andres in manila

Photo: Another angle of the Bonifacio Shrine with the Manila City Hall tower as background.

Andres Bonifacio y de Castro (November 30, 1863 – May 10, 1897), one of the most loved hero by the masses, a Filipino revolutionary leader and one of the main rebel leaders of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule in the late 19th century. He is regarded as the "Father of the Philippine Revolution" and one of the most influential national heroes of his country. A freemason, Bonifacio was the founder of the Katipunan organization which aimed to start an independence movement against Spain.

There are many monuments erected for Andres Bonifacio but the most recognized monument is the Bonifacio Monument at Caloocan City, sculpted by Guillermo Tolentino.

bayan ko

Bayan Ko by Freddie Aguilar

Ang bayan kong Pilipinas

Lupain ng ginto't bulaklak

Pag-ibig na sa kanyang palad

Nag-alay ng ganda't dilag

At sa kanyang yumi at ganda

Dayuhan ay nahalina

Bayan ko, binihag ka

Nasadlak sa dusa

Ibon mang may layang lumipad

Kulungin mo at umiiyak

Bayan pa kayang sakdal-dilag

Ang 'di magnasang makaalpas

Pilipinas kong minumutya

Pugad ng luha at dalita

Aking adhika

Makita kang sakdal laya

Bayan Ko is one of the most poignant patriotic songs in the Philippines. It was originally written as a poem by José Corazón de Jesús in 1929, and set to music by Constancio de Guzman. Written as a protest song during the American occupation of the Philippines, it is often sung in protest rallies and demonstrations throughout Philippine history, notably during the funeral of Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. and the ensuing People Power Revolution where Freddie Aguilar led the crowd to sing the song's chorus.

Photo: a detail from the Bonifacio Shrine in front of the Manila City Hall

andres in tutuban

Here's the statue of our hero, Andres Bonifacio at the Tutuban center in Divisoria. Tutuban is not just a place rich in historical and strategic significance but also thrives as the hotbed of commerce right at the heart of neo-conservative Manila, to know more about its history click here.

On a funny note: dont you think Andres looks like he's checking the list of people he'll give gifts to next christmas? Yeah the christmas decors are still up until Sunday.

manila central post office

The beautiful post office building at night... and at broad daylight.


The post office is located at Liwasang Bonifacio (formerly Plaza Lawton), just in case you want to send snail mails.