My Independence sentiments

from gmanews

Happy Independence Day Philippines! Or shall I say Happy 117th birthday Philippines!

As the whole nation commemorated this historical date that changed our lives as Filipinos, I salute our ancestors for fighting and even shed blood to fight for freedom from the tyranny of the Spanish government.

June 12, 1989 was the date that marked a biggest spot in the Philippine history. This was the Proclamation of Independence in Kawit, Cavite when Emilio Aguinaldo first waved the Philippine Flag. 117 years had passed and we now enjoy the freedom our heroes had fought for so long. For that span of time, so much have happened, from colonization of other countries to People power and to several Presidents who promised a progressive Philippines, I think we Filipino people still struggle for freedom, but this time not from the Spaniards but from the clutches of our VERY OWN CORRUPT GOVERNMENT! 

Today, it is with disappointment that the current administration failed to do what they had promised: to lead us to the 'tuwid na daan' (right path) which made the country even worse. Instead celebrating the Independence day with peace and honor, some of our fellowmen rallied trying to call the attention of our President for various matters.

from interaksyon.com

So much with politics, I know Filipinos are strong and brave. It runs in the blood. What was once a fighter, always a fighter. I know the Philippine government is not the only one responsible for this. It is also us Filipino citizen. The change we've been dying for cannot be made possible by one person alone. We have to take part of it. If only our ancestors were alive, they'll not be  pleased with today's situation. 

We don't want to put our heroes' efforts in to waste. We still have to combat the problems in our society but as we are going forward, we always hope for a leader as strong as Lapu-lapu and as clever as Jose Rizal, who could be the solution of our country. But the challenge is: who would that be? Who's your bet this coming 2016 Presidential elections huh? (Hmmm..just joking)

Again, Happy Independence day Filipinos! We may always have that flaming patriotism. May we continue to say I'm proud to be Filipino!

from cnn

Trivia: "Lupang Hinirang" is actually just our second national anthem.

The very first Philippine anthem was titled "Marangal na Dalit ng Katagalugan," which national hero Andres Bonifacio commissioned in 1897. He requested musician Julio Nakpil to compose the anthem when they were encamped with Katipunan troops in the vicinity of Balara in November 1896. Despite the presence of Bonifacio's version of the anthem, President Aguinaldo, upon his return from Hong Kong, met with the composer Julian Felipe on June 5, 1898 and asked him to compose a national hymn.