heroic fallacy

Today marks National Heroes Day in the Philippines - a stark reminder of our long history of suffering and revolt against the powers that be - whether foreign colonizers or local overlords. 

Since the American colonial period the Philippine Legislature enacted Act No. 3827 on October 28, 1931 - designated every last Sunday of August as National Heroes Day. This date was last revised in 2007 to the last Monday of August as per Republic Act No. 9492. 

celebrating our true heroes - not some made up one

A day to honor and remember all known and unnamed national heroes who fought for the country's independence and freedom. Officially recognized or not Filipinos have long been martyred for countless reasons and causes - then and now. 

We idolize our heroes so much we even have a cemetery dedicated to our fallen heroes. This sacred ground has since been desecrated with the burial of a non-hero - our one and only dictator (to date), Ferdinand Marcos. 

Philippines People Power, 1986

We commemorate all our known and unsung heroes and their exemplary achievements on this day. We celebrate those who continue to inspire us - the fearless visionaries, the tireless advocates, the selfless souls.

Because of them - who stood against, fought bravely, risked their lives for country, justice, liberty - we have our freedom now. Let us remember and honor them always by continuing to fight for our rights. 

on display

Inspired by the resistance storytelling of Arundhati Roy, we cannot help but draw parallels between our countries. 

Prime Minister Modi and India's violently divisive history and politics raise the ghost of Marcos - the father and dictator - who birthed and raised our current baby boy heir and president. 

Roy's rage and frustration is apparent in her passionate love of people and country - vilely manipulated by decades of corruption and greed. 

mantra, prayer, plea - graphics by bhaktiCD.org

In all her heart rending stories her writing includes meditations on language - public as well as private - and the role of fiction and alternative imaginations in current disturbing times. 

The Philippines has always been plagued by leaders obsessed in their divine command. Whether pretended, promoted, or publicized in political, religious or other arenas - these folks prey on our beliefs and biases to gain power and prestige.