Thread by @indiohistorian

#TodayinHistory in 1807, an Ilocano revolt vs. Spanish rule began in Piddig, Ilocos Norte, and spread to adjacent towns, after the gov imposed a #Basi wine monopoly that impoverished Ilocano wine producers. This would be known in #PH #history as the Basi Revolt of 1807. (THREAD)

Ilocos (Norte & Sur) had 2 major revolts from Spanish rule in the 18th century alone—one was the Silang revolt w/c was mounted bec of the corruption & unfair taxation of the alcalde mayor Antonio Zabala (1762-73), & the tobacco uprising (1788). tmblr.co/ZtGCUx2JtPyIk

In 1786, the Spanish colonial admin began confiscating & banning the private manufacture & sale of Basi wine, from fermented sugarcane, w/c was a staple among Ilocanos & a main source of Ilocano livelihood. All were instead required to purchase Basi from gov stores.

Decimating local-run businesses & impoverishing many Ilocanos, resentment brewed. An all out-revolt led by a certain Pedro Mateo/Salarogo Ambaristo (some sources say Pedro Ambaristo) began in the town of Piddig #onthisday in 1807, & spread to Sarrat, Laoag, San Nicolas, & Badoc.

The revolt lasted for 13 days, having been crushed on the 28th, w/ full force of colonial gov backed up by friars of the towns, & w/ great casualty on the revolutionaries. The leaders were all executed by hanging. Many were impaled, w/ their heads displayed publicly.

The revolt was immortalized in the Spanish commissioned 14-series painting of Esteban Villanueva y Pichay, an artist & farmer from Vigan, who produced the artworks in 1821, 14 years after the events transpired.

The paintings are peculiar for being secular in its subject (the revolt) & for having a depiction of a comet. Art historians say the comet, w/c becomes a palm leaf in the series, was deliberate on Villanueva's part, as it signifies future victory for the unfinished revolt.

Photos:

- "Vigan troops sent to repel enemy attacks in Bantaoay" by Esteban Villanueva y Pichay (1821), digital copy from Tulay Fortnightly
- 2 other paintings of Villanueva (1821), digital copy from the Presidential Museum & Library

@subselfie @jmnualla @tonitiemsin