This Week in Philippine History and Culture (January 8 to 14)

Jan. 8, 1945: As part of the Asia-Pacific theater during the Second World War, troops under the Philippine Commonwealth Army units enter the province of Ilocos Sur in Northern Luzon and attack the forces of the Imperial Japanese Army.


Jan. 9, 1945: The United States invades the Philippine island of Luzon, three years after being under the Japanese forces. 


Jan. 12, 1911: The University of the Philippines College of Law is formally established. Its first permanent dean was Associate Justice George Malcolm. Malcolm Hall is the building that currently houses the main offices and classrooms of the college within the U.P. Diliman Campus in Quezon City. 


Jan. 12, 1977:  Film and television actor Piolo Jose Pascual, popularly known as Piolo Pascual, is born in Manila. Pascual is also known for recording award-winning albums such as My Gift, Timeless and Decades. He has also ventured into movie production, most notably in the Kimmy Dora comedy film trilogy. 


Jan. 14, 1899: Carlos P. Romulo (d. December 15, 1985), who became the first Filipino President of the United Nations General Assembly is born in the town of Camiling in Tarlac province. Romulo served as the President of the Fourth Session of U.N. General Assembly from 1949-1950.