Know more about Philippine History

I came about an article from ABS-CBN News titled "100 Significant Events in Philippine History". While we were more or less aware of certain events in our history, we really can't say for certain that we know the stories behind each episode of the said events. We probably remember some as as we look back on our student years starting from elementary, that is if we were blessed with a keen mind up to now. If that is still the case but still we still have no idea what Philippine history is about, perhaps we remember more where we usually went as we skipped the classes that just stood in the way of more creative pursuits if you'd like to call it that way. Anyway, the author Christine G. Dulnuan of the National Historical Institute has done us a great service by writing this article. We can use the list as stepping stone to know more about each event.

Here's the link:
100 Significant Events in Philippine History

After reading the list, #14 (among others) got my attention and it is about a decree that provided for the use of Spanish surnames. It made me wonder what our last name was changed from if indeed it was changed. Although Magno is not really a common Spanish name like Cruz, Reyes, etc., I'm quite sure that it's origin is not Filipino but Spanish or Italian since it came from the Latin word 'Magnus' meaning 'big or great'. That is why I can also speculate why our last name is Magno (again assuming...) since I remember my grandfather telling us when he was still alive that his grandfather was a a very tall man. We have the genes after all.

Now going back to that decree made in 1849 and assuming that was the time my ancestors had their name changed (it may also be possible that our clan already had that surname even before that decree, especially if there were inter-marriages with the foreigners in our line; even though I don't look like a mestizo!), it's possible that I can trace back the Magno geneology with just maybe 6 or 7 generations going back. I'm not sure if that is still possible since many records were destroyed during WWII. Any ideas? That gives me that nagging feeling about knowing what my old name would have been.

Just to add, here's another article by Ambeth Ocampo of Phil. Daily Inquirer that tells more about our last names. Was there really a 'Bagonggahasa' last name? It's a very interesting read.

What's in a name...again?

Enjoy!