November 30 is next holiday

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang has declared November 30, which falls on a Friday, a regular holiday to commemorate the heroic deeds of 19th century revolutionary Andres Bonifacio.

Through Proclamation No. 295, President Benigno Aquino III counted the birthday of Bonifacio, who was born in 1863, among the regular holidays of the year.

The memories of only two Filipino historical figures are celebrated as holidays in the country, with patriot Jose Rizal and joining Bonifacio as the most acclaimed icons in Philippine history.

Historians have praised Bonifacio, dubbed the "Great Plebeian", for his patriotic determination to lead common folk to revolt against the abuses of the Spanish colonizers at the time.

"Bonifacio demonstrated the courage and determination of our people in defending our country and in freeing us from the abuses of those in power," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement on Bonifacio Day in 2011.

Ninoy Aquino Day on August 21, in honor of the late senator who inspired the People Power Revolution in 1986, was not declared a "regular holiday" but observed as a special or non-working day.