Sir Christopher Lee's Life Was like Something Taken from an Epic Movie

Early this month, legendary actor Sir Christopher Lee passed away at the age of 93.  He is not only one of my favorite actors, but he is also one of the most fascinating people that ever lived.  This essay is my tribute to his incredible life.

To be honest, I was not always a fan.  I was only 12 years old when Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ringand Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones were released.  I wasn’t really impressed by Saruman and Count Dooku the first time I saw those movies that time.  It was only when I got to re-watch those movies when I was older and more knowledgeable about movies and acting that I appreciated Christopher Lee’s strong performance in portraying those villains.

There was a span during the late 90’s and early 2000’s when I had watched plenty of old movies through cable and actually had seen many movies that Christopher Lee starred in – like The Curse of Frankenstein, The Man with the Golden Gun, The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Mummy, The Three Musketeers, Gremlins 2, to name some – but I never recognized him as the same actor behind 007 villain Francisco Scaramanga, Fu Manchu, Frankenstein’s Monster, Rochefort, Dr. Midnight, Sir Henry Baskerville* and others.  In fact, back then, I didn’t recognize that Saruman and Count Dooku were portrayed by the same actor.

*I’m a big Sherlock Holmes fan, and I’ve seen plenty of Sherlock Holmes movies, so I’m not sure if I’ve also seen Sherlock Holmes and the Deadly Necklace and The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes wherein Lee was able to play the roles of Sherlock Holmes and Mycroft Holmes respectively.   I guess I’ve seen a lot of Sherlock Holmes films that I forgot some of the titles which I’ve seen already.  1959’s The Hound of the Baskervilles, however, is one of my favorite Sherlock Holmes movies (as well as the 1939 version).  Anyway, it’s really interesting that Lee had been able to portray three different Sherlock Holmes characters in live action. 

Lee’s most iconic role is probably that of Dracula.  I’ve seen 1958’s Dracula, and he was terrific in that (and his good friend Peter Cushing was terrific as Van Helsing).  However, the first time I saw him as Dracula was in the hilariously bad Dracula: Prince of Darkness (from 1966) wherein he just hissed all throughout the film.  Hence, my Christopher Lee fandom didn’t start with my first encounter with the character he’s most known for.  It was in The Wicker Man, wherein he played the role of Lord Summerisle, that a Christopher Lee character had made a great impression on me.  Still, I wasn’t able to connect the dots yet.

I can’t remember how and when, but I eventually learned that Christopher Lee was in plenty of movies I’ve seen and played all those memorable characters.  And I was blown away by the realization.  I kicked myself for not recognizing him.  I was like, “This guy is Saruman and Count Dooku!?  Why wasn’t I able to notice that?  What?!  You mean, he’s also that Bond villain?!  And Dracula?!  And that guy that freaked me out in The Wicker Man?!  Whoa [looking at his filmography], I’ve seen many of these movies.  He was in all of these?  Wow!  This Christopher Lee guy is kinda cool.”  And I can’t help but be impressed.

But it was the time that I got to read about Sir Christopher Lee’s bio that I was really blown away and became fascinated with the man.  There’s actually much, much more amazing stuff about him beyond his prolific film career.  Here’s a summary:

• He is a descendant of Emperor Charlemagne of the Holy Roman Empire on his mother side (who happened to be a countess). 
• He is related to General Robert Lee – the famous Confederate general during the American Civil War – on his father side.
• He was a world-class fencer.  He holds the record in performing in most swordfights on screen. 
• He could speak six languages.
• He was allegedly a heluva golfer.  He also played various other sports like rugby, squash, and hockey.    
• Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, is a step-cousin of his.  Lee was Fleming’s first choice to play the role of James Bond. 
• The reason he resonated badassery on screen is that he was an actual badass in real life.
• In 1939, he went to Finland so he can enlist in the Finnish Army to help fight off the Soviet invasion on the country. 
• During World War II, he joined the Royal Air Force and became a commando/intelligence officer for the Long Range Desert Patrol, which would eventually become the SAS (considered by many to be the most badass elite force in the word), where he participated in many dangerous missions against the Nazis, seeing action in North Africa and Sicily.
• In 1943, while still fighting the Nazis, he caught malaria six different times.  After recovering from the sixth occasion, he was able to appease a mutiny-in-the-making in his squadron.
• Later in WW II, he was assigned to an even more elite unit – the Special Operations Executive (SOE), also known as “Churchill’s Secret Army” and “Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.”  SOE’s missions were to conduct espionage, sabotage, and recon behind Axis lines, and aid resistance units of occupied countries.  Up until now, their files are still classified, and whenever Lee was asked during interviews about his time in SOE, he kept his mouth shut.  However, he had been once quoted of saying: “I've seen many men die right in front of me - so many in fact that I've become almost hardened to it. Having seen the worst that human beings can do to each other, the results of torture, mutilation and seeing someone blown to pieces by a bomb, you develop a kind of shell. But you had to. You had to. Otherwise we would never have won.”  After the war, Lee had been decorated by the British, Polish, Yugoslavian, and Czech governments.  So if we read between the lines, we can conclude that Lee was a real life James Bond (no wonder Fleming wanted him for the role) whose missions had significantly contributed to the war effort.
• He retired from military service at around the age of 23 (!) and started his acting career at the age of 25.  Christopher Lee had accomplished more things at his early 20’s than most people in their lifetime.
• He, unsurprisingly, holds the record of most film appearances ever.
• He was a classically trained singer.  His most notable musical performance in film was “Pick Your Poison” in the 1983 movie The Return of Captain Invincible.
• He is, surprisingly, a fan of heavy metal.  He began to make heavy metal albums when he was already 88. 
• Some of his honors are Commander of the Venerable Order of Saint John (1997), Commander of the Order of the British Empire (2001), Knight Bachelor (2009), a BAFTA Academy Fellowship (2011), Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters (by the French government in 2011), and the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement (1994).

There are several other interesting trivia and anecdotes about him (that you need to check out by yourselves; it’s worth it), but I think the point is already sent across: Christopher Lee is literally awesome – on and off screen.

If you have seen Christopher Lee’s performances, you would have observed that he had this compelling screen charisma that improves whatever scene he was in.  He gave it his all in every character he played regardless of the quality of the film, showing genuine love for his craft.  And because of his constant willingness to give a thorough performance no matter what, he had portrayed countless characters that have brought delight to generations of audiences.

But he was indeed more interesting than any character he had played.  He lived a remarkable, full life.  And, probably, the reason that he was able to get the most of his life is that he took on life with the same boldness and enthusiasm and dedication he displayed in portraying his roles.  Moreover – despite his aristocratic pedigree, grim past, and knack for playing villains – Christopher Lee was genuinely approachable, classy, kind, warm, amiable, and down-to-earth in all the public appearances and interviews he was in (at least, those that I’ve seen).

Sir Christopher Lee was a bona fide badass, a well-rounded and charming individual, a real gentleman, and the stuff of legends.  He will be missed.

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The Date Is Wrong, But Let's Enjoy Our Independence Day Nonetheless (While We Still Can)

Art found on the back of the obsolete five peso bill depicts the June 12, 1989 declaration of independence.  Yep, I was alive already when this was still being circulated.

Today is supposed to be the Philippines’ 117^th Independence Day.  But it’s a misleading statement.  The Philippines isn’t really 117 years independent.  When Emilio Aguinaldo gathered his supporters at his home in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898 to declare the Philippines’ independence, he intended it to be a means to direct other nations to recognize the independence of the country.  However, this didn’t accomplish anything, as neither Spain nor the United States recognized Philippine independence.  To add insult to injury, Spain transferred the Philippines to United States’ control through the 1898 Treaty of Paris.  So, basically, the declaration of independence on June 12, 1898 didn’t have any actual substance.

That’s why I don’t think celebrating Independence Day on June 12 is proper.  It felt kind of delusional if we think that Aguinaldo’s declaration of independence on June 12, 1898 actually contributed in giving the Philippines independence.  Personally, I think that the more rightful date to celebrate our Independence Day is on July 4^th, since it was only on July 4, 1946 that the Philippines actually received a de facto, self-ruling identity for the first time.  In fact, for some time, our Independence Day was correctly celebrated on the 4^th of July, while June 12 was reserved for Flag Day.  However, for a reason that perplexes me, Diosdado Macapagal thought it a brilliant idea to declare in 1964 that June 12 is the appropriate date to celebrate our Independence Day.  He argued that since it’s the date when the Filipinos declared and exercised their “right to self-determination, liberty and independence”, and that it was a “legitimate assertion by the Filipino nation of their natural and inalienable claim to freedom and independence”, then it was only right to commemorate that date as the Philippines’ Independence Day.

