Morong, Rizal
Encyclopedia
Morong is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Rizal, Philippines
. According to the latest census, it has a population of 50,538 inhabitants in 8,988 households. A popular attraction is Spanish-era St. Jerome's Parish Church. The town is also known for featuring the balaw-balaw side dish.
Morong Rizal is also known for having Education as its priority- "Una Ang Education" (Education first), that is why during the early 70's and early 90's it became the center of education. Students from different places mostly in the nearby towns of Rizal would come and study in Morong.
Spanish Era-Morong Rizal has played a big part in Philippine history. Before it became a small town of Rizal, Morong was considered the province before it was called Rizal, Its original name was Politico Militar Distrito de Morong, it includes Manila, Makati, Cainta, Taytay, Pasig, Angono etc.. Morong is even included in the eight rays of the sun of the Philippine flag which represents the eight provinces that fought for freedom, listed are: Morong (now Manila), Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Laguna, and Batangas.
World War I- Tomas M. Claudio a Morong native is listed as a hero in the Philippines; The first Filipino to die in World War I was Private Tomas Mateo Claudio who served with the U.S. Marine Corps as part of the American Expeditionary Forces to Europe. He died in the Battle of Chateau Thierry in France on June 29, 1918.[7][8] The Tomas Claudio Memorial College in Morong Rizal, Philippines, which was founded in 1950, was named in his honor.[9]. The main street of the town was also named in his honor.
World War II-During the Japanese era, the Mateo compound, now the Cesar S.D. Mateo clinic was used as a Japanese base during the World War II.
World War II-During the Liberation era, Filipino troops of the 4th and 42nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army and 4th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary including the recognized guerrillas of the Col. Markings Guerrillas and the Hunters ROTC guerrillas liberated and captured the towns in Morong and defeated Japanese forces and forced them to surrender at the end of World War II
.
Beginning the Liberation of Morong on January to August 1945, local Filipino soldiers under the Philippine Commonwealth Army 4th and 42nd Infantry Division and the Philippine Constabulary 4th Infantry Regiment was recaptured and liberated the municipal town of Morong and aiding the local Rizaleño guerrilla resistance under the Col. Marking's Guerrillas and the Hunters ROTC Guerrillas and defeats and attacking Japanese soldiers under the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces.
From the couple of eight months and one years was founded the liberation since the fighting of the battles, sieges and invading commands of all stronghold of local Filipino soldiers under the Philippine Commonwealth Army 4th and 42nd Infantry Division and the Philippine Constabulary 4th Infantry Regiment arrival and going the around the invaded the municipal town in Morong and they recapturing bombed and destroyed around the plains, rice fields, rivers and forests and they arrived the recapturing bombed and destroyed of old roman catholic church, municipal town halls, municipal town plazas, nipa and ancestral villages, old buildings and many others and aiding the local Rizaleño guerrilla resistance under the Col. Marking's Guerrillas and the Hunters ROTC Guerrillas to defeated and attack by fought against the Imperial Japanese armed forces.
The Japanese soldiers inside the garrison bases beginning the sieges and invaded the military garrison bases of the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces in Morong and they recaptured and entering the invasion of the Japanese military garrison bases by all local Filipino ground troops of the Philippine Commonwealth Army and the Philippine Constabulary units and the local Rizaleño guerrilla resistance under the Col. Marking's Guerrillas and the Hunters ROTC Guerrillas and before the capturing the Japanese garrison bases in Morong by the victorious Filipino troops and guerrillas. After the siege and invasion of the Japanese military garrison bases in Morong was captured and they saluted of the successfully victory by all Filipino troops under the Philippine Commonwealth Army and the Philippine Constabulary units and the Rizaleño resistance under the Col. Marking's Guerrillas and the Hunters ROTC Guerrillas to defeated and surrendering Japanese Imperial Army forces. The inside of the capturing the Japanese military garrison bases in Morong by Filipino ground forces under the Philippine Commonwealth Army and the Philippine Constabulary units down the flag pole raised of the Japanese flag for the Imperial Japanese Military through the up the flag pole raised of the Philippine war flag for the Philippine Commonwealth military.
The aftermath of the battles and invading commands for the liberation of Morong on August 1945, many local military and guerrilla resistance casualties during the fighting and succeeding battles and invading commands included the Filipino soldiers under the Philippine Commonwealth Army and Philippine Constabulary units over 3,725 killed in action and 11,340 wounded in action, the suffering of the Rizaleño guerrilla fighters under the Col. Marking's Guerrillas and the Hunters ROTC Guerrillas over 300 killed in action and 1,600 wounded in action. The part of the Japanese Imperial forces under the Japanese 14th Area Army and the Japanese 41st Area Army over 12,000 killed in action, 36,000 wounded in action and over 7,000 captured in action. The saluted of the successfully victories of all Filipino soldiers under the Philippine Commonwealth Army and Philippine Constabulary units and the Rizaleño guerrilla fighters under the Col. Marking's Guerrillas and the Hunters ROTC Guerrillas after the fighting from the battles and invading commands and they captured and liberated the municipal town of Morong after the war.
