November 30, 2011

So I've heard that today's the day of one of our national heroes. It is the day when we are supposedly honor the courage and the contributions of this person to the lives of the Filipinos. But, as if nothing happened. I woke up late in the morning still sick. There were no classes because it's supposedly a holiday. Moments went on and it turned out to be a normal, boring holiday. Just watching television and surfing the net all day.

The night went on, watched the news, but turned out, no Andres Bonifacio Day news on the headlines. There were news on deaths, crimes, awards, and rallies, but no honoring for him. There were nonsense showbiz news, endless commercials, useless countdowns, but no sign. Is it me or is he forgotten already?

Going back to my history, Andres Bonifacio was one of the heroes who is found in our money. But much more than that, he sparked the swords of the Filipinos during the Spanish regime in the Philippines when our national hero was in jail. He led in the formation of the most famous war group in the Philippines. He initiated the tearing of the cedulas which symbolizes the Filipinos' rage against the Spaniards. He fought many battles, but he lost to all. But, this paved way to other battles around the Philippines during those times.

Unlike many heroes who died as martyrs, he died differently. He was executed by fellow Filipinos themselves for he and his brother allegedly did something. I cannot remember that anymore. Sadly, the leader during those times were his former friend.

Many might considered him to be the national hero more than Rizal. I do say Bonifacio has done quite many things that stirred our history, but I just don't know if he is really fit to take that title. I may not give the right reasons why. But, I think his title now is fitting to him more, "The Father of the Philippine Revolution."

So this post is not just a reminder that November 30 is Andres Bonifacio's day, or the day that we have no classes, or the day that Sec. Butch Abad said that Elena Bautista-Horn needs a psychiatrist. This is a post that would remind us that Andres Bonifacio is not just a man of courage, but a person that would linger in our midst forever and ever.

Wait.

I am not quite really sure if Filipinos know that today is his day. I'm not quite sure if my sister knows why today is a vacation day. I'm not sure if the people parting on the clubs know that today is his day. Well, honestly speaking, I never knew that today is his day until just a while ago when I received a text relating to Bonifacio. People like me really needs to master these dates already. It's more than a day without classes, you know.

As what my grandmother says, and I conclude,

"Andres Bonifacio, a tapang a tao.
a putol a kamay, hindi aatras.
a putol a paa, hindi tatakbo."


Good night everyone. Goodbye November.