Apolinario Mabini Day is observed on July 23 every year in the Philippines. Apolinario Mabini was a Filipino National Hero born on July 23 in the city of Tanuan, Batangas, Philippines. He is famous for being the theoretician and spokesman of the Philippine Revolution. He was the advisor of the revolutionary government, and is also known as “the brain of the revolution.” Although he lost the use of his legs because of polio, his role was key in fighting for independence. He was the prime minister and foreign minister of the country and helped in drafting the constitution.
History of Apolinario Mabini Day
Apolinario Mabini was born in July 23, 1864, in the city of Tanuan, Batangas. He was born into a poor family. His father, Ignacio Mabini, was a farmer, and his mother, Dionisia Maranan, was a vendor at a local public market. He had eight siblings. From childhood, Mabini demonstrated intelligence and a strong desire to learn and study. Since it was difficult for his family to afford his education, Mabini started working to support himself and his studies.
In 1881, he won a partial scholarship to Manila´s Colegio de San Juan de Letran. In 1887, he was recognized as a professor of Latin. After that, he attended the University of Santo Tomas to study Law. He won a law degree in 1894. In 1896, he contracted polio, which left his legs paralyzed. For that reason, he is also known as the “Sublime Paralytic.” It is said that this disability saved his life that autumn. In October 1896, the colonial police arrested Mabini for his work with the reform movement. On December 30 that year, he was still under house arrest at the San Juan de Dios Hospital when the colonial government summarily executed José Rizal, another man involved in the Philippines Revolution. It’s believed that Mabini’s polio kept him from the same fate.
In 1898, Apolinario was able to talk with the new president Emilio Aguinaldo and convinced him to establish a revolutionary government with an assembly. He became both prime minister and foreign minister of the country the following year. He wrote the constitution for the short-lived republic of 1898 to 1899. Mabini died on May 13, 1903, in Manila.
Apolinario Mabini Day timeline
Apolinario Mabini, who would grow up to be a great Filipino revolutionist, is born in the city of Tanuan.
Mabini acquires a law degree from the University of Santo Tomas.
Mabini authors the constitution of the Philipines, which resembles that of the United States.
Mabini dies on May 13, 1903, in Manila.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signs the Republic Act 9430, declaring July 23 as Apolinario Mabini Day and as a “special working holiday,” but only in Tanauan City.
Apolinario Mabini Day FAQs
What was Apolinario Mabini known for?
He was known for his powerful intellect, political savviness, and eloquence, and was called “the brain and conscience of the revolution.”
Which city first celebrated Apolinario Mabini Day?
The city of Tanauan, Batangas, was the first to declare every July 23 as a special non-working holiday to honor National Hero Apolinario Mabini. Nowadays, the rest of the country also commemorates Apolinario Mabini Day.
Was Apolinario Mabini exiled?
Apolinario Mabini was exiled by the United States to Guam. He returned to the Phillippines two months before his death.
How to Observe Apolinario Mabini Day
Read about Mabini
Spend some of your time reading about this Filipino hero. Read about the man who wrote the constitution of his country.
Take Mabini´s words to heart
His words: “He alone possesses true patriotism who, whatever position he fills, be it high or low, strives to do for his countrymen the most possible good.” Take these words to heart.
Commemorate Apolinario Mabini
Participate in the holiday in whatever little way you can. You can write a post on social media explaining Mabini´s best achievements, to raise awareness about this Filipino hero.
5 Facts About Filipino Culture That You Probably Did Not Know
Filipinos are very religious
In Filipino homes, there are images of crosses and other religious paraphernalia.
Filipinos value traditions and culture
They usually set aside days to celebrate festivals, birthday parties, reunions, etc — every gathering is full of traditional food.
Filipinos have the longest Christmas celebration
The Christmas celebration starts as early as August and lasts until the first or second week of January.
Filipino culture is a mixture of cultures
This mixture includes Malayo-Polynesian and Hispanic cultures with an influence of Chinese.
Main regions have their own special food
Seafood and rice are common; native dishes include a meat stew made from pork or chicken, lumpia, known as adobo, meat/vegetable rolls, a noodle dish, and roasted pig.
Why Apolinario Mabini Day is Important
Mabini was a Filipino hero
Apolinario Mabini was one of the foremost Filipino revolutionary heroes. He was the "brain" of the revolution.
He opened a school
In 1893, he opened a school that only lasted for two years. He also worked as an instructor several times.
Mabini published three important works
In his life time, Mabini published “El Símil de Alejandro,” “Programa Constitucional de la Republica Filipina,” and “La Revolucion Filipina.” All three works became instrumental in the drafting of what would be known as the Malolos Constitution.
Apolinario Mabini Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | July 23 | Wednesday |
2026 | July 23 | Thursday |
2027 | July 23 | Friday |
2028 | July 23 | Sunday |
2029 | July 23 | Monday |