READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

Reflection on Bonifacio
The documentary about Andres Bonifacio demonstrates that he led with enormous love
for the Filipino people, community, and nation, rather than with a desire to wage war or kill. As
indicated in the movie, Bonifacio's acts resulted in significant contributions to Philippine history,
ultimately leading to Philippine independence from Spanish dominion. Furthermore, it is only
right that we understand the truth about Bonifacio's grandeur and correct misconceptions about
him, as well as give him the honor he deserves as a Filipino hero.

This documentary presents a fair overview of who Andres Bonifacio is, as well as a lot of
information on the important things he's done for the country. The video also clarifies the
information circulated about him, debunking myths and confirming which facts are true. One of
the fallacies that was debunked was his family's position, which is middle-class rather than low-
class. I was relieved to see that clarifications are provided through this film, because appropriate
teaching can only take place if the material being disseminated is accurate and not manipulated.
Andres Bonifacio went out of his way to help other Filipinos comprehend the significance of a
revolution and the value of a country's independence. It was encouraging to learn that he was
making an effort to spread the truth. Many falsehoods were foisted upon the Filipinos by their
invaders in the past, one of which being the fallacy that the notion of civilizations was brought to
them because it was not there at all. I believe it is an important truth that still needs to be
discussed because many people still accept the myths that colonizers imposed on Filipinos,
leading them to denigrate their own country and the Filipinos of the period while applauding and
glorifying their forefathers' oppressors.

Andres Bonifacio may not have been accorded the title of "National Hero," but no one
can question his unwavering passion for his nation. To this day, the majority of people cannot
bring themselves to make the same sacrifices and decisions that Andres Bonifacio has
undertaken in order to realize his ambition of giving our homeland true freedom and
independence. So, while both Rizal and Bonifacio used different methods to achieve the same
aims, I hope that future generations would have a better understanding and appreciation of
Bonifacio's perspective, recognizing him as the hero that he actually is.

Andres Bonifacio, one of our country's most powerful presidents, was de-mystified in
this video. When I was little, and even now in college, all I could think of were Rizal's works and
life, with little knowledge of other heroes like Andres Bonifacio. I was also educated about the
various political philosophies held by our heroes at the time, such as Bonifacio's desire to wage a
complete revolution against the Spaniards versus Rizal's desire to work within the system
because he believed we were not ready for a revolution and that it would only result in the
bloodshed of our fellow countrymen. I was also reminded of the Katipunan's works, such as how
they were able to organize in a covert manner and formulate plans while under Spanish authority.
In the end, they sacrificed all, just like Rizal did, for the sake of our country's growth. They did
not give up, even if it meant giving up their own lives for our freedom. Andres Bonifacio truly
deserves to be honored, and in this age of information and expanding technological accessibility,
I wish that we have more opportunity to be educated and show greater appreciation for our past,
rather than ignoring such opportunities.