Gregorio H. Del Pilar, the hero of Tirad Pass

Abstract

There was in the town of Bulacan, province of Bulacan, a lanky and unobtrusive swarthy stripping, but spruce, smug, debonair, brisk and handsome, with small head, dark, restless eyes, long nose, and thin lips, who jumbled his romantic serenadings of the homes of beautiful maidens with the patriotic adventures of distributing, clandestinely from house to house, the secret propaganda literature of the "Katipunan," such as copies of the fortnightly magazine "LA SOLIDARIDAD" and of the works and writings of Dr. Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar, and other Filipino reformers then residing in Spain. The name of this audacious stripling, who, since early childhood, had demonstrated a very strong learning toward the military career, was Gregorio H. del Pilar, though his intimates called him just "Goyo." He was born in the town of Bulacan on November 14, 1875. He was the scion of a well-to-do family, being the fourth child of the spouses Don Fernando H. del Pilar and Felipa Sempio. Gregorio, however, grew up in the home of his aunt, Doña Hilaria del Pilar, sister of Don Fernando and wife of Don Deodato Arellano, one of the founders of the "KATIPUNAN". Gregorio's childhood teachers were the "Katipuneros" and famous Tagalog scholars Maestro Monico and Pedro Serrano Laktaw.

It is but natural that under these surroundings Gregorio H. del Pilar should have grown up with the flame of the love of country burning within the very tissues of his body. In repose, Gregorio's sallow face wore an expression that was wary, thoughtful, severe and cold.