For years, this bugged me.  Just saying something to be true without it being an actual reality doesn’t make it true.  It’s pretty basic.  When the Philippines said it was an independent country in 1898, but it really wasn’t in reality, then it wasn’t.  It would have been another story if the June 12, 1898 declaration has a direct influence in bringing about a legitimate independence happening on a future date.  But it didn’t.  After declaring independence, the Philippines didn’t have actual independence until nearly half a century later.  The Americans and the Japanese ruled the Philippines during that span.  And when we finally got our independence, it was something given to us by the Americans – we didn’t really win it.  Aguinaldo’s declaring Philippine independence on June 12, 1898 had nothing to do with that happening.  So, no, June 12 is not a better date than July 4.

Nevertheless, regardless of my issue with the date, I do value Independence Day.  It’s a holiday after all.  But, more than that, it is nice to reflect on the value of having freedom.  I’m grateful that I wasn’t born in an era wherein, being a Filipino, I could be forcibly asked to do hard labor without payment through polo y servicio.  Or have an encomendero lawfully exact excessive taxes from me or take my property by whim.  Or be tortured or beheaded by the Kempeitai.  Or witness the women I know and love be raped by Japanese soldiers.  Yes, I am actually blessed and fortunate to live in a time wherein the greatest bane of being a Filipino is just having corrupt politicians in our government (no sarcasm… okay, maybe a bit).  And Independence Day makes me realize that.

So we Filipinos really need to enjoy and appreciate our Independence Day.  Especially considering the fact that the looming possibility of Chinese invasion is just around the corner, and we might not enjoy our independence for long (LOL.  I hope I’m just overthinking it.  But the likelihood can’t really be dismissed easily).  Independence and freedom are things that shouldn’t be taken for granted.

Happy Independence Day, everyone!  117 might not be the actual years the Philippines are genuinely independent and free, but, at the very least, I pray the country will enjoy 117 years more of being so.

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My Tribute to the Amazing Life of William Wilberforce

This month – August 24^thto be exact – marked the 255^th birthday of William Wilberforce, one of my most favorite historical figures.   Wilberforce (born 1759 and died on July 29, 1833) was an English politician who was instrumental in bringing about the end of slave trade and, eventually, the abolition of slavery in the British Empire (decades before Abraham Lincoln and other American abolitionists succeeded in doing the same in the States).  His life story, particularly his grueling battle for the abolition of slavery, is one inspiring example of someone boldly and firmly pursuing what is right despite of overwhelming opposition.  I have termed such admirable attribute as “moral badassery” and William Wilberforce is one of history’s greatest moral badass.  

I first learned of Wilberforce in my readings on John Newton – the minister who wrote the powerful, classic hymn, “Amazing Grace” – for Newton was an early influence with Wilberforce’s journey towards Christianity, which is why the latter held the former’s counsels in high regard (moreover, being a former slave trader, Newton was knowledgeable of the evils of the practice so he was a valuable consultant when Wilberforce was fighting for its abolishment).  John Newton was a great man and has an interesting biography, but I discovered that William Wilberforce’s life was a little bit more fascinating.  

Young, hedonistic William Wilberforce decided to venture into politics due to the encouragement of his best friend, William Pitt the Younger (who would become the youngest prime minister in British history), and when he was merely 21 years old, he was elected into the parliament.  Wilberforce has always been witty, sharp, and an eloquent speaker, so he was able to hold his own in parliamentary debate.  However, he was more interested in enjoying a lifestyle of worldly pleasures than in actually making a difference.  This was Wilberforce’s early life as a politician.

Then his whole life dramatically changed during his travels abroad in 1785.  It was during this time that he met Christ.  He started reading the Bible and having devotions regularly.  He got rid of his vices, and lamented the years that he had wasted in living a hedonistic, shallow life.  He considered leaving politics to become a minister.  He sought the counsel of John Newton regarding the matter, but Newton advised him that he can still serve God by being a politician – that there was a purpose why God’s will allowed him to be in the parliament.  William Pitt also urged him to remain in politics.  So with two of his most trusted friends asking him to remain in politics, Wilberforce decided to do so.  Wilberforce found God’s calling for himself: to promote Christianity and moral and social reform in the British Empire through his position in the parliament.     

Which led him to advocate for the abolishment of the slave trade.  Wilberforce, after learning and completely comprehending the inhumane horrors of slave trade, proceeded to passionately fight this evil.  He was convinced that it was through fighting slavery that he can put his Christian faith into practice in public life.  With other abolitionists, he worked to raise awareness and interest in Britain about the realities of the slave trade and fiercely debated in the parliament for its complete abolishment.

