From Flint to Fire: How Our Philippine Heroes Still Sparkle in Our Modern Lives

Hello, my dearest readers! Let’s chat about something truly special today, something that has been stirring my soul ever since I touched down back home in our beautiful Philippines this September. You know how sometimes you stumble upon stories, or perhaps they find you, and they just resonate? They whisper across time, reminding us of the fierce spirit that burns within us, within our nation.

I’m talking about tales of bravery, of lives lived with such intense purpose, even if they were heartbreakingly short. Think about it: Emilio Jacinto, gone at 23. Edgar Jopson, at 34. Can you even imagine the depth of their impact, their legacy, in such a short span? Their stories, darling, are still very much alive, echoing in our present, urging us to remember, to reflect, and most importantly, to act.

Revisiting a Hero: Edjop’s Journey from Privilege to Patriotism

My recent visit was truly a whirlwind of rediscovery. We had the absolute joy of launching the third edition of U.G. An Underground Tale, my book about the incredible Edgar Jopson. Can you believe it? This biography, which I poured my heart into more than four decades ago, and whose first edition came out nearly two decades back, feels more relevant than ever. It’s like revisiting a cherished friend and realizing they’ve grown even more profound with time.

And speaking of growth, I also had the profound experience of watching Edjop, the cinematic masterpiece based on the book! It’s produced by Edjop’s own daughter, Joyette Jopson, and brilliantly directed by Katski Flores. This film, oh my heart, it goes so much deeper than just the “underground.” It’s a soul-stirring exploration of a young man who bravely stepped away from a life of privilege, choosing instead to lead the fight against a dark dictatorship. Bringing ‘Edjop’ to life: Get to know the star-studded cast of the biopic – it’s an absolute must-see to truly grasp the spirit of that era and the sacrifices made.

Pingkian: The Fiery Heart of Our Revolution On Stage

But the revelations didn’t stop there! During my short but sweet visit, I was also completely captivated by Emilio Jacinto, brought vividly to life in the powerful Tanghalang Pilipino musical Pingkian. Now, Pingkian, meaning “flint,” was Jacinto’s chosen nom de guerre in the Katipunan, you know, our very own original “U.G.” movement in Philippine history. Isn’t that just a wonderful metaphor? A small spark of flint, capable of igniting a blazing revolution!

Directed with such grace and vision by Jenny Jamora, this musical is nothing short of magnificent. It’s an inspiring, heart-thumping retelling of Jacinto’s life, and let me tell you, the music and songs? They absolutely stick with you! They play beautifully in your head, like a treasured melody, long after the curtain falls. I’ve already bookmarked the YouTube channel featuring the incredible music and songs by Ejay Yatco and playwright Juan Ekis. I even had the privilege of watching a rehearsal the day before opening night with my dear friend Nanding Josef, Tanghalang Pilipino’s artistic director. The energy was palpable, even then!

Echoes Across Time: The Shared Spirit of Jacinto and Jopson

As I immersed myself in both these narratives, the striking similarities between Emilio Jacinto and Edgar Jopson, and between Pingkian the musical, U.G. the book, and Edjop the movie, truly hit me. It was like seeing two constellations, separated by time, yet shining with the same fiery essence.

There’s this one scene in Pingkian that just clutches at your heart: Jacinto’s mother, worried and desperate, urges him to reconsider his decision to join the Katipunan. Her words are so universal, so utterly human: “Mag aalay ka ng dugo para sa bayan? Hindi mo ba maaaring ialay ang inyong buhay at talino? Paano ka mapapakinabangan ng bayan mo kung patay ka na!” (You will offer your blood for the nation? Why can’t you just offer your life and talents? How can you be useful if you’re dead!).

It’s a mother’s plea, isn’t it? That desperate hope for her child’s safety. And I instantly turned to Nanding and said, “Kaka, may ganyan din sa buhay ni Edjop!” (There’s something like that too in Edjop’s life!). Just like Jacinto, Edjop faced those same heart-wrenching questions, those same doubts from loved ones who wondered if risking everything for the “U.G.” and the fight against dictatorship was truly the “right” thing to do. Can you imagine the courage it took to stand firm in their convictions?

