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| Members of the Abella Clan received a plaque of recognition from the city mayor, Michael Rama, during the Cebu City Charter celebration |
The word "Abella" is said to originate from the word which means "bee". Traditionally, it is said that the family name originated in Italy then spread to Spain, France and in the Philippines. In 1565, three brothers of Sephardic origin came to Zzubu. They were bell makers by trade and eventually stayed on the islands.
The Abella family is one of the most ancient in Cebu, having been established in Cebu el Viejo (San Nicolas) prior to the November 21, 1849 Claveria Decree.
When Rajah Tupas fled Zzubu most of his extended family remained; even as late as the 18th century, they claimed a "casa de reserva", or exemption from "polos y servicios" for being former lords of Cebu and Iligan. One of the families mentioned in the Spanish records refer specifically to the Abellas of San Nicolas by name. In fact, one Maestra Apolonia Abella claimed such exemption from the Spanish Crown. She then wed Capitan Alfonso Jakosalem of Dumanjug and they begot Don Dionisio Jakosalem y Abella. (dela Calzada, 1950; Ang Kagubot sa Sugbo, 1898)
While Maestra Apolonia claimed the "casa de reserva" from the Spanish Crown, Rufo Abella joined Don Pantaleon Villegas alias Leon Kilat in opposing the sovereignty of Spain in our islands. He was one of Don Leon's tenientes during the bloody Palm Sunday of 1898, also known as the Battle of Tres de Abril.
The Abellas have a long and colored history in Cebu, from its rumored connection to Rajah Tupas, to its involvement in wars against Spain, America and the Japanese, down to its involvement in the Cebuano community and society.
The history of Cebu is intertwined with that of the Abellas. From Rufo Abella who fought with Leon Kilat in the battle against Spain, to World War II heroes such as Capt. Sofronio Abella and Pantaleon Abella. In public governance, the cabezas de barangay of Labangon: Alejandro Abella, Marcelo Abella, Honorato Abella, Asisclo Abella and Feliz Abella; city councilmen: Dominador Abella, Tomas Abella, Pablo Abella; in public service: Oscar Abella (RTC Judge/NLRC Commissioner), Felix Abella (Bureau of Lands), Hilario Abella (City Treasurer), Ricardo Abella (City Sheriff); Physicians in the private sector: Pablo Abella, Mimi Abella, Antonio Abella, Victoriano Abella,Jewel Ann Abella, Paul Abella; Lawyers in the active practice of law: Pedro T. Abella, Honorato Abella, Ricardo Abella, Iolanda Abella, Hanz Abella, Harve Abella; Engineers: Norvic Abella, Edmond Abella, Edgar Abella; Architects: Arsenio Abella and Francisco Abella; In education: Susifatro Abella (Dean UC-Nautical); media: Renato Abella; musics and the arts: Susana Abella (music professor), Adriano Abella (musician), Nilo Abella (choreographer) and Domicina Abella.
These are but a few f those who dedicate their knowledge and talents to the City of Cebu; a family as old as Cebu itself which continues to be proud of its rich heritage; a family which gave Cebu freedom fighters, men and women devoted to public service, excellence in their professions, love of community.
From it's mysterious and intriguing origins in Cebu el Viejo (San Nicolas) to the bright future f its younger generation, the Abellas of Cebu, as ancient as it is, is as dynamic as the City of Cebu itself. Forever moving forward with a deep sense of ride in its colored past.
*This was suppose is to be posted in Facebook, but I don't know where the engineers placed the note button.