 

Unfortunately, despite of Wilberforce’s efforts, abolishment of the slave trade was an unpopular view.  The British Empire’s economy heavily relied on slave labor in the colonies.  Wilberforce’s opponents argued that abolishment would be economic and political suicide for the British Empire, since if Britain abolishes slavery, other European nations’ economies and power would increase exponentially since they would be still free to sustain their economies with slave labor.  Even those that agree with Wilberforce of the fact of slavery’s immorality had to side against him for they think that abolishment was impractical and bad for the Empire. 

His opponents slandered Wilberforce of being a spy or a traitor.  They accused him of working for Britain’s enemies, that his purpose of calling for abolishment of the slave trade was for inciting a feeling of rebellion among the people and for the destruction of the economy.  Wilberforce had to endure all of these hurtful words.  In fact, Wilberforce really loved his country.  That’s why he wants to end slavery since he can’t bear his country conducting such heinous thing.      

Year-in and year-out, Wilberforce continued to fight – and lose – in the parliament for the abolishment of slavery.  Of course there were definitely times when Wilberforce was discouraged and was exhausted.  Who wouldn’t be?  But he didn’t surrender.  He didn’t quit.  For him, giving up was not really an option.  He knew what the right thing to do was.  And if doing it is the right thing to do, then there’s actually no choice at all but to do it.  Even if it’s difficult and draining.  Wilberforce understood all of that. 

At last, after years of fighting and employing shrewd politics, Wilberforce and co. enjoyed their first victory with the passing of the Foreign Slave Trade Bill in 1806.  Then in 1807, the Slave Trade Act – which completely banned the slave trade in the British Empire – was finally passed.  After 20 years of fighting – experiencing many crushing defeats all the way – Wilberforce was finally victorious.  Understandably, tears flowed freely on Wilberforce’s face during the parliament passing of the bill. 

But Wilberforce’s battle wasn’t over yet.  As a Christian and a conservative, Wilberforce political views and objectives were grounded in his faith and love for God.  Aside from fighting slavery, he was also involved in pushing for moral revival and social reforms.   Moreover, though the slave trade was abolished in 1807, slavery itself was still practiced.  For many more years, Wilberforce worked with abolitionists to completely eradicate the practicing of slavery in the British Empire, and in 1833, the Slavery Abolition Act was passed.  Three days after knowing the passage of the Act through the parliament was guaranteed, William Wilberforce died.              

To fight for the right thing despite of how hard the consequences to oneself are and how gloomily insurmountable the challenges are – such awe-inspiring display is constantly demonstrated by superheroes like Captain America and Spider-Man.  Much more awesome with William Wilberforce since he’s a real-life person.          

It’s really difficult to do the right thing and completely invest one’s life for its cause.  More so if it’s unrewarding and the results are constant defeats.  As if fighting for it isn’t worth it.  But through the life of William Wilberforce (as well as through the lives of other great Christian figures of history), we learn that whatever we are called to do, no matter how tough it can get for us, we can trust God that he’ll see us through until we accomplish it.  We will never burn out as long as what we do is for God’s glory.  No matter how impossible it might seem at the present, God assures us that our faithfulness will always result to victory in the end.  As what Romans 8:31b famously says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

      

What I have written about William Wilberforce is nothing but a small piece of his rich life.  It would be better if you proceed to personally be acquainted with his life story yourself.  My suggested readings are “Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery” by Eric Metaxas and “Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce” by John Piper.  There’s also this great William Wilberforce biopic titled “Amazing Grace.”  It’s a wonderful film; it has great acting and beautiful production value.  It stars Ioan Gruffudd – who played Mr. Fantastic in the Fantastic Four movies – as William Wilberforce and the charismatic Benedict Cumberbatch – Sherlock Holmes himself! – as William Pitt.  Most importantly, the movie’s essentially faithful to Wilberforce’s actual biography.  It’s a real must-watch.  

So read the books or watch the movie, or, better, do both.  I recommend that you thoroughly learn more about this great man and hopefully be encouraged by his life and faith.  A man like William Wilberforce is worth celebrating and emulating.  

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A Brief Tribute to C.S. Lewis

This month (November 22 to be exact) marks a half century since C.S. Lewis’ death.  Now I would like to talk about him a bit, for he is one of my most favorite writers of all time.   

