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

bonifacio shrine

Located across Manila City Hall. The sculpture shows the selected period of Bonifacio's life and history.

Andres Bonifacio was a revolutionary leader of the Philippine Revolution against spanish colonial rule in the late 19th century. He was the founder of the Katipunan which aimed to start an independence movement against Spain.