Thursday, December 3, 2009

The Write of Three 2: Two Pilipino Heroes

When we speak or remembering Pilipino heroes, these two comes to mind. If not to say, they are the leading men, among men or women. The names of these two are Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio. They are of contrast yet the same.

Jose Rizal, born in a wealthy environment, but loves the poor, that he built free school, clinic, and even teaches escrima (fencing) and swimming. But most of all, is his love for his country during Spanish time. He was not afraid of them, and even writes two famous book against the Spaniards.

His book “Noli Me Tangere” (Touch Me Not), from the phrase Jesus once told to Mary Magdalene. He after all, read even the Bible. And the second famous book, is the El Filibusterismo (The Subversive). The first one was about the hypocrisies of the friars and the intense suffering of the Pilipino people under Spanish rule. The second one, was about the start of revolution or at least to have have the strength to struggle against the Spaniards. To him, ascribe the proper quote “The pen is mightier than the sword” by Bulwer Lytton. He Died by a gunshot wound by firing squad.

Andres Bonifacio, born in a poor environment family, must work earn his keep to survive and take care of his brothers and sisters. He is a lover of books, lover of freedom, and an utmost love for his country and has a cunning common sense. He reads Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, Lives of the Presidents of the United States, Les Miserable (Victor Hugo), Ruins of Palmyra, works concerning the Bible and The French Revolution. He consulted Rizal about arm revolution and even invite his him to be its leader but Rizal declined, and said earnestly of a more peaceful reform. He became the supremo (leader) of KKK Katipunan, or in full, Kataastaasan Kagalanggalang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan("Highest and Most Respected Society of the Sons of the Country")and fights the Spanish Regime. He died being betrayed, by another faction, sentence to die by firing squad.

Andres Bonifacio, seller of abanikos(fans)and bastones(canes), and a poet too(Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa (roughly, "Love for the land of origin[26]). Defender and the cause of Filipino freedom against the Spaniards.

Two Heroes, two mestizos, same but different. One writes freedom, the other fights. One fights with a pen, the other with force. Both died by firing squad. May we have the strength and courage of this two, to stand against adversities in life, and to fight for the truth. Php1:21