12/06/2026
Today is June 12, Independence Day.
In a time we only understand through history books, our ancestors overturned our fate as lesser peoples to the Spaniards โ but not without cutting their own lives and dreams short.
Spaniards killed Gregorio del Pilar in battle at the age of 24, assassinated Antonio Luna at 32, executed Bonifacio at 33, and Rizal at 35.
These brave forefathers of ours built a future where we Filipinos are masters of our own destinies, and they paid the ultimate price along the way; for only through sacrifice, can we turn change, growth, and dreams into anything real.
As our forefathers continue to rest peacefully, we carry lives free from the weight of oppression. May we realize that our freedom was a symbol of inspiration โ and a gift of conscious sacrifice passed down to us by real, human people who dreamed, suffered, and labored like all of us have.
Words by John Hilton Labiste | USSSO Media
Layout by Rhea Rose Alcover | Creative Director