Happy Independence Day

5 Historical Shows To Binge-watch This Philippine Independence Day 2021

Celebrating one of the Philippines’ national holidays this June 12 is the historical 122nd anniversary of the Philippine independence. However, unlike the previous years, and while the threat of the covid-19 crisis is rampant, it’s common knowledge that Filipinos will be celebrating it indoors, at the comfort of their homes.

With the softer General Community Quarantine (GCQ) guidelines in the NCR, it’s highly likely that many Filipinos would go out to celebrate the historical event (or at least in the areas with zero covid cases and less stringent protocols). For those Filipinos that would just stay home, do not fret, there are other ways that would make the celebration productive and enjoyable – that is binge-watching.

With more online transactions and activities during this pandemic, binge-watching some historical shows and films would make it worth your day and a well-spent Independence day. It’s also worth noting the importance of live streamings like Netflix, Iwant TV, and Iflix as it became the movie and show hub of the boring species. Of course, food is just one call away through Grab Food, Food Panda, Lalamove, and other home delivery services, that’s convenient!

We listed five (in no particular order) of the most recent Philippine Independence historical series and films that are worth your time, money, and effort. These series/films showcase the rich culture of the Philippines since the Pre-Spanish era, the courage of our ancestors, and the patriotism of our national heroes towards our freedom, our independence against all the countries that colonized our nation.

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https://www.cheszdylan.com/2019/06/12/4-places-to-visit-this-independence-day/

5 Series And Films That Will Capture The Heroism In You

Ilustrado (GMA)

The series is about the life of Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda a.k.a Jose Rizal portrayed by Alden Richards. Dubbed as the Philippines’ National Hero, he hid under the name of Jose Rizal in order to avoid the pursuit of the Imperial Spanish government against his mother, Teodora Alonzo, and his family. Jose Rizal, known also as Jose Mercado and Pepe, went to Spain to continue his education in college where he met other national heroes such as the Luna brothers, and Marcelo H. Del Pilar to name a few. During his stay, he and his fellow Filipinos managed to establish an organization, La Solidaridad that condemns the ruthless and inhuman acts of the Spanish armies in the Philippines, the geopolitical issues between the two countries, injustice, the tyranny of the friars, and the slavery of Filipinos under the Spanish regime. Jose Mercado later founded La Liga Filipina, a secret organization composed of another fellow Filipinos in La Solidaridad that aims to dismantle the rotten political system of Spain and end the oppression.

Ilustrado Philippine Independence Chesz Dylan — GMA

He wrote two books, the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo which aims to show the gravity of oppression and the unjust practices between Indios and peninsular. These books created strong indignation that led the Indios together with the Philippine heroes to uprise and defend the Philippines’ independence against the Spanish regime.

With its great story and cinematography, it took home a finalist certification from PromaxBDA Global Excellence Award, a certificate in 2015 US International Film and Video Festival, 2015 NAMIC Excellence in Multicultural Marketing Awards (EMMA), won in PromaxBDA Asia 2015, and finalist certificates in 2016 New York Film Festival Awards.

Katipunan (GMA)

A series that tackles the history of the Philippine society Katipunan. It’s an organization of Indios against the tyrant Spain that took place when Jose Rizal’s second book El Filibusterismo was published. Helmed by Andres Bonifacio (Sid Lucero) who also attends secret meetings of the Freemasons. Tension escalates as Indios were awakened from Spain’s oppression of the natives, they started a revolution to end the grueling and rotten political system of Imperial Manila and defend the democracy.

Katipunan Philippine Independence Chesz Dylan — GMA

This series took home a nomination and award from Asia Image Apollo Awards and a finalist certificate at the 2015 New York Festival.

Ang Babae ng Balangiga (ABS-CBN)

A hidden heroine in the face of adversity that played an important role in the Philippine – American war. This documentary narrates the story of a Visayan heroine named Casiana Nacionales in the historic encounter at Balangiga in 1901. This documentary earned a certificate under the documentary history category in the recently concluded US International Film and Video Festival.

Ang Babae Ng Balangiga Philippine Independence Chesz Dylan — ABS-CBN

Heneral Luna

Played by John Arcilla, this film depicts the story of Antonio Luna. A general that led the Philippine Revolutionary Army against the American colonization in the Philippine – American war. He has received awards in a variety of major categories at the Luna Awards and the 39th Gawad Urian Awards.

Lapu – Lapu

Dubbed as the first Filipino hero who led the native army at the Battle of Mactan against Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan which was said to be wounded in the leg with a poison arrow. Datu Lapu-Lapu (played by Lito Lapid), was the rival of Humabon during that time. Facts about the life of Lapu-Lapu were recorded in the Aginid chronicle. The film received a few awards from different categories at the FAP Awards.

