Day of Valor
By eileenleyva
@eileenleyva (27555)
Philippines
April 9, 2019 6:20am CST
Today is a super hot day. Every one is advised to keep indoors.
Yet, today is also the Philippines Araw ng Kagitingan, or Day of Valor
This 9th of April 1942, Filipinos and Americans made a last stand in Bataan against the Japanese Imperial forces.
Perhaps as hot as today is, Bataan fell. And this commenced the long Death March across the central plain to Capas, Tarlac, a deathly walk under the searing sun. Grim tales of bayonets piercing the lifeless bodies can still be heard among the oldest citizens, the families of the ones who survived.
As we commemorate our day of valor, the youth deemed it necessary to speak out loud against China's invasion of our seas and shores, and even our mountains and our very own places of commerce. The youth chose to stage their vehement objection to China's aggression right in front of China's Embassy in Makati.
The senior citizens braved the simmering sun, saying "This is my country, I offered my life to defend it before, surely even if the bones are already weak, I will defend it again. China, LAYAS. China, scram. Shoo shoo shoo."
. "
That is why I was there, too The oldies were in wheel chairs and canes, the indigenous people came down from the mountains wailing, their homes were destroyed. Different tribes including ones in G-strings held their fists tight "this land is ours, China LAYAS." From my hermitage, I, too, must make a stand.
That is what valor means.
3 people like this
3 responses
@LindaOHio (222527)
• United States
9 Apr 19
I am not as familiar with the problems of the Philippines; so I cannot respond with any intelligence. I do appreciate your thoughtful and detailed post.
2 people like this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
10 Apr 19
@LindaOHio Filipinos don't talk much about the wars and the darkest days, I think my people prefer fun and happy stories rather than the sad, grim ones.
. Thus, we are accused of having no sense of history.
I hope you did not find that depressing.
. Thus, we are accused of having no sense of history.
I hope you did not find that depressing.2 people like this
@LindaOHio (222527)
• United States
10 Apr 19
@eileenleyva No, I just find it depressing that your country is having such problems.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222527)
• United States
10 Apr 19
@eileenleyva Thank you for the detailed information!
1 person likes this
@Letranknight2015 (52665)
• Philippines
9 Apr 19
Can't blame this current generation. They prefer English, Business and information technology type of courses to match the job employers needs today. Filipino language and History seemed to be just another subject in the class. As for what China's doing, it's been predicted decades back and heard it from Imelda Marcos herself in a unpopular Presidential debate back in the 90s. But no one listened and people went on to their self interested and corruption.
We are paying the price of our own negligence. China had been testing us for years and finally they found a way to intimidate us. Would have been nice if Former Pres Noy didn't bother removing our fleet back then but No, he chose to listen to US and look what we got now.
Most people either forget, didn't have history lesson or just too busy with their own personal problems. Sorry but people think lefties like liberals failed this country and that's why we ended up with Duterte.
2 people like this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
10 Apr 19
Okay, knight, there is no blame game going, Chel Diokno though, in his speech at the rally, apologized to this generation because our generation did not do every thing in our power to prevent the forked-tongue to reign ruthless,
That is why, with the youth organized rally, the senior citizens were there for support. We failed but we could boost our youth not to do the same.
Not too late. So, remember #42 Kabataan, and tell your friends. Now is the time for us to rise as a people. Let us support the youth and let them execute their plans for a better Philippines.
@Letranknight2015 (52665)
• Philippines
10 Apr 19
@eileenleyva But it makes me wonder, who will benefit the territory if we ever get it back, is it really us or the US related companies? Right now it's the same scenario it's either China or US.
I do appreciate the protest though but China is just covering their eyes and ears and laughing from the inside.
1 person likes this
@Letranknight2015 (52665)
• Philippines
10 Apr 19
@eileenleyva It is ours but makes me doubt who can pull resources there and make an oil rig. Sadly, they already had joint oil exploration with China, which is basically too late to stop. Both sides have corrupt people.
@Junbals (1421)
• Philippines
9 Apr 19
I am surprised that the day of valor celebration, given the historical significant of this event, appears to be in the national life of Filipinos gapingly low-keyed. Many young Filipinos simply no longer care, less nationalistic. By the way, I like the picture you posted and the article you wrote. :)
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
9 Apr 19
I also don't understand it, why we Filipinos tend to refrain from recalling the darkest hours in our history. Our people were massacred by the Americans in Samar in 1901, and we only learned about it prior to the return of our Balangiga bells which the Americans took as their trophy.
The Philippines was in ruins after the Japanese occupation in the 1940's, thirty years after, we were using Toyota cars and sending our women to Japan for entertainment. Sigh,
Then, our own betrayed us and ruled as a tyrant for twenty years, many disappeared, and we don't even teach the ruthlessness in the classroom.
I think I am the only one telling tales of the darkest hours, and my friends tell me I am always negative, Sigh again.
There's hope, however, in the millennials, especially the women. These two young ladies are working for the environment and sustainability, The one in blue is just 27 but she speaks in the halls of congress as representative of the youth.
I love the youth.
Thanks, Junbals
1 person likes this
@Junbals (1421)
• Philippines
9 Apr 19
@eileenleyva hats off to your sense of history and nationalism. Are you the one in white T-shirt?
1 person likes this
