Virgen Milagrosa University Foundarion
Martin Posadas Avenue, San Carlos City, 2420, Pangasinan
Feature Article:
Knowing San Carlos City by
Learning from its Past
Submitted by:
Carlo Paul C. Sana
Student, Campus Journalism
Submitted to:
Prof. Adonis C. Caguioa
Professor, Campus Journalism
May 2018
Knowing San Carlos City by Learning from its Past
By: Carlo Paul C. Sana
May 25, 2018
“A people without the knowledge of their past, origin, and culture, is like a tree with
no roots.”
If there is one place that I would want to learn more about in terms of its socio-
cultural dynamics, it would certainly have to be San Carlos City, Pangasinan. I have been
in existence for more than a quarter of a century, and a part of me has always been
compelling myself to understand the cultural and historical multiplicity of San Carlos City.
Not only is it known for its vast production of saccharine mangoes and sturdy bamboo
furniture, but it also is home to clay pots, corns, rice grains, and livestock trading.
Also, San Carlos City, which was formerly known as Binalatongan, has been a part
of the most salient stints of history as it has enriched itself with stories of bravery and
intrepidness amidst the concatenations of Spanish Colonization during the 1700s.
A San Carleñan’s Story of Heroism
In an effort to save Pangasinan from Spanish colonization, a native of
Binalatongan, named Juan Dela Cruz also known as Palaris, has led an uprising against
the Spaniards. This was known in history as the Palaris Revolt. Palaris has led the people
in besetting the Spanish officials. With the help of his townspeople, Palaris was able to
seize the arsenal and got hold of the arms. He demanded the Spaniards that only native
Pangasinenses should serve as local officials. Out of intimidation, this was granted by the
Spaniards. However, the war did not end from there.
The Spaniards came back with vengeance and had sought to reclaim Pangasinan
from the natives. They also have re-imposed the tribute system, and have resumed their
military campaign against the rebels led by Palaris. This was noted to be one of the
bloodiest upheavals in the Philippine History. The Spaniards have unbridled all their
military might against the native rebels. Eventually, the native rebels were forced to
escape into the forests, and most of them were hunted down, captured, and executed.
The wretched bodies of the native rebels were torn into pieces and were displayed in
public to serve as a warning to the people to not plot for an uprising ever again. Palaris
was said to have been betrayed by his sibling by pointing out where he was. Palaris was
caught and hanged by the Spanish troops.
Yes, it was a failed attempt; but Palaris’ quest of fighting for evenhandedness and
liberty lived in the hearts of his fellow San Carleñans and Pangasinenses.
On Labeling San Carleñans as Amputi’y Layag (White Ears)
San Carleñans were associated with the term amputi’y layag or “white ears” by its
neighboring towns. Most people would say that being an amputi’y layag means being
aggressive and hostile. But the fact of the matter is, being an amputi’y layag means
pliability and courageousness.
Amputi’y Layag originated during the early era of the Palaris revolt, when the native
rebels, led by Palaris himself, took the courage to ward off the Spanish troops who are
attempting to colonize the area. The local revolutionaries of Binalatongan, through the
use of their spears, cut off the ears of their opponents as a sign that they have killed
“white or mestizo” colonizers. These white ears served as their trophies of bravery – that
they would not let themselves be subjugated by anyone without giving a good fight.
Amputi’y layag does not necessarily mean “matapang” or “masebeg”; instead, it
served as a reminder that San Carleñans have the ability to stand for themselves and to
fight for their own rights.
The Legend of the Binalatongan Bell and the Mermaid Mangatarem
Still, during the Palaris revolt, when the Spaniards were attempting to come back
to Binalatongan to reclaim it from the natives who temporarily were in power, the latter
were endeavoring to save Binalatongan from the former’s reinvasion by setting buildings
and points of entries on fire. This strategy have slowed the entry of Spaniards, and thus
prevented the remaining native rebel forces from entrapment and obliteration.
In a church situated in Binalatongan, there existed what was then the largest bell
of the Philippines. It was documented as the Bell of Binalatongan. It was known to have
been made of pure iron, laced with copper and gold. The bell also has been engraved
with bizarre patterns. It was said to have been a majestic bell and was deeply venerated
by the town visitors.
In the church where the bell was housed lived a fledgling maiden named
Mangatarem. Her task was to take care of the Bell of Binalatongan. As the natives began
burning the buildings, Mangatarem could not bear to leave her beloved bell. She sought
for the help of the natives to bring the bell down from where it was hanged. They tied it
into the biggest and sturdiest cart the town has ever had. The cart was pulled by three
strong carabaos.
In an attempt to escape from the approaching Spanish troops, Mangatarem,
through the aid of the native rebels and the robust carabaos, tried to transport the bell
across the San Juan Bridge. However, due to the hefty weight of the bell, Mangatarem,
the bell, the soldiers, and even the carabaos fell into the deep river as the bridge has
crashed. The bell sank into the murky nadirs of the San Juan river, and Mangatarem was
nowhere to be found.
Since then, many have attempted to recover the Bell of Binalatongan; but it was
said that whenever the bell is dragged from its soggy grave, something would grasp it
and pull it back from the deep. That something was said to have been a creature who has
the face and the upper figure of Mangatarem, but was claimed to have a lower figure of
a fish.
Up to now, the deep river’s pleats retain its hold on the Binalatongan Bell and on
its guardian, the mermaid named Mangatarem.
San Carlos City is considered as one of the richest cities in the country in terms of
its influence to history and culture. I have been duty-bound to conduct researches and
interviews about the city’s antiquity and write an article about them because not all are
aware of San Carlos City’s significant contribution to our country’s history. Its people,
culture, and stories make it a flourishing city.