With all the political, social, and health issues that the Philippines is facing right now, it’s important to be unified. Everyone has a say on something. However, let us not forget the essence of independence and the lives that were slain, all in the name of freedom. Let us not be divided by our personal ideology just because we think we are superior or we think the government is anti-poor or vice versa. Let’s support the importance of meaningful discourse with the government and come up with timely solutions and/or suggestions. Let’s respect both sides of the fence. The battle for oppression and injustice will continue unless we have the unity to counter it all together, the unity to be heard in a peaceful manner, and the unity to achieve the reality we want the future generations to live, as unified Filipinos. We are better than this.

5 Historical Shows To Binge-watch This Philippine Independence Day

What historical series or films have you watched? Let’s chat in the comment section below.

4 Places to Visit this Independence Day 2021

Celebrating its 121-year of independence (Araw ng Kalayaan), the Philippines has come a long way eversince it gained its sovereignity. Philippines has its share of rich culture and tradition. It has a diverse culture that originated from different colonizers that inhabited the island. The Philippines has been captive for centuries, thanks to the brave heroes that fought for its independence, Filipinos are now reaping the benefits of the freedom that was worth fighting for. Without these heroes like Jose Rizal – Philippines’ national hero, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, Lapu-Lapu, Gregorio Del Pillar, Melchora Aquino, and Apolinario Mabini to name a few, Filipinos would probably be still enslaved. A history of bravery, unity and a sense of nationalism. These are just prelude to a hundred-year of history of the Philippines’ independence and national heritage.

Today, many Filipinos all over the world are remembering, if not celebrating that freedom. And what’s greater way to celebrate it is to visit those iconic and memorable places that contributed an impact to the Filipinos and to the world in remembrance of the sacrifices of these great heroes. Here are the four great places to visit this Independence Day to experience a glimpse of that chivalry and patriotism.

Philippine National Museum. What comes in mind in order to know the brief history of a country is to visit their national museum. Located at Manila, where you can take a walk near the famous Manila Bay afterwards, its strategic location is near the center of many establishments, the national park, and national facilities.

“The National Museum manages and develops the national reference collections in the areas of cultural heritage (fine arts, anthropology and archaeology) and natural history (botany, zoology,and geology and paleontology), and carries out permanent research programs in biodiversity, geological history, human origins, pre-historical and historical archaeology, maritime and underwater cultural heritage, ethnology, art history, and moveable and immoveable cultural properties.” – Philippine National Museum

To book a visit or support the museum’s cause, visit their website HERE.

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Luneta Park. The Philippines’ national park that commemorates the Filipinos’ national hero – Jose Rizal. Luneta Park (a.k.a Rizal Park) is not just a place where national activities are held. Filipino families gather here to enjoy and be amaze of the park that is located in the heart of a city. Surrounded by lush greeneries, and trees, it has a fountain that highlights the three great islands that comprises the Philippines. Children can enjoy the playground that was built by the government. There are amenities that caters the needs of each individuals. The iconic monument that is guarded 24/7, is the main attraction that attracts many visitors both local and foreign. Even the most important diplomats of other nations, paid a visit to this monument whenever they are in the Philippines.

Intramuros. The cobbled streets and Manila’s Walled City, this is the home of the Spanish-era landmarks that reflected the influence of imperialist Spain that once conquered the Philippines for centruries. Home to the famous Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church museum, Casa Manila museum and the Manila Cathedral. If you are a devote Catholic or has a fascination of Gothic Architecture, this is a must-see place for you and your family.

MacArthur Leyte Landing Memorial National Park. Located at Red Beach, Palo, Leyte, you can book a flight to Tacloban City from Manila and Cebu. The said memorial has a rich history between United States of America and the Philippines. Dubbed as the red beach, it symbolizes the blood drenched in the war against Japanese invading the island. This memorial national park commemorates the promise of General Douglas MacArthur with his reknowned phrase “I shall return”. The largest battle in the Gulf of Leyte, also known as the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea, and the last marine battle during the World War II.

A unified country represents the unified ideals of its citizens. It resounds the intention of the government to its people, not in a form of dictatorship but through a good governance and leadership. These heroes heard the outcry of its fellowmen, thus, resulting to the fight for democracy. This Independence Day, let us commemorate the sacrifices of these heroes beyond merits and recognition, but going to these national historical places will allow us to know them better and experience the sense of nationalism they once had. Through this Memorial places, we are also teaching the younger generations the pride of the country, the lessons learned from the history and the patriotism of why was the Philippines was worth dying for.