I have most of Lewis’ fiction books in my literature collection; The Chronicles of Narnia books, the “Space Trilogy” (or “Cosmic Trilogy”) novels, The Great Divorce, and The Screwtape Letters (the volume I have includes Screwtape Proposes a Toast, an essay sequel) – I have all of these.  But for his rich non-fiction works, I only have Mere Christianity, but I have read plenty of excerpts of his most important non-fiction books from articles and books.  Still, I plan of acquiring most of C.S. Lewis books someday (as soon as I can find and afford them) – it’s gonna be worth it.

Lewis is a wonderfully talented writer.  He wastes no words; it’s as if he always nails the best words to use to perfectly strike his points home.  He provides thoughtful and clever illustrations to make his ideas more empathic and engaging.  His writings are always meaty, insightful, thought-provoking, appealing, and delightful.  Reading Lewis’ works is very rewarding and refreshing. 

My first encounter with Lewis was with, arguably his most famous work, the children’s book series, The Chronicles of Narnia, which remains as popular now as ever (a large thanks to its movie adaptations).  His creative and amazing integration of Christian themes and allegories blew me away.  It was sheer genius writing.   Later on, after encountering more of his writings, I found that Lewis had utilized this technique deeper, more compelling, and more creatively on his other works of fiction – especially with The Screwtape Letters. 

Lewis writes as much mind-stimulating non-fiction as he writes enjoyable fiction.  The Christian apologetics (particularly Mere Christianity) and theses he tackles are generally delivered through well-reasoned and interesting writing.  In fact, he is one of the reasons why I value the substance and beauty of logic. Many of his arguments are solid and intelligent, but, of course, I find some occasional points of his that I don’t agree with. Lewis has no proper theological training that he errs on some of his views.  Nonetheless, Lewis has perfect understanding on the most important truths, especially on the immense importance of pursuing ultimate joy in God, and he presents them with clarity and fresh, interesting perspective.    

In fact, it was due to his realization and longing for joy that led him to Christ, for he was an atheist as a young man but would become a theist and a Christian in his thirties.  Lewis is a thinker, and he had thoroughly searched for answers to his deep questions of life.  He understood that the arguments for the non-existence of God don’t make sense and that the evidences of the existence of God were screaming everywhere around him.  Moreover, he also understood that there is an infinite desire in his heart that can’t be fully satisfied by anything of this world.  Therefore, he concluded that since this satisfaction can’t be found in this world, then the satisfaction he seeks must be from out of this world – and that can be only found in an infinite God alone.

Lewis would then argue that the problem with human beings is that “we are far too easily pleased” by worldly pleasures that we don’t pursue a greater, eternal pleasure that is found in God.  He compared it to “an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea.”  Lewis concluded that the problem with us is not because our desire for pleasure is too strong, but it was actually because our desire for pleasure is too weak.  “We are far too easily pleased.”  C.S. Lewis has shared plenty of great thoughts to us, but this was, I think, his most important sharing.

Truly, Lewis has greatly influenced and touched plenty of lives (including mine) even up to the present period. His writings have been great blessings. And I thank God for his life.

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Interesting Things About the American Revolutionary War

It’s the 4th of July, and it’s Filipino-USA Friendship Day for us Filipinos.  But for our American masters friends, they celebrate their Independence Day.    (Technically, July 4th in the USA is still tomorrow, but, hey, it’s already July 4th in our timezone.)  The 4th of July is not the date when the American colonists won against the British in their Revolutionary War, but rather, it was the date where the Colonies – then at war with the Empire – declared they are now independent states, i.e. the Declaration of Independence (actually, July 2, but was finalized at the 4th). 

Nonetheless, this article is about the Revolutionary War, or rather some overlooked or not much talked interesting aspects and facts about the War.  For the record, the American Revolutionary War is one of the best war stories there are in history.  A brilliant and dramatic underdog “fighting for freedom” story.  But there is more to it.

