Last November 30, the Philippines celebrated one of its heroes birthday, Andres Bonifacio. He was born on November 30, 1863. I believe that almost all Filipinoes know who Andres Bonifacio was. He was known for his bravery during the Spanish occupation and he led the KKK (Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan). History rumors said that it should have been Andres Bonifacio and not Jose Rizal to be called the country’s National Hero. My youngest sister said that it is because, Rizal was a reformist only. He doesn’t actually wanted “freedom” from the Spaniards but an equal treatment for Filipinos. Being conquered by the Spain, Rizal wanted equality between Spaniards and Filipinos. Unlike, Bonifacio, he wanted complete freedom the Spaniards.
We also thought that Bonifacio was no read and no write. But then as kuya Kim Atienza reported last Monday, Bonifacio actually thought Spanish and English! So, he’s not what we thought.
Another thing I learned about him which I have not read from any history book was that he was married twice. He was first married to a certain Monica and became a widower. Then, he married Gregoria de Jesus as what we knew.
He died in Bundok Buntis in Cavite. I will never forget this from my history teacher in highschool, Sir Manny Villamarin. Who was the culprit? It was Emilio Aguinaldo. That’s why Aguinaldo didn’t live a happy life. Rumors has it, that aside from political reason, Aguinaldo had Bonifacio killed because of Gregoria. After Bonifacio died, it has been said that Aguinaldo took Gregorias as his wife or mistress.
Well, whatever rumors surrounds Bonifacio, we still cannot deny the fact that he is of our greatest heroes. A brave man who showed his undying love for his country and of its countrymen. His legacy should live in us forever.
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