What used to be commemorated as the Fall of Bataan is now observed as Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor to honor the heroism of Filipinos who fought and died for their country and people. This year’s celebration was moved to Monday, April 10, as part of the government’s holiday economics program to incentivize Filipinos to help promote domestic tourism.
Last month, a unique image trended on Facebook and other social media platforms: Mt. Samat Cross in Bataan silhouetted by the setting sun as seen from Manila Bay.The snapshot of this natural phenomenon underlines the significance of Filipino heroism in the fields of battle.
Before its commemoration was modified, Day of Valor used to be observed as the Fall of Bataan. On April 9, 1942, the Japanese Imperial Army forced more than 76,000 soldiers (64,000 Filipinos, and 12,000 Americans) into the infamous Death march to Capas, Tarlac. According to historical accounts: “En route, thousands died from dehydration, heat prostration, untreated wounds, and wanton execution while walking in deep dust over vehicle-broken macadam roads, and crammed into rail cars for transport to captivity.”
The Mt. Samat Shrine, also known as Dambana ng Kagitingan or Shrine of Valor, is visible from across Manila Bay, because of its main feature, a 92-meter high cross that sits atop the 555-meter mountain in Pilar, Bataan. The cross was designed by National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon Abueva. On its bottom portion is Abueva’s Nabiag na Bato (literally, broken rocks) sculpture depicting Filipino heroes’ exploits dating back to Lapu-Lapu’s resistance to Magellan’s invasion, and the numerous revolts and insurrections during the Spanish and American colonial eras, and finally, the gallant stand of Filipino soldiers and guerillas in Bataan.
During the muted observance of the Philippine Quincentennial in 2021 that was dampened by the rampant coronavirus pandemic, a theme song entitled Bagani composed by Roel Rostata and performed by Anthony Castillo with the a capella group Pinopela, was chosen as the celebration’s official theme song.
‘Bagani’ is an indigenous word that refers to the peace-keeping force of native tribal warriors who defend their community, and protect the people’s lives as well as their properties. In the song’s lyrics, the Filipinos are branded as Bagani, not to engage in wars but to inspire them to be always of service to the community and country, even in small ways. Here are key excerpts:
“Tulungan ang kapwa’t bigyang halaga. Huwag hatakin nang pababa. Huwag sanang isipin ang sarili lamang/Pakisama’t bayanihan. Bagani ating lahi…Bayaning Filipino: Sa makabagong panahon, halina’t hawakan ang aking kamay. Sabay abutin natin ang tagumpay. Patuloy lang tayo sa pagpapanday. Tiwala sa Diyos ang sandata’t gabay.”
“Help and respect others. Don’t pull them down. Look beyond yourself. Serve in the spirit of bayanihan. We are brave and we are peace-loving. Noble and heroic is our heritage. Now let’s join hands to reach the summit. We shall forge ahead with faith in God as our strength and guide.”
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