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Maria Josefa
Gabriela Cariņo Silang was the true name of Gabriela
Silang. She was born on March 19,1731 in Caniogan,
Santa, llocos Sur.
Gabriela was a beautiful young woman. She was so pretty
that many men, young and old alike, wanted her to be
their wife.
She was, 20 when her father arranged her marriage to a
wealthy suitor. She became a widow at an early age. Her
husband died a few years after they wed. She became
wealthy because she inherited all the possessions of her
spouse.
She met Diego Silang, a brave young man who led a group
of courageous fellowmen fighting the abusive Spaniards.
They fell in love and got married. They lived in Vigan,
llocos Sur where Diego's hideaway was located. |
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Diego was a fearless man. He fought valiantly. In one of
the skirmishes with the Spaniards, he was killed. She
took over as the leader of Diego's group. Like her
husband, she fought gallantly against the Spaniards. She
put into practice what she had learned from Diego when
he was still alive especially using weapons.
Unfortunately, the Spaniards overpowered Gabriela and
her men in one encounter.
The Spaniard persecuted her by means of strangulation on
September 20,1763. |