.
, Teresa
and Tanay
. San Guillermo is a farming community with a population of 6,522 and 1,377 total dwellings (2000 census). While majority in the barrio depend on farming as a livelihood, many others are engaged in businesses like garment industry, poultry and piggery.
San Isidro Labrador
is the patron Saint of San Guillermo, a feast in his honor is celebrated annually the 15th of May. In 2005, the small chapel of San Isidro Labrador became a full pledge Parish in the Diocese of Antipolo serving 10,500 Catholics.
Also in 2005, San Guillermo National High School was established.
The first wave of San Guillermo immigrants to America came in the early 1900s. San Guillermo natives living in California maintain their cultural heritage by hosting a gathering on Memorial Day in celebration of feast of patron saint San Isidro Labrador. Most San Guillermo natives live in the metropolitan areas of Los Angeles
and San Francisco
, and the feast is alternately celebrated in both cities since its conception in 1979.
As a poblacion barangay, the seat of Local Government of Morong are located here. Barangay San Pedro has many establishments such as Morong Public Market, Sea Oil Gasoline Station, PhilOil Gasoline Station, Aldec Agri-Dynamics Company, Era Plaza Restaurant,Emmas Panciteria Restaurant, Kamalig Restaurant, Kainan, Inuman, At iba pa Beer House, "Sabungan", AMA Bank, Macro Bank.
Barangay San Pedro is the center of education in Morong. There are many educational institution that can be found in this barangay namely San Pedro Day Care Center, Jose S. Mapa, St. Claire School, Jesus My Shepperd Montessori School, Renaissance School of Science and Technology,EAST Systems College, and Timoteo R. Reyes Elementary School.
Barangay San Pedro has many beautiful landmarks such as Morong Town Plaza, "Statwa ng Magsasaka",and "Puking Bato" sa Boulevard Park.
Uugong Park now has a resort made and owned by a local artist named Rafael Pacheco, who is known not only locally but internationally because of his paintings. His medium for his paintings are his fingers. The resort does not use the old falls anymore, instead two pools were made, inside the resort you can view the now dead waterfalls and its river. Interesting in the new Uugong resort are the displayed collection of paintings and sculpture of Mr. Pacheco.
The Morong facade and bell tower is easily the most striking of all church facades along Laguna. Frequently photographed and described as baroque, the facade/bell tower is more properly described as neo-baroque because the baroque period ended in the Philippines before 1780. The central portion of the facade surges outward and the catenated balustrade above give the whole a dynamic felling. Various decorative elements, some Mexican in origin, give the facade a richness characteristic of Baroque. Four angels, representing the cardinal virtues, stand at the corners of the bell tower. Fr. Felix Huerta, writing in 1852, states that the facade had finials shaped as jars and shells used for illuminating it.
Although the church interior was damaged by war, a few elements are worth noting, namely, the crocodile motif carved on the supporting brackets of the choir loft; the bas relief of the Baptism of Jesus in the baptistery, and the image of Saint Jerome on a side altar.
An added attraction in the church of Morong Rizal is the first class relic of the town's patron saint Saint Jerome; (Patron of scholars of the bible, Saint who translated the bible, feast day : September 30). The first class relic (a part of the saint's body) was given to the parish year 2005, through the effort of then parish priest Rev. Fr. Larry Paz (now assigned in Parang Marikina, City 2007–present)when they had their first pilgrimage tour to holy land and Vatican.
The relic is publicly exposed every Saturday during the anticipated mass, guarded by the knights of Saint Jerome's. While the kissing of the relic is done every last Saturday of the month. After 2 years, another relic was given, in 2007 to the parish again as a gift from the main chaplain of the church of St. Jeromes in Rome, this time bigger. This relic is now buried on top of the table of the main altar which is being kissed by the priest every time there is a mass.
Order of the Franciscan Missionaries were first assigned in the church of Morong. As a proof, the Franciscan coat or arms is seen on the main facade of the bell tower, the hands of Jesus and St. Francis of Assisi
Next were Columban Missionaries.
other religion in town are the following:
Now this art is being copied by the nearby towns.
