LITERARY

Lowkey Supreme as Supremo

BY CHARLES MAGALLANES | NOVEMBER 27, 2023

My name is Miguel. I was never the fastest runner, the smartest student, nor the most talented artist in my class. However, I am a reader, and something about Andres ‘Supremo’ Bonifacio has always fascinated me—something that went beyond the pages of my history textbooks.

While everyone celebrated heroes like Jose Rizal, whose brilliance and eloquence made him the shining star of our history, I found myself drawn to the humble and passionate Supremo. He wasn't adorned with fancy titles or prestigious education, but his heart beats for the people, for our freedom.

I saw a bit of myself in him—an ordinary kid who wanted to make a difference.

One day, our teacher asked us to write about our national heroes. The usual names echoed in the room—Rizal, Aguinaldo, and others. However, as I began my research on Bonifacio, I discovered that he wasn't always given the recognition he deserved. It struck me how his contributions were often overshadowed and relegated to the background by the more celebrated figures in Philippine history.

This realization troubled me. Why wasn't Bonifacio hailed as the number-one hero? Didn't his sacrifices count as much as the others? I couldn't shake off these questions, and as I delved deeper into his life, I found my inspiration.

One day, after finishing my homework, I stood in front of the class, armed with newfound knowledge and a sense of purpose. I shared the story of Bonifacio—the self-taught revolutionary who led the Katipunan, fought for the masses, and believed in equality for all Filipinos.

I spoke passionately, not as someone aiming to outshine others, but as someone who wanted to shed light on the importance of recognizing every individual's effort, regardless of how it may be perceived.

As I finished my presentation, the room fell silent for a moment before erupting into applause. Even though I didn't win a contest or receive a special award, I felt a different kind of victory—a victory of understanding and appreciation for heroes like Bonifacio.

In the days that followed, I carried Bonifacio's spirit with me. I may not have been the best student, athlete, or artist, but, like him, I aspired to make a difference in my own way. I embraced the idea that recognition isn't always the measure of success. What mattered most was doing my best, pouring my heart into everything I did, just as Bonifacio did for his country.

Supremo’s story became my guiding light, teaching me to strive for excellence, not for the praise or recognition, but for the satisfaction of knowing I gave my all. Supremo taught me to challenge the culture of always being number one, recognizing that doing your best is enough, regardless of the result. Most of the time, it is just us measuring something we are not supposed to.

This demolition job should start in our homes. It is not bad for our parents to teach us to aim for the stars, but it is more important to let them know, as early as possible, that the world will not be soft on us, and that’s okay.

I hear so much from people older than me about healing their childhood these days. Well, I’ll do my best to be someone who does not need to soon. From one of my favorite anime, Sasageyo!

Happy Andres Bonifacio Day, supremos!