Tag Archives: Mark Twain

Nov30

Should Bonifacio Be Our National Hero?

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Should Bonifacio Be Our National Hero?

I was all poised to start my Nerdy Wednesday post about the movie release of Sherlock Holmes part 2 when suddenly, I found myself staring at Google’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer-inspired home page.

tom sawyer

This image of Tom Sawyer and his friends inspired me today!

Right there and then, I remembered Mark Twain and was reminded that today is his 176th Birthday! On top of that, it’s also Sir Andres Bonifacio‘s Day (the Filipino hero I admire the most). And so I guess even if Mr. Holmes is my favorite, he’d be happy to give way for these two people who deserve to be featured today.

Happy 176th Birthday, Samuel!

I knew it since high school that Mark Twain is just a pen name, that’s why I’ve always regarded the creator of Tom Sawyer by his real name – Samuel Langhorne Clemens. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is his famous piece, placing his name on literature’s history. After the Tom Sawyer hit, Samuel followed a sequel,”The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” that also earned him great honor as an American novelist. Every time I think about Tom Sawyer, I instantly see a cute but guileful boy dressed in the old American fashion way. I think his character greatly embodies what it feels like to be a tyke during the late 1800s.

mark twain

Mark Twain; November 30, 1835 - April 21, 1910 (74 yo)

By the way, this post is entitled as such: “Should Bonifacio Be Our National Hero?” because I want to know the views of other Filipinos about this stand. I just included a little about Samuel Clemens because a) he’s my idol, b) it’s also his birthday today, and c) I was inspired by the “Tom Sawyer painting the fence” image at Google.

Happy 148th Birthday, Andres Bonifacio!

If it weren’t that Jose Rizal has kept a journal of his thoughts, achievements, and adventures and if it weren’t that he has the influence and financial stature, I’d say that Andres Bonifacio deserves the title of being the Philippine’s National Hero. I’m sorry Rizal fans, but even the RA 1425 (aka Rizal Law) mandate couldn’t change my perspective about who should gain merit for the independence of the Philippines.

Like yeah, Rizal used the power of his pen to incite the people to a revolution, but without the actual hands of Andres Bonifacio who brought the revolution into reality, did we ever achieve something? Even if Rizal was the inspiration of the Katipuneros, Bonifacio was the real force. And I do think that Bonifacio is also wicked smart. Sans any formal training, he was able to devise ways on how to strengthen the Philippine team revolting against the Spaniards.

andres bonifacio

Andres Bonifacio; November 30, 1863 - May 10, 1897(33 yo)

Anyway, those extra hours studying the life of Rizal also paid off – I do appreciate his efforts, his skills and most importantly, his heart who loves our country so much. On the other hand, I don’t really see Jose Rizal as the ultimate nemesis of Andres Bonifacio for the title. In fact, Rizal supports Andres Bonifacio. But there’s this one person whom I think was really unfair and inconsiderate towards the lowly President of the Katipunan – Emilio Aguinaldo.

If I do think that Bonifacio deserves the title of Jose Rizal better, then you should double that conviction if I say that Andres Bonifacio deserves to be the first Philippine President and not Emilio Aguinaldo. It’s just so much heart-piercing that even at the start of the true Filipino regime, political assaults and corruption are already present. Yeah, I wasn’t there during that time and so I really don’t know what truly happened. Yet I think I believe the assumption that Aguinaldo ordered the execution of Bonifacio. And by the way, where are the real bones of Andres Bonifacio? Historians say t’was already found and is now on display yet I doubt it. I just do hope that no dog is already sinking its teeth under my hero’s bone shafts!

There, there. I’m quite happy that at least, I’ve shared what my thoughts are regarding Andres Bonifacio. I guess if my History teacher in college will read this, he’ll be really happy to know that he’s influenced me so much. As for my Rizal teacher, maybe she’d also appreciate that though I’m pro-Bonficaio, at least she was able to influence me to be cool with Rizal. How about you? Whom do you think deserves to be the real Hero of our beloved country? Take my poll!

“In the fury of your struggle, some of you might die in the midst of battle, but this is an honor that will be a legacy to our race and our progeny. – El Supremo”

Wow! Two geniuses were born on November 30! I guess this is one lucky day – Happy Birthday to everyone born on the same day as with Samuel and Andres Bonifacio!

Note: I linked all pictures to their respective sites, except one which is mine. Please be reminded that everything in this post is purely my opinion.
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