• The British was wrong, of course, in forcing taxes upon colonists without representation.  But it was said that they didn’t collect much tax either.  The tax imposed was on trade only (prior to the taxing related to the French-Indian War).  But smuggling was rampant in the colonies.  Merchants were able of sailing past authorities and avoiding taxes.  And the British didn’t bother much in stopping the smuggling.  
• In the 1750’s, American colonists got into a territorial dispute with the French and their Indian allies.  The colonies requested help from Great Britain and the British obliged by sending an army over there.  Thus, the French-Indian War started.  Eventually, the British won, but with the cost of heavy losses on life and money.  The British then raised tax on both the home isles and the colonies to compensate for the money lost.  It’s understandable (to an extent) that the colonists were pissed that they are being taxed when they are not represented.  But on the other hand, it was for their war in the first place and it’s only reasonable that they share some of the burden in compensating for it.
• It is general knowledge that one of the fuses that lit up the war was the Stamp Act (one of the taxes imposed after the French-Indian War).  The British Parliament insisted that they have the right to tax the colonists (as already explained previously).  The colonists claimed that they can’t be taxed without representation.  But you know who really was all for the Stamp Act?  Benjamin Franklin.  Yes, that Benjamin Franklin.  One of the “Founding Fathers”.  He was kind of fiercely loyal to the British Crown.  And old Ben at that time was the colonies’ representative to the Crown.  But because crown-loving, Stamp Act-fan Ben was spending most of his time in Britain, he was clueless that his own people were pissed of the Stamp Act, thus, he was not able to get the colonists’ sentiments across to the crown.
• Another fuse was the Boston Massacre, in which it is popularly (but erroneously) believed that British soldiers fired at unarmed civilians, killing dozens in cold-blood.  In truth, a douchebag colonist named Samuel Adams wanted to incite a rebellion in Boston.  He had his followers – the Sons of Liberty – throw insults at a British soldier.  When the soldier did not respond, the mob threw rocks and other things at him.  Fellow British soldiers came to their comrade’s aid.  But the mob continued throwing rocks at the British and dared the soldiers to fire at them.  The soldiers had no choice but to fire at them in self-defense.  When the smoke cleared, three men were dead.  The soldiers were put to trial, and John Adams – one of the “Founding Fathers” and the second president of the future USA – was their defense lawyer.  Adams, though he disagreed with the British, knew that the soldiers were only defending themselves, and won the case for them.  Soldiers (and policemen, as well), up to the present day, have several times suffered this type of treatment.  Though they are only defending themselves, they ended up as the bad guys.  And it’s not all the time that these soldiers are vindicated (like the British soldiers in Boston).  Just sad.  Oh, where did the “Boston Massacre” came from?  Blame the media.  Even then, they tend to exaggerate “massacres”.
• Another significant happening in Boston was the Boston Tea Party.  It culminated with colonists led by the Sons of Liberty (remember those jerks?) dressed up as Indians, raided the British ships that held the cargos of tea that were forced on the colonists to buy and dumped them to the sea.  Now let’s dig a bit deeper on the story… Another way of the British taxing the colonies was the Tea Act.  (By the way, at this point all the other taxes were repealed now, and only the Tea Act remained, but still the colonists didn’t want to pay for it.) The Tea Act expanded the British East India Company’s monopoly on the tea on the colonies, selling excess tea at a reduced price.  It would have provided the colonies superior and cheaper tea than what they get from smugglers.  But the colonies were still pissed about being taxed (without being represented) and maybe also of getting told on what to buy (even if it was a better brand).  They also had the legitimate fear of that this was only the start and the British might extend the monopoly on other goods as well in the future.  But it is also worth considering that smugglers like John Hancock (yup, another “Founding Father”) would be the ones that was going be severely hit by the Tea Act.  That’s why they were the most active and loudest that oppose the act, carrying out a campaign of raising self-awareness (i.e. smear campaign) across the colonies.   
• 5,000 blacks fought for the Continental Army.  Baron Ludwig von Closen, an officer in the French Army, once observed that the best regiment in the Continental Army was the one with about 75% African-American soldiers.
• Women went out to War with their husbands.  They helped by cooking and sewing and washing for the men.  Among these women, the most famous is “Molly Pitcher”.  She was nicknamed such because she brought a pitcher of water to soldiers – sometimes, even under fire.  In the Battle of Monmouth, her husband – a cannon rammer – fell unconscious in battle from heat exhaustion.  “Molly Pitcher” took the place of her husband as a cannon rammer.  During the battle (which the Americans would eventually win), she caught George Washington’s eye.  Washington sought her after the battle and rewarded her courage by issuing her a warrant as a non-commissioned officer.  She would be nicknamed “Sergeant Molly” from then on.   
• In 1799, there were less soldiers fighting against the British than the Loyalists (colonists loyal and fighting for the British Crown).
• The Continental Army was brilliant in their espionage during the War.  They employed spies and double agents.  The most famous of them is Lieutenant Nathan Hale.  When he was captured by the British and was sentenced to hang, his badass last words were “I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” 
• Military strategy was greatly different between the Continental Army and the British Redcoats.  The Redcoats were well-disciplined and well-trained professional soldiers.  Being an ocean away from home, they have trouble in logistics of supplies and reinforcements, thus they follow a conservative approach.  Their battle philosophy follows the warfare philosophy of the time in which they were organized in lines and fired simultaneously with muskets before charging with bayonets.   The Redcoats also had Hessians – German mercenaries – fighting with them.  The British goal was not necessarily to destroy the colonists but to force them to surrender and to submit back to the Empire.  Actually, the British were reluctant in fighting them because, no matter the differences, the colonists were they brothers.  Still, the British Army was a proud one (they would be the best in the world for some time) and wants to show their superiority over the Continental Army.  The Continental Army is mostly composed of militia.  Plenty of incentives – like money and property (and freedom for black slaves) – were offered to inspire recruitment.  French officers were the ones who mostly trained this makeshift army.  The Continental Army’s successes were mainly from use of guerrilla warfare, since they were usually being owned by the Redcoats in traditional face-off battle.  The British traditional formation was inutile in these surprise attacks by the Continental militiamen hiding behind trees and foliage as the British Redcoats pass through.  But the British, though, also had their own Light Infantry and managed to outfight the American guerrillas at times.  The Continental Army also had the legendary “minutemen” – the “elite” of the Continentals, as they were a highly mobile force that can be deployed rapidly to respond to an immediate need or threat.    
• The Spanish, the French, and the Dutch provided supplies, ammunition, and weapons to the Continental Army.  At first, they aided the colonists in secret, but then, seeing that the British is vulnerable, openly declared war.  This coalition – Spanish, French, Dutch, and American – would be too much for the British, making them ultimately lose claim on the colonies.  However, the plans of invading other British interests in the world and even the Isles themselves prove futile to the colonies’ allies.  Spain’s main reason for declaring war against the British was to recapture Gibraltar and Minorca, which was taken by the British from them in 1704.  French and Spanish forces managed take Minorca but the British held on to Gibraltar.  The British Empire also managed to hold on to their other key colonies in the West Indies.  In India, the British Empire managed to capture Indian and Dutch outposts there, establishing sole control of the area.  Though they lost the 13 colonies, the British Empire, in a world-wide scale, managed to establish their superiority, emerging as the most powerful nation in the 19th century (which would last until the early 20th century).  
• I am a George Washington fan.  I believe he was a good general.  But a brilliant strategist?  Hell, no.  Even Washington had admitted that he has limited and contracted knowledge on military matters on the large-scale.  He had actually more battle losses than wins.   He had made several missteps, was unable to make rapid field decisions and even froze at times, which had earned him losses.  Much of America’s tactical successes were because of the French.  Still, I believe him to be a good general.  Why?  Because being a good general is not all about being a brilliant tactician.  Washington’s exemplary character and work ethic made him an inspiration to his men.  Throughout those turmoil-filled and discouraging years, he had managed to keep the Continental Army from breaking apart, but instead kept them together to persevere until they gained victory.     