While to name some noticeable local organization found in Morong
Pakitamo an organized theater group that undertake the annual presentation of the play SENAKULO at the town plaza. The group also is the official cultural group of the town. The production cast and crew are composed of people from the different barrios of Morong and include students and teachers, doctors and laborers, other professionals and out of school youths.
The group's objective is to develop artistic talents of all Morongueños such as singing, dancing and acting. The group handled the yearly senakulo for more than 15 years. The group's aim is to preserve tradition, to promote brotherhood and to spread true Christian values through the theatrical presentation.
Year 2011 the group participated in the Araw ng Lalawigan at the Ynares Sport Arena in Antipolo City as they presented the towns cultural identity. The group presented an original composition of Dr. Antonio R. Mateo, Mike U. San Miguel and Jun San Miguel all members of the Pakitamo, they showcased the famous tradition: CORDERO which is done every Maundy Thursday.
To see official website of Pakitamo visit: pakitamo.multiply.com
San Guillermo
San Pedro
San Juan
San Jose
Other Club
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
. According to the latest census, it has a population of 50,538 inhabitants in 8,988 households. A popular attraction is Spanish-era St. Jerome's Parish Church. The town is also known for featuring the balaw-balaw side dish.
Morong Rizal is also known for having Education as its priority- "Una Ang Education" (Education first), that is why during the early 70's and early 90's it became the center of education. Students from different places mostly in the nearby towns of Rizal would come and study in Morong.
History
Pre-Spanish-Early years before Spaniards came, Morong was predominantly a Muslim area; that is why it is called Morong, because it was coined from the word moro.Spanish Era-Morong Rizal has played a big part in Philippine history. Before it became a small town of Rizal, Morong was considered the province before it was called Rizal, Its original name was Politico Militar Distrito de Morong, it includes Manila, Makati, Cainta, Taytay, Pasig, Angono etc.. Morong is even included in the eight rays of the sun of the Philippine flag which represents the eight provinces that fought for freedom, listed are: Morong (now Manila), Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Laguna, and Batangas.
World War I- Tomas M. Claudio a Morong native is listed as a hero in the Philippines; The first Filipino to die in World War I was Private Tomas Mateo Claudio who served with the U.S. Marine Corps as part of the American Expeditionary Forces to Europe. He died in the Battle of Chateau Thierry in France on June 29, 1918.[7][8] The Tomas Claudio Memorial College in Morong Rizal, Philippines, which was founded in 1950, was named in his honor.[9]. The main street of the town was also named in his honor.
World War II-During the Japanese era, the Mateo compound, now the Cesar S.D. Mateo clinic was used as a Japanese base during the World War II.
World War II-During the Liberation era, Filipino troops of the 4th and 42nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army and 4th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary including the recognized guerrillas of the Col. Markings Guerrillas and the Hunters ROTC guerrillas liberated and captured the towns in Morong and defeated Japanese forces and forced them to surrender at the end of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
Liberation of Morong
After the few months and four years by the retreating the invasion of the local Rizaleño guerrilla resistance under the Col. Marking's Guerrillas and the Hunters ROTC Guerrillas around the municipal town in Morong against the Japanese Imperial forces during the Counter-Insurgencies under the Japanese Occupation since 1942 to 1944 and before the liberators of all local Filipino ground troops under the Philippine Commonwealth Army and Philippine Constabulary units recaptured in Morong on 1945 during the liberation.Beginning the Liberation of Morong on January to August 1945, local Filipino soldiers under the Philippine Commonwealth Army 4th and 42nd Infantry Division and the Philippine Constabulary 4th Infantry Regiment was recaptured and liberated the municipal town of Morong and aiding the local Rizaleño guerrilla resistance under the Col. Marking's Guerrillas and the Hunters ROTC Guerrillas and defeats and attacking Japanese soldiers under the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces.
From the couple of eight months and one years was founded the liberation since the fighting of the battles, sieges and invading commands of all stronghold of local Filipino soldiers under the Philippine Commonwealth Army 4th and 42nd Infantry Division and the Philippine Constabulary 4th Infantry Regiment arrival and going the around the invaded the municipal town in Morong and they recapturing bombed and destroyed around the plains, rice fields, rivers and forests and they arrived the recapturing bombed and destroyed of old roman catholic church, municipal town halls, municipal town plazas, nipa and ancestral villages, old buildings and many others and aiding the local Rizaleño guerrilla resistance under the Col. Marking's Guerrillas and the Hunters ROTC Guerrillas to defeated and attack by fought against the Imperial Japanese armed forces.
