May 29, 2009

Father of the Philippine Revolution

Liwasang Bonifacio, the park in front of the Manila Central Post Office building, is named after Andres Bonifacio (b. 30 November 1863, d. 10 May 1897), a leading founder of the Kataas-taasang, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Supreme and Venerable Society of the Children of the Nation), or Katipunan for short, a secret society which aimed for independence from Spain through armed revolt. Bonifacio's story does not end well, but for his role in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule, he is considered one of the country's national heroes. Maybe it is respect for a man of humble origins who rose to greatness that stays the hands of vandals in the park, but instead of spray-painting it on, graffiti is written on pieces of paper which are then stuck onto the monument.

monument of Andres Bonifacio in Liwasang Bonifacio

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22 comments:

  1. HalcyonMay 29, 2009 at 9:09 PM

    He looks quite impressive. And the blue sky makes a nice contrast.

    Happy Friday!!!

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  2. Leif HagenMay 29, 2009 at 9:23 PM

    TGIF! Nice blue sky as a background for this Phillipino VIP - interesting history lesson, too. All the best!

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  3. BlogaireMay 29, 2009 at 9:35 PM

    I also loved the history lesson!But how very interesting the way graffiti artists stick pieces of paper on the monument instead of defacing it with spray-paint. I have never come across this before.

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  4. OlivierMay 29, 2009 at 9:36 PM

    on ne peut pas empêcher le vandalisme sur les statues malheureusement ;o(. Très belle statue avec un ciel de rêve.
    they cannot prevent vandalism on statues unfortunately ;o(. Very nice statue with a sky of dream.

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  5. Joe ToddMay 29, 2009 at 10:02 PM

    Enjoyed your pictures, and blog and thanks for the visit to Corregidor

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  6. bARE-eYED sUNMay 29, 2009 at 10:04 PM

    cool! :-)

    another bit of history on the Curiosity To-Do List. :-0

    thanks for sharing.

    ..
    .ero

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  7. JamesMay 29, 2009 at 10:30 PM

    I'm so glad that I'm finally able to see your blog. For the past couple of days I've been having problems loading certain blogs.

    Anyway thats interesting about vandals having respect for the statue, Bonifacio must have been a true hero. He looks great in your photo. I also just saw your post from yesterday and love the pictures.
    Have a great weekend Hilda.

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  8. Clueless in BostonMay 29, 2009 at 11:13 PM

    Interesting information on a national hero of the Philipines. It's amazing that vandals only leave paper graffiti on the statue.

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  9. pennyMay 29, 2009 at 11:34 PM

    Hi Hilda, your photo is wonderful with that beautiful clear blue sky.

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  10. Ramosforest.EnvironmentMay 29, 2009 at 11:42 PM

    Good. History and tradition.

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  11. crocrodylMay 30, 2009 at 12:42 AM

    No doubt, hero!:)

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  12. VPMay 30, 2009 at 2:48 AM

    Excellent image of an impressive statue. Really a great man if even vandals show some respect...

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  13. UnknownMay 30, 2009 at 4:47 AM

    Do the graffitis have anything to do with the statue or are they just that common nonsense we can see everywhere? Anyway it's the 1st time I see this kind of 'respect', if this is the case. Very interesting.

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  14. Lisa WilsonMay 30, 2009 at 4:53 AM

    Very interesting! Love the sky, too.

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  15. Don and KriseMay 30, 2009 at 6:07 AM

    I also find it interesting that the people leave the notes. Hilda, your posts make us all a little smarter.

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  16. AnonymousMay 30, 2009 at 8:04 AM

    Ha! At least they've considered something that's not too destructive. SO funny to see those papers. :) Great skywatch.

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  17. LowellMay 30, 2009 at 8:54 AM

    Another interesting man and story.

    I wish more graffiti "artists" would go the stick-on paper route! Sure easier to clean up!

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  18. abcMay 31, 2009 at 3:40 PM

    Civilized graffiti, great!
    I'm taking a break from blogging, as posted on my site. Thanks for all your kind comments, Hilda. I'll still visit here from time to time. Kindest regards from Amsterdam.

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  19. GeorgeJune 1, 2009 at 4:49 AM

    Thanks for the interesting history and for the information about graffiti artists using paper instead of spray paint at this monument. It would be nice if that habit spread.

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  20. The ExplorerJune 1, 2009 at 10:28 AM

    This photo is timely since our independence day is coming..

    Great shot

    PS:
    Thanks for walking into my site. I do appreciate it.

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  21. escapeJune 2, 2009 at 8:56 AM

    one of the most significant and inspiring hero. i also want the other monument that represents the katipuneros.

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  22. LayrayskiJune 6, 2009 at 12:03 AM

    thats so nice, Hilda, about the sticky notes instead of permanent ink on the statue.

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