If you are reading this, you are a proud VITUG or a friend of the
Vitugs. On behalf of the
other Vitugs, we thank you for reaching us.
While this site interests you, It will be more fruitful to learn more from
you. As you maybe are aware, the Vitugs started in the beautiful town of
Lubao, Pampanga, Philippines, wherein two prominent individuals have
handled the highest seat in the Philippine Government, not to mention the late
President Diosdado Macapagal and former President, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
The Vitug Clan is making a list of these individuals, wherein one has been named
as Father of the Philippines Photo Journalist, Associate Justice of the
Supreme Court, a great cinematographer who has been honored in the Hall of Fame.
More Vitugs had been and have been actively made names such as
reporters, speech writers, politicians, businessmen, and the list goes on
and on and they are Vitugs either by blood or by marriage. Not to
mention, even people who got tangled with our family considered themselves to be
a Vitug.
"Vitug
is Norwegian in origin, a derivative of "viteg, vitig" meaning
sensible. How did the name become such a prominent last name in a
country thousands of miles away? This question may never be answered but
we have a few clues of its origins. The Spanish King who was Catholic
mandated that all people's in his empire assume last names as it was
common in Spain (i.e. Zobel y Ayala was typical as it assumed the mother
and father's last names). In many areas of the Spanish empire, many
indigenous people took on religious names to connect themselves to their
new found religion (i.e. De La Santos, De La Cruz) and many assumed
regionalized last names and more recently indigenous last names.
Our Vitug line is very rich and complex because our origins are directly
connected to Spain and France. It's been debated possibly that a
Norwegian may have migrated into France then into Spain. Thus making our
family line of Scandinavian origin.
Our family history is a direct lineage to Captain Ferdinand Portel of the Spanish Armada who was of French and Spaniard origin.
After the defeat of the Spanish Armada in Manila Bay, Portel left for
Spain and settled in Barcelona. Our distant relatives assumed the name
of Toro whether by marriage or desire for no association to the defeat.
How did we get the name Vitug then? It was stated that the Portels
changed their name to Vitug. Thus, being of European origin and
prominent stature many others adopted the name within the Region. So it
can be debated whether any blood relation exists between all Vitugs.
Those of Vitug blood vary in physical appearance from blue to brown
eyes, curly or straight hair, brown or black hair. Our specific line are
known for more Caucasian features, pointed noses, wavy curly hair,
lighter eyes and fairer skin.
At this point where our family line takes on the name Vitug.
If this is correct, our connection to the Vitug clan is through a son,
Julian Vitug who was a former mayor of Lubao, Pampanga. A well known
philanthropist in the area, he saved lives during the Japanese
occupation.
Regardless of physical differences and historical inaccuracies all of
us share a rich history. With your stories we can all piece together to
create a colorful tapestry of our ancestry."
Tell us about you, what you heard from your folks. We want to
hear it as well as other Vitugs in every other part of the world. Pass them on
and we will be more prouder to publish them for all other Vitugs to know.
Photos will be appreciated.
Latest research discovery 5/12/2008:
According to the US Census Record in 1901, families named Vitug who may
have migrated to Puerto Rico, changed their name to Velez. (Nativida Vitug De
Cordero from Bayamon, PR and Hermigilda Vitug y Lopez of Cayey, PR) and later
stopped using the spanish system for surnames dropping "de" and "y." Interesting
to know and discover that Velez, Lopez, or Cordero from Puerto Rico can be our
distant relatives.
Remember during that time trade occurred with Spain's remaining colonies
(Philippines, Guam, Puerto Rico and Cuba).It Would be interesting to see if
any family connection.
Also in the early 1900s Vitugs were recorded in the US Census in
Cuyahuga, Ohio; Natrona, Wyoming; Northumberland, PA.
