untold story. On the left of the farmworkers stands a Filipino boxer – which represents that attributions Filipinos have made in American sports. Located on the right of Andres Bonifacio is Sultan Kudarat, a man who successfully defended Mindanao during Spanish Colonization. Lastly, the Katipunan is also displayed in the lower half of the red section through the Cry of Caloocan and Katipunan blood pact.

We wanted this art mural to showcase that resiliency and kapwa lies in the blood of Filipinos. We hope that this piece encourages the people to not only learn about their history, but to also fight against injustices happening today. Mabuhay.

Learn more about Bayani 

Art by Teogenes “Ponsi” Alfonso, Robin Aquilizan, Kristian Kabuay, Aaron Jurell Sarmiento and Joseph Aquilizan

Lapulapu was a Datu of Mactan, an island in the Visayas. He was the first native of the archipelago to fight against Spanish colonization. On April 27, 1521, Lapu-Lapu and his men triumphed over the Spanish invaders led by Ferdinand Magellan that is known as the Battle of Mactan.

Learn more about Lapu Lapu

Art by Tata Ponsi
Baybayin script by Kristian Kabuay 

Dr. José Rizal (June 19, 1861 – December 30, 1896) was a Filipino polymath, nationalist and the most prominent advocate for reforms in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era. His novel Noli Me Tangere, published in 1887, played an important role in Philippine history. He is considered a national hero of the Philippines.
Learn more about Jose Rizal

“Crimson Dawn” was created to commemorate the centennial of Jose Rizal’s martyrdom on December 30, 1896, inspired by the 3rd stanza of Rizal’s immortal poem, written the night before he was to meet his destiny:

Art by Eliseo Art Silva, artist, author and muralist

Gabriela Silang (March 19, 1731 – September 20, 1763) earned the title “Henerala” as the first Filipina woman to lead a revolt during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. Her courageous leadership became a symbol for the importance of women in Filipino society, and their struggle for liberation during colonization.
Learn more about Gabriela Silang

Art by Trinidad Escobar, artist and poet