Friday, November 30, 2007
BONIFACIO DAY IN MANILA
The City of Manila celebrated today the 144th Birth Anniversary of Gat Andres Bonifacio at the Bonifacio Shrine beside Manila City Hall. It was highlighted by a commemorative program led by Mayor Alfredo Lim.
There were wreath offerings by several dignitaries such as Senator Manny Villar, Gemma Cruz Araneta, Emelita Almosara and Nenita Distrito, a Bonifacio descendant.
A moment of prayer was led by Michael Dela Pena who was accompanied by the Ramon Magsaysay High School Chorale. A cultural tableau of Bonifacio's life was presented and performed by the students of Florentino Torres High School and Lakandula High School.
Senator Villar, a Tondo native, provided the keynote address. Right after his impassioned speech warmly received by the audience, Mayor Lim announced that he will spearhead the changing of the names of The City College of Manila and Universidad de Manila to Pamantasang Bonifacio.
Moreover, the mayor acknowledged our modern day heroes; that is, the volunteer firemen from the various firefighting groups. They're the men from various organizations such as the Association of Volunteer Fire Chiefs & Fire Fighters of the Philippines, Association of Philippine Fire Brigade, and Fire Brigades & Communication Groups, Inc.
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posted by Señor Enrique at 9:02 PM
21 Comments:
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said... Interesting coverage Eric!
(:
And I've always been amazed with men dressing in the Barong. Beautiful traditional men's wear.-
Photo Cache said... bonifacio has always played second fiddle to rizal when it comes to commemoration. this however shows that bonifacio is getting his due. i am glad to see that. was there like street fair with lots and lots of eating?
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NOYPETES said...
Eric,
My illustrator buddy and I are working on a drawing that is similar to the "Ginebra San Miguel" logo with Michael the Arcangel but more of a pinoy version. the drawing is of a person that looks more like Andres Bonifacio with angelic wings, his tabak raised with the right hand, in bakya and his katipunero garb, standing over and ready to slay the evil kapre/manananggal...for my next tattoo!-
pusa said...
i wish makapasok tong comment ko, last night 3x ko tinry =)
thanks for sharing this señor, feels like we've attended the ceremony
i also like mayor lim's proposal naming ccm and unibersidad de manila for bonifacio, citation long overdue i think-
said...
It is amazing that we have Rizal day and Bonifacio Day honoring both as heroes. Many historians felt that Bonifacio should have been the national hero as he exemplified bravery being a warrior that fought the invaders.
It was said that the Americans preferred Rizal being a non-violent figure who fought the with the pen rather than the sword therefore they installed him as such. The Americans hoped that Rizal's image being educated and non-violent would diffuse the Pinoy's fervor for violent uprising to drive out their AMerican colonizers.-
nutart said...
this post made me reflect on the definition of a hero. The way history has shown that heroes (as they are now lauded) were those who dared to be unpopular, to go against the grain of what was the status quo. If they could hear all these speeches made in their honor, these nice presentations depicting their era...what would be in their minds?
My most favorite movie depicting a hero is "Gandhi." I also have read several books detailing his memoirs. Here is a hero---truthful and honest about himself and there alone lies his heroism. Everything else that linked to him---be it his political views and affiliations---was part of his persona and it was not the externals that made him loved by his people. It was the purity of his soul and intents. My heroes create the direction of my life. That is where i connect with them.
Thanks, senor Enrique!-
Señor Enrique said...
Beautifully said, Bernadette.
I tend to also appreciate the heroic deeds of regular folks, though not as widely and grandly celebrated since often known only to a select few. But then again, perhaps, the best act of heroism is something discreetly done and known only to God.-
Señor Enrique said...
I think it was Bonifacio's lack of military expertise that did him in, BW, not only to the eyes of the Americans who appointed our national hero, but to many who might have considered the many lives that were lost under his command his disregard for human life.
Now I wonder how Bonifacio would have fared had he learned and mastered Sun Tzu's "Art of War." He could have reduced America's role in the archipelago as mere visitors.-
Señor Enrique said...
It's my pleasure, Pusa.
Yes, Mayor's Lim to change the school's name was received with much jubilence by the crowd :)-
Señor Enrique said...
Whoa! That would definitely make a nice compliment to "Inday's Tears," Pete! I can't wait to see the result.
Good luck!-
Señor Enrique said...
Unfortunately, Photo Cache, there wasn't such festive atmosphere. I could've used some food because I was famished after the ceremony, and it was only 9:30. SM Manila was still closed.
But nonetheless, it was a beautiful, though somewhat solemn, celebration.-
Señor Enrique said...
Thank you, Kyels.
I have this beautiful barong tagalog I had custom made, but haven't had a chance to wear it, yet. I would love to one of these days :)-
Sidney said...
You were close to the VIP's!
Great coverage!
Some friends told me to go... but didn't I mentioned already that I was getting lazy...
It is time 2007 ends...-
Señor Enrique said...
That was probably because I was using my dSLR, Sidney. I bet they would've kept me behind the lines had I used my point & shoot ... hehehe.
We still have a month to go before 2007 is over, my friend. But then again, better just take it easy and be fresh for the new year :)-
Unknown said...
I'm green with envy, Eric! I was planning to go Liwasang Bonifacion last Friday, but I was ambushed by friends and ended up watching a movie. Thanks for the photos...parang nandon na rin ako. :-)
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Señor Enrique said...
We happened to have driven by Liwasang Bonifacio around 2pm, Luna, and it semed a more boisterous celebration with many factions beginning to gather. I would have cvered it also if not for an appointment previously made.
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mgaputonimimi said...
ang ganda ng rebulto ng kinulayan..
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Señor Enrique said...
Malaki nga ang ginanda nito, Mimi!
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said...
To senor enrique,
I wonder if you would like to be part of Manila's official website, www.manilacityph.com. Your creative photoblogspot caught me. Email at webmaster@manilacityph.com. thanks.-
Señor Enrique said...
Much honored. Thank you! Jusr sent you an email :)
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said...
Your very informative articles about the city of Manila should be posted or must have a link at the city of manila's official website www.manila.gov.ph. They should honor you for your informative blogs!
just my cents :)
Mabuhay ka senior!
