HEROES CREATE HEROES (December 20, 2012)

While all eyes were glued on what the University of the Philippines' annual Christmas tradition – the Oblation Run -- had to offer, writers did not waste their time on dangling modifiers.

Instead, they, especially Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA) member celebrated its foundation day last December 15 by  paying tribute to Gen. Emilio Jacinto.

Yes, the said Golden Boy of that fraternity with balls -- Kagalang-galangan, Kataas-taasan Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) -- turned 135!

Indeed, it was the idea of National Artist Virgilio Almario, LIRA's founder, to remember Gen. Jacinto who somehow made his presence felt while the former U.P. College of Arts and Letters dean was finishing his research on Dr. Jose Rizal who will turn 150 next year.

His trip down history lane took a sidetrip when he wrote -- in between deadline reminders from his publisher, Karina Bolasco of Anvil -- the draft of the 83-page homage to Gen. Jacinto entitled Jacintina.

But, it was just the beginning.

Last Saturday, LIRA, together with the Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas, offered

poetry and flowers at  Gen. Jacinto's at the back of the Dambanang Gat Andres Bonifacio, Kartilya side, along Taft Avenue.

Five days ago, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim did the same during the city government's wreath-laying ceremony and commemorative program.

What made LIRA's act more apt was that there was kind of connection.

Young poets saluting the young patriot.

Gen. Jacinto became the youngest Katipunero at 18.

And yet he was revered as Brain of the Katipunan and the revolution since he went on with the fight against the Spaniards even after Bonifacio's death. 

His nom de guerre was Pingkian. His nom de plume was Dimas-ilaw. 

Kalayaan, the newspaper he edited, helped increase KKK's membership to 30,000.

Sad to say, Gen. Jacinto died young too.

On 16 April 1899 malaria took his life in Majayjay, Laguna at the age of 24.

In a way, his legacy lives on in this day and age of dengue!

Both, in urban and rural areas, angry, young men – and women – with a cause are waging different wars. For instance, KM 64 had its Paskuhan sa Piketlayn along Sgt. Esguerra Avenue in support of the ABS-CBN Internal Job Market Workers Union (IJMWU). Last 17 December, featured were revolutionary writers who, more often than not, are young.

Earlier that week, too, the Junior Chamber International Philippines,  TOYM Foundation, Gerry Roxas Foundation and Banco de Oro, concluded its search for The Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines 2010. For this year, the TOYM Awardees include Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara [Government Service (Legislative)]; Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV [Social Enterprise and Community Development]; Therese “Gang” Badoy [Alternative Education and Youth Leadership]; Alan Peter Cayetano [Government and Public Service (Public Accountability and Transparency)]; Maria Rachelle Gerodias [Arts and Music (Classical)]; Harvey Keh [Public Education and Good Governance]; Efren Penaflorida, Jr. [Grassroots Education and Community Service]; Edsel Maurice Salvana [Medicine and Social Activism]; Beatrice “Bea”  Valdes [Fashion Design and Entrepreneurship] and Jun Yupitun [Entrepreneurship in Pioneer Industries].

Last 13 December, the TOYM Awarding Ceremonies was held at Rizal Hall of Malacanang Palace again. As usual, the guest of honor is the head of state. And it was the first time for Pres. Benigno Aquino III.

Fifty years ago, his dad, Benigno Aquino Jr. won it for Public Service.

Ninoy's heroism and love for our motherland has inspired countless Filipinos to be heroes.

TOYM's theme for 2010 is Heroes Create Heroes.

Insired by Ninoy, who is now in our new 500-peso with his wife Cory and his son's signature, it highlights the importance of role models serving inspiration to the young. 

Like Gen. Emilio Jacinto.

 Or E.J.

Two years ago, two other E.J.s were honored via a rock musical -- Ang Pinagdaanang Buhay nina Evelio Javier at Edgar Jopson-- written by Ed Maranan and directed by Chris Millado for Cultural Center of the Philippines' Tanghalang Pilipino.

These heroes led lives full of struggles: the former was of the parliamentary form while the latter for the armed.

Again, that Great Divide!

Rizal vs. Bonifacio?

Who won? Who lost?

The Idealist?

The Realist?            

Or the Radical?

Well, it reminds us of Carmen Guerrero Nakpil's latest book  Heroes and Villains  published and distributed by Cruz Communications.

Does it always depend on what side are we taking?

Webb or Vizconde?

Halili or Kho?

Is it the cause of our short-term memory?

Or is it the effect?

While awaiting answers, allow us to guide you with Gen. Jacinto's Kartilya ng Katipunan: “(1) Ang buhay na hindi ginugugol sa isang malaki at banal na kadahilanan ay kahoy na walang lilim, kundi damong makamandag. (2) Ang gawang magaling na nagbuhat sa paghahambog o pagpipita sa sarili, at hindi talagang nasang gumawa ng kagalingan, ay di kabaitan. (3) Ang tunay na kabanalan ay ang pagkakawang-gawa, ang pag-ibig sa kapwa at ang isukat ang bawat kilos, gawa't pangungusap sa talagang Katuwiran. (4) Maitim man o maputi ang kulay ng balat, lahat ng tao'y magkakapantay; mangyayaring ang isa'y hihigtan sa dunong, sa yaman, sa ganda...; ngunit di mahihigtan sa pagkatao. (5) Ang may mataas na kalooban, inuuna ang puri kaysa pagpipita sa sarili; ang may hamak na kalooban, inuuna ang pagpipita sa sarili kaysa sa puri. (6) Sa taong may hiya, salita'y panunumba.  (7) Huwag mong sayangin ang panahon; ang yamang nawala'y mangyayaring magbalik; ngunit panahong nagdaan ay di na muli pang magdadaan. (8) Ipagtanggol mo ang inaapi; kabakahin ang umaapi. (9) Ang mga taong matalino'y ang may pag-iingat sa bawat sasabihin; matutong ipaglihim ang dapat ipaglihim. (10) Sa daang matinik ng buhay, lalaki ang siyang patnugot ng asawa at mga anak; kung ang umaakay ay tungo sa sama, ang pagtutunguhan ng inaakay ay kasamaan din. (11) Ang babae ay huwag mong tingnang isang bagay na libangan lamang, kundi isang katuwang at karamay sa mga kahirapan nitong buhay; gamitin mo nang buong pagpipitagan ang kanyang kahinaan, at alalahanin ang inang pinagbuharan at nag-iwi sa iyong kasanggulan. (12) Ang di mo ibig gawin sa asawa mo, anak at kapatid, ay huwag mong gagawin sa asawa, anak at kapatid ng iba.”

TEXT SUPPORT:

The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments. 

CONSIDER THIS:

Hugging is a good medicine. It transfers energy and gives the person hugged an emotional lift. You need four hugs a day for survival, eight for maintenance, and 12 for growth. Scientists  say that hugging is a form of communication because it can say things without words.