Bonifacio Day in the Philippines
Bonifacio Day is considered as the day of the awakening for the Filipinos from the tyranny of the Spaniards. The holiday date, November 30, is the birth of Andres Bonifacio. The exact date of birth of Bonifacio is November 30, 1863.
The Spanish colonization lasted for 333 years. During those times, The Filipinos have experienced forced labour, sexual abuse to women, and deprivation of education. In an attempt to finally drive the Spaniards from the Philippines, Bonifacio triggered the Philippines Revolution by secretly establishing the Katipunan, a society whose aim is to revolt against the foreign conquerors.
Things You Can Do During Bonifacio Day in the Philippines
Bonifacio Day is declared as a regular public holiday in the Philippines. Since there are no classes, it’s socialization time for the Filipinos. Groups of friends would go to the mall to hang out, families to go dining outside, beaches would be crowded. Also, expect a lot of people at the parks as they take their leisure walk.
One thing that you have to take into consideration when going out on this day is the traffic. Since many people would probably go out, expect a lot of cars on the roads. If you can manage, go out as early as you can or just take a rest in the place of your destination. Walking and taking public transports are good means to get to your destination especially when parking your car is a problem.
In the spirit of Bonifacio Day, it is also a good time to remember the hero who has made this possible for the country. Those who can go to Bonifacio Monument to witness the commemoration are much welcome. Even if you are just at home watching TV, having fun, doing something, offering some prayers for a short time would be a good idea. Let us not forget that some people offered their lives just for us to have the liberty and freedom that we are enjoying right now.
How Bonifacio Day in the Philippines is Celebrated
Since Bonifacio Day is the commemoration of the life of Andres Bonifacio, the celebration focuses on youth groups and government organizations. They usually gather in one place and conduct their own programs. The celebration is done in the whole country and in different places simultaneously.
The monument of Bonifacio in Monumento, Caloocan City is well-known as a commemoration place for the event. During this day, high officials and the military would offer flowers and salute. They are also expected to give their speech of commemoration about Bonifacio.
Another monument of Bonifacio is erected in Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila. It is also a place to celebrate Bonifacio Day especially for those who cannot come to Monumento due to its distance. Liwasang Bonifacio is not far away from Luneta Park which is a tourist destination. The commemoration program would not usually deviate from that in Monumento. So if you are in Manila and cannot come to Monumento, why not go there instead.
Venues and Special Events for Celebrating the Bonifacio Day in the Philippines
For the recognition of the heroism of Andres Bonifacio, the different cities and provinces all over the country have constructed different museums and parks for him. These places are good to visit to appreciate and reflect on what Bonifacio has done for our country. While you are there, you can read the tablets, take a look at maps, listen to re-engineered audios pertaining to life, and the contribution of Andres Bonifacio to the Philippine Independence.
Since all the places we have mentioned above are not concentrated in one area, you must plan and decide where to go and how much time you are going to give yourself. So what are these Bonifacio places? They are the following:
Bonifacio Monument
The monument was designed by the national artist Antonio Tolentino. Located in South Caloocan, it has a height of 14 feet. During Bonifacio Day, the monument area is converted into a venue of commemoration. Traffic will be rerouted so that the venue will be free as it is situated in the middle of the highway. If you are a tourist or new to how Bonifacio Day is commemorated, you will be entertained by the military march and salute and some Filipino nationalistic songs which will be sung live.
Liwasang Bonifacio
An alternative to going to Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan is visiting the Liwasang Bonifacio. The site is located in front of the Manila PostOffice, which is nearby to tourist places in Manila such as Luneta Park and Fort Bonifacio. Guests from the Manila Hotel could simply just walk going there.
There were times when the President of the Philippines would commemorate Bonifacio Day there instead of Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan. It’s probably because of its proximity to the President’s Palace. The program would not differ from that of Bonifacio Monument. There would still be offering songs, prayers, and flowers. Just like going to Bonifacio Monument, going to Liwasang Bonifacio will not cost you any cent as well.
Libingan Ng Mga Bayani
The “Libingan Ng Mga Bayani” is the graveyard for Filipino heroes who have died in honour of serving the country. It is located in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. Although Bonifacio’s remains are somewhere in Maragondon, Cavite, there would be times when Bonifacio Day was celebrated there. It is probably because the place is greener and the air is fresh and for a change of environment as well.
If you want to take a walk and spend some time with a quiet place, this place is a good visit on Bonifacio Day.
Buy Bonifacio Merchandise in the Malls
How about buying some T-shirts with Andres Bonifacio’s face on it? There are some speciality stores like Kultura, which sells different Filipino merchandise. You can buy their mugs, stickers, handkerchiefs aside from t-shirts.