History: Chinese Uprising in Calamba

Blood tainted the scenic green landscape of Laguna many times. Chinese immigrants rose in revolt against the Spanish rule twice.The first was in 1603. The Chinese made their last stand in the mountains of San Pablo. It was the second uprising that involved Calamba, including Biñan, and San Pedro. The bloody rebellion began November 19, 1639. Tempers erupted when Governor Hurtado Corcuera forced thousands of Chinese to dig irrigation canals for Calamba. Many Chinese workers died due to their unsanitary quarters and inhuman treatment of Laguna's Alcalde Mayor Don Luis Arias de Mora. In anger the Chinese revolted, killed the alcalde mayor, and then burned the church and many houses in Calamba. Inspired by their victory, the Chinee marched towards Manila and plundered the towns of Biñan and San Pedro. Eventually Filipino-\Spanish troops stopped the rebels in Makati.