My Mother's Birthday is National Heroes Day! (in 2010)

My family with my Papa & birthday celebrant Mama!

Heroes are often the most ordinary of men.
Henry David Thoreau

My mother’s birthday is National Heroes Day…if it was the year 2010.

National Heroes Day used to be observed every last Sunday of August in the Philippines. This commemoration was pursuant to Republic Act No. 3827 which was enacted into law way back in October 28, 1931. The national holiday honors all Philippine heroes including the nameless, faceless ones whose actions contributed into the development of our nation and country and the defense of its freedom and democracy.

Its date of commemoration was moved to the last Monday of August as provided for in Republic Act No. 9492, dated July 24, 2007, amending Section 26 of Chapter 7, Book I of Executive Order No. 292, otherwise known as the Administrative Code of 1987. The said amendments stated certain days (specific or movable) as special or regular holidays and provided that these holidays, except those which are religious in nature are moved to the nearest Monday unless otherwise modified by law, order or proclamation.

That’s why National Heroes Day fell on my sister’s birthday, August 25 last 2008, was observed this year last Aug. 31, and as announced in Presidential Proclamation No. 1841 shall be celebrated on August 30 in 2010.

Apparently, the objective of moving the dates of these regular and special non-working holidays is to strengthen family ties through longer weekends as well as promote local tourism in line with the Arroyo government’s idea of holiday economics. That is of course on the assumption that family members do spend these long weekends together and that during these times of economic crises, majority of Filipino families actually have the disposable income to roam the countryside.

Interestingly, I read the following quotation from a related blog post concerning national heroes:

“No law, executive order or proclamation has been enacted or issued officially proclaiming any Filipino historical figure as a national hero…Even Jose Rizal, considered as the greatest among the Filipino heroes, was not explicitly proclaimed as a national hero.”

Reference and Research Bureau, “Selection and Proclamation of National Heroes and Laws Honoring Filipino Historical Figures” (2003)

If so, it begs the question, which among our known heroes are considered ‘national heroes’? Who declared and how was Jose Rizal chosen as THE national hero? Was it the imperialistic Americans who chose him, a reformist over a revolutionary figure like Andres Bonifacio, thus effectively channeling the peoples’ national psyche towards peaceful reforms over a radical overthrow of their colonial government?

Worse, Filipinos according to writer Alejandro R. Roces seem to “have very little historical consciousness” to start with.

In Roces’ column, ROSES & THORNS (Philippine Star) dated August 26, 2008 he wrote:

“For most of us, the important thing is not what these heroes did in the past. It is that we did not have to go to work. The historical event is totally inconsequential. And its only effect on the nation is that we lose a day’s work.”

Filipinos are often pejoratively described as too “forgiving” and “forgetful”. We “forgive” and “forget” the sinners and their sins of the past, those who acts have brought shame and destruction to our country.

Unmindful of these things, we are doomed as a people to commit the same mistakes. Likewise, we equally forget to honor the heroic efforts of our nobler countrymen who have brought pride and hope to our people.

Nevertheless, I share in Roces’ observation that “disappointing as our situation may be, our country is not bereft of acts of heroism even in this day and age.”

Modern day heroes like the faceless volunteers who magnanimously share their time, talent and treasures for Gawad Kalinga (GK) programs and projects in an effort to help our fellow countrymen regain their self respect and remove abject poverty from our land.

I remember of a story of a volunteer in Mindanao who was weeping while helping out in the construction of a GK house. When asked why she was crying she narrated that at that same day she was helping build the home of another person (whom she probably didn’t even knew), her own home was being demolished!

Such a sad story…but it was also a story of great courage and of selfless love!

Roces quoted Felix Adler, an American-German author who defined a hero as “one who kindles a great light in the world, who sets up blazing torches in the dark streets of life for men to see by.”

As Henry David Thoreau believes even the most common of men can be a hero and kindle that great light in his or her own humble way for others to see and guided.

I agree with Roces’ call for Filipinos to be ‘heroes’ ourselves. To do our share of nation building that others may be inspired to do the same and ensure that the sacrifices of our heroes past shall not be in vain.

That thought brings me back to one of the ‘heroes’ in my life – my mother.

Like many loving mothers, my mama has been and continues to be a source of inspiration and guidance, through her example of modest living and countless sacrifices in life.

Last August 30, we celebrated her 76th birthday in my parents’ home in Project 8. While National Heroes Day may not always coincide with her birthday every year, she will always be a true hero in my heart.

Eric and his family - Phoebe and daughter Rainbow arrives

The best of cousins: Rainbow and 'Ate" Faith

Delectable Oreo-laced chocolate based cake for Lola Vi!

Lola Vi gets ready to blow her cake’s candle as Faith joyfully anticipates









Did you make a wish Lola Vi?








Birthday photo ops!

Lola Vi with some of her 'apos' (grandchildren): Joshua, Rainbow and Faith

My parents: Happy birthday, Ma!

I don’t personally know of any hero of national stature. But I do know of many ordinary folks, unsung heroes that have equally devoted their lives for one noble cause or another.

In this post, I honor one of them.

For her unselfish love, caring for us and giving us the prime years of her life, I thank her. May God grant her many more years of peace and happiness here on earth with us her family.

To one of the greatest heroes of my life, happy birthday, Ma!