Pag-Ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa ni Andres Bonifacio
Andres Bonifacio, known as the Supremo ng Katipunan, has been overshadowed by more famous Filipino heroes (Rizal, for example) because of many reasons. Others say that he has not undergone formal education and thus, not capable of becoming the country's national hero. What many people don't know is how his burning love for his motherland has influenced thousands of his fellowmen and how he expressed patriotism through literature.
One of his sought-after poems is entitled "Pag-Ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa," which talks about his willingness to offer his entire life to the Philippines and to the Filipino people. I have encountered this several times already in the past - students reciting it during the celebration of the Buwan ng Wika and performers singing it in various nationalistic programs. And it has never failed to bring back hope to the Filipinos who are striving to uphold their nation's future.
"Aling pag-ibig pa ang hihigit kaya
sa pagka-dalisay at pagka-dakila
gaya ng pag-ibig sa tinubuang lupa?
Alin pag-ibig pa? Wala na nga, wala."
The first stanza of the piece reveals Bonifacio's incomparable passion for his country. No other thing can surpass his great affection to the Philippines. He grew in the midst of the Spanish regime and knew that he needed to make a move. He would not let invaders abuse them and leave them with nothing. He wanted their suffering to be put to an end. He wanted his country to be free.
The next parts that followed revolves around why he thinks the Philippines is worth fighting for. It is where he was born and raised. It is also the same country where he would die; and he would do whatever it takes to save it.
The final lines of the poem reminds me of the lyrics of our National Anthem, the line "Ang mamatay ng dahil sa'yo." This proves that Bonifacio lives his life for his country and not for anything else. His immeasurable desire to defend his country from its colonizers led him to believing that he could make a change. And because of his faith, he made a huge difference. He fought against the Spaniards til his very last breath.
Imagining all the things that our forefathers went through during that time really makes me realize many things. How blessed we are to have such brave heroes, how thankful we should be, and how we should not waste all their efforts in trying to uphold our country's current situation.
Sadly, many people do not think about the debt that we owe to the people who believed in the true potential of our country and its people. We tend to take for granted all their sacrifices for our sake. Many people are living for fame and power. But that's not how things should be. We should look up to these people and follow their footsteps in giving back to the country which sheltered us. After all, no matter what we do and no matter where we go, the Filipino culture still remains in our hearts and in our minds.
