It was on August 19, 1878, that this great Filipino patriot was born in Baler, Tayabas (now Quezon) – a ‘dreamy little town bathed in the glow of the morning sun.’ He was the son of Lucio Quezon and Maria Dolores Molina, a beloved and highly respected of their town.

At the age of five, young Manuel was taught by his mother how to read and write Spanish and learn the catechism. Two years later, he lived with the parish priest of Baler, Fr. Teodoro Fernandez, under whom he studied religion. Latin, geography and grammar. Even as a youth Manuel had demonstrated traits which were to remain with him as his assets when he became the leader of his people. [...]