Bataan Has Fallen!

     On April 9, 1942, officials in command of Bataan—where Filipino and American forces maintained the main resistance in the war against the Japanese—formally surrendered. By virtue of Executive Order No. 203, s. 1987, April 9 of every year is Araw ng Kagitingan. Proclamation No. 466, s. 1989 on the other hand, designated April 5 to 11 of every year as Philippine Veterans Week in order to “promote, preserve and memorialize the principles, ideals and deeds of the Filipino war veteran as a means to enhance patriotism and love of country, especially among the youth of the land.”

The Day of Valor, also known as the Araw ng Kagitingan in Filipino, commemorates the Filipino and American soldiers who stood up against Japanese forces during World War II. It also be known as 'Bataan Day' or 'Bataan and Corregidor Day'. The meaning of the Battle of Bataan in 1942 should not be overlooked by our youth, the current generation, or future generations. In order to create and develop a strong nation, one must have a strong sense of patriotism and respect for heroes. The actions and sacrifices of our soldiers in claiming victory against the odds, as well as the townspeople's role in providing relief to the captured heroes, will give greater meaning to big words like patriotism, independence, bravery, and resilience as we commemorate Araw ng Kagitingan every year. 

And because history does not stop at our past, or even at our present, Araw ng Kagitingan reminds us that our valor cannot stop solely in the face of defending our shores against foreign invasion. As we have seen in many specific moments, our enemies can be found within our own nation, amongst ourselves. There is no shortage of individuals and groups with selfish interests, often conniving with foreigners with their own agendas. Araw ng Kagitingan can never just be about acts of courage of those who have come and fought before us. The call to valor is for every Filipino to know who we are, what we have been capable of in the past, what values we hold most dear today, and what we must do to defend them, always.

Reference:

This Week in Metro Manila (April 6 to 12, 2019). Araw ng Kagitingan falls on a Tuesday this year. Yoorekka. Tan, Denisse Shawntel. April 06, 2019. https://yoorekka.com/magazine/metro-manila/2019/04/03/this-week-in-metro-manila-april-6-to-12-2019

Do You Know Why We Remember 'Araw Ng Kagitingan’? Moya, Jove. April 08, 2021. https://www.tatlerasia.com/culture/arts/heres-everything-that-happened-on-araw-ng-kagitingan

A Time To Renew

    Lent is the season of the church year that follows the Epiphany Season. Lent, or Kwaresma in Filipino, is a season during which Filipinos remember the love of God that is poured out through Jesus Christ on the cross in his death; and his defeat of death, sin and Satan in Christ’s death and resurrection that brings eternal life to you. It's known as Mahal na Araw or Semana Santa in the Philippines. This season has a penitential character, a solemn nature to it. This is to help us remember to be repentant and remind us of our sin and our mortality.

Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Pabasa ng Pasyon, Cenacle, and Visita Iglesia are some of the religious activities made by Filipinos during Lenten Season. Lent season also includes traditional practices: prayers, devotions, fasting and other religious rituals that contribute to remembering Jesus Christ's life to save us during Holy Week. Fasting from foods such as meat is universal practice, however there are a variety of ways to exercise self-discipline.

Filipinos are certainly rich in culture and tradition, which makes every event more fun and much awaited. We may differ in ways of observing the Lent and offering sacrifice during the season, what matters the most is the pure intention and sincerity of a person. Overall, the important thing to consider during Lent is how it will force you to grow as a person and as a Christian. You can’t grow without challenge and reflection. You reflect to recognize your faults and face adversity so that by Easter you have, in some way, improved yourself.

References:

Ash Wednesday: Beginning of the Lenten Journey. Ferguson, Nancy. Ministry Matters. February 17th, 2021. https://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/3632/ash-wednesday-beginning-of-the-lenten-journey

Devotions and Prayers for Our Second Pandemic Lent. California Catholic Conference. https://cacatholic.org/article/devotions-and-prayers-our-second-pandemic-lent