7 Realizations from Bataan's 75th Araw ng Kagitingan Celebration

My father has taught me to appreciate history because we can learn from the mistakes of the past.  I thought I have grasped our Philippine history to a significant depth.  But, perhaps not... I had no idea that I could have so many realizations from Bataan's 75th Araw ng Kagitingan Celebration.

Realization 1: The Value of Friendship

Just as its our human nature to make mistakes, we can also strengthen current friendships (US-Philippine Allegiance) and form new ones (Japan-Philippine Diplomacy).

Photo Credits to my travel blog Travel Tripsters IG

I am very amazed by Japanese Kenji Mori who spent millions for the prizes for the Drum and Lyre Competition, Poster-making Contest and the 25-minute long with75,000-shot fireworks during The Grandest Pyrotechnics.  To find a man with deep pockets is not unusual.  But, to find one with a sincere modesty, generosity and boldness to personally show himself and do the judging and purchasing by himself is quite rare.  It made me think of who is more fortunate?  Is it Bataan and other donees or Kenji himself who has the capability to change lives and touch the hearts of millions as he goes around places including Philippines to donate supplies and equipment for the benefit of kids? 

Realization 2: The Fight Continuous

Just as Former Defense Secretary Gilberto (Gibo) Teodoro stated, only we - the Filipino people, can look out for ourselves so we always have to be ready.

President Rodrigo Duterte also said that although the war is over, the fight continuous as enemies just present themselves in different forms such as drugs, terrorism and crimes.

Realization 3: We are all human

Whether it is combatants or civilians, we are all human.

Watch Video

Philippine Marines Drum and Bugle Team

Each life is valuable.  We all have our own dreams, values and skills.   Such skill is proven by the Armed Forces of the Philippines as they played excellently with synchronicity.

Realization 4: Bataan's story continuous

Parade of Floats

In Bataan, lies a greater story among the people of what truly happened pre-, during and post-world war II.  Bataan is a province exactly where relevant hallmarks of our Philippine history such as the Death March took place.

While history refers to the past.  Bataan's story continuous as 75 years later, history accumulates and its lessons are passed on...

Realization 5: The Youth is the Future

Drum and Lyre Competition

In Bataan, the youth are passionate, lively and determined.

For each and every one of them know and value how much the war heroes and veterans have sacrificed for their future.  

 

With a wisdom and understanding that is beyond their generation, lies within them a more powerful and courageous spirit that can fly high to reach their dreams.

Realization 6: From Destruction Follows Progress

Concert with Local Artists

As the saying goes, there is no other way but up.  Bataan that was once destroyed is now a progressive province filled not only with a computerized education system but also filled with arts and music.

I've always believed that culture is a good sign of literacy.

And, Bataan's local artists have truly shone with their performance.

My favorite part is the Aeta Choir.  Their voices in harmony is so angelic.

Realization 7: Each Sacrifice has its Own Reward

During the 75th Araw ng Kagitingan Celebration, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the release of 6 billion pesos for the veterans’ pension.

The wait for the release was really long.  Most of the veterans have grown impatient.

As most of them are over 90 years old.

But, in the end, their sacrifices and wait have been rewarded.


Watch the Video Below for Highlights of  Bataan's 75th Araw ng Kagitingan Celebration