What's with November 30?

In the Philippines, Bonifacio Day is observed yearly on November 30. Andrés Bonifacio, a national hero, is honored with a national holiday. Bonifacio was a founding member of the Katipunan, a secret society of revolutionaries. He is known as the "Father of the Philippine Revolution" since he started the Philippine revolution against the Spanish Empire. In contrast to José Rizal, who is celebrated on Rizal Day, the anniversary of his death, Andrés Bonifacio is remembered on his birthday. The reason for this is that he was executed by his compatriots rather than by foreign colonizers.

Who is Andres Bonifacio

Andrés Bonifacio y de Castro was born in Manila, Philippines, on November 30, 1863. Because Bonifacio had five younger siblings, his parents worked tirelessly to provide for him and his siblings. Bonifacio worked full-time as a child to support his younger siblings. He began his career as a tar, rattan, and other goods broker for a British trade company before moving on to a German trading company as a warehouse keeper. Bonifacio educated himself by reading books because he did not complete his formal education.

In 1892, Bonifacio joined the 'La Liga Filipina,' a secret organization founded by José Rizal, a Filipino patriot. Rizal was arrested and deported once this organization became a threat to Spanish authorities. Following the expulsion of Rizal, Bonifacio and other members recreated La Liga Filipina. They quickly formed a new secret group, the Katipunan. In 1895, Bonifacio was elected Supreme President of Katipunan. Under his direction, its membership had grown to over 30,000 by 1896. The Katipunan was revealed the same year. Following this finding, Spanish authorities arrested many people in order to identify more members. Bonifacio and his associates resolved to launch a national revolution, beginning with a mass tearing of community tax certificates to signify defiance of Spanish rulers.

After numerous failed attempts, Cavite insurgents led by Emilio Aguinaldo were able to drive the Spanish out. Later, a schism developed between Katipunan groups, the Magdalo (Aguinaldo's) and the Magdiwang (Bonifacio's). The Tejeros Convention brought the two factions together and elected officers for the revolutionary administration. Bonifacio was appointed to a low-level office after losing the presidency. He opposed this government and formed his own against Aguinaldo. When Aguinaldo learned of this, he arrested Bonifacio. In 1897, Bonifacio was accused with sedition and treason and sentenced to death.

Source: National ToDay