TBK tells all about National Heroes day

 

In the Philippines National Heroes' Day is celebrated on the fourth Monday of August to honor all our heroes throughout history. 

According to Wikipedia:

"A national hero of the Philippines is a Filipino who has been recognized as a national hero for their role in the history of the Philippines. Loosely, the term may refer to all Filipino historical figures recognized as heroes, but the term more strictly refers to those officially designated as such"

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_hero_of_the_Philippines ( accessed 27.8.23)

     Statues of the National Heroes can be found all over the Philippines like this one in Baguio

"The reformist writer Jose Rizal, today generally considered the greatest Filipino hero and often given as the Philippine national hero, has never been explicitly proclaimed as the (or even a) national hero by the Philippine government.^[1] Besides Rizal, the only other Filipino currently given implied recognition as a national hero is Andrés Bonifacio, based on the Philippine government's policy on national holidays. While other historical figures are commemorated in public municipal or provincial holidays. Only Rizal and Andrés Bonifacio to date are commemorated in full or "regular" national holidays- the only ones, based on this metric.^[1] The National Heroes Committee recommended Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat, Juan Luna, Melchora Aquino, and Gabriela Silang to be recognized as national heroes on November 15, 1995.^[1] No action was taken on the recommendation."

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_hero_of_the_Philippines ( accessed 27.8.23)

So this day is on everyone's calendars in the Philippines and is the second consecutive holiday Monday in August. It creates a nice boost for tourism with hotels offering special offers ( as its still the wet season and they have low occupancy) and the shops have sales on and restaurants promote special meals.

 An old National Heroes day poster- after COV 19 the tourism frontliners were hailed as heroes

There has been much debate over the centuries as to who is a hero and who is not, and whether one is more important than another. For example November 30 is Bonaficio day and December 30 is Rizal day, whereas all the other Heroes are celebrated on 28.8.23

I always try and add pictures to my Blogs to bring them to life so here are some of our National Heroes ( sorry they are only Black and white!)

                                          The famous Jose Rizal

"Already admired in his lifetime for his nationalistic writings and activities, Jose Rizal was executed for treason on December 30, 1896, by the Spanish colonial government. His writings had helped inspire the Philippine Revolution against colonial rule. On December 20, 1898, Emilio Aguinaldo, President of the Philippine government, decreed December 30 of every year a day of national mourning in honor of Rizal and other victims of the revolution. Henceforth, December 30 has been celebrated as Rizal Day.^[1]"

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_hero_of_the_Philippines ( accessed 27.8.23)

                                              Emilo Aguinaldo- 1898

The Philippines has had a turbulent history with invasion, rule and influence by the Spanish ( for example their influence can be seen in Vigan and Illocos Norte), the Americans ( many Pinays are married to Americans and you can see their influence at places like Camp John Haigh in Baguio) and the Japanese ( which I learnt about when I spent a day on Corrigedor in Manila Bay) . There has also been much internal rebellion and Terrorism ( e.g. MLF in Mindanao) .

                          The American influence still lives on in Baguio

My American neighbours will know that :

"By the start of the 20th century, the Philippines had become a territory of the United States. Rizal was given special attention as a hero by the American colonial administration because, unlike more radical figures whose ideas could inspire resistance against American rule, he was interpreted to represent peaceful political advocacy.^[3][4] Rizal was selected over the revolutionaries Andres Bonifacio, who was viewed as too radical, and Apolinario Mabini, who was considered unregenerate.^[4] In June 1901, Act No. 137 of the Taft Commission reorganized the district of Morong into the Province of Rizal.^[1] "

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_hero_of_the_Philippines ( accessed 27.8.23)

In Manila there is an area named after Bonifacio- BGC. Did you know this was formerly a Military Camp. Many old American camps across the Philippines have now become development areas , such as Subic.

 

                         Bonifacio Global City ( BGC) in Manila

                                                Subic Bay

"On February 23, 1918, the Philippine Legislature issued Act No. 2760 which promoted the creation, maintenance, and improvement of national monuments, particularly the creation of a monument in memory of Andres Bonifacio, leader of the Katipunan secret society which spearheaded the Philippine Revolution.^[1]"

^"On February 16, 1921, the Philippine Legislature enacted Act No. 2946, which made November 30 of each year a legal holiday to commemorate the birth of Andres Bonifacio, henceforth called Bonifacio Day.^[1]"

There are more public holidays in the Philippines than Bahrain or the UK. Some are called Regular holidays, others are special non working days and All souls day is an additional special ( non working) day. When I see the family opposite load up their 4 x 4 with water, the kids toys and food then I know it's a long weekend ( or when Chester the Hooman, who designs my planners, does not reply to my emails!) 

One last quote from Wiki before I get told off for quoting too much - if you want to read more click on the link below the quote:

"By 1960, Rizal was already held in such esteem that he was referred to as the Philippine national hero, even though no legislation had been passed making it official. That year, historian Teodoro Agoncillo wrote in his History of the Filipino People that the Philippine national hero, unlike those of other countries, was not "the leader of its liberation forces".^[5] Agoncillo noted the sentiments of certain quarters calling for Rizal's replacement as the national hero by Andres Bonifacio, since Rizal was interpreted as ultimately a reformist content to be under Spain, not a revolutionary wishing for independence. A distant relative of Emilio Aguinaldo who took over the reins of revolutionary power from Bonifacio and ordered the "execution" of the former, Agoncillo opined that Bonifacio should not replace Rizal as the national hero but be honored alongside him.^[5]"

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_hero_of_the_Philippines ( accessed 27.8.23)

So that's the story behind National Heroes day and I hope you found it as interesting reading it as I did writing it. Thanks to Chester for fact checking.

Now, where did I put my sun tan lotion? Chester and I are off to celebrate our National heroes- On the beach!