Today in History

March 16, 1960

MANILA, March 16 — On March 16, 1960, Araneta Coliseum, considered the biggest coliseum in Asia during its time, was inaugurated.

Named after its owner J. Amado Araneta, the egg-shaped coliseum opened with Gabriel "Flash" Elorde boxing for the World Junior Lightweight crown from American Harold Gomes, the bout with more than 33,000 spectators.

General admission then was 80 centavos and reserve section was five pesos.

At present, it still remains as one of the largest clear span domes in the world and the largest indoor facility in Asia, with a dome diameter of 108 meters. It occupies a total land area of almost 40,000 square meters and has a floor area or 2,300 square meters.

Also on this same day in 1886 was the birth of Inigo Ed Regalado, noted Tagalog poet and novelist during the American Period.

Among his famous novels include: Madaling Araw (1909) and Sampagitang Walang Bango (1918), and his poetry collections, Bulalakaw ng Paggiliw (1910) and Damdamin (1968).

He died on July 14, 1976 at the age of 90.

Also on this same day in 1992 was the creation of Saranggani province by virtue of Republic Act No. 7882.(PNA)

LDV/SDT/mec

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