JOSE LALLANA (1836 – 1896)

 

 

 

THE SECOND oldest of the Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite, Jose Lallana, 54, had a prosperous tailoring shop in Cavite employing eight helpers. His patrons included officers, soldiers, and sailors of the Spanish navy and army. Born in Cavite in 1836, to Candido Lallana, a Spanish mestizo, and a certain Josefa (surname unknown), Jose left no school record, hence nothing is known about his education.

Initiated into Balangay Marikit of the Katipunan in San Roque organized by Maximo Gregorio Lallana also became a Freemason. His shop served as one of the meeting place of both organizations. A friar hater, he advised not to go to confession. He had completely lost respect for the Spanish frailes especially those who engaged in gambling.

          It is said that Lallana nearly lost his temper when a cousin to be married nearly postponed his wedding because the officiating priest refused to leave the gambling table. Noting that Lallana was about to explode in anger, the priest had to drop the gambling cards and proceed to the nuptials.

          According to a relative, Lallana fond of music and fishing. He spent delightful hours hearing his daughter play on the piano. He enjoyed fishing along the seashore and serving his own catch on the table.

          Lallana was married to Benita Tapawan of Imus, by whom he had two children, Clara and Ramon. The latter joined the Revolution to avenge the death of his father. However, Ramon never came back after the uprising. Lallana’s remains were later interred in the monument to the Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite built in 1906.

          [Sources: (1) A.E. Manual, Dictionary of Philippine Biography, Manila, 1973; (2) Cavite Independent, September 1, 1956; (3) Gregorio F. Zaide, Great Filipinos in History, Manila, 1970; and (4) Leon S. del Rosario, “Cavite’s 13 Martyrs”, This Week, September 11, 1949.]

 

 

 

 

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