PHL marks Apolinario Mabini’s 111th death anniversary July 22

From the Philippine News Agency (May 14): PHL marks Apolinario Mabini’s 111th death anniversary July 22

The Philippines commemorates the 111th death anniversary of a profound thinker and a political philosopher --the "Brains of the Revolution," Apolinario Mabini recalling his many contributions to the country.

Mabini born on July 22, 1864 is known to Filipinos as the sublime paralytic who became a significant icon during the Philippine Revolution. He is deemed as the Legendary Defender of Freedom, Immortal Patriot, the Mirabeau, Robespierre, and Mazzini of the Philippines.

Undaunted by his disability due to polio, Mabini radiated as a brilliant thinker who helped Filipinos in their struggle for freedom in the age of new imperialism. His life testified that physical impairment is not a hindrance for one to serve the country.

Mabini has also served as the first Prime Minister and Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the first Philippine Republic from January 23, 1899 to March 23, 1902. He authored the Constitution of the first Republic, or the True Decalogue and worked as the private adviser to President Emilio Aguinaldo.

Through his impressive intelligence, he became a well-established lawyer, who had the instincts of a nation-builder. He was involved in the Reform Movement against Spain and kept his unwavering stand for independence until the American colonization.

Mabini was also one of the luminaries who resisted the U.S. occupation in the Philippines.

Since April this year, an effort to restore the Mabini Shrine in Tanauan, Batangas was taken by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

Mabini's shrine in Tanauan was designed by Juan Nakpil and his sons in 1954, which served as the birthplace and the location of the hero's second burial.

The renovation of the shrine which will reopen on July 23, 2014 -- the National Celebration of Mabini's 150th birth anniversary --was inspired by the idea to revive the original 1950s modernist design of the edifice.

The Brains of the Revolution's life is an encouragement to most Filipinos today to observe discipline, loyalty, determination, and sacrifice. Mabini reminds Filipinos of their opportunities and advantages that makes them more capable of doing what he has done for the country more than a hundred years ago.

He is more than a hero lifted on a pedestal --a man of honor who prioritizes his duties and obligation to the nation above all.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=643199