A Hero's Balisong 
by Pabu Knife

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From 1521-1898AD The Philippines were occupied by the Spanish.
There were many revolts.  But the longest and most tenacious, 1744-1829, 
was started and led by a hero known as Francisco Daguhoy (often
spelled Dugohoy).


(no larger image available)

Francisco Daguhoy made his base in the largely inaccessible mountain
area between Inabangan and Talibon in the region/state known as Bohol.
From fortified bases here, he and his Boholano Patriots declared the 
Bohol region independent and fought fiercely for that independence
for 85 years.  The Spanish launched several major champaigns to 
crush them, but all ended in bloody failure.  The Spanish even offered 
treaties.  But Daguhoy would accept nothing but full independence 
which the Spanish were unwilling to give.  

Unfortunately, Daguhoy's death left his people without leadership.  
Shortly after his death, the Spanish launched their greatest attack on 
the Boholano.  It took over a year of fierce fighting, but Captain Manuel 
Senz and his troops finally crushed the Boholano Patriots and ended 
the Daguhoy Revolt.  According to Captain Sanz's report, 19,420 
Boholanos surrendered while 3,000 fled to other provinces. More than 
400 Boholanes died in action during the last great battle alone.

Daguhoy's given name was actually Francisco Sendrijas.  His nom de guerre, 
Daguhoy, came from the belief that Fancisco held a magic amulet -- “anting-
anting” in the modern Filipino language of Tagalog, but “dagon” on the 
Cebuano dialect then spoken in the region at the time -- the legendary 
Charm of a "Gentle Wind" or “hoyohoy."  From dagon and hoyohoy came 
"Dagohoy," or Daguhoy.  According to the legends, the Dagon Hoyohoy 
allowed its owner to jump great distances, even from mountain top to 
mountain top, travel at great speed, and protected its owner from 
all injuries.  

Well, you can say what you want to about magic charms.  But what the 
Spanish knew from painful experience is that -- magic charm or not -- 
the bands of rebels led by Francisco Daguhoy moved with the swiftness 
and coordination of a not-so-gentle wind.  For over eighty years, their 
daring raids cost the Spanish dearly and earned Francisco Daguhoy
his place in the pantheon of Filipino Heros and Kings.

Is there really a Dagon Hoyohoy?
I don't know.
But if there is, it might look like this:







Click on the finger icon to read more about this heroic Pabu balisong

.