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The Admirable British Race

Among all the races in the world, my favorite is the British race… the people of the United Kingdom. They are people of admirable traits, character and history. They are really admirable and fascinating.

Britain was often dominating in terms of military conflicts (their only famous defeat was of the American Revolution). Most of all, they were always the “good guys”. They led Europe against Napoleon, won the Boer War, was prominent in both World Wars, they had beaten the great Spanish Armada (and I think there it all began that became a legendary naval power), the RAF beat Hitler’s “invincible” Luftwaffe… most of all they had conquered half the world.

They used to be the most powerful on Earth, as well as the richest. Those were the days of the mighty British Empire –where “the sun never sets” since the empire stretch out around the world, in all the continents. And with the trade and industry of the entire empire, they became richer, it was the time when one pound is equal to five dollars (now, I think one pound is only equal to about one dollar and ninety-nine cents).

Great leaders like Winston Churchill, Margaret “The Iron Lady” Thatcher, Tony Blair, Queen Victoria and many more. And the stories of their nobility are interesting, too, like of the Georges, the Henrys and the Elizabeths. William Wilberforce was behind slave abolition in the Empire, long before good ol’ Abe Lincoln abolished it in the States. And there are many other British leaders that were admired and made an impact in the world.

Literature was also enriched by the British. Because of the likes of Geoffrey Chaucer (“The Canterbury Tales”), William Shakespeare, Daniel Defoe (“Robinson Crusoe”), C.S. Lewis (“Narnia”), Robert Louis Stevenson (“The Black Arrow”, “Kidnapped!”, “Treasure Island”, “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”), H.G. Wells (“The Time Machine”, “The War of the Worlds”), Lewis Caroll (“Alice in Wonderland”), Charles Dickens (“Oliver Twist”, “A Tale of Two Cities”, “A Christmas Carol”), Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (“Hound of Baskerville”, “The Lost World”), Agatha Christie, and many many more. The world owes the British for Beowulf, Lord of the Rings, Sherlock Holmes, James Bond, and before I forget, Harry Potter. Britons have beloved and respected authors by the world, but most of all, beloved and respected fictional characters.

Sure, Mozart was from Austria, Bach and Beethoven were German, and Chopin was Polish, but Led Zeppelin, The Beatles and Spice Girls were from Britain. See, the British have their achievements in music.

In Science, there were the likes of Isaac Newton and Alexander Fleming. But it is a pity that a man like Charles Darwin was also a British.

The King James Bible is from Britain (commissioned in the reign of, obviously, King James). Men of faith like Charles Spurgeon, William Tyndale, John Newton, C.S. Lewis, John Wesley and many others are British. Maybe God blessed Britain because they are God-centered (though, of course, they are not always so… like all races, even God’s “chosen”, the Jews).

I wonder what would have happened if the British succeeded in conquering the Philippines from the Spaniards, or we mimic them instead of the Americans. Would our country have become better? Would or character became better? Our economy (former British colonies like Hong Kong and Canada are doing great economically)? Filipinos as persons? We will never know.

No. no. I have no regrets of being a Filipino, instead of British. I love my country, and proud to be a Filipino (really). But I just admire the British than Filipinos. They are such great people. Last December 6, I think (or is it 7? Or 8? Or 9?), was the friendship day between the UK and the Philippines. Filipinos and Britons have some things in common like family values, love of merrymaking, and as Filipinos love their merriendas, Britons love their teas. I read and heard stories and observations that Filipinos are not discriminated in the UK (unlike in other countries where Filipinos are treated like dirt). They are such friendly people, like us, Filipinos. But sadly that’s where the similarities end. They have faults of course, but they are superior in many things in character (like they are also superior in other things).
But I wonder if the British also find Filipinos, who are sadly blemished with scandals and infamy, as a great admirable and fascinating race?

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The Best President of America

We cannot deny that the United States of America is a great country. But what makes this country great is its great people, past and present. The best examples of such are the presidents of the country through the years. My most favorite among them is Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. But if I am asked of who among the two is the best, I will pick the smart humorous witty honest Lincoln than the multi-talented intelligent Jefferson. For me, the best president of the United States of America and one of the best man ever lived is Abraham Lincoln.
Abraham Lincoln was born poor but he worked hard to get a better life. He admitted that he was taught to work but not to love the work, but he is certainly a persevering, industrious and hard working person. He had several vocations before becoming a lawyer and a great politician. For example, he worked as a postmaster and a store keeper. He also had experience in the army. When he was a lawyer, he helped all the people that needs help. He asks little pay and sometimes nothing at all. He was a unique lawyer. He did not try to twist the law. He practices what is right. He lives on values more than knowledge. He was also athletic and strong. He did what is right and do not care what people think. He is also a humorous and witty person. He has many stories to tell but most of his stories not only entertains but gives lifes lessons as well. There is a great paradox in his life, he is a humorous person and loves to tell stories but he was a lonely man. Some experts say Lincoln has a sickness that loneliness will envelope him suddenly. He has many talents like giving speeches. This skill helped him in his campaign for presidency. When he became president, he did his best to keep the country together. He did his best for his country. He did what is right though sometimes his decisions were not popular. But most of all, he relied on what God can do and not through his works. He is not a religious person but he loves and trusts God. He knew that only God can help the country. During the Civil War, he was drawn closer to God and he experienced God's love and power. He was a great man indeed.
I admire this man, Abraham Lincoln. He is simple but made impacts. He do not like fame but he was immortalized. He lives on values and trusts God. He loves humor and life. He is not easily angered and if angered he does not show it oftenly. He was a man of principles. He believe that all men are equal in God's eye so all men should have equal rights no matter what is the color of one's skin. I like his qualities and wants to have them too. He is one of my real life heroes. The only downer about him was he died by assasination. I think he could have done more great things in his second term. But God has His reasons. I can write all the information and stories about him here but I think its up to you if you want to know more about him. I read many anecdotes, essays and biographies about him, and I recommend you read things about him too. My suggested reading is "The Life of Abraham Lincoln" by Stefan Lorant. It is up to you if you want to learn more about him. But do not forget that it is much better to know Jesus Christ, for he is the best. Happy readin

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