Commemorating Andres Bonifacio: For His Sword is Mightier than the Pen

Today we are celebrating a (Phillipine) national holiday, Andres Bonifacio Day. We Filipinos all grew up learning, reading and even watching stories of our national heroes and Gat Andres Bonifacio is one of the favorites, for he fought alongside hundreds of suppressed Filipinos and lived in the same era as the Philippine national hero Jose Rizal. Although people may argue that Bonifacio deserved more the title and recognition of the Philippine's National Hero rather than Dr. Jose Rizal, what we all can agree upon is that Supremo's work was an integral part in conveying the message over to those oppressive minds of the once was Spanish colonists. Although the pen seems to be mightier than the sword in a more literate combative way and the pursuit of freedom for the Philippines that Rizal and his colleagues has started - In the end when mere words were not enough to get the message across to the seemingly more "civilized" colonizers,it was up to the sword to continue where the pen last took off. That the flames of nationalism and patriotism can overcome the masses fears, and for once freedom is really worth fighting for. Although the revolution that the Katipuneros fought for were not complete success, the valiant act of fighting for our country when everyone seems to have similar spirit but lacked the courage to do act is out is what made Andres Bonifacio and the Katipuneros the heroes that we Filipinos recognize up to this day.



Let us not lose track of what truly matters today, November 30, 2011 - a day once a year when we commemorate and pay respect to the heroism of The Father of Philippine Revolution, Gat Andres Bonifacio. Today we do belief that when the pen's might has lose its power, the sword (tabak at itak) is the only reliable way to get the message across. The Supremo, Andres Bonifacio is considered to be the face of the the everyday struggling suppressed Filipino masses. That amidst the poverty, when one dreams of something, no matter the odds, one can climb up to power and overcome those adversary even if it means disregarding his life to fight for the lives of the many. That is Andres Bonifacio.



A Youtube user-created tribute and biography to Andres Bonifacio:

To See You Again Great Icon - A Francis Magalona Tribute

March 7, 2009 (Saturday) - The Filipinos all stopped and was shocked to hear about the news yesterday (March 6) about the passing away of The King of Philippine Rap and Hip Hop, Francis Magalona

I was energetic yesterday upon recording the "Sa Pula Sa Puti" segment of the Number One Philippines Noon Time Show Eat Bulaga because it is where the Philippine's favorite radio DJ's of Energy FM and Love Radio play each other in an entertaining Q&A game until the hosts release the official statement that Francis M. passed away.



Francis Magalona (1964 - 2009)
A loving father, husband, friend, legend, icon, inspiration, srtist, musician, and
Proud Filipino



Today, Eat Bulaga pays tribute to their beloved friend, dabarkads, and inspiration, Francis M. Today, the Philippine Showbiz Industry, Philippine Plurkersphere and Pinoy Blogosphere mourns for the death of the Master Rapper. This can be seen on the people who visited his wake, the artists who paid tribute whether they are at the Kapuso or the Kapamilya Networks (Philippine TV networks known for their rivalry).

I don't know Francis M. nor had the chance to meet him in person, but as I've heard the sad news yesterday and watched the tribute today it can't be held to feel that I lost someone dear to me. I guess it is that I've grown up watching him in Eat Bulaga, sang a few of his songs in the past, and felt his warmness and courage through his blogs and in Eat Bulaga. If I felt sadness, what more of his family and friends. My condolences.

In one of my response about Farncis "Kiko" Magalona's passing away discussion in plurk I said:

"When people cry and mourn over a celebrity, it only means that he exceeded the status of being a mere celebrity. He became a part of everyone's lives and that is the reason why we are feeling this grief over his passing away."

From his last update on his BLOG (http://francismagalona.multiply.com/) he said and let me quote it:

"I look forward to the pain as I know my journey is on full speed ahead. I will not be bold to say that without asking a favor from you all. PLEASE PRAY for me as I undergo treatment. Your prayers, as always, have sustained me. And am sure the Lord will listen to all our prayers. To His will I submit myself."



- Francis M's a Free Mind

Francis Magalona's optimism and patriotism to the Philippines and the Filipino people is what seemingly little seeds of hope he have planted to the hearts of every Filipinos through the years. Those the legend passed away, Francis Magalona still lives on through the hearts and minds of every Filipino: family, friends, fans, follower, and the industry.

We are all heading his way so it is not a frewell but to see you again great icon.