30/11/2025
๐๐ก๐ฒ ๐๐จ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ข๐๐๐๐ข๐จ ๐๐๐ฒ?
Every year on November 30, Filipinos get a holiday, a few sales at the mall, and if weโre lucky, an extra hour of sleep. But behind that precious break is a name weโve heard since elementary: Andres Bonifacio, the man who didnโt wait for history to call his name. He kicked the door open.
Bonifacio wasnโt born into privilege. He didnโt have a Spanish education or fancy portraits. He had grit, a stack of self-learned books, and enough courage to start a revolution with nothing but determination and a bolo. While others discussed changes, Bonifacio united common Filipinos, proving that bravery isn't simply spotted in classrooms or palaces but may also emanate from messenger boys, warehouse workers, and even the "ordinary student" stereotype of Manila in the 19th century.
We celebrate Bonifacio Day because it reminds us of the power of mass movement, of people deciding theyโve had enough of oppression. Itโs a day that highlights action over status, bravery over birthright, and the idea that change comes when ordinary citizens decide they can no longer stay silent.
Historically, Bonifacio founded the Katipunan in 1892, a secret society that would ignite the Philippine Revolution. Although he wasn't flawless, no true human is, his bravery changed the course of the nation. And maybe thatโs why this holiday hits differently as well. This holiday is a calling that history wasnโt built by one genius, but by thousands of people who believed in freedom, led by someone who refused to wait for permission.
Even now the Philippines is still finding its way through long-standing challenges in governance, and many Filipinos simply hope to feel more heard and included as the country works toward solutions that can improve everyday life. Bonifacio performs the role of an illustration that the Philippines is in dire need of individuals with bravery, empathy, and a genuine desire to serve, traits that are far more valuable than wealth and position.
As Bonifacio once said, "๐ผ๐ก๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐-๐๐๐๐ ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ฉ ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐จ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ก๐๐จ๐๐ฎ ๐๐ฉ ๐ฅ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ฃ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐-๐๐๐๐ ๐จ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ช๐๐ช๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ก๐ช๐ฅ๐?โ
Written by Lailey Andig
Proofread by Maharani Lao
Art by Carl Bangcoyan
