A Tribute to Andres Bonifacio

Andres Bonifacio: Profile of a Filipino Hero

Family Background

Father: Santiago Bonifacio

Mother: Catalina de Castro

Brothers/Sisters: Ciriaco, Procorpio, Espiridina, Troadio and Maxima

Wife: Monica - First wife who died of leprosy; Gregoria - Second wife

Place of Birth: Tondo, Manila

Date of Birth: November 30, 1863

Date of Demise: May 10, 1897

Education

He was unable to complete his high school education due to poverty which was brought about by the early deaths of his parents in the early 1880's. He was a self-educated man, a very smart person and a well-read individual. He read books and articles on politics, law, revolution and religion. In his home, he kept a collection of La Solidaridad and letters of Juan Luna, Marcelo H. del Pilar and Jose Rizal. His collection of books included biographies of U.S. presidents, books on the French revolution, Rizal's Noli Me Tangere, Hugo's Les Miserables and Sue's The Wandering Jews. He wrote a poem entitled, "Pag-Ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa" ("Love of Native Land"), a decalogue of the Katipunan and an essay entitled, "Ang Mabatid ng mga Tagalog” ("What the Tagalogs should know").

Work-Related Traits and Skills

Honest

Hardworking

Neat and stylish dresser

Beautiful penmanship

Skill to make walking canes and paper fans

Ability to speak Filipino, Spanish and a little bit of English

Ability to identify one's limitations and ability to recognize the worth of other individuals

Employment

Self-employed as market peddler of walking canes and paper fans

Messenger and salesman for Fleming and Company

Warehouse keeper for Fresell and Company