The Japanese soldiers inside the garrison bases beginning the sieges and invaded the military garrison bases of the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces in Morong and they recaptured and entering the invasion of the Japanese military garrison bases by all local Filipino ground troops of the Philippine Commonwealth Army and the Philippine Constabulary units and the local Rizaleño guerrilla resistance under the Col. Marking's Guerrillas and the Hunters ROTC Guerrillas and before the capturing the Japanese garrison bases in Morong by the victorious Filipino troops and guerrillas. After the siege and invasion of the Japanese military garrison bases in Morong was captured and they saluted of the successfully victory by all Filipino troops under the Philippine Commonwealth Army and the Philippine Constabulary units and the Rizaleño resistance under the Col. Marking's Guerrillas and the Hunters ROTC Guerrillas to defeated and surrendering Japanese Imperial Army forces. The inside of the capturing the Japanese military garrison bases in Morong by Filipino ground forces under the Philippine Commonwealth Army and the Philippine Constabulary units down the flag pole raised of the Japanese flag for the Imperial Japanese Military through the up the flag pole raised of the Philippine war flag for the Philippine Commonwealth military.
The aftermath of the battles and invading commands for the liberation of Morong on August 1945, many local military and guerrilla resistance casualties during the fighting and succeeding battles and invading commands included the Filipino soldiers under the Philippine Commonwealth Army and Philippine Constabulary units over 3,725 killed in action and 11,340 wounded in action, the suffering of the Rizaleño guerrilla fighters under the Col. Marking's Guerrillas and the Hunters ROTC Guerrillas over 300 killed in action and 1,600 wounded in action. The part of the Japanese Imperial forces under the Japanese 14th Area Army and the Japanese 41st Area Army over 12,000 killed in action, 36,000 wounded in action and over 7,000 captured in action. The saluted of the successfully victories of all Filipino soldiers under the Philippine Commonwealth Army and Philippine Constabulary units and the Rizaleño guerrilla fighters under the Col. Marking's Guerrillas and the Hunters ROTC Guerrillas after the fighting from the battles and invading commands and they captured and liberated the municipal town of Morong after the war.
Barangays
Morong is politically subdivided into 8 barangays with 3 situated in the poblacionPoblacion
A Poblacion or Población, literally "town" or "Population" in Spanish, is the name commonly used for the central barangay or barangays of a Philippine city or municipality. Common features of the poblacion include a town plaza, church, market, school and town hall. It is sometimes shortened to...
.
- Bombongan
- Caniogan-Calero-Lanang
- Lagundi
- Maybancal
- San Guillermo
- San Pedro (Pob.)
- San Jose (Pob.)
- San Juan (Pob.)
San Guillermo
In terms of area, San Guillermo or San Guilmo as locals known is the biggest of the eight barangays of Morong. It borders the towns of BinangonanBinangonan, Rizal
The Municipality of Binangonan is a first class urban municipality in the province of Rizal, Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 238,931 inhabitants in 38,488 households in census. It has a land area of 64.38 km²....
, Teresa
Teresa, Rizal
Teresa is a 1st class municipality in the province of Rizal, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 44,436 inhabitants in 6,374 households....
and Tanay
Tanay, Rizal
Tanay is a 1st class municipality in the province of Rizal, Philippines. It is located 57 kilometers east of Manila, although a typical commute between Manila and Tanay will take between one to three hours depending upon traffic conditions...
. San Guillermo is a farming community with a population of 6,522 and 1,377 total dwellings (2000 census). While majority in the barrio depend on farming as a livelihood, many others are engaged in businesses like garment industry, poultry and piggery.
San Isidro Labrador
San Isidro Labrador
San Isidro Labrador is a municipality in the Chalatenango department of El Salvador....
is the patron Saint of San Guillermo, a feast in his honor is celebrated annually the 15th of May. In 2005, the small chapel of San Isidro Labrador became a full pledge Parish in the Diocese of Antipolo serving 10,500 Catholics.
Also in 2005, San Guillermo National High School was established.
The first wave of San Guillermo immigrants to America came in the early 1900s. San Guillermo natives living in California maintain their cultural heritage by hosting a gathering on Memorial Day in celebration of feast of patron saint San Isidro Labrador. Most San Guillermo natives live in the metropolitan areas of Los Angeles
Greater Los Angeles Area
The Greater Los Angeles Area, or the Southland, is a term used for the Combined Statistical Area sprawled over five counties in the southern part of California, namely Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County and Ventura County...
and San Francisco
San Francisco Bay Area
The San Francisco Bay Area, commonly known as the Bay Area, is a populated region that surrounds the San Francisco and San Pablo estuaries in Northern California. The region encompasses metropolitan areas of San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, along with smaller urban and rural areas...
, and the feast is alternately celebrated in both cities since its conception in 1979.
