Messiah Complex or Brown Skinned Stalwart

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I do not write for this generation. I am writing for other ages. If this could read me, they would burn my books, the work of my whole life. On the other hand, the generation which interprets these writings will be an educated generation; they will understand me and say: ‘Not all were asleep in the nighttime of our grandparents.’

Dr. Jose Rizal, is he your definitive hero or not?

185 thoughts on “Messiah Complex or Brown Skinned Stalwart”

  • BRYAN JOSEPH SULLER
    ECE152

    1.
    A person deserving and worthy to be exalted as national hero is someone who braves the raging of the war, stands up and fight with and along the men and women and not behind, third and most important, does not hide under the mantle of anonymity. No doubt, Dr. Jose Rizal’s contribution to the revolution was unquestionable and worthy of recognition but seems to be somewhat a lackluster as there are yet to be seen as actual participation side-by-side the others who actually braved the war, despite inadequacies and weaknesses, frailties and not enough preparatory measures to actually deliver the best of the strongest retaliatory fight against our invaders. His writings may have hurt and targeted the loopholes of our enemies but why just stay behind? And worst hiding under someone else’s cloak? Why use pen names when you can courageously face the enemies and tyrants how brave our race is? How unafraid we are to come and be with them face-to-face? Why put all the efforts in writing if you can confront them personally and physically? Why not be like Mabini who despite illness has been too much of a man to carry on his tactics by not being anonymous? Be like the Luna brothers who fought hand-in-hand and not just went abroad trying to be so intellectual without sharing all of what was learned to majority and not just a handful of the Filipinos who are incapable of attaining what he has achieved? Why specialize on various professions when not all can avail of the services as he travels from one place that’s foreign to another seemingly unreachable and thus useless at point? Clearly, while Rizal has had everyone else’s eyes opened, ears able to hear and listen, enabling one to speak when rights and freedoms are actually suppressed, his inability to actually do the frontline of carrying on the torch of our land in our fight against the invaders has shown him unfit to be the national hero. He could be and may be a hero, but not the national hero. Not just one.

    2. Not just a hero as he is already a hero per se but a must-be-declared national hero at that is General Juan Luna. Equally principled and highly intellectual as Rizal, Juan Luna fought his blood and might, given his arduous,bravest and strongest opposition against the presence of Americans and their looming control and take over on our sovereigntyand freedom from American presence, fighting corruption within the government he is working with and who is actually a part of, refusing to be influenced and used by Americans, an icon of democracy as he strongly pushes for an independent Republic and a man of words and actions who deliver what he wanted to be delivered by invoking his infamous “First Article” or “Artikulo Uno” which states that whoever refuses to carry and reinforce his instructions and directives will be subject to execution without benefit of a due process coming from their military court.

    General Luna did all the best possible means to employ what seems to be an impossible and insurmountable uphill battle against the Americans by using all the forces no matter how small or limited their arsenals and their actual battalion maybe to defend and free us from the obvious invasion of the latter in the key cities of the land. While he had all the bad and cuss words mouthed, the nobility of his intentions remain pure and divine- that is to keep his country safe and free from despotic and highly manipulative foreign states power.

    3.
    Dr. Jose Rizal undeniably deserves to not only be selected but in the strongest possible commendation, be considered a National Hero. We all know how steadfast the fight Rizal has gone through as seen in his burning desire to fight for the freedom of this country though not through the usual physical might and power which other heroes to our knowledge has employed. Rizal, as we all know, is a virtuouso in linguistic intelligence having been conferred with different academic distinctions here and across the Europe and the globe but his sense of nationalism and patriotism is more seen and felt on the pen or writings along with the the so-called Ilustrados. Writing can be and may be very silent but when it strikes, it can be very hurting and offensive, striking and hitting at the strongest possible point not only his personal nemesis but the entirety of those who incites sedition and treason as well as those who plan to literally take control and possession of our sovereignty against our own and to our detriment and prejudice. He has been an eye opener much so an advocate of our basic fundamental rights as persons and as Filipinos in general enumerating and emphasizing the need to fight for what is justly ours and the rights to which we are endowed with making us all realize that bloody revolts are not the only things needed to achieve independence but the mere awakening of those whose eyes are closed, ears deaf and mouths mute to just ignore the misuses and abuses of authorities be it the legitimate or illegitimate powers

  • 1. I know that Rizal is a hero in our hearts and minds but I don’t think Jose Rizal is not worthy to be considered a national hero because I have reason to say this one of my first reason why Rizal for me is not worthy because he is he was self-center that he was have a pride that he can do whatever without the help of other Filipino fellows and my second reason why Rizal is not worthy for me to considered him to be a national hero because he only became a national hero because his family was rich and famous. They were rich that he had a private tutor. So rich that he was sent to Manila to study to prestigious expensive school and even sent to Spain to study and widen his wisdom and intellectual. Because of his family’s fortune and richness, he also gained friends and among them was very well-known and was respected to the society and he became famous because of his family.

    2. If i were a authorize official’s that promote the national hero in our country I will choose General Antonio Luna we all know that General. Luna is one of the most brave Fililipino soldier of our history he was a excellent leader of our fellow Filipino soldier and also General luna is intelligent Filipino soldier he also got many achievement in his past history he was the first one no guts to fight American that he knows Americans has the advantages in the war but General luna He was the one formed the Luna sharpshooter that support the revolutionary army of the Philippines he was also the one that protect the dignity of our country. However i was been disappointed when his fellow soldier assassinated him. I will be glad to recognize General Luna to be one of our national hero.

    3. As a student and a Filipino citizen I know that our fellow Jose Rizal is a surely intelligent and noble one because of his achievement, literature and contribution on his past life to our nation. I should be happy and be glad to have Jose Rizal as our great national hero because of his history in life that he shared on us and in our beloved country that he gave his own life to save our nation Rizal is the one represent peaceful political advocacy, unlike more radical people whose ideas could inspire resistance nation his writings had helped inspire the Philippine Revolution against colonial rule. Hero symbolizes goodness. Jose Rizal is a hero because he fought from freedom in a silent but powerful way. He expressed his love for the Philippines through his novels, essays, articles and poems rather than a force of aggression

  • ANTONIO, JOANNE KELLY
    FIN131

    It would be easy for me to just answer that Jose Rizal deserves to be ourcountry’s national hero since I would just be answering why but I’m going to follow what’s really in my mind and say that he’s not. If you ask a random person to give you a name of a a hero in our country, no doubt Jose Rizal would be their first answer. But why? I think this is because since we started going to school, there are already subjects dedicated to Rizal and his works. At one point in my life, I got really curious. What’s so special about this Jose Rizal that we have to attend classes dedicated to him and why not the other heroes who gave their lives too just for the sake of our country.

    I’ve got a lot of reasons going on my mind right now why he’s not that worthy of the title “national hero” but I’m just going to list down three. First reason is; he was nowhere to be founf in the battlefield. Where was Rizal when the Spaniards would take advantage of Filipino women and the poor people? Well probably in his room, writing as he usually do. Another reason is that since Rizal was born, he was given everything. He was raised in a rich family that is very influencial that became a way for him to travel to different countries and meet a lot of powerful people that would later help him in his future endeavours. If not for his family, he would probabky be nothing. Lastly, Jose Rizal only wanted reforms for the Philippines. This means that he just wants everyone to look at Spain and the Philippines in the eyes of the law. He also wants the country to be a province of Spain and let the Filipinos be citizens of it. In other words, he just wants to make amends.

    Rizal wanted reforms, but another hero named Andres Bonifacio demanded total separation from the Spaniards. He wanted a government run by its citizens and not just anybody who is not from the mainland. I think Bonifacio is much worthy of the national hero title because without his actual hands who brought Rizal’s dream revolution into reality, would we have achieved something? I guess not. It is a given that Jose Rizal was the inspiration of the Katipuneros but I might as well say that Andres was the force that drove them to war. It is clearly Bonifacio that I think is deserving of that title. Amidst all of this, I canmot ignore everything Rizal did for this country. I would probably liked him as a national hero if he was just a fighter back then, not in a closed room but in the battlefield. But above all this, it’s just amazing that the Philippines have a rich history where a lot of commendable people gave up their lives just to achieve the freedom that we are enjoying right now.

  • POSIQUIT, CHRISTELLE MAY
    FIN131

    I believe that Dr. Jose Rizal is our National Hero because even if his way of fighting is in silent or just in his novels, he successfully delivered the messages that what is the real situation of the Philippines, he also exposed the immorality of the Spaniards and how they treated Filipino people.

