Marcelo H. del Pilar vs Subcomandante Marcos

Del Pilar established a mutual aid society in Manila that secretly functioned as a propaganda cell. The organization collected funds and distributed anti-friar literature, laying groundwork for the broader reform movement.

Del Pilar authored a satirical parody of Catholic prayers and catechism, mocking the hypocrisy of Spanish friars in the Philippines. The pamphlet was widely circulated and contributed to anti-clerical sentiment among Filipinos.

Facing arrest by Spanish authorities for his subversive writings, del Pilar fled to Spain. There he joined other Filipino expatriates in the Propaganda Movement, continuing his campaign for reforms through journalism and lobbying.

Del Pilar became editor of La Solidaridad, the primary newspaper of the Propaganda Movement in Barcelona, Spain. He used the paper to advocate for political reforms in the Philippines, including representation in the Spanish Cortes and secularization of parishes.

Del Pilar died of tuberculosis in Barcelona, impoverished and in exile. His death occurred as the Philippine Revolution was beginning, but his writings had already inspired the Katipunan and the nationalist movement.

Subcomandante Marcos, as spokesperson for the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN), led an armed uprising in Chiapas on January 1, 1994, coinciding with NAFTA's implementation. The rebellion demanded indigenous rights, land reform, and anti-neoliberal policies, capturing global attention.

Marcos authored the EZLN's declaration of war against the Mexican government, outlining demands for democracy, justice, and indigenous autonomy. The document became a foundational text for the Zapatista movement and global anti-globalization activism.

After the uprising, Marcos led the EZLN in peace talks with the Mexican government, resulting in the San Andr

Marcos initiated the 'Other Campaign,' a nationwide tour to build a grassroots leftist movement independent of electoral politics. The campaign aimed to unite social movements against neoliberalism, but failed to achieve significant political change.

Subcomandante Marcos effectively disappeared from public life after 2014, with the EZLN announcing his departure. His absence marked the end of an era for the Zapatista movement, though the group continued to operate.