Who can doubt the sincerity of one Great Plebian to hold his
fellow suffering countrymen and a raucous nation searching for independence?
More than just forming the Katipunan and instilling himself
the revolutionary leader, Andres Bonifacio wanted the atrocities to cease and
guide Filipinos to the light of freedom. But, sadly, reaching that dream had
become blurred and eventually lost in his sight as he laid dead in the hands of
the same countrymen he was fighting for.
Tragic story
This is one tragic story we hear and read again and again,
especially when the true story about Bonifacio finally emerged in recent years,
thanks to well-meaning historians.
And this was effectively depicted in Enzo Williams’ Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo, which
brought all of us back into that tragedy and incredible injustice done to the
well-meaning hero.
While we witnessed once more the glaring context behind his
rebellious schemes, there was one aspect of the story that was all so manifest
and flagrant—the circumstances leading to his death seen as not only as a
betrayal but also criminal.
Unfortunate tendency
It presents the Filipinos’ unfortunate tendency for
infighting, even at the throes of that fight for freedom, wherein unity and
togetherness are crucial elements for success. And that infighting even goes to
that boiling point of discrimination, lust for power, and eventually historical
credit—as we are sure his opponents had raised eyebrows as he claimed he was
the Republic’s first president.
This becomes quite an eye-opener for those who have known
the tale and seen the movie. Especially for those youngsters who learn about
the true story of Bonifacio—how we need to forget our own interests for the
best of all; how we need to really work together and find and agree to solve a
common goal without any consideration of a personal benefit or advantage.
Sad reality
However, the sad reality is that this remains a dream. More
than what Bonifacio wished, as admirably uttered by Robin Padilla portraying
the Magdiwang faction leader as he faced death, about attaining independence
from Spain, a yearning far more real and existent through epochs even beyond
the revolution must be fulfilled.
It is that we should forget ourselves, our egos, our
interests and think of what’s the best for the country more—a dream Bonifacio
it seemed he brought to his unknown grave.
Photo credit to the owner