Maybancal
A Barangay in Morong Rizal, Located in the east of the town. The main industries are, Farming, Textile Manufacturing and Food Industry. There are about 8709 people live in this area and the ratio of men to women is 1:2.San Juan
Barangay San Juan is the center of business and trade in the town of Morong Rizal. It is also said to be the highest remitting income revenue in the whole barangay of the town. This is where famous establishments are seen such as SM Savemore, RCBC Savings Bank, UCPB Savings Bank and Jollibee. Other local establishments found in this area are Ronan grocery store, Camillus chicken, Mateo's bookstore, Morong Doctor's Hospital, Rizal Provincial Hospital, Hernandez bookstore, Supreme Care Medical Diagnostic and Imaging Center Inc., Cesar S.D. Mateo Memorial Clinic, and Cristina Mart and erwin's boutique. The facade of the St. Jerome's church, a Department of Tourism recognized tourist spot is also located.San Pedro
Barangay San Pedro is the capital barangay of Morong, Rizal.Barangay San Pedro lies adjacent with the Laguna Bay in the east, bounded at the south with the town of Cardona, on the west by Barangay Bombongan and on the north by Barangay San Jose and Barangay San Juan. Barangay San Pedro has a total land area of 368 has. and around 7,000 populations as of 2010 census.As a poblacion barangay, the seat of Local Government of Morong are located here. Barangay San Pedro has many establishments such as Morong Public Market, Sea Oil Gasoline Station, PhilOil Gasoline Station, Aldec Agri-Dynamics Company, Era Plaza Restaurant,Emmas Panciteria Restaurant, Kamalig Restaurant, Kainan, Inuman, At iba pa Beer House, "Sabungan", AMA Bank, Macro Bank.
Barangay San Pedro is the center of education in Morong. There are many educational institution that can be found in this barangay namely San Pedro Day Care Center, Jose S. Mapa, St. Claire School, Jesus My Shepperd Montessori School, Renaissance School of Science and Technology,EAST Systems College, and Timoteo R. Reyes Elementary School.
Barangay San Pedro has many beautiful landmarks such as Morong Town Plaza, "Statwa ng Magsasaka",and "Puking Bato" sa Boulevard Park.
Landmarks
- "Uugong Park" - During the early 60's-early 80's Uugong park was known for its breath taking view of the rice fields, different birds can be seen and its majestic waterfalls. It is usually a summer spot for families. Uugong means echo, because of the strong current of the falls it makes a loud echo or sound. People from the town usually wash their clothes there, even water carabao's also takes a dip during the hot summer months.
Uugong Park now has a resort made and owned by a local artist named Rafael Pacheco, who is known not only locally but internationally because of his paintings. His medium for his paintings are his fingers. The resort does not use the old falls anymore, instead two pools were made, inside the resort you can view the now dead waterfalls and its river. Interesting in the new Uugong resort are the displayed collection of paintings and sculpture of Mr. Pacheco.
- "St. Jerome's Church"- Famous for its dramatic bell fry facade.,
- "Paseo Rizal"'- First music lounge in town located in baranggay Maybangcal, near Baras. Usually venues for mini concerts by Filipino artists and used as events facility for special events such as baptisms, weddings etc. with capacity of 150 persons. Paseo Rizal also plans to have the first hotel in town,
- "Monwlet terrace"- Events facility located in Taghangin Morong Rizal capacity of 200 persons.
- "Casita de Salvador"'- Resort located in Taghangin Morong Rizal,
- "Vista Grande resort"- Resort nestled in the heart of Taghangin, a great view of the Laguna de Bay, tooth brush island and the near-by towns of Rizal such as Cardona, and Islands of Binangonan are seen.
- "Era Plaza"- Bar and restaurant at the back of the town Plaza and known for its warek-warek or fried pork fillet. During the early 20's the location of the now bar and restaurant is the location of an old local school in town, named ERA school.
- "Ling Ling's Cafe"- Mini cafe near the town plaza. Usually the meeting place and place where young people and old people hang out during the early 70's until early 2000, It got burned down due to electrical wiring year 2010.
Saint Jerome Parish Church
St. Jerome Church in Morong, Rizal was built in 1615 by Chinese craftsmen, as evidence: two Chinese lion sculptures ( a boy and a girl lion ) at the entrance to the steep driveway. Unfortunately one lion, said to be the girl lion was stolen early year 2000- 2005?. Local folklore said that the female lion has a hidden treasure inside it. While the other lion; the Male lion, is safe guarded at the St. Jerome school vicinity. Other evidences that the church was built by Chinese craftsmen- a stone and mortar church which has a three-story facade, and an octagonal bell tower whose cross is illuminated at night and can be seen from the surrounding countryside. The bell tower of the church is used by local fisher man in the nearby towns as a light house when fishing at night and during the storm.The Morong facade and bell tower is easily the most striking of all church facades along Laguna. Frequently photographed and described as baroque, the facade/bell tower is more properly described as neo-baroque because the baroque period ended in the Philippines before 1780. The central portion of the facade surges outward and the catenated balustrade above give the whole a dynamic felling. Various decorative elements, some Mexican in origin, give the facade a richness characteristic of Baroque. Four angels, representing the cardinal virtues, stand at the corners of the bell tower. Fr. Felix Huerta, writing in 1852, states that the facade had finials shaped as jars and shells used for illuminating it.
Although the church interior was damaged by war, a few elements are worth noting, namely, the crocodile motif carved on the supporting brackets of the choir loft; the bas relief of the Baptism of Jesus in the baptistery, and the image of Saint Jerome on a side altar.
An added attraction in the church of Morong Rizal is the first class relic of the town's patron saint Saint Jerome; (Patron of scholars of the bible, Saint who translated the bible, feast day : September 30). The first class relic (a part of the saint's body) was given to the parish year 2005, through the effort of then parish priest Rev. Fr. Larry Paz (now assigned in Parang Marikina, City 2007–present)when they had their first pilgrimage tour to holy land and Vatican.
The relic is publicly exposed every Saturday during the anticipated mass, guarded by the knights of Saint Jerome's. While the kissing of the relic is done every last Saturday of the month. After 2 years, another relic was given, in 2007 to the parish again as a gift from the main chaplain of the church of St. Jeromes in Rome, this time bigger. This relic is now buried on top of the table of the main altar which is being kissed by the priest every time there is a mass.
Order of the Franciscan Missionaries were first assigned in the church of Morong. As a proof, the Franciscan coat or arms is seen on the main facade of the bell tower, the hands of Jesus and St. Francis of Assisi
Next were Columban Missionaries.
Religion
60% of the population in Morong Rizal is composed of Roman Catholics.other religion in town are the following:
- IFI- Aglipayan Church
- INC- Iglesia ni Cristo
- United Methodist
- UNACAED
- Protestants
- Dating daan
- Church of Animasola
- Saksi ni Jejovah
- Mormons
- Tanglaw
- Rizalista
- Morong Bible Church
- Morong Christian Church
Culture and tradition
- Fiesta: The celebrated fiesta in Morong is the town fiesta, which is the second Sunday of February. During the early times, February would be known for the harvesting month in the town, it is a form of celebration and thanksgiving for a bounty harvest.
- Catholic Fiesta: The patron saint of Morong, Rizal is Saint Jerome. A doctor of the church, a priest and translator of the Bible. His feast day is September 30.
- Pabasa: A holy week activity, which is chanting the life and Passion of Christ. It signifies the start of the 40 days before holy week. In the town of Morong, not an ordinary Pabasa tone is used. It's mostly a tone of sadness and agony. This is done from different houses, who owns a "santo" or image used during Holy Week.
- Cordero: It is only in Morong that this tradition has been done for almost 60 years. Kordero, which means lamb of God, is a re-enactment of the preparation of the paschal lamb for the passover meal, that Jesus and his 12 apostles took, and eventually became the Institution of the holy Eucharist. Kordero also symbolizes Jesus as a sacrificial lamb who suffered to redeem mankind from sin. In Morong a lamb which is made of sweet potatoes and potatoes is processioned before the Maundy Thursday Mass. A tradition which is also being copied by other nearby towns of Rizal, and has been featured in the national newspaper. The Hermano represents the owner of the upper room, the place where the last supper took place.
- Pabasang bayan- A yearly event/exhibit that showcases the 40+ processional images, that started in 1996. Said event is usually done the Saturday before Palm Sunday in the town's gymnasium wherein a breathtaking tableau is made yearly showing the chronological events of the life of Jesus (e.g. 1996- 1997 -"Last Supper", 1998- "Wedding in Canaan", 1999- "The multiplication of bread and fish", 2004- "Jesus teaches in the Mountain", 2005- "The teaching of Christ in the lake of Galilee", 2006- "The public ministry of Jesus", 2007-" The baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan", 2008-"Jesus in the Temple", 2009- "the calling of the twelve apostles" , 2010- "Jesus calls the tax collector Matthew", 2011-"Jesus healed the Centurion's servant"). A must see attraction that is first done by the people of Morong, that has captured the attention of some nearby towns in Rizal and Metro Manila such as Pililla, Tanay, Cardona,Baras, Teresa, Binangonan, Cainta, Pasig City, Quezon City, etc. This event also is now being copied by the nearby towns, because it not only evangelized the gospel, but also shows unity of the town and treasures the old tradition of PABASA. The event was even featured thrice in The Philippine Daily Inquirera national news paper in the Philippines and was covered by national networks such as ABS-CBN, TFC ( the Filipino Channel- ABS-CBN), GMA Network and GMA News TV ( former QTV channel 11 ). The difference between the usual Pabasa and Pabasang bayan is that the whole town is welcome to this event. Saturday night before Palm Sunday, anticipated mass is held in the gymnasium.
- Senakulo- A yearly activity during Holy week, a dramatization of the life and death of Christ. Senakulo in Morong is entitled "Ang Tagapagligtas". The play is divided into 3 nights. It starts in the evening of Holy Wednesday and ends on Good Friday, usually after the Procession. On the first night it tells the brief story of the Old Testament starting from the Creation, Adam and Eve, the giving of the Ten Commandments, the fall of Sodom and Gomorrah, Annunciation of Mary, birth of our Savior, and ends in the finding of Jesus in the temple. On the second night it tells the teachings, public life and ministry of Jesus, and ends in the planning to kill him by the Priests. Third night the most dramatic scenes are seen, such as Entry to Jerusalem, Institution of the Eucharist, his Agony in the Garden, the stations of the cross, his death and ends in his Resurrection. Senakulo is handled by Pakitamo for more than 15 years already. The play has been seen by notable personalities such as director Soxie Topacio (dulaang UP), Matt Ranillo III and Krista Ranillo. What differs the Senakulo in Morong from other town is the story, script and costumes used all conceptualized by members of Pakitamo.
- Kruz Na Mahal- The re-enactment of the finding of the cross of Jesus by Reyna Elena and Prinsepe Constanino. Each barrio will prepare a small caro with a cross. They would go around the place singing the kruz na mahal song: "Krus na mahal, Krus na mapalad, ang dakilang armas, bandila ni Kristo! sumakop sa lahat...." After the mini procession, the children present will be given lengua de patatas.
- Santa Cruzan- An old tradition of Morong that has been banned since the early '80s up to present as it became a fashion show and where the rich and the famous could show off in the town of Morong. The real purpose used to be for the veneration of the Virgin Mary. Girls from Morong, ages 6–30, would offer flowers and prayers to the blessed Mother. Girls included in this procession would also bring the seven alays for the Blessed Mother such as: Rosa Mystica, Torre ni David, Crown of Mary, Gates of Heaven etc. This tradition is attempted to be revived again by the Catholic Church in the year 2007 through voting, but comments such as the main purpose of it might again not be done and the fashion show and showing off would once again reign, the church decided to just make it a simple celebration, by doing a rosary and offering flowers to the Virgin Mother.
- Malatines- Is a Christmas Eve mass or usually called MISA- de Gallo by other places. December 24. Usually celebrated outside the church Patio. The much awaited scenario in the mass is the dancing of the star. Wherein a big parol comes down, from the top of the main facade of the church down to the belen located in front of the altar, while singing "Gloria" or "Papuri".
- KASALAN or Wedding- In the town of Morong Rizal, there is a different way to celebrate a wedding or in filipino "Kasalan". In other towns such as Batangas they have the money dance, wherein the couple would do their first dance, and visitors would approach them and pin money, in Morong Rizal, a tradition of "PANGANGA" is done to help the couple start themselves. The couple accompanied by an old member of the family with a lighted candle. they would go to each table with a basket. the candle symbolizes the guiding light of the couple. As the couple approach each table, visitors would put their donation and sip a shot of whisky or wine as a "Thank you". The basket has a green clothe inside to cover the money given, so that the couple would not know how much the visitor would put. Another tradition during weddings would be the "hatiran" or wherein the bride accompanied by her parents would now transfer house. Its like a formal farewell of the bride to her house as she will transfer to the grooms house. What's exciting in this tradition is that each lightpost/ electric post that the couple would pass through going to the grooms house, the newly weds would kiss each other. This is appropriate if both the bride and the groom are from Morong Rizal.
ARTISTRY
Morong Rizal is also known for its "KAYAS KAWAYAN". The town is the first and is known to make beautiful BALUWARTEs. An art made of bamboo, with intricate designs. Usually used during special events such as Weddings, CORDERO, Fiesta etc.. Its usually found in the entrance gate of the event. During CORDERO, the lamb- which is made of cake, sweet potatoes and potatoes, is placed and processioned around the town until the church in a small kayas kawayan, carried by men, adorned with flowers.Now this art is being copied by the nearby towns.
Games
Some of the famous games in Morong Rizal are the following. This dates from 1940's-1997.- Patitiro- It is also called patintero. A famous Filipino street game. Wherein the "it" person stands in a line, and the other person should cross that line without getting touched by the "It".
- Hulugang Ginto - popular night game especially during full moon.
- Pasenorden- follow the leader game. The leader would shout "Pasenorden!" the players will say "combento" then the leader will say his command:" unahan sa pag bigay sa akin ng dahon" ( bring me a leaf) the players will ask: "anong dahon??" (what kind of leaf)once the leader states his command all player will look for that kind of leaf. The first one to bring the given leaf would be the next leader
- Pati cobra (Pati-Kubra) - Morong version of baseball and cricket, uses bamboo stick as paddle or bat.
- Espadahan-
- Jopolopen- marble game.
- Stekenapan-"stick'em up an" a western cowboy gun game.
- Taguan- Is also known as hide and seek. It is usually played during full moon.
- Dirabes - popular games by school kids particularly in San Guillermo
- Sikaran - originated in Baras.
Schools
- University of Rizal System - Morong
- Tomas Claudio Memorial College
- St. John-Hill Academy
- Blessed Hills Academy
- Morong National High School
- San Guillermo National High School
- Lagundi National High School
- St. Jerome's Academy (Parochial)
- Renaissance School of Science and Technology
- Tomas Claudio Memorial Elementary School
- Jesus My Shepherd Montessori School
Organizations/clubs
International Organizations found in Morong Rizal:- Rotary Club Morong
- Rotary Club Lakeshore
While to name some noticeable local organization found in Morong
- 1. Pakitamo or Pangkalinangan Kilusan ng Taga- Morong.
Pakitamo an organized theater group that undertake the annual presentation of the play SENAKULO at the town plaza. The group also is the official cultural group of the town. The production cast and crew are composed of people from the different barrios of Morong and include students and teachers, doctors and laborers, other professionals and out of school youths.
The group's objective is to develop artistic talents of all Morongueños such as singing, dancing and acting. The group handled the yearly senakulo for more than 15 years. The group's aim is to preserve tradition, to promote brotherhood and to spread true Christian values through the theatrical presentation.
Year 2011 the group participated in the Araw ng Lalawigan at the Ynares Sport Arena in Antipolo City as they presented the towns cultural identity. The group presented an original composition of Dr. Antonio R. Mateo, Mike U. San Miguel and Jun San Miguel all members of the Pakitamo, they showcased the famous tradition: CORDERO which is done every Maundy Thursday.
To see official website of Pakitamo visit: pakitamo.multiply.com
- 2. Recamadero- A Catholic group in Morong Rizal that organizes the Holy week procession and the traditional Pabasang Bayan. Recamadero which means care takers of Holy week Images or Spanish word which means "camarero"- care takers", preserves the culture and tradition of the town. Nearby towns now adopts the name Recamadero as their official organization to those who takes care of those holy week images.
- 3. Baranggay Organization or Clubs- Social civic clubs were established per area. They are created for community solidarity, goodwill, sports and to participate in municipal events and even catholic church. This groups usually compete during town sports fest. The major clubs in the 50’s:
San Guillermo
- Melody Club -(Sitio Labak, 1950)
- Bottoms-Up (Sitio Dulo/Tanawan, 1960)
- Tropang Food Trip
San Pedro
- Payapa
- Stony
- Pag-Asa
San Juan
- Sunday Club
- Red Roses
- Hiyas ng Karagatan
- Happy-Happy
San Jose
- Dakila
- These 7 comprise the seven alays of flores .
Other Club
- 4. Banda Morriz- a.k.a Morriz Wind Orchestra. The official band of Morong Rizal. MorRiz which is the shorten name of Morong Rizal is composed of young musicians living in Morong, with age range of 7–60 years old musicians. The group usually plays in major events such as Fiesta and battle of the bands. Owned by Feliciano family, Banda MorRiz does not only play in the town of Morong but are also invited in other places in the Philippines and outside the country. Last 2008, the group was invited in Chia-Yi Taiwan to render a piece in a gathering of bands around Asia.
Morong Rizal Calendar of Events
- Morong Town Fiesta (2nd Sunday of February)
- Pabasang Bayan - Holy week activity (Saturday before Palm Sunday)
- Senakulo: "Ang Tagapagligtas"- Town Plaza (Holy Wednesday-Good Friday)
- CORDERO (Maundy Thursday)
- Paragos Festival - San Guillermo (May)
- St. Jerome's Feastday- Bayan (September 30)
- Fiesta de Santa Perigrina - San Guillermo (November)