Today marks the 123rd Philippine Independence Day!

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The Philippines is a relatively small archipelago south-east of the great Pacific Ocean. Enroute to the Moluccas or the Spice Islands, now known as Indonesia, Ferdinand Magellan stumbled upon the archipelago where he was met with mixed reactions - a hospitable welcome with Rajah Kolambu and a fierce and violent battle with Datu Lapulapu. Magellan expired in the Battle of Mactan, the natives strong defense against foreign invaders, but was able to plant the 'Cross.' It's the story of the Filipino, forever defending the islands from foreign aggression. The Filipinos has already won against the Spaniards in June of 1898, only to be replaced again by another Western invader, the Americans. Centuries of colonization though has not changed inherent Filipino values of being hospitable and friendly. The Americans were welcomed into Philippine life amicably. And then actually fought with the GI's against the Japanese in World War II. The numbing reality now is that Filipinos have won independence for themselves, only to be suppressed by their own. An amalgamation of bad blood streamed in the veins of the occupants of the Malakanyang, the country's palace for the leadership of the land. Yes, dictators have come and gone and still exists. A hundred and twenty-three years of independence and the Filipinos are still reeling from the clutches of cessation of human rights. As if the wicked never goes away, the Chinese, as Li Ma Hong once started, wants to own not only the country's natural resources but the country itself. Nope. You cannot. The blood of Filipino martyrs still reign in our veins. Here, watch: