Today, July 7 marks the Founding of the Katipunan in 1892. The house where the secret society was founded on Calle Azcarraga (now Recto Avenue) corner Calle Elcano is no longer there. Only a larger-than-life sculpture serves as reminder of the men Leading to be Free.
In front of the Tutuban Center Mall in Divisoria is a sculptural rendition of the blood compact which was part of the Katipunan initiation. An incision was made one the neophyte’s left forearm with a scalpel then with the blood that flowed, a brother-in-arms to be signed his name on the oath of membership.
The final rite was an emotionally charged moment where the Katipuneros embrace their new brothers exclaiming “Kapatid!” and ending with a reminder that Katipuneros were to consider brothers, pledge mutual protection and redemption of the Motherland, Filipinas.
Related link:
A Pilgrimage to the Philippine Trail to Freedom
Traveler on Foot 
