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| Don Manuel Gregorio and his wife. Source: American Baptist Missionary Union |
At the turn of the 20th century, Americans took over the
Philippines. In 1903, American missionaries Dr. and Mrs. Lerrigo went to Capiz
from Jaro, Iloilo to preach the gospel. A rich and influential Capiznon, Don
Manuel Gregorio welcomed them. The gentleman showed his white guests the
hospitality the stature of Don Manuel can afford, thus, earning him their
praise as "probably the most enlightened man in Capiz."
Short, brown-skinned, typical of the Filipino look, he was,
nevertheless a grand gentleman, a member
of capiz's landed elite. His house sits prominently not far from the site where
the Lerrigos established their church. Don Manuel was one of the first
Capiznons to have converted into the Baptist faith and his home became a
temporary house of faith for two years until the church was built. He opened
his doors to Capiznons eager to listen the preachings of the Christian faith.
In fact, "None were two poor, so
ragged or wretched as to be refused a welcome and a seat of honor there."
Such was his character that he presented "a wondrous
contrast to the upper classes... whose pride of position keeps them from any
fellowship with the humble and lowly." Life was never the same for Don
Manuel and his family after his conversion. The backlash was eminent and he was
ostracized by his social equals. They "encountered political and business
difficulties" and "petty persecutions." It is not known, though,
what happened to Don Manuel in the latter part of his life. But one thing is
for sure, without Don Manuel’s generosity, the Baptist mission would have
failed to establish the home school that flourished into a university today.
Reference:
Missions in the Philippines (1906-1911). Boston, Mass.: American Baptist Missionary Union.
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