Graciano Lopez-Jaena was one of the big contributors in the Philippine revolution. He was recognized as the “Prince of Filipino Orators” who wrote great and striking articles in the infamous newspaper La Solidaridad. Born on December 18, 1856 in Jaro, Iloilo and came from a lowly family. His parent, Placido Lopez is a general repairman and Maria Jacoba Jaena, a seamstress. Graciano grew to a family who has strong values in education and religion.
At an early age, Graciano was placed under the care of Reverend Francisco Jayme who enhanced and developed his skills in speech. Later he was sent to a seminary school in Jaro and again his talent was noticed. It was his ambition to become a doctor and disregarding his mother’s wishes, he continues to pursue his dream. He tried enrolling at the University of Sto. Tomas but was deprived of access due to lack of requirements. He then went to San Juan de Dios Hospital and work as a trainee. But poverty began to creep on him so he was forced to return home. Graciano went back to Iloilo and there he practiced his medicine.
During his encounter with other Filipino less fortunate, it opens his eyes to the maltreatment and abuse of the filthy Spaniards. At 18, he started his campaign to voice out the injustices and wrong doings of the Spanish colonizers and the story of “Fray Botod” showcases a fat and corrupt priest. This article angered the friars more, thus his life was put in jeopardy. He flew to Spain to avoid conflict. There he continued his battle; he was a leader in the literary faction and became its speaker.
Graciano continued his study of medicine at the University of Valencia but he didn’t complete the course and shifted to journalism. All people have their shortcomings and Lopez-Jaena’s limitations include being lazy and careless. But despite all this, his friends still accepted him for who he is.
Graciano Lopez-Jaena was remembered for his creation of the highly popular La Solidaridad and when the publishing was moved to Madrid, the leadership was given to Marcelo H. del Pilar. On January 20, 1896, Lopez-Jaena died of tuberculosis, two years short of his 40th birthday.
