IF YOU THINK revolutions are only for those with weapons and washboard abs, then you probably haven’t met Apolinario Mabini. In a time when Gen Z attention is often snatched by viral soundbites and TikTok takes, a paralytic hero from the 1800s resurfaces—not to throw us back into history, but to remind us how to think, love, and commit to a nation.
So, who exactly is Apolinario Mabini?
He wasn’t born rich. He wasn’t blessed with perfect health. The second of eight children of a farmer and a market vendor from Tanauan, Batangas, he defied every obstacle thrown his way.
POLIO DID IT
Through sheer brilliance, relentless effort, and a heart devoted to service, Mabini earned scholarships, studied at Letran, taught Latin, and finished law at the University of Santo Tomas—all before polio took away his ability to walk.
Yes, he lost the use of his legs. But his moral backbone was stronger than most of us with functioning limbs.
While others were busy finding comfort under colonial powers, Mabini was working behind the scenes of a revolution. He authored the foundational documents of the First Philippine Republic, guided Emilio Aguinaldo, and firmly refused to trade freedom for the illusion of peace.
MABINI’S PEN
His pen, wielded through pain and persistence, became the sword that helped write our first Constitution.
But he wasn’t just a lawyer or an ideologue. He was the very first Prime Minister of the Philippines—a leader who couldn’t walk, but became the compass for a nation learning to stand on its own.
Is it hard for Gen Z to relate to someone like him? Not really. In fact, Mabini might just be the most underrated Gen Z icon—if we’re being honest. He was self-made. Awake to the truth. Immune to trends without depth. He didn’t chase clout. He stood firm in his beliefs, even when he didn’t hold power.
He proved that being poor, being disabled, or being sidelined doesn’t stop you from being the brain of a revolution. All you need is a sharp mind, steady principles, and genuine care for others.
CRITICAL THINKING
And in this age of misinformation and clickbait activism, Mabini reminds us: never forget critical thinking. Not every “offer” is peace. Not every “trend” is truth. Sometimes, quiet conviction—without the need for likes or shares—is what truly makes a difference.
Here’s a little-known truth from the grapevine: When Mabini died, thousands lined up at his funeral. Imagine that—a man who never ran for office, never went viral, yet captured the soul of a nation.
His home in Manila was declared a national shrine. Which begs the question: in the midst of all the rights and freedoms he helped secure for us—how are we using them?
161st BIRTHDAY
So today, on his 161st birthday, let’s do more than post his quotes. Let’s use our minds, lead with our hearts, and anchor ourselves in the kind of values he lived for. Let’s not be afraid to take a stand.
Let’s not lose hope even in hardship. And let’s never let the algorithm define the kind of Filipino we become.
Because in the end, true patriotism isn’t just about shouting in the streets—it’s about never stopping to love your country, even when no one’s watching. Just like Mabini.
Happy birthday, Apolinario. We still have so much to learn from you!