Manila: Commemoration of the Martyrs of Tradition

Introduction

On March 10, the Comunión Tradicionalista celebrated the Feast of the Martyrs of Tradition. This observance follows the Royal Decree of H.C.M.. Don Carlos VII, who instituted the feast to honor the heroic deeds of those who gave their lives for the homeland. In his own words, he sought to «evoke the memory of those who have fallen as good men, fighting for God, Country, and King!» noting that «they all died shouting, ‘Long live Religion! Long live Spain! Long live the King!'»

Proceedings of the Meeting

The Filipino Carlists successfully held an onsite gathering in Ermita, Manila, featuring a conference on the exemplary heroism displayed during the three Carlist Wars and the Spanish Civil War (the «Crusade of 1936»). The event began with members singing the Oriamendi hymn before Aspa de Borgoña. We also made the meeting available virtually, and two attendees joined since they live far from Manila. The meeting followed two main agendas: the celebration of the feast of the Martyrs of Tradition and the inauguration of «Lecture 2026,» the first local historico-political conference. In total, six members were in attendance to observe the feast.

The Círculo Carlista Felipe II de Manila developed a syllabus for 2026, consisting of chronological topics focusing on the history of Spain, the Philippines, and Carlism. Members also paid tribute to the Spaniards and Filipinos who died defending the Spanish banner during the Philippine Revolution—specifically honoring Peninsular and Insular soldiers, the Filipino Voluntarios, and the friars martyred by revolutionaries.

The second half of the session delved into the ancient history of Spain, covering the era from Prehistory to the Conversion of Recaredo. This initiative aims to foster a scholarly approach to history and debunk «Black Legend» myths. During the discussions, members shared a meal to sustain their focus for the evening’s activities.

At approximately 7:00 PM, the group proceeded to the nearby Church of San Vicente de Paul, home to the Miraculous Medal. There, they prayed the Holy Rosary in Spanish, offering it for the souls of those who died for the Cause.

Significance of the Venue

Ermita, Manila, was chosen for its deep historical roots. The district houses the Philippines’ oldest Marian image, Nuestra Señora de Guía, discovered by Spanish conquistadors in 1571 atop pandan bushes. Originally called «La Hermita» after the hermit Juan Fernández de León from New Spain, the area sits prominently along Manila Bay.

Historically, Ermita was a hub of intellectual and cultural life; it was the site of the Jesuit-founded Manila Observatory and the Exposición Regional Filipina of 1895. By the 19th and 20th centuries, Ermita had become the center of Alta Sociedad, even developing its own Spanish Creole dialect, Chavacano Ermiteño.

Lawrence Cawas, Círculo Carlista Felipe II de Manila