The Philippines has been an independent country for more than a hundred years now, but not everything is left in the dust of history.
Spanish guy Johnny Barnreuther on April 9 tried to make amends for the wrongdoings committed by his ancestors during the decades-long Spanish rule in the Philippines.
“I found out that the Spaniards conquered and ruled the Philippines for over 330 years. We stole, abused and murdered. Countries like Japan and the U.S. have sent their leaders to the Philippines in the past to ask for forgiveness for what they have done to this country, but Spain has never sent an official leader to repented,” Barnreuther wrote on Facebook.
Barnreuther staged his apology in the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit Cavite, where Philippine independence was proclaimed on June 12, 1898. He invited leaders of the region and humbly knelt before them.
By no means was it an “official” apology, but the gesture caught the attention of Filipinos. Barnreuther’s post has gone viral on FB with more than 15,000 likes.
Barnreuther also ministered healing sessions in hospitals in the country.
The Philippines was under the Spaniard rule from 1521 to 1898.
Their influences are very much evident in our religion, food, and sleeping habits (gotta love the Spanish siesta!)
PHOTO: Valory Immel
Coconuts Manila has reached out to Barnreuther for comments and will update if he responds.
