FILIPINOS like to personify abstract concepts so we can better appreciate them. Yesterday, January 9, was the #Nazareno2023 fiesta. For many, the dark image of Jesus Christ falling on one knee while carrying the cross was not just an image of the Lord suffering to save us from our sins, but a reminder of a God who is with us and understands us, "nakipagkapwa-tao ang Diyos sa atin." Thus, the brown Christ reminds us of ourselves and our sufferings, that this too shall pass and there will be resurrection, and in our case, healing and well-being —"kagalingan at kaginhawahan."
The 19th century novels of our national hero, José Rizal — the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo — were said to have helped create our nation. Its stories gave some a sense of common suffering that united them and gave them a national sentiment. Although it can be argued that Rizal was not only criticizing colonialism, but was also making a wake-up call to our tendency to be timid in the face of oppression, especially 19th century women.
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