NAME: Hernandez, Alondra Em C.

SECTION: GEC002

Apolinario Mabini: The Mind and Conviction Towards Freedom

(Reaction Paper)

"... Marami ang sumisigaw ng kalayaan na hindi nila naiintindihan ang tunay na kahulugan
nito... " - Apolinario Mabini

Freedom, in the modern day world, we cannot deeply appreciate this word maybe because we’re
not the one who fought for it. But, as the world continues to rotate, does Philippines continues to
progress? Just like the chairman of NHCP said "Nasaan na tayo? ". This is simply asking, how far we've
gone? Does the current condition of our country today give an honor to the people who fought for our so
called freedom? Do we know who these heroes are? Let's discuss one.

Born on September 23, 1864, a hero was born and named Apolinario Mabini. The whole
documentary discussed how good child he was, how intelligent he was, and how patriotic he was. Mabini
was a person who loves studying. He learned so much until such time, his eyes were opened to seek for
reforms and freedom. But although his eyes were open wide, he became paralyzed through his feet. But
this never hindered him to his advocacy for freedom. He'd gone so far to seek for freedom, but his
opponents were never the colonizers, instead Filipinos themselves. He had faced criticisms until exiled.
Even before his death, his heart was overflowing with love for his country.

The movie/documentary inspired me a lot because it simply show that determination and love,
patriotism to be specific, can take away even the biggest hindrance. As for Apolinario Mabini, he
contributed a lot for the freedom of our country. What makes me sad is that success is always pulled
downwards by the people you least expected. Sometimes good intentions will never be good for selfish
people. Just like in the case of Apolinario Mabini, his bright ideas and concerns were always thrown away
because of selfish people who are aiming the good things for themselves.

Indeed, Apolinario Mabini has so much love for country. True freedom is what he aim for which are
evident to his works. Let us instill in our hearts the concern he showed and throw away the selfishness
which his colleagues showed to him. Always remember what he directly said... "Freedom is always for
the good and never for the bad... ".