The article contains notes on some Philippine heroes and a heroine who were featured on Philippine first day covers (fdc). Specifically, the notes are based on what are placed on the main part of the first day covers, which is the stamp area. The stamp that is pasted in the area is postmarked with the first day of issue cancellation. The images of the main parts of the first day covers in this article are large images. To get an idea of what the real size of the main part looks like, click or tap the photo of the fdc beside (or above) this paragraph.
The featured heroes were: Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, Apolinario Mabini, Jose Maria Panganiban and Graciano Lopez Jaena. The featured heroine was Melchora “Tandang Sora” Aquino.
Jose Rizal was a doctor by profession. He was an ophthalmologist or eye surgeon. He was also a writer and a sportsman, a poet and a linguist, and a community-builder and a man who loved his country.
Andres Bonifacio was the man who founded the secret society called the “Kataastaasan Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan” (Highest and Most Respected Sons of the Native Land). It was known popularly as the Katipunan or KKK. Bonifacio and his forces led the revolution against Spanish colonial rule in 1896. Consequently, he was called the “Father of the Philippine Revolution of 1896.”
Emilio Jacinto was the youngest member of the Katipunan, the revolutionary society whose main objective was to overthrow the Spanish colonial administration in the Philippines. Jacinto wrote the primer of the Katipunan or the “Kartilla.” He was the “Brain of the Katipunan.”
Apolinario Mabini was the paralytic to whom General Emilio Aguinaldo sought advice and placed his complete trust. Mabini – the “Sublime Paralytic” – was the “Brain of the Philippine Revolution” of 1896.
Jose Maria Panganiban was a member of the “Propaganda Movement” and a writer who contributed articles to “La Solidaridad.” As a writer, he used the pen names “Jomapa” and “J.M.P.”
Graciano Lopez Jaena was a member of the “Propaganda Movement.” The members of the movement were Filipino nationalists who were advocating for reforms in Philippine society during the latter part of the 19th century when the country was under colonial rule. Jaena established the “La Solidaridad,” the official newspaper of Filipino reformists living in Spain.
Melchora “Tandang Sora” Aquino was the renowned old woman who provided assistance to the katipunero – the Filipino revolutionaries who were seeking to overthrow the Spanish colonial authorities in the Philippines.
Jose Rizal was born on June 19, 1861 in Calamba, Laguna. His parents were Francisco Mercado Rizal and Teodora Alonzo Realonda. His first teacher was his mother. Rizal was a genius, and he was able to performed quite well in schools, here and abroad.