Our Stories, Our Truths: The Power of Revision and Remembrance

Both Pingkian and U.G. brilliantly underscore such an important point, something we, as Filipinos, must never forget: the absolute necessity of revisiting our stories. Not just superficially, but truly digging deep, updating and revising our narratives, correcting errors, and drawing profound lessons from the past as we navigate the complexities of our present.

U.G., the book, was my second attempt to tell the magnificent story of a great Filipino. My first try, way back in 1989, was, as I’ve come to understand, incomplete, flawed, and even misleading. As I explain in a new intro to the latest edition, Edjop was instrumental in building and leading a movement for social justice. But every movement has its shadows, doesn’t it? I admittedly failed to fully explore the “dark side,” the capacity for dogmatic violence and cruelty that sometimes tainted the path. It’s a painful truth, but one we must confront to truly understand our history. READ: Joma Sison on terror tag, America, and karaoke can offer more perspective on those complex times.

Even Pingkian, which had a successful initial run in 2024, underwent its own beautiful transformation. The musical opened its 2025 run at a time when our beloved Philippines is, once again, reeling from a fresh wave of jaw-dropping corruption scandals. It’s almost as if the universe conspired for these stories to resurface exactly when we need their lessons the most.

The Fight Is Not Yet Over: Fueling Our Modern Activism

It was the morning after watching the Pingkian rehearsal, and the music, the songs, they were still playing a powerful symphony in my mind. One line, in particular, resonated deep in my core: “Habang meron pang hininga, hindi pa tapos ang laban… The fight is not yet over.”

I was with my longtime friend, Erin Tañada, and for him, the fight is most certainly not over. Erin, bless his activist heart, has been a beacon of change since our Ateneo High School days. He joined me at the Ateneo book launch, even as he was tirelessly working on alliances and preparing for protest actions, a crucial part of the growing movement against corruption that’s sweeping our nation. It truly warmed my heart to see the spirit of Edjop and Jacinto alive and well in today’s generation.

Later that day, I watched Pingkian’s opening night, and it was an even more powerful, utterly transformative experience. There’s a scene where Pingkian asks Dr. Jose Rizal, played with such nuance by Kakki Teodoro, a question that surely haunts us all at some point: “Dr. Rizal, maaalala ba nila ang aking pagpanaw?” (Will they remember my passing?).

And Rizal, with wisdom that transcends time, replies: “Maalala nila ang iyong buhay at gawa.” (They will remember your life and what you accomplished.)

Oh, my loves, how profoundly true that is! We still remember Emilio Jacinto, our fiery Pingkian. We still remember Edgar Jopson, our principled Edjop. We remember and honor what they lived and died for. We have not forgotten. And we will never, ever forget. Their lives are not just pages in a history book; they are a vibrant, living call to action for all of us.

So, what are you waiting for, my dears? Let’s keep their legacy alive!

• ‘Pingkian’ runs Fridays to Sundays, from September 19 to October 12 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Complex, Pasay City. Tickets are selling fast, so grab yours and experience this historical marvel!
• ‘U.G. An Underground Tale’ is available through Anvil Publishing. And here’s a beautiful detail: all royalties from the book will go to Bantayog ng Mga Bayani, an organization dedicated to honoring our modern heroes. What a perfect way to give back!

Maraming salamat for joining me on this reflective journey. Let these stories ignite your own flint, spark your own purpose, and remind you of the incredible strength and resilience of the Filipino spirit. Until our next chat, stay inspired, my loves!

Clara Mae Santos is a passionate Filipino lifestyle and entertainment writer who believes in finding inspiration in every corner of culture, history, and modern life. When she’s not exploring the latest trends, you can find her delving into the rich tapestry of Philippine narratives, always seeking stories that move the heart and spark the mind.