ANDRES BONIFACIO DAY

I received a text message from a friend yesterday. He said that I should be in a festive or celebratory mood. I asked why. He retorted that it is because it is Andres Bonifacio day. I did not get the meaning at first. I was quite puzzled. Why should I be celebrating on the occasion of Bonifacio's birth? True, he is one of our country's greatest (not merely great) heroes. Just like Jose Rizal, what he did to the country was monumental, to say the least. He helped in the molding and formation of our nation.

But, this should not be the real reason for my friend's rather cryptic and enigmatic comment. I felt that there was more to it than meets the eye. So, I looked intently at the text message for the longest time. And, in a flash of miracle, the revelation came to me. I could not help but chide myself for my stupidity. Yes, I discerned what my friend really wanted to convey.

Well, pare, I did celebrate yesterday. It was Andres' day, as you said. And, without doubt, I am proud to be one. For, that is a mark of being a true hero-- to be a martyr for a cause and conviction. At least, even on that score, I can feel a connection with the revered Andres Bonifacio, who suffered martyrdom for his own deep-seated conviction and principles.