September 12, 2007

  • On September 11, a day known for bravery and for tragedy, we remember ordinary people who became extraordinary heroes through a variety of crises. I offer the names of some inspiring individuals of Philippine heritage in salute to the uncommon valor of common people.

    A couple of unheralded heroes were an actual couple. Gabriela and Diego Silang were a married couple that led a revolt from 1762-1763 against the British invasion of Manila. On December 14, 1762, Diego Silang declared the independence of Ilocandia, naming the state "Free Ilocos". Silang was killed on May 28 1763 by Miguel Vicos, a friend who was paid by the Spanish to murder Silang. He died in his wife's arms, who continued the struggle and became known as the Joan of Arc of the Ilocos. She was ultimately executed by Spanish authorities on September 10, 1763.

    Another fighter was Gregoria de Jesus, the Mother of the Philippine Revolution. She was the custodian of the documents and the seal of the Katipunan. Andres Bonifacio was her husband as well. Her nickname was Lakambini, which is Tagalog for goddess or muse. She lived from May 15, 1875 to March 15, 1943.

    Someone who went deeper than one dive is Victoria Manalo Draves, a former Olympic diver. She won gold medals in both platform and springboard diving in the 1948 Summer Olympics in London.

    Another remarkable woman of substance is Eleanor Mariano, a physician who is the first Filipino American to reach the rank of admiral in the United States Navy. She was nominated by President Bill Clinton and served as the White House Physician for President Clinton and President Bush.

    I hope that we all can learn a little bit more about these, and other heroes.