By now, Filipino memes have become customary during the annual celebration of Independence Day under the hashtag #RP612fic on X (formerly Twitter). The hashtag “Republic of the Philippines, June 12, Fiction” intertwines the past with modern-day pop culture, garnering around 70,000 tweets as of writing.
Reportedly introduced by Philippine Alternative Mythology writer Paolo Chikiamco in 2009, the trend reached a national scale by showcasing creativity and humor, revisiting and reimagining local history and literature. This year, #RP612fic highlighted the common-law wife of Filipino nationalist José Rizal before his execution in 1896, Josephine Bracken, alongside other trending themes.
BREAKING: Josephine Bracken confirms break up with Jose Rizal.
“I hope this finally helps all of us move forward,” says in an Instagram post. #rp612fic pic.twitter.com/yS6YEnuKhZ
— Kieran Tiu (@imkierantiu) June 11, 2024
Dr. Jose Rizal habang nagsusulat ng liham para kay Josephine Bracken #rp612ficpic.twitter.com/1DTooaGcHm
— Kenji (@Benj_Buddy) June 11, 2024
will forever be iconic and funny #rp612fic pic.twitter.com/bSuLsIIUC1
— dom (@domediocre) June 11, 2024
Josephine Bracken nung nalamang maraming naging babae si Jose Rizal, colorized. #rp612ficpic.twitter.com/Uw29yi4a3S
— bini ʍąհղąì 🇵🇸 (@mahnaipo) June 11, 2024
rizal, shot in the back at luneta #rp612fic pic.twitter.com/T8Fm13zQsw
— pipopipo (@viwcmforben) June 11, 2024
Apart from references surrounding the brief marriage of Rizal and Bracken, others drew inspiration from prominent moments across the country’s history dating back thousands of years.
a rare footage of Lapu-Lapu and Magellan during the Battle of Mactan circa 1521. colorized.#rp612fic pic.twitter.com/LUGSDCKQ59
— five (@ctrlvn) June 11, 2024
rare footage of Gabriela Silang on her way to Vigan to fight against the Spaniards
(Circa 1763, colorized)#rp612fic pic.twitter.com/10FWrGofwx
— æ-KUZO (@kuzokusunoki) June 11, 2024
rare footage of katipuneras learning the first letter of english alphabet from american colonizers #rp612fic pic.twitter.com/hlZ5UT5MDP
— bini levy perry 🦋 (@bloomsberger) June 11, 2024
digitalized training of a young katipunera preparing for the war #rp612fic pic.twitter.com/u4DhZzKyaw
— ania ⚖️ (@hesteviestyles) June 11, 2024
Sigaw ng Pugad Lawin #rp612fic pic.twitter.com/IHONejDz7m
— nicholai (@2AMevermore) June 11, 2024