    His novels became the voice of Filipino and goodness symbolizes a hero, and we all know that Jose Rizal don’t want a bloody battle. He also gave us the freedom we deserve by just using his words and not by killing them like they killed some of Filipinos.

    Dr. Jose Rizal should be still our National Hero because he was different from other Filipino heroes, Rizal left a legacy, his writings and specially the Noli me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. The fact that he accepted death without hesitation, for me this is the most heroic moved he did. And by accepting death, maybe Dr. Jose Rizal really want us to fight for our freedom that’s why he sacrificed himself and didn’t agreed to save him. He fight for us by his words.

  • GUEVARRA, NICOLE ANDREI F.
    FIN 131

    Before stating my perspective regarding this matter, let me just say that the content of this comment is entirely for the sake of establishing an argument, and freely using my freedom of speech and opinion.

    It has always been a given that Jose Protacio Rizal is our National Hero. But how do you define one as a hero? Is it because of the sacrifices he made? Is it because the bravery he showed? Is it because for the love for our country? Is it because he died for our motherland? How do we really define a hero? A hero, according to Merriam Webster, is a person admired for achievements and noble qualities, and the one who shows great courage. So does Jose Rizal qualify to be a hero, let alone our national hero?

    Jose Rizal is definitely not my definitive hero, not because I hate him or I do not recognize what he did to be heroic, but because in most cases more than just once, he lacked qualities I look for a hero, I look for someone to be considered a hero. According to our 1993 Pres. Fidel Ramos whom issued Executive Order no. 75 entitled “Creating the National Heroes Committee Under the Office of the President”. Under this Executive Order, a committee was tasked to study, evaluate and recommend national personages in recognition of their achievements and contributions to the nation, to our country. A National Hero shall be recognized by the following criteria: First and foremost, someone who have a concept of nation and thereafter aspire and struggle for the nation’s freedom. Secondly, someone who define and contribute to a system or life of freedom and order for a nation. Third, someone who contribute to the quality of life and destiny of a nation. And lastly someone who is part of the people’s expression and must think of the future generations. If I were to base just on this criteria created, Jose Rizal is definitely not my national hero.

    My definitive hero, if you’d ask me, would be Andres Bonifacio. Why? I bravely ask why not? Not only Andres fits perfectly under the criteria as a national hero but he also nonetheless is the perfect embodiment of us Filipino. Andres lacked the knowledge that Rizal had but because he experience the cruelty of Spaniards firsthand, he knew what should be done. Freedom cannot be claimed by peaceful reforms, that’s what Andres realized after Rizal’s attempts failed. Freedom should be claimed by brute force, from the oppressors. With great power comes great responsibility, they say, and Rizal had the most powerful thing a person can have, knowledge. But the responsibility to awaken the Filipinos fell short because it lacked commitment from him, for his works are just words without actions as its proper representation.

    But even in the midst of lackness Rizal had, he could still be our National hero, if and only if, his actions are no different than what his words try to say. If and only if, he fought harder with the power he possess. If and only if, his ideals came to life because of his own will and not because somebody took the initiative to bring it to life. Jose Rizal could be our national hero.

  • POSIQUIT, CHRISTELLE MAY
    FIN131

    I believe that Dr. Jose Rizal is our National Hero because even if his way of fighting is in silent or just in his novels, he successfully delivered the messages that what is the real situation of the Philippines, he also exposed the immorality of the Spaniards and how they treated Filipino people.
    His novels became the voice of Filipino and goodness symbolizes a hero, and we all know that Jose Rizal don’t want a bloody battle. He also gave us the freedom we deserve by just using his words and not by killing them like they killed some of Filipinos.

    Dr. Jose Rizal should be still our National Hero because he was different from other Filipino heroes, Rizal left a legacy, his writings and specially the Noli me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. The fact that he accepted death without hesitation, for me this is the most heroic moved he did. And by accepting death, maybe Dr. Jose Rizal really want us to fight for our freedom that’s why he sacrificed himself and didn’t agreed to save him. He fight for us by his words.

  • CUSTODIO, HANNAH JOY R.
    FIN 131

    Is Dr. Jose P. Rizal worthy to be called a hero? First of all, let me define first the meaning of hero to understand how heroes become heroes. A hero is a person who is admired or idealized for courage, has outstanding achievements and has noble qualities. Yes, Rizal is a definitive hero for me. He is a multifaceted individual both through the mind and manipulative areas. Not to mention his inherit character and his love for the people.

    There are many reasons why he is worthy to be the national hero. First, the issue between him and Bonifacio. For some may say that he grow up in a family who was rich and famous and that he lived a happy and comfortable life unlike Bonifacio who came from a poor family and experienced abuse and that Bonifacio should be the national hero because he fought physically unlike Rizal. But still for me, Rizal is worthy to be called a national hero because a hero is a hero regardless of his wealth but by the sacrifices and things that they have done right that inspires a lot of people. Rizal showed sympathy to the needs of others that is overwhelming as evidenced by his sincere services to the people especially to the misfortunate ones. Second, he became an icon of patriotism who did a great part in redeeming the rights of the Filipinos against
    the Spaniards in our country. He used his intelligence to prove that being strong is not based from physical aspects. He fought through his pen, books and knowledge instead of guns and swords. He fought in a silent but powerful way. Third, he’s an eye opener for the Filipino and a great influence especially to the youth because of the words of wisdom that came from his articles that he has written that touched lives and awakened the people. Lastly, I think he’s friendly and humble that women got attracted to him that people mistaken him for being a womanizer. It was not his fault that a lot of girls wanted him. And maybe because ha also have charismatic intelligence that made women swoon over him.

    In the end, Rizal symbolized not only ideal and inspiration, but also something real and sensible. He’s a man of conviction. He gave his name and even his life for his beloved homeland believing that through his death a new Philippines would be born with the youth as its leaders. Just like from other articles I’ve read, it’s true that Rizal faced death with boldness. He left to us Filipinos his yearning for liberty while also giving us the necessary background of sacrife.

  • DIZON, ANNA RICA
    FIN131

    A hero is a person distinguished for bravery acts and nobility of character. They are role models, nationalistic and respected. Jose Rizal is our hero because he fought for the Philippines in a silent but influential way. He is a good example for nationalism. Instead of having a quiet and beautiful life, he sacrifice it to gather information around the world that would help for the betterment of the country. He did a very good job for us considering the fact that he had set us all free from slavery.

    Jose Rizal was different from other heroes because he fought in a different way. Although, he didn’t fight in a bloody way, he still died for our country in a noble way. He never held a gun or a sword to fight but he did fight using his pen, novels and knowledge. Indeed, as the famous saying goes, “a pen is mightier than the sword”, Rizal had proven this. Though his works, he demoralized the Spaniards and awakened the hearts of every Filipinos. He didn’t want a bloody revolution during his time.

    The fact that he accepted his death without any hesitation. He faced death with boldness. He died for the country in the hands of the Spaniards unlike others who died because of their sickness. Rizal had many chances to have a peaceful life but he still fought for everyone and for the country. He is a big thinker. He’s knowledge was not only for himself. He doesn’t think for himself but for everyone, the country and the future. To sum things up, Rizal is my hero because of his heroic deeds and he is more than qualified and deserving to own the title of becoming a hero. For me, he was and will always be the best of all.

  • CLARIZA A. CAIDOY
    FIN131

    Yes Dr. Jose P. Rizal is our national hero because he is a Filipino, and he displayed unconditional love for his country and merits. Dr. Jose Rizal become hero because of himself, his people even the foreigners contributed to become Dr. Jose Rizal our greatest hero and martyr of his people. He has the qualities to become a hero, he fights for us, for our freedom from the Spaniards. Yes he fights against Spaniards by using pen, his writings, novels and his poems and he had proven the apothegm “A pen is mightier than sword”. He is our national hero because his exceptional dedication and view to his lives purposed are seen in our daily lives.
    He deserves to be our national hero, he has such impact to us, and he is a good example for everyone. During the Spanish period, Rizal is an inspiration to many Filipinos. He expressed his love for the Philippines through his novels, articles and poems rather than a force of violence. His works are proven that he fights for us, for example when he founded the La Liga Filipina the Filipino’s patriotic spirit are awakened. The Noli Me Tangere were in it is a ironic novel that poked fun at the arrogance of the Spanish priesthood, and the El Filibusterismo the sequel of Noli Me Tangere that revealing and criticizing the Spanish priesthood and electoral corruption.
    All of what he done for us are all worthy, until now we are inspired to Dr. Jose Rizal. He has the greatest influence that’s he became our national hero. He thinks of the future, especially the future generations. His name is everywhere in the Philippines including streets, schools and even his image in the coins and peso bills, such that things are proven that he is our national hero, on that way we can still remember and patronized him. He done good for our country, like what he said in his execution “consummatum Est” it means “it is finished”, he is done fighting for us, he done great to us and he die for us for our liberty.

  • JANE MARIE CATUBAG
    FIN131

    Yes, Rizal should be considered as National Hero because we all know what he has done for our country. We cannot erase the fact- even his life for this country. He has a big contribution in what or where are dealing with right now. He fought so hard in many ways. He is a pure Filipino not just only by his blood but also in the heart.
    Rizal is one who deserves to be one of our National Hero and he should not treated as the only one. It is because of what he did for the country and to its people like all things he done to become one of the catalyst in the rise of revolution. He really tried first to be a reformist but it was not the nation needs so he becomes a revolutionist the time when the thing gets tough. The 2 novels he wrote serve as the start of change in Spanish regime or even ended it. The time when he was executed it added to the growing fire and desire to the other heroes to become independent. All the hard works he did just to tell the people to open their eyes on what is really happening to the nation as a contribution to Rizal as a National Hero.
    Rizal is a big proof of a Filipino whose only intention is to fight for freedom in a silent but powerful way. He also expressed his unconditional love for our country through his poems and novels. He used his intelligence rather than having a revolution. He died knowing that he has done something big for this country. We should learn from them and continue the right things for our country to live the lessons they gave to us.

  • TUBERA, HANNAH QUENNIE
    FIN 131

    Some people said, “Rizal doesn’t deserve to be the national hero of our country” or “what makes Rizal our national hero?” These two statements are just some of those opinions being expressed by Filipinos. So what does it take to be a national hero? Well in fact that there’s really no national hero declared by the law. Jose Rizal has never been conferred to his title but he became the national hero in our hearts and minds. Why is this so? Because he played a significant role in our history, he fought for freedom using a “pluma” in a powerful way and he showed his love for the country. He expressed his love for the Philippines through his novels, essays, articles and poems rather than using violence. And I agree! Through his pen he awakens the Filipinos in dilemma they were in.

    Rizal should be the national hero as he fought well for the country with his mind and his heart. He, being genius, can be used in other countries, but he opt to serve his own. Reasons why he deserve to be a national hero? First, he has high IQ: You can’t just fight without thinking or strategizing. He has high regard to education which makes him a role model of the youth. Second, emotional EQ: His love for the country can be seen not just for being the brain of Katipunan, but also in terms of arts and culture. Who wouldn’t remember the love of Simon? Third, his Patriotism: He has the means to study and just live the life he wants to, but he chose to serve and die for his fellowmen. Jose Rizal isn’t perfect. As a woman, he being polygamous, and the fact that he committed incest is not applaudable. However, we cannot discount the fact that he loves the country until his last breath.

    Sadly, today’s generation were not familiar with our national heroes. They are more on Hollywood actors, characters from the best-selling novel books, superheroes and social medias. We don’t care anymore about the past unless we were required by our professor to research for a certain topic/person from our history. If I would recommend Rizal as a national hero, I would create a blog or social page that will show people how Rizal deserves to be the national hero and what’s good about his works since people nowadays are more on social medias. Filipinos should understand and appreciate why Rizal risked his life for the country.

  • HANNAH QUENNIE TUBERA
    FIN131

    Some people said, “Rizal doesn’t deserve to be the national hero of our country” or “what makes Rizal our national hero?” These two statements are just some of those opinions being expressed by Filipinos. So what does it take to be a national hero? Well in fact that there’s really no national hero declared by the law. Jose Rizal has never been conferred to his title but he became the national hero in our hearts and minds. Why is this so? Because he played a significant role in our history, he fought for freedom using a “pluma” in a powerful way and he showed his love for the country. He expressed his love for the Philippines through his novels, essays, articles and poems rather than using violence. And I agree! Through his pen he awakens the Filipinos in dilemma they were in.

    Rizal should be the national hero as he fought well for the country with his mind and his heart. He, being genius, can be used in other countries, but he opt to serve his own. Reasons why he deserve to be a national hero? First, he has high IQ: You can’t just fight without thinking or strategizing. He has high regard to education which makes him a role model of the youth. Second, emotional EQ: His love for the country can be seen not just for being the brain of Katipunan, but also in terms of arts and culture. Who wouldn’t remember the love of Simon? Third, his Patriotism: He has the means to study and just live the life he wants to, but he chose to serve and die for his fellowmen. Jose Rizal isn’t perfect. As a woman, he being polygamous, and the fact that he committed incest is not applaudable. However, we cannot discount the fact that he loves the country until his last breath.

    Sadly, today’s generation were not familiar with our national heroes. They are more on Hollywood actors, characters from the best-selling novel books, superheroes and social medias. We don’t care anymore about the past unless we were required by our professor to research for a certain topic/person from our history. If I would recommend Rizal as a national hero, I would create a blog or social page that will show people how Rizal deserves to be the national hero and what’s good about his works since people nowadays are more on social medias. Filipinos should understand and appreciate why Rizal risked his life for the country.

  • JOHN CARL P. RENIVA
    FIN131

    There’s a lot of name to be considered as the National Hero of our country. They have their own accomplishment that makes them a hero. Each of us have different thought and opinion about who should really be the National Hero of our country. In every instances there’s only one who will stand out. In my own opinion it is Jose Rizal.

    Jose Rizal is my National Hero. Since grade school it has been inculcated to treat and value Jose Rizal as the National Hero. Until you enter in secondary you still study the work of Rizal. Even when you reach in College you have Rizal subject. It has been part of the tradition admist the questions of his ways of showing patriotism.

    He’s a reflection of all Filipinos. Jose Rizal fought for our freedom in a powerful way. Through his works like novels, poem, etc. most of the Filipino awakened on what’s really happening in our country. A lot of people and other hero have their own way on how they can help the country to meet our freedom. During the time of Rizal, I admire of what he did, with his movement, and advocacies for the country’s freedom.

    Jose Rizal is a hero and serves as a role model. He is a symbol of goodness to everyone. Rizal loves for his country that he sacrifices his own life for his beloved land is a good example for us. He spent most of his life in learning, fighting for his fellowmen. In our generation that kind of characteristic is very rare to find. That’s why my National Hero is Dr. Jose Rizal.

  • LABANG CHRISTINA
    FIN 131

    Several people now a day have a question like why rizal chose as a national hero of the Philippines and not Andres Bonifacio or Juan Luna who also fought for the freedom of the Philippines. I can say that for me a National hero is not just based on sacrificing your life but the way on how to achieve your goals. Hero is not for your own good but also thinking on the better way for the majority. A hero like jose rizal is a good example for all the Filipinos to have a peaceful mind and violence is not the answer all the time. The most important a hero will leave a trace that unforgettable for your country and I believe jose rizal is the precious one.
    The reason on being a hero is not just what you act but what your heart does. Rizal is my national hero of our country because he used his skills and being intelligent in fight for the independence of the country. He fought for the country using his goodness thru poems, essay and novels rather than using physical force. He also gave us freedom using his powerful words to open the eyes of the Filipinos. Jose Rizal should be a National Hero because he protects and thinks the present and the future generations and I saw that while reading some articles about Rizal’s Life.
    Rizal is not just a hero; he is a role model of people in this generation that’s why I really admired him. Rizal should be considered as the National Hero because he offered his life for the sake of nation’s freedom. He does not have any desire but to improve the lives of all the Filipinos. Rizal is a great Filipino so he become entitled as National Hero because his works and aspire for the nation becomes influence by others and also for the next generation. Even though some Filipinos have doubts on being a national hero of jose rizal, they cannot do anything because he is already a national hero of the Philippines.

  • PRINCESS DIMPLE LALATA
    FIN131

    For you to be called a hero, you must sacrifice him/herself for the extricate its people. Dr. Jose Rizal is the epitome of self-sacrifice. He refuses to be saved by Bonifacio’s revolution and instead gives his own life at execution. He enlighten his people about their status in society by writing the Noli Me Tanghere and El Filibusterismo. So for me yes, Dr. Jose Rizal deserves to be our national hero.

    Dr. Jose Rizal became a hero because has a dignity. Instead of relying on the sword, he relied on the dominion of a pen. He produces many novel and poems. He made Filipino realize that they don’t need to use violence for them to achieve their freedom from the Spaniards. He was able to show his countrymen what the Filipino’s are capable of and proves that the ability of the Filipino’s has no limit.

    The other reason why Rizal is our national hero is because he is fighting for freedom. He showed that without the killings they can fight the persecution. He changed how Filipino thought. He is also willing to dye for his country. He used his pen to reveal the veneer of the authorities of Spaniards. In the end his works cost his life. But he knew that his death is not worthless.

  • Anastacio, Roi Vincent

    BSME/ ECE 152

    Rizal does not deserve to be a National Hero one of the reasons is because he is an arrogant person he feel that he can dominate the Spaniards all by his works and he think that he is powerful. He likes to debate and to prove that he is always right, he thinks that all his plans are all successful. He thinks that he can outsmarted the Spaniards he also makes fun with Spaniards, he talk to them like they are a kid. The other reasons is he is so ambitious, as I said he think that all his plans are success and he thinks that by writing a novel he can punish the Spaniards away to the Philippines but he failed. He wants a revolution that’s why he created some groups to have companions to punish the Spaniards but in the end he also failed. The last reason is he is a selfish man, he wants freedom the freedom that also Filipinos also wanted, and he is willing to sacrifice innocents Filipinos for the sake of freedom it was also base on his novel in the character of named Simoun.

    Andres Bonifacio deserves to be a National Hero, he became a great leader of KKK and he is the one that starts the war between Spaniards and we get the freedom that we wanted. Andres admires Rizals so much and he wants to tolerate Rizal, he didn’t know how to write and read but he fight for our freedom. Andres is not afraid to die he fight for the end. Without Andres, I think Philippines is still at Spains hands that’s why he deserves to be a National Hero for me. But without Rizal, I think Andres will not have a will to fight against Spaniards that’s why we need to be thankful to Rizal even he has many failures but he doesn’t give up he worked hard for it even he was accused and sentenced to death. If Rizal doesn’t die I think Andres has no will to ambush the Spaniards at that time. So we are lucky to have a Jose Rizal in this country and accredited as our National Hero.

  • Said, Aman Imam
    FIN131

    There might be many people known for their heroic acts in the history but Jose Rizal is extraordinary. He fought using his paper and ink. This might not sound rational but, with his knowledge and skills in writing, he did great. This method is clean and absolutely influential. This reason is really the reason why he is considered the national hero. He proved that we can fight even without the use of our strength. Knowledge is powerful enough.

    He should be and always will be a hero in the Philippines. Bloodshed, as Rizal once said, is not the only solution to fight in a war. We cannot express everything in our mind through killing. In writing, like how Rizal did it, he expressed every single thought he has to make his point. His words might not hit or kill people in a heartbeat, but it strike people’s heart, thay could even alter minds and affect decisions.

    Rizal’s ways in the Revolutionary days are forceful. He thought of a way to fight for our rights no one could ever think of. He was a natural leader. A leader whom should we patronise. He was a leader who gave us many reason not to give up hope.

  • NOCEDO, DOMINIC
    FIN131

    Dr. Jose P. Rizal is the national hero and for me he will always be a hero because he fought from freedom in a silent but powerful way. He did a very good job for us considering the fact that he had set us all free from slavery. He’s a very good example and an inspiration to us mostly to students, giving us a better education, knowledge and understanding regarding the importance of our history and encourage us to strive more for the progress of our country as we restored independence. So for me, I consider Dr. Jose Rizal as our national hero and here are some other reasons why.

    He displayed unconditional love for his country. There, he chose to return to his motherland instead of escaping and be safe in Spain or in other country because he wanted to help heal the pain this country have. Even though the Katipuneros wanted to save him, he still refused and face the execution. The fruits of his exceptional dedication and conviction to his life’s purpose are seen in our everyday lives. If he hadn’t and among other note-worthy heroes of our history fought for our well-deserved freedom, maybe we’ll still be in the hands of our captors.

    I consider Dr. Jose Rizal as our national hero because he fought through his pen, books and knowledge which made me realized that to be a hero, it doesn’t always need to use guns and swords to fight for what we think is right. With the articles he has written, of which most of the topics discussed were all about slavery and abused, he has touched lives, awakened the people but also provoked Spaniards thus sent him to jail. But even then, he was still fighting not for himself or for his family but more for his people, for us through his ideas, through poems and otber written articles. The fact that he accepted death without hesitation, for me this showed how he really wanted to open the eyes of every Filipino that we should fight for our freedom.

  • CEBALLOS, EDWARD
    FIN131

    First and foremost, let us build an idea of what is the real definition of a “national hero”. A national hero is a person who makes significant contributions to the development of society and is admired for any of a number of qualities, including courage and outstanding achievements. The national hero is seen as a representative of society as a whole. But according to the 1993 Presidential Executive Order No. 75, National Heroes, the men and women of sterling character and remarkable achievements that directed, and continue to direct, the historic destiny of the country. And lastly, a national hero should have been recognized as a hero for his or her role in the history of the country.
    As a student, it is part of our curriculum to study The Life, Works, and Writings of Dr. Jose Rizal. First question I asked to myself – why do we need to study Rizal’s Life, Works, and Writings, is it because the government requires the school to forcedly teach us those? Or is it a way of our government to give inspiration not just to us, students, youth, but to all of us, Filipinos? A hero symbolizes goodness. Jose Rizal became the National hero because he fought from freedom in a silent but in a powerful way. He expressed his love for the Philippines through his novels, essays, articles and poems rather than a force of aggression unlike what Andres Bonifacio and other heroes did. Through all his writings, our ancestors got inspired and are able to ignite the fire inside them, to fight to our freedom as a Filipino, to be freed from those human abuses that the invaders are doing, to fight for our education to know things that invaders does not want us to learn, and to live happily in our own land without violence. So for me, Dr. Jose Rizal is definitely my national hero simple because he was a very amazing person at his time.

    Even if there are so many arguments if whether Rizal should not be the Philippines’ National Hero, he still deserves to be considered as our National Hero. We all know how Rizal persistently fights for our country and in all things he has gone through. He even got executed in an early age. Rizal, as we all know, is a genius with different academic distinctions here in the Philippines and across the globe. But even if Rizal was not here in the Philippines by that time, his sense of nationalism and patriotism is more seen and felt on the pen or writings. Because he believes that writing can be and may be very silent but when it strikes, it can be very hurting and offensive, striking and hitting at the strongest possible point which is by that time it was the Spaniards.

    Rizal once said that the youth is the hope of the fatherland. Actually, what he wanted to say is that the educated youth is the hope of the fatherland because with proper education, we can equip ourselves with solid knowledge that will elevate us to accomplish our moral purpose. Therefore, without education, the youth is not the hope, but becomes the curse of the nation. As Filipinos, as a youth, we should do a lot more. This may seem unfair to tell us since we are still young and still studying, but let me tell you, when we study very well, we do not waste our time and we live up to the dreams of our parents and our teachers – we are also doing a lot for your country. We cannot be soldiers or public officials or be in the government and become a powerful and influential person yet, but our serious dedication to our studies is an act for the good of the country since we become the educated youth.

  • TEÑOSO, ANA JEAN L.
    FIN131

    I think Dr. Jose Protacio Mercado Rizal Y Alonzo deserves to be the country’s foremost national hero because of his achievements. He knew that by writing the Noli Me Tangere and the El Filibuterismo he will exposed the injustices committed by the civil and clerical official would put his life and his family’s life in danger. He did not retract his writings because he was thinking not only of the welfare of the present generations but also of the future generations. Through his novels, Bonifacio and other Katipuneros were inspired. Rizal opened the minds of people.

    At first, he presented the revolution for he was not revolutionary man he did not want bloodshed. All he wanted was a reformation which the government did not grant. He gave his name and even his life for his beloved homeland believing that through his death a new Philippines would be born with the youth as its leader. He is the ideal hero not only because he loved the country, but also because he was willing to give up his life for his country and for his fellow Filipinos. The reason Rizal deserved to be a national hero because he fought from our freedom in a silent but powerful way.

    He was a very amazing person at his time. He was humble fighting for reforms through his writing instead of through a revolution. It was his patriotism, optimism, and undying love for his country and his belief in countrymen which set his apart. I will recommend Dr. Jose Rizal to our generation by encouraging them to study and let our teacher to teach us or we can make a website or video about Rizal by means of social media. By this recommendation, we are reaching our hands or knowledge to the youth.

  • FULGADO, MARIA SHIELLA
    FIN131

    For me, Rizal should be considered as our national hero because he is the root of enlightenment for all Filipinos. He did not want the Philippines to separate from Spain via an armed revolt because he believes that we can achieve liberty in a peaceful way like the pen is mightier than the sword. Everything started with Rizal. The great revolution led by Andres Bonifacio was inspired by Rizal’s writings. His works: The Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo; became powerful and influential in the Philippines and because of that he was hunted down by the Spaniards and got imprisoned a few months after the revolution. The core and main heart of his works focus on liberal ideas of individual rights and freedom for the Filipino people.

    Gladly Rizal possessed great intellect and a passion for learning. I think his life experiences and traveling across Europe helps him to differentiate the cultures and beliefs of each country. And maybe that’s the reason why he comes up with Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. And he also reprinted the annotated success de la Il las Filipinos that proves Philippine culture had value even before the arrival of the Spaniards. This could be the reason that wakes him up to reminds us that we are born Filipinos and born to live in our country and not to be owned by the Spaniards.

    If pepe didn’t do anything and stayed like a puppy during his era, were not entitled as a “Filipino” right now, I think we will remain as “Indio” or a “drudge Spaniard”. Or the Philippines: our very own and beloved country will be a province of Spain. Rizal wants equal rights before the law for both Filipino and Spanish plaintiffs and he died for the freedom of his motherland; our country. He died because he wants to break free from the slavery and cruelty of the Spaniards. And I will thank him forever for awakening the Filipino’s patriotic spirit.

  • GRACILLA R-JAY P.
    CIV151

    During the Spaniards era we could not deny the fact that indeed we need a sort of help to break away from cruelty and abusive acts of the Spanish officials. Hence Rizal is just “ONE OF” among lots of Filipinos who fought for the independence of our beloved land. Legally speaking there is no such thing as National hero of the Philippines. As a matter of fact according to Sara Soliven De Guzman, a writer from The Philippine Star she said “I truly believe that our government must set the record straight and inform all of us the truth that Jose Rizal has NEVER BEEN PROCLAIMED A NATIONAL HERO. Administrations have come and gone and up to this day, they have neglected the educational value of teaching our youth and our people the historical and cultural facts about our country. No wonder we are a confused lot.” In addition to, because they already inculcated to us that Rizal is the commonly known hero we intend to forget the Filipinos who also fought for the independence of the country against the invaders. The administrations failed to bring us the real truth about the heroes of this nation. It seems that Rizal is the only hero who fought for the independence. The administrations seemed to have biases in promoting the heroes of this nation, they gave more emphasis of what Rizal had done to us and they even gave him a annual commemoration of Rizal’s execution which celebrated every 30th of December, they even required us to read his novels and worst to memorize his farewell address to the country, Mi Ultimo Adios while others are being deserted. I admired all of the Filipinos who have fought for the independence of the Philippines, but do not forget that not JUST Jose Rizal who bestowed life for the sovereignty. We all know that Rizal’s way of insurgency is by the used of pen thru his writings to awaken the lethargic nationalism and patriotism of the Filipinos. But the bottom line here is that Rizal could not made possibly conveyed his message if and only if there any one who started to resist the way of mandating the rule of laws among the Filipinos by Spaniards. These heroes who aggressively fought against the Spaniards is really commendable for they have given us the fruit of independent country.

    Though we cannot avoid the present minds of the new generation to internalize if Rizal must still be a hero until now? But at least once in a while we should think critically to choose our deserving so-called “National Hero”. Rizal perhaps fought for the independence through his writings and etc. but not really in progress the war against them. In fact, Filipinos during that time have already known the erroneous system of the Spaniards the only need is to have the leader to ignite the war. Though Rizal has strong Patriotism and Nationalism for the country but we should not set aside also the other heroes who rendered their lives for the country for them to be forgotten. Rizal must not the only one who recognized to be our main hero locally or internationally just because he allegedly successfully conveyed his message for the Filipinos thru his writings of what was the government system does it has. For me, for him to deserve to call a hero locally and globally he must the one who organized the united revolutionary companies during that time. It is not enough to be the basis of enjoying our independence just because of his writings if he really indeed a hero he must stand along the way to defend our country. Like what Andres Bonifacio had done to us to get our independence but not just Andres who deserve to be a hero recognize locally and internationally. Remember Macario Sakay, he joined also the revolution under katipunan of supremo Andres Bonifacio but because bonifacio and together with sakay and others, Bonifacio’s brother and himself was exiled and executed at Maragondon during early Philippine American war. And there is sakay who also fought to continue the revolution just to get the precious sovereignty of the country.

    Sakay was born around 1869 or 1878 along Tabora Street, Tondo, in the City of Manila. An original member of the Katipunan movement, of which he joined in 1894, he fought alongside Andrés Bonifacio against the Spanish throughout the Philippine Revolution. Sakay was one of the founders of the Partido Nacionalista sought to achieve Philippine independence through legal means but the government during that time passed a seditious law, which prohibited any form of propaganda advocating independence. Thus Sakay started again his insurgency. When Aguinaldo surrendered to the US, Sakay seized the leadership of the revolution and declared himself Supreme President of the Tagalog Republic, which he said included all the islands of the Philippines from Luzon to Mindanao. Sakay even plan to kidnap the sister of the American leader here in our country to get the indefendece of the nation but when negotiation started and ended up to have an arrangement between tha government they found out that it was a big betrayal against them and Sakay accused bandolerismo under the Brigandage Act of Nov. 12, 1902, which interpreted all acts of armed resistance to American rule as banditry. Sakay was sentenced to death, and hanged on 13 September 1907. Before his death, he made the following statement:

    “Death comes to all of us sooner or later, so I will face the LORD Almighty calmly. But I want to tell you that we are not bandits and robbers, as the Americans have accused us, but members of the revolutionary force that defended our mother country, the Philippines! Farewell! Long live the Republic and may our independence be born in the future! Long live the Philippines!” He was buried at Manila North Cemetery later that day.

    I commend all the heroes of this nation they deserved to have a single recognition every year. Rizal is indeed is our hero in our mind, heart and soul. His invaluable writings that mirrored realistic happenings in our society indeed helped us to predict the wrong of the past not to replicate again. Rizal is a Hero. Is just that he somehow show his nationalism and patriotism audaciously to Filipinos like what others did to gained the sovereignty of the nation. At last our heroes have common denominator is to protect and to defend our nation against the evil invaders.

  • LACSON KURT ROMMEL
    FIN 131

    1. For me it was Rizal should be considered a hero because he was also much contributed to the country as well as in neighbor and he is brave and he’s smart and educated and he is also the most intelligent heroes because we know he is much. And also Done so he must be considered a national hero because he much knowledge also because her doctor where he was much helpful and medical treatment to follow especially his mother in which he helped the mother. But was so Dr. Jose Rizal is considered a hero because there saying the child is the hope of the nation because it is also wise to tell the children and they are also much hope because you telling Dr. Jose Rizal should be considered.

    2. For me so Dr. Jose Rizal should be considered a hero because he is intelligent and helped others because he is intelligent and educated more particularly he will have done so because of the study should be considered heroes because he is many knowledge to our any other things. And so should the Rizal considered a national hero because he was good and clever and he informed much of anything and he should be considered a hero because he was one of the great heroes and wise because he so much to do that even. For me so he should also be considered national hero because he is very good hero because he was wise and good to help others and also because many doctors who helped him.

    3. For Dr. Jose Rizal is should be considered a national hero because he is a very smart and educated and also he is an educated because he was much studied. And he also held the first ever’ve done studies and he is the most intelligent hero because he is more educated and many helped both because he is a good fellow which is clever and also he is a create the noli me tangere el filibusterismo.

  • DOCTOLERO, PAUL ALEXIS
    FIN131

    My first experience of Rizal was when I was a child, through a one-peso coin. I would buy candy, junk food or plastic balloon and I noticed there is Rizal on a peso coin and finally I met José Rizal in Luneta Park when I was in Grade three in our educational trip the tour guide told us that Rizal is our National Hero and he was executed in that place. Later on, until I reached my third year high school there is Rizal once again in our Filipino subject. At that time, I’m questioning myself. Who is Jose Rizal in our country? What is his contribution? And Why he is our National Hero? My Filipino teacher introduced a little bit Rizal’s Life and works to us and she said he wrote a two famous novels and these are Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. These novels really amazed me because I’ve seen his heroism behind those books. Rizal wanted independence for the Philippines because the Spain was very powerful that time. His work became influential in the Philippines, and he was hunted down by authorities and imprisoned a few months after the revolution began late 1896.

    I think few Filipinos read his poetry few Filipino read his essays. He is all over the place, all over the landscape. Everybody knows he died for the Philippines but that is all. This is an example of veneration without understanding. I remembered I’ve read an article about Jose Rizal he said how will the Spaniards respect us if we don’t respect ourselves? He learned from going abroad was the idea of liberalism. Here he realized that a person has rights to be enjoyed within a society. And he didn’t see this enjoyed by the Filipinos in the Philippines because we were a colony of Spain. I guess the antagonist that time was the friar. That’s a very liberal idea, which you find very much in the Noli Me Tangere. Liberalism doesn’t like authority. When you read the Noli more carefully there you see that there is a deeper question that Rizal is trying to answer. It’s a personal thing if you look at Ibarra, he changes after his weeks in Fort Santiago. When you read the last chapter of El Filibusterismo, whom does Father Florentino condemn? Filipinos. If in Noli Me Tangere, he was still full of hope, in El Fili his view of life darkened. Rizal’s probably saying that the revolution won’t succedd if it’s rooted on personal interest. His love for country, his thinking that we all must have a sense of purpose.

    Rizal’s last four years, from 1892 to 1896 were spent in Dapitan. We can say that we got to know a different side of Rizal there. He had his school. He picked the best students and he was teaching them for free. He gave free medical services to the poor. He was really a man of projects. That is what’s fascinating about Rizal. He was able to get more out 24 hours than most of us. Perhaps in Dapitan he realized that it’s not only through political aspects that we can change the Philippines. Perhaps he thought that many other things or aspects in society can be focused on, and that he can contribute his efforts and skills to make those changes come true.

  • Yes, Jose Rizal because he fought for the freedom of Filipinos in a silent but strong way. Love for the Philippines through his novels, essay, and works. Rizal only used pen fighting foreign invaders but still Rizal was still selected to be the national hero of the Philippines. His humble opinion is truly an acceptable reason why Rizal is chose to be the national Hero. He did not think his personal interest but for the sake of our country.
    Jose Rizal used pen against the weapons of the foreign invaders because he chose to have a silent war and not a bloody war he thinks that is the only way to gain freedom. He died for our freedom though he doesn’t know what will happen after he died. I’ve never heard anyone fought for the right of our country the way he did. He showed to us the pen is mightier than sword or bullets and his power came from his mind.
    Personally, I admire Dr. Jose Rizal because he made a difference to the country to have that freedom. He truly inspired most of Filipino with his intelligence because most of the Filipinos strive really hard for the better life. I am thankful for what he did if Rizal did not fought for our freedom I think we are still in the hands of the foreign invaders.

  • Mariella Antonette E. Yacon
    FIN131

    Yes, Jose Rizal because he fought for the freedom of Filipinos in a silent but strong way. Love for the Philippines through his novels, essay, and works. Rizal only used pen fighting foreign invaders but still Rizal was still selected to be the national hero of the Philippines. His humble opinion is truly an acceptable reason why Rizal is chose to be the national Hero. He did not think his personal interest but for the sake of our country.
    Jose Rizal used pen against the weapons of the foreign invaders because he chose to have a silent war and not a bloody war he thinks that is the only way to gain freedom. He died for our freedom though he doesn’t know what will happen after he died. I’ve never heard anyone fought for the right of our country the way he did. He showed to us the pen is mightier than sword or bullets and his power came from his mind.
    Personally, I admire Dr. Jose Rizal because he made a difference to the country to have that freedom. He truly inspired most of Filipino with his intelligence because most of the Filipinos strive really hard for the better life. I am thankful for what he did if Rizal did not fought for our freedom I think we are still in the hands of the foreign invaders.

  • DOPEÑO, KRISTINE JADE
    FIN131

    I think that Dr. Jose Rizal is fit to be our national hero. Many of us thinks that he should be replaces but i believe that a hero symbolizes bravery. And Rizal fought for our country in a very simple but very powerful way. For me, he still should be out national hero because he possesses all that trait.

    Nowadays, there are also a lot of potential national heroes to represent our country. But still, Rizal is my national hero. His life and works have influenced a lot of people. It had helped them to be aware about what was really happening back then. His addition to creating a life of order and giving freedom to our country is what makes him my hero.

    Like us, Rizal was also inspired when he was trying to defend and give us independence. The people now should also be inspired and not forget what was the reason why Rizal fought for them until he die. I know he wasn’t perfect but fighting for our liberty without having to ask for in return is very admiring for me.

  • 1.A hero symbolizes goodness, braveness ingenuity and humbleness. That is what Jose Rizal made of and why I consider him as my national hero because he posses the traits of a hero like humble, intelligent, strong, courageous and etc. Jose Rizal is my national hero because he fought for our rights using his intelligent through his work particulary known as the “Noli Me Tangere”and “Elfilibusterismo”. Through his work he wakes the filipino people to speak out and fight. He fought our freedom in a silent but yet power way.Jose Rizal is my national hero because he fight for what he think is right and help those people without expecting any exchange.

    2.It is given that all who have mame a significant change in a good way to us is a hero.For me Apolinario Mabini is in the 2nd place because he show to us that having desability is not a hendrance to help other. I am being amaze that despite what is his condition he became a leader. Maybe a leader not capable of fighting us with a hand to hand combat but a leader that shows being genius is a weapon.

    Jose Rizal is not a national hero because there was no official declaration that he is the national hero.

    Jose Rizal is not a national hero because for me he is a womanizer according to what i have read.

    Jose Rizal is not a national hero because for me all the heroes have a big factor with the freedom we have today and all of them must be recognize.

    Despite of this reasons still Jose Rizal is a national hero because until know his works still inspire the filipino to fight for the right.

  • ABEDES, CLIFFORD
    FIN131

    I think for me Jose Rizal should be considered a hero even he has a lot of girls. Because his novel is the instrument to fight or waking up why the Filipino stands for their rights. And he is brave as well. He is smart and educated. He fought from freedom in a silent but powerful way. He expressed his love for the Philippines through his novels, essays, articles and poems rather than a force of aggression.

    He was awesome person. He was humble, fighting for reforms through his writings instead of through a revolution. He used his intelligence, talents and skills in a form of more peaceful way. Because of his novel the Philippine revolution led by Andres Bonifacio was fueled by the writings of Jose Rizal, the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Everything started with our national hero Jose Rizal. Philippine Revolution against Spain.

    And for me he is should be a national hero because he makes significant contributions to the development of society and he admired for any of a number of qualities, including courage and outstanding achievements. Dr. Jose Rizal is different from other Filipino heroes because he fought in a different manner. He believes that Pen is mightier than the sword because he is smart and educated this is his weapon against the Colonial.

  • For you to be a hero in the country, you must take an admirable part in any remarkable action or event, distinguished valor, and fortitude in suffering. Truly that Dr. Jose Rizal is the one who brought himself to the title of being a Philippine National Hero because of his aspiration for the country. His wisdom, optimism, and patriotism gives us light that guide us towards new dawn against Spanish tyranny. With a use of ink and sober scent of paper he awakened the Filipino nationalistic spirit from its blind consciousness without any spill of blood and physical rage. Definitely, he is an unquestionable hero.

    In modern days, most of the people are arguing whether it is Dr. Jose Rizal or Andres Bonifacio who really deserves to be in the title of being National Hero. Again, for one to be a hero, one must sacrifice him/herself for the liberation and both are qualified with these standards. Andres Bonifacio, fought the Spaniards in the battlefield fearlessly. However, when troops defeated he usually goes off and save himself because for him, the people’s leader must remain alive at the end of the battle rather than sacrifice life. In the otherway, Jose Rizal is the epitome of that self-sacrifice. He sacrifices his quiet and almost lavish life (In his time) to master the art of using his foresight and exercise his prudence to create solution to societal problems in a diplomatic way. This lead to his two novels which are Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo that enlightened Filipinos about autocracy of Spaniards in the country. Consequently, he was convicted three charges of rebellion, sedition and conspiracy leading to his heroic death.

    Dr. Jose Rizal didn’t came up to be a National Hero because of standards set by authorities but by his undying love to the country to the point that he abandoned his personal interests for his Filipino fellowmen. In fact, if he want to have prosperous life, he can be by means of his personal progress. Be with his family and stay with his fortunate private life, but he did not. He gave up everything. For the future of the country. For the future of us. And that’s the essence of being a National Hero.

  • ENCOMIENDA, ANGELICA
    FIN131

    During the American Period there is a criteria to become a National Hero. A National hero must be a Filipino. He/She is already dead. He displayed unconditional love for his/her country. He was a low temper and he had died dramatically.

    Yes, Rizal is my definitive hero. First of all he passed the criteria to become a National hero. Second, he fought for freedom in a silent but powerful way. He wrote novels, articles, poems and essays to express his love for our country rather than using force, and instead of revolution he fought for reforms through his writings.

    Dr. Jose Rizal is the one and foremost National Hero that all filipinos should consider because Rizal himself, his nation and his people are the ones who contributed all together to make him our greatest hero and martyr. He has his own unique way to fight for freedom. Besides, if he hadn’t fought for our well-deserved freedom maybe until now we are still in the hands of the spaniards or our captors. That’s why his excellent qualities as a person made him our foremost National Hero.

  • Fin131
    Meg castillo
    It has been taught at schools ever since the beginning that our country was colonized by the Spaniards for a span of 300 years. Luckily for our country, we managed to escape their grasp, but how exactly did we attain it? We attained it with the help of courageous heroes from the time – one of those heroes actually ended up as our national hero. That person was the poet named Jose P. Rizal.

    Despite being proclaimed and accepted as out country’s national hero, questions and arguments regarding this title still remains amongst Filipinos. Does he really deserve the title? Or does the title belong to another martyr from those times?

    Subjectively speaking, I think that Jose P. Rizal actually does deserve the prestigious title. Although he did not engage in physical battles, his intelligence had a great impact on the revolution that paved our way to freedom. His mere intellect enabled him to provoke the Spaniards which led to his captivity which ultimately led to his quite infamous death.

    Now let’s think about things objectively. Many might say that Rizal, when compared to other heroes such as Bonifacio, didn’t risk his life fighting in the bloody battlefields nor did he manage to kill a single Spaniard. Despite this, the fact still remains that his works were the ones that sparked up the patriotism in the hearts of Filipinos – without his works, the revolution might have not even started.

    Yes, there are many martyrs out there that risked their life for the freedom of our country. Yes, there are also many heroes out there that led the people to freedom. But the fact that Rizal’s works were able to inform the people of that time about what is truly going on in our country and the fact that those same works were able to educate us about our history while at the same time preserving our history, is enough to make him our national hero.

  • VILLAFLOR, DAVE ANN P.
    FIN131

    Dr. Jose Rizal sacrifices his love and a quiet life to help and fight for the freedom of our country. He protected Filipinos against Spaniards for the rights of his countrymen. He uses his own fortune, time and effort to care, he did not care about himself but rather cared more about helping his country.

    Since Spain was controlling the Philippines, he wanted to have the Filipinos rule their own country. He wanted to do that peacefully without war or fighting. He deserves to be our National Hero because of his life works and heroic deeds. Such an inspiration to every Filipinos because he strive against Spaniards using his own knowledge to express his words and not in a way of killing. He defends dignity of Filipinos not to rule by the Spaniards but to rule their own country.

    Why Dr. Jose Rizal deserve to be our National hero? Because will never understand the current situation of our country if Rizal didn’t sacrifice his own life and knowledge. What we are today is because of Rizal heroic deeds, so that our country can be pass on from generations to generations.

  • JULIAN, KRISHA ANNE C.
    FIN131

    We can say that only few Filipinos have the capability or have the courage to fight the perpetrators. Among this few brave men, why Rizal stood out and became our national hero although they have done the same thing for the country to free us from the Spaniards. Dr. Jose Rizal proclaimed as Philippine’s national hero also because of his love for the Philippines. Based on what I have learned on my subjects related to Rizal, I think I must say that yes I agreed that Jose Rizal is our national hero. Jose Rizal is known for his bravery in fighting for the freedom of his countrymen.

    He was humble, fighting for reforms through his writings instead of a revolution. He used his intelligence, talents and skills in concentrating more with the needs of others than his own needs. His two novels, the Noli me Tangere and the El Filibusterismo also plays an important role because it is the eye opener for the Filipinos. That now is the right time to fight for their independence. The books of Jose Rizal showed the real situation of the Philippines and also represents the struggle of the nation against the abuse of the colonizers.

    Rizal is different from other Filipino heroes because he fought in a different manner. He fought from freedom in a silent but powerful way and not with revolution. The fact that he accepted death without hesitation, for me this showed how he really wanted to open the eyes of every Filipino that we should fight for our freedom. He accepted death because he knew to himself that he didn’t commit any crime that he only wants the freedom of Filipinos. He deserve to be a hero because he died for the Filipinos, he accepted death for us, and he did it for us.

  • CLEMENTE WHENDELLE JOSHUA – FIN131

    Is Rizal your National Hero?
    Is this even a question to ask? Of course Dr. Jose P. Rizal is my National Hero.
    He fought for our country using paper and pen.
    He travel and travel and travel to gain knowledge and use it to fight the spaniards.
    His dedication and passion to save our country is something we must be proud of.

    The novels and works of Dr. Jose P. Rizal is still alive in the present times.
    He used these novels to exposed the heinous crime and unjust corruption of the spaniard during his time.
    He even exposed their secrets and the bad filipinos helping the spaniards.
    He helped our country break the chains binding us during the reign of the spaniards.
    Can you still imagine what will happened to this country if Jose Rizal didn’t step up? Our will country will be over.

    Nowadays people know who Jose P. Rizal is, but do they know the works and life of Rizal?
    The teachers should embark the teachings of rizal, let the students embrace and be inspired.
    We should not forget the people behind the sucess of our country.
    Be inspired and learn from those peope.
    No one can replace the current national hero, Jose Rizal.

  • BALIDAY, ERIKA KEISHA R.
    FIN131

    Being declared as a national hero is a huge responsibility since you have to be a role model to the younger generations, your footsteps will be followed and will be used as a guide for a brighter and better tomorrow. Your achievements and dedication on doing what is right to fight against the wrong will be acknowledged. He, who was declared as the national hero, shall embody the whole nation and your characteristics shall serve as a standard for your fellowman. For you to be called as a hero, you shall possess qualities not just only physically but mentally and emotionally as well. Your willingness to sacrifice your life for the sake of other people and for the freedom of the country shall be set in your mind.

    We have a huge number of heroes in the country, those who fought and gave up their lives in the name of glory and freedom of our country. Filipinos shouldn’t put all the spotlight on Dr. Jose Rizals life and works alone (although he was the eye opener of many Filipino revolutionaries), because he was not the only Filipino who fought and die for our country. We have General Luna who did nothing but to continuously fought for the freedom of our country against the Americans who invaded us, Lapu-Lapu who have resist the colonization of Spaniards, the people who joined the revolutionary against the countries who attempted to colonize the Philippines and the other underrated native heroes who have accomplished something for our country. Schools should’ve discuss the heroism and contributions of all the Filipino heroes in attaining the freedom of our country today and not only on focusing on Rizal’s life. They have different tactics on how to protect our land from invaders, but still some of them don’t get the recognition they deserved.

    As other people say “not all heroes wear capes”, because most of them have abandoned their families to fought for the freedom of the country and are willing to die on a war zone than doing nothing to protect the country. Most of them have been abducted from their homes in the middle of the night, threatening their families to be burned alive just to become slaves leaving them with no choice but to surrender. Many of them have died from starvation and abused with a prayer in their hands; silver metal blade that ends their miserable life. All of our considered heroes possess patriotism, bravery and is god fearing that I considered as the most essential characteristics of a national hero.

    Dr. Jose Rizal is not the national hero, but ONE OF THE MANY native filipino heroes.

  • PEÑARANDA, ERMIE
    FIN131

    We all know that we Filipinos are well-known for our bravery and strong patriotism towards our country. Although we’ve been colonized and valued several times, Filipinos and their nationalism lead over land to achieve freedom and independence. There are individuals who sacrificed their lives not only for their fellowmen but also for their beloved country itself. They are our “heroes”. Among them, the person I considered as the best is Jose Rizal.

    I chose Jose Rizal as my national hero because he fought in a different way from others. He used quill, ink and paper instead of sword and shield. He exposed corruption and anomalies of the government through his novels. He sacrificed his family’s safety for his fellowmen. All of his doings made Rizal is best among the rest.

    Jose Rizal taught us that fighting is not all about firing guns and wielding swords. He taught us that even though we’re just normal people, we can do something if its for our country. He broaden the definition of bravery. Rizal made me realized that being a hero is all about being a hero on your own. And I think that’s the best thing I’ve ever learned from him and made him became the national hero of the Philippines.

  • Malabanan, Aron Joshua D.
    CIV151

    For me, Dr. Jose Rizal is not the national hero because, first of all, I think he is not brave enough to fight against the Spaniards. Not pertaining to fight physically but literarily, some of his writings are written in pseudonyms. He used more Spanish in his writings rather than his own language maybe because he is more comfortable to use that kind of dialect. Next reason is about his loyalty to our country, long time ago, he wanted Spain to have the Philippines as its overseas province, he is against all forms of independence because the Indios during that time don’t have enough learnings/education. By that sense, he wanted Spain to have control over the Philippines, like he is degrading all of the Filipinos. Last reason would be because there was no national hero of the Philippines at all. According to a statement, “The reformist writer Jose Rizal, today generally considered the greatest Filipino hero and often given as the Philippine national hero, has never been explicitly proclaimed as the (or even a) national hero by the Philippine government. No law, executive order or proclamation has been enacted or issued officially proclaiming any Filipino historical figure as a national hero.”
    I think that if Dr. Jose Rizal is not the national hero of the Philippines, then it should be Andres Bonifacio. It is because he did more heroic things than Rizal, not because he fought physically with his sword, but because of his intention to give freedom to the Philippines. Because I think Dr. Jose Rizal just wanted to have an innovation for our country which is the reason why he wanted Spain to have control over the Philippines. Both have done a huge impact for our country, both died with honor. But I think that that the motive of Andres Bonifacio, which is for the Philippines to get rid of the Spaniards and be an independent country with a government run by the Filipinos, is more acceptable and important for me as a Filipino because I also don’t want to be ruled by others in my own country.
    I am not against the goal of Dr. Jose Rizal, I’m just stating my opinion on this particular issue. Of course, he is still the known hero of this country. So much respect to him for awakening the NATIONALISM of every Filipino citizen. All of those who suffered and died for the country are also our heroes. They might not be recognized individually, but at least they have done not just something, but everything for the sake of our country. Commended, all of you guys!

  • Tarol, Jade Carlo M.
    ECE 152

    1.
    Why do i think Jose P. Rizal is not deserving as a “National Hero” is because, He did not totally fight for the freedom of our beloved country. What he only wanted for the people of the Philippines, who the Spaniards called indios, is to be treated equal with the Spaniards. But at the end, Dr. Jose P. Rizal did not get what he wanted. He does not deserve the title “National Hero” because first, Dr. Jose P. Rizal didn’t want to fight for our freedom. He just wanted to study and get a doctors degree to cure his mother’ disease/illness. And for me, Dr. Jose P. Rizal is not a true hero unlike Lapu-Lapu who fought Magellan in a bloody war and won the battle to stop them from conquering the islands of the Philippines.

    2.
    The deserving of the title “National Hero” for me is Gat. Andres Bonifacio because like Lapu-lapu, he was who a good leader and a brave person. At the young age, Gat. Andres Bonifacio witnessed the cruelty of the Spaniards that’s where he got his courage to fight for the freedom. He led many revolts and was not scared of the Spaniards. And because he wanted to fight for the freedom of the Filipinos, he founded a secret propaganda against the Spaniards and was called “KKK”.

    And i think those are the reasons why Gat. Andres Bonifacio deserves to be a “National Hero”.

    3.
    Dr. Jose P. Rizal can still be considered a hero because he wrote many novels depicting the life and suffering of the Filipinos under the regime of Spain. Because of it, the Spanish government was insulted. Although he fought the Spanish government through writing, because of it he lost his life.

  • DOMINGO, KING RICHMOND B.
    CIV151

    Why Dr. Jose Rizal is not my national hero? First of all my definition of a “Hero” is one who is willing to fight the enemy face to face and willing to fight until his death. And yes indeed that rizal do the same but not in real action. He just hide, study and observe what does Spaniards do to filipinos before. He just wrote a book/novel describing what is the reality behind the Spaniards do to us. And he just travel to different nation to not be caught by the Spaniards. What kind of National hero is that? Leaving behind those people who are fighting the spaniards with their life. For me this act is like a betrayal. Eventhough rizal was commanded by his brother. rizal should have reject his brother’s command if he really wants to help his nation and the freedom of the country. And it’s a bit shame to have a national hero but have played girls feelings.

    The real hero loves his country and will not run just because of what his brother wants to. If he really wants to fight the spaniards before he should’ve stick to his brother and help to with his intelligence he has. With that intelligence he can guide those katipuneros to what they will do. And for me Andres bonifacio should be the national hero because of what they had done and achieve. Because of them there is a red sun with eight shining yellow rays in the philippine national flag. It’s becuase of there revolution that the katipuneros opposed.

    If rizal just stay to philippines and help his brother and the katipunan in the fight to spaniards. Maybe i should say that he is really indeed a national hero of the philippine history. if he just used his intelligence to help our fellow filipino in the fight i’ll consider him as the national hero.

  • DANN HENRY C. IGHARAS
    ECE 152

    1.
    Dr. Jose Rizal is a real famous people. Maybe that is the reason why h egot the title of being the National Hero but when it comes to accomplishments, there are some who are more deserving of that title. Some of his novels becomes the cause why a lot of people die in the hands of the spanish. Because of believing on what was written on the novels, filipinos didnt think on what may happen to them if they believe in everything thats being wrote on the novels. They just do it and results to their daeth. Another reason is that he is not a good model for everyone. Example is, he didint get contented with only one girl. Also, even though most of us know how smart he is, he uses his being samart just to talk sarcastic and it is not a good attitude of a National Hero. He let the filipinos to disrespect the others like spanish which is not a good attitude. A real National Hero is the one who really love his country. The one who didnt leave his country during the time the people of the country needed him the most. Not the one who prefers to go to other country, to study there and escape on what is happening on his own country. Not to a person who do things to help to his country but being safe while staying in a far place and stay away from danger. Not a person who becomes famous because he finishes his study in other country and go back to his own country when its late. When a lot of people give their own lives because of what their are fighting. And not a person who just write everything he believes in his novels and doesnt even risk his own life for his countrymen. That is why for me, Dr. Jse Rizal doesnt deserve for the title of National Hero.

    2.
    For me, instead of Dr. Jse Rizal be the National Hero. Andres Bonifacio deserve more for that title. Because he is expressive and vocal. He is not like Dr. Jose Rizal who go to other country to study and stay away from danger. Andres Bonifacio is a real brave man. He encourages everyone who wants to come with him to fight for their freedom. He didnt left and hide just to stay safe but the spanish for what is right. Andres Bonifacio is a good man, although he is so brave, he doesnt have the attitude of being a sarcastic and womanizer like Dr. Jose Rizal. That is why for me, Andres Bonifacio deserve the National Hero title.

    3.
    But still, we cant denie that Dr. Jose Rizal really deserve the title of being the National Hero. He is the only one who write novels againts spanish. I idolize him because of that just the use of novels he wrote, he influenced his countrymen to believe on what he really thinks is right. His writings that about on how spanish people treat the filipinos. On how superior the spanish on that time. That even the novels of Dr. Jose Rizal are stopped the publishing. They imprison Dr. Jose Rizal but it doesnt stop him to write novels for filipinos. That is how Dr. Jose Rizal love the filip

  • Par, Bryll Christian C.
    Civ 151

    Dr. Jose Rizal as our Philippine national hero was the thought that has been planted to my brain ever since i was young. His greatness, his achievements, and his sacrifices. Everything that he has done for the freedom that our country is experiencing today, despite what i currently know about him one question in my mind remains unanswerable, is Dr. Jose Rizal worthy to become our national hero? or is their someone else much worthy than him but doesn’t receive the same compliment and admiration as he did?

    As I grow and progress, and as my eyes open to the world from its previous and current state. From the time when the Spaniards stand tall to our native land, when they are abusing their power treated us Filipinos as their slaves and threatened anyone who will who dare contradicts their beliefs, time when they have taken our freedom away from each and everyone of us.

    Dr Jose Rizal truly is a genius at his profession to what he does and to everything that he has proven from his achievements and contribution for our country’s freedom but a national hero in my own perspective must be physically and mentally superior from everyone, he must be a model, a person who can lead us, who is respected and ready to sacrifice his life with no hesitations, to protect our country no matter what.

    For me Rizal’s attitude towards things contradicts what I believe in, for someone to attain the title as our national hero he must first be sure to himself about the consequences of his actions, with stone like principles, to fight for what he wants our country to achieve, to never go back on his words, not scared to face death knowing that his actions will benefit his beloved countrymen.

    Rizal lacks on other aspects such as his presence in the battle field to our men the presence of someone who is respected and a symbol that motivation everyone will surely drive them to victory, but of course Rizal is more logical knowing that he is the root of the revolution he will never give them the chance to exterminate and to destroy our movement.

    Another reason is him being a womanizer I have learned that because of this trait Rizal almost comes to the point where he will give up his own dignity and even his principle which he holds for a long time just to be with a girl to be with Josephine bracken.

    Lastly his way of fighting in every term action speaks louder than words. I may sound arrogant on what I have commented but this doesn’t mean that Rizal is not a worthy hero, what I am saying is that there are other heroes who deserved the spot more than he does