The heroes who

Our primary education taught us the so-called basics of nationalism - the sampaguita, mango, carabao and so on. Those were just memorized words that we don't even think about on a daily basis. It did not help us to understand what that big word really is.

Growing up, I always associated nationalism with People Power. I could vividly recall my kindergarten years when former president Estrada was in the limelight for his wrongdoings. Everybody was aghast and to some extent united to overthrow the person the authority.

At this age, I view nationalism in a different light because back in the day it was not only about a randy president - it was for the country's independence.

With a quick breeze at Philippine history, the Spaniards arrived in 1521 and reoriented our culture. What was once ours became nomadic and barbaric. They replaced our identity with theirs causing us to puzzle at who we really were.

A bunch of people started to stand up against the crazy governance; some were praised, some were persecuted. Among those brave people were Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio: both young, full of vigor and eagerness to free the country from its shackles.

Rizal was not so tall, yet he was brilliant. He was an excellent speaker, writer, teacher and a lot more. His thinking was extraordinary. As a young lad, he wanted to be great for the country. When he had the proper facilities to be great, he wrote compelling literature that exposed the truth.

Bonifacio on the other hand, was a hard worker. He worked with different positions in odd jobs for his siblings. Nonetheless, he was a born leader. The Katipunan movement continued the spark which led to the revolution for the Philippines' freedom.

The stories could go on about these two men. They were not missed out in our Philippine Institution classes for their notable acts. The fact that they made an impact and gave themselves for the Filipinos is a life worth of honor. Yet, the reality is these two prominent men of our history are only minted on Philippine Peso coins. Their heroic deeds are shrunk to low value money.

Is that how we value men, who with great valor, struggled against all odds to win the fight for independence?

If it were not for them, we would not be so free to move around our country. I'm betting we would still be trapped in the hands of the invaders, helpless and dependent. We could not speak our own native language and if we would, we would be stoned.

Now here we are enjoying the fruit of their sacrifices. To some extent, we are even ungrateful for the many heroes who gave up their time, resources and lives in order for us to be on our feet.

There were countless uprisings that took place when invaders came but both Rizal and Bonifacio highly taught us what nationalism is - to give up one's agenda so the greater good would be advanced. They both knew what was at stake if they pursued going against the Spanish government but they did anyway. Written accounts did not reveal any hint of fear from both which gives us an idea of their determination and bravery.

Last Saturday was the 150th birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio. In a few weeks, we will also be having Rizal Day. The previous event was not thoroughly celebrated; it was just like a usual weekend for most of us. I don't know what will be held on Rizal Day. I hope it's not just a year-end holiday.

In the succeeding days we continue to fight the struggles of our country - the challenge of rebuilding from the typhoon, the pork barrel scam, nepotism and corruption in the government. We can choose to look for band-aid solutions but we can also choose to fight with nationalism like the both of them did, without fear and hesitation.