by: Russet

H-E-R-O… sinong hero? Hero Bautista? Bayani Casimiro or Bayani Agbayani? Lemme check… (press shift+F7).. hmm… the word hero means a “brave man” or an “idol”.. ah.. idol.. si April Boy! (ngek!)… baka yung tinatawag nilang “the wind beneath my wings”… (is that another typhoon coming?)

So, why this article about “hero”? Well, for your information, on the 25th day of this month of August, we celebrate National Heroes Day. Or do we really celebrate it?

With over three hundred years of Spanish colonization, followed by American invasion then Japanese occupation, our history have shown how the Philippines have been subjected to a lot of battles and have resulted to a long list of “heroes” for this country. Indeed, many may have tried to conquer this group of islands in the Far East, but sadly, they all had to confront the strong opposition of its people.

The words from our very own National Anthem — “Ang mamatay nang dahil sa iyo” - clearly speak of how our forefathers would compromise their lives for our beloved country. Who would ever forget the aggressiveness of Lapu-lapu, Sultan Kudarat, Andres Bonifacio, Diego Silang and his wife Gabriela, Emilio Jacinto, or the strength Rajah Soliman, Jose Ma. Panganiban, Francisco Dagohoy in leading their people, or the mighty pens of Jose Rizal, Graciano Lopez-Jaena, Marcelo del Pilar, Mariano Ponce and Leona Florentino, and the brain power of Apolinario Mabini, notwithstanding physical disability? Or have you forgotten?

And even the more recent events like the First Quarter Storm, the two-part Edsa Revolutions, can prove that we are a people who want to enjoy the blessings of independence and freedom, and convinced that, as Ninoy Aquino said, “the Filipino is worth dying for”.

But, to many of us, this special day seems to be long forgotten. And for those who remember, we simply give a cold treatment. How pathetic that in this new millennium, a lot of our countrymen would care less to remember our rich history and the gallantry of our ancestors.

It cannot be helped though. With majority of the Filipinos hardly making both ends meet, with political warfare entering the statuesque walls of Congress, with the Peso-Dollar rate still standing at the P50/$1 level, and budget deficit ballooning, many of us are too much pre-occupied with the battle for survival.

So, we now ask, is it still worthy for us to celebrate National Heroes Day in this time and age? And whom do we consider “heroes” then?

Our country has truly evolved throughout the years, and with this goes the broader meaning for the word “hero”. It does not only connote those “Filipinos who died for this country” but has likewise include “living” Filipinos who have touched lives in their simple ways and have shared their little acts of kindness to give hope for this country.

It could be your neighbor who would offer to give you a ride every morning to work; or the postman, who tirelessly delivered your mails throughout these years (despite the preference for emails nowadays); or the “taho” vendor whom you would wait every morning from your childhood days; or your teacher who is so dedicated to impart knowledge to you (even with meager income they receive); or your classmate who would supply you with a piece of paper during surprise quizzes or share his “baon” with you; or the school’s janitor who would tirelessly clean the floors of your classroom each day; or the garbage collector who would pick up your trash without complain; or your officemate who would wait for you during lunch breaks so you have someone to share your stories with….. the list could go on… and on….

And if only we can stop for a while to care about what is happening around us, if we could only be a bit optimistic, if we can only be a little grateful for all those help we have received from others, then we would surely realize that we are surrounded by so many “heroes” for us to make it through yet another day.

Definitely, we still need to commemorate our National Heroes Day this August. But let us not only think of our forefathers who shed blood for the freedom we now enjoy. We must give time to thank those people who continue to provide us with the inspiration and hope that our country is indeed a better place to live in - those “living heroes” in our respective lives.

So, together with this little celebration, let us also find ways to be “heroes” to others. As that fave song goes.. (ehem.. ehem.. akina ang mic) “there’s a hero, if you look inside your heart, you don’t have to be afraid of who you are..”

Undeniably, this country deserves every heroic deed we can do. Now I ask, can you be my hero?

This month in the Past
August 23, 1896 - The Cry of Pugad Lawin
August 30, 1896 - First Major Battle of Pinaglabanan
August 31, 1896 - The Start of the Philippine Revolution in Cavite

by: Russet

With days getting longer and nights shorter, it is definitely the start of summer. And in a tropical paradise such as the Philippines, summer is surely the most awaited part of the year.

People view summer differently.

For students, it means getting out of school and a break from all those term papers, homeworks and teachers’ dirty looks! For the family, it’s a time for those out of town trips, beaches, swimming and more swimming.

For the barkada, it means getting ready for another nature-tripping or peer-bonding trips outside of the metropolis.

And for the more adventurous types, summer is a time for another mountain climb or river-rafting experience.

Indeed, summer connotes fun and having fun is best during summer.

I am no different when it comes to summer. I just want to enjoy those long days and out of town trips either with family or friends.

In fact, I had the opportunity to spend a week’s vacation elsewhere. After a week-long final examinations that really got all of my brain cells working, I simply wanted to have some early vacation to reward myself. Luckily though, my mom was kind enough to pay for my airfare. And so, without even waiting for my grades, off I flew to Singapore to have some time with my uncle’s family.

I was really excited to see my cousins, do some shopping and visit those lovely tourist spots I have long to see for myself.

As soon as stepped out of the airport, I was already into this endless chitchatting with two of my cousins and we were already planning on how am I going to maximize my stay there. They were already inviting me to have a dip in the pool the next morning as soon as we woke up.

Singapore is such a wonderful place to visit. It boasts of being the cleanest city in the world. Would you believe that they even water the streets in the afternoon to keep the surrounding clean. And beware coz you can’t buy or chew bubble gum in public.

It also has so many sites to visit and you will be amaze by the different architectural designs around. Tall buildings, museums, cultural centers and of course the lively-at-night Clark and Boat Quay.

But my visit to Singapore, to my surprise, was more than just having a weeklong break and enjoying the sights there. It made me reflect and think seriously of the life Singaporeans have and compare it to what we have in this country. Too serious? Lemme elaborate.

Singapore is a multi-racial country. You get to meet so many Chinese, Malays and Indians even while sitting on the MRT or the bus or by simply strolling around.

And yet, despite this seemingly different backgrounds, they mix well with each other. You see schoolchildren enjoying each others company, businessmen talking intently and people just being together and not being bothered by their dissimilar looks and ancestry. No discrimination, no hang-ups. They enjoy life and they allow others to. Simple yet sincere.

On my return to Manila, while I was still at the airport, I can’t help but feel bad when I saw people staring at this young lady who was wearing quite an outlandish type of clothes. She was wearing a black leather skirt (not so short though) and a knee long black boots to match a red cotton top. How come we could not just accept the fashion preference of others. Its their body after all.

I guess that is probably the reason why we are besieged with so many problems. Peace talks not working. Soldiers fighting. Children in the streets…

Basically, because we fail to accept our differences and refuse to compromise. We need to realize that we have our divergence and we must try to work on our similarities instead. It may be easier said than done, but at least try to. We can by starting with small things - those that we can do by ourselves. Live and let live… it’s a wonderful world after all!

My trip to Singapore made this summer even more memorable. And with summer just starting, I guess I will have more time to reflect. How about you?