26/08/2024
๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐บ๐๐ผ๐ป ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ผ๐น๐๐ฒ
Blood dripped from my wounds, sweat soaked my skin, and tears threatened to drown me. I sacrificed my life, fighting for the freedom of my homeland, and defending the soil that the Spaniards claimed as their own. My last breath was a testament to my undying love for my land, my country, and my homeโthe Philippines.
My body trembled with fear as they walked past, holding my breath, terrified that they might notice me. Their blows left me bruised, their torture scarred not just my body but my dignity. They left marks on my soul. It was an era of chaos, grief, and crueltyโa dark and difficult time for my country. My voice was silenced, drowned out by the commands of invaders and the cries of my fellow Filipinos. They used their power to blindfold us, to hide their evil deeds. I felt their contempt as they looked down on me, discriminated against me, and held me captive. I experienced the harsh and brutal hands of foreigners in my own landโan irony too bitter to bear.
As my blood flowed, I felt no pain. My determination to give my country hope was stronger than the fear of death. I fought with a sword as sharp as my desire to free my country from the clutches of the Americans.
I was drenched in sweat, battling in a war that seemed to stretch on forever. Exhausted from dodging bullets and bombs, my spirit remained strong. My body may have been ready to give up, but my love for my country anchored me, keeping me resolute and steadfast.
Tears fell onto the sheet of paper as I wrote a book, hoping to open the eyes of every Filipino to the brutality inflicted by invaders. My heart was heavy, weighed down by the hardships our nation enduredโthe violence and injustice we longed to overcome. I spoke through my writing, and my voice echoed through the pages, becoming a beacon of hope. I urged my compatriots to open their eyes. The voice of the people is powerful.
Even if it cost me my last breath, I would do it all over againโsacrifice my blood, be drenched in sweat, and shed a river of tears for my beloved nation.
May this significant day remind us of the sacrifices, bravery, and patriotism of those who showed unwavering love for our nation. The nine national heroes who fought for the liberty of the Philippines from foreign oppressorsโDr. Jose Rizal, Emilio Aguinaldo, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat, Juan Luna, Melchora Aquino, and Gabriela Silangโare immortalized in our history. But let us also honor the unknown heroes whose names may not be written in our textbooks but whose actions shaped our nationโs destiny.
As we remember their heroic deeds, let us be inspired to be heroes in our own waysโby being mindful citizens, voting for rightful leaders, and abiding by the laws of our land. Let us make our love for our homeland evident and follow in the footsteps of those who poured their blood, sweat, and tears for the Philippines.
Words by Kylie Claire Lopez
Illustration by Blain Joverly Cornejo
