Don Manuel Gregorio: "The Most Enlightened Man in Capiz"

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.