Remite recado electrónico el sacerdote católico don John Brillantes. El padre Brillantes, destinado actualmente en Roma, es originario de Ilo-Ilo, archipiélago filipino. En su atento mensaje, que se adjunta a continuación, solicita información sobre el Real Decreto que reguló las armas de su ciudad.
Dear Senor Carrion Rangel,
Recently, in Iloilo City (my City) there are those who have taken interest about the seal of the City, which contains a shield with the inscription "La Muy Leal y Noble Ciudad de Iloilo". For most residents, it was some kind of honor given to the City by the Queen Regent Maria Cristina, who was ruling on behalf of King Alfonso XIII (who was then a minor).
Not too long ago, there are new popular information that, not only was the City honored with this title, it was also granted a coat of arms by the Queen Regent, and the title is supposed to be inscribed in the coat of arms. I am attaching three versions of what that symbol might have looked like.
Attachment 1. - the present seal of the City (which looks terrible)
Attachment 2. - old seal of the City
Attachment 3. - a recent rendition of what the coat of arms must have looked like if it was a grant by the Queen Regent.
Knowing of your passion for heraldry, I would like to ask your help to look for the exact Royal Decree of 1896, granting the coat of arms and the title. It shed light to the history of this symbol, which is important to my City. Much more, that decree will give more information about the blason of the coat of arms. The following Wikippedia article in Spanish also mentions that decree:
Hoping to hear from you soon, and grateful for whatever you can do in this regard.
Sincerely yours,
Father John Brillantes
Resumo lo fundamental en castellano:
Sabiendo de su pasión por la heráldica, me gustaría pedir su ayuda para buscar el Decreto Real exacto, de 1896, que regula la concesión del escudo de armas y el título a la ciudad de Ilo-Ilo, que arrojen luz sobre la historia de este símbolo, tan importante para mi ciudad. El siguiente artículo de Wikippedia en español también menciona el decreto:
