Andres Bonifacio

760 Words2 Pages

With the many scandals and issues plaguing the Philippine nation today, the celebration of Gat Andres Bonifacio’s 150th could not have come at a better time. Documentaries and exhibitions about the Supremo are once again created to remember and commemorate other unsung heroes who also fought for the independence of this country, and to remind them of the unjust portrayal and treatment of Bonifacio as the “Father of the Philippine Revolution” and the founder of the Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK).

The memorialization of the iconic image of Andres Bonifacio as both a hero and revolutionary leader has been prevalent in the Philippine society since time immemorial. It has become a constant symbol to the Filipinos of their never-ending struggle against imperialism, oppression, censorship, and corruption. Throughout the years, the representation and recreation by artists of iconic images from the 1898 Revolution and of Gat Andres produced artworks that would echo the oppression and trial of the Filipino as a nation. During the Marcos regime, figures and symbols of Filipinos struggling to destroy tyranny, dictatorship, and censorship were prominent. Today, society is bombarded with contemporary artworks of ordinary citizens battling against the elite and politicians whose greed over wealth and power consume them causing pillage and plunder.

The “Alay sa Malayang Bayan” exhibition at the GT Toyota Asian Cultural Center and the “Bonifacio @ 150” at the Cultural Center of the Philippines both feature artworks of rebellion and revolution in different perspectives. Some created images of Andres Bonifacio as a modern day Juan who continues to protest against the torment and ill-doings of the government a...

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...bear in mind the responsibilities in crafting certain images that serve to initiate spark within the nation to fight for the change they want in their society. Moreover, these images remain to be constant reminders of the history and identity of a country, and it is vital that the stories behind these pictures are properly disclosed and portrayed among the people to avoid misunderstandings and misinterpretations.

Andres Bonifacio’s love for the country, without a doubt knows no bounds and its impact has crossed different periods and influenced different people. Furthermore, it has become an inspiration and motivation to the Filipinos today that the fight, albeit freedom from former oppressors, continues on. May the Supremo’s contributions and sacrifices be a constant reminder to the country of the victorious revolution they waged and the greatness of this nation.

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