Philippine Independence Day: A Letter to the Youngsters

Today marks the 116th day of our country’s independence from the rule of Spain.  Do we still celebrate the importance of this day or have we already forgotten its essence?  When I asked my students last night on why we are having a holiday today, they just replied, “Ma’am, it’s independence day.”  Then I asked them, “What is independence day?”  And they just gave back the question, “Because it’s holiday?”  Is that a proper way of responding to such question?  I felt like our history was being mocked to such an inappropriate reply.

Sad to say, some of our youngsters today do not fully understand Philippine Independence Day anymore.  I guess it must be because of the “techieness” that they are pretty much enjoying right now.  Though Philippine history has been taught from grade school to college, this has been taken for granted because of other subjects which are more interesting and appealing to them.  But I understand them.  Ika nga nila, “Iba na ang mga bata ngayon.”  Just like when I was younger.  I also heard this from adults if they found something unusual from us.  And now that I’m an adult, I’m the one who’s saying this to the youngs today.

Now let’s just put it this way.  I’m talking to the young right now.  Yes, you!  As a creature older than you, can you please exert a little effort in putting importance to the history of our country?  You know, history allows us to see how people lived back years ago.  It enables us to know how our national heroes had struggled to give us the independence that we’re having right now.  It gives us knowledge on what inspired and frustrated them at that time (try to put your feet in their shoes).  Furthermore, it points back to things that we are experiencing in the present.  Actually, there are so many things we can learn from the past which can greatly affect how we  are living today and what decisions we’re gonna make tomorrow.

So for today, just Google up some articles on Philippine Independence Day or rather see some vids on YouTube for a more techie experience on it.  It wouldn’t hurt a bit if you will spend some of your time to get down to the nitty-gritty of this national holiday.

Image from depositphotos.com
Image from depositphotos.com


Maging isang tunay na Pilipino, sa isip, sa salita, at sa gawa!

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Written by Mae Olandesca

Mary Rosalie Olandesca, a lover of the arts, humanities, and social sciences, found herself entangled in the realm of applied science and engineering, a path that didn't align with her true passions. Determined to break free from her "chemical engineer" title in the Philippines, she embarked on a brave journey to Toronto, fitting her life in only two suitcases. Despite completing her Chemical Laboratory Technician program at Seneca Polytechnic just recently, she realized that the chemical world failed to ignite her heart. A momentous realization led her to embrace her true calling as a writer, with a Creative Writing course acting as the catalyst for her long-time passion in wordsmithing. Thus emerged the extraordinary persona of Mae, the other side of her multifaceted identity. For more insights into Mae's captivating journey, visit her website at www.theothersideofmae.com as she is no more an average small-town girl and is now making big things happen in a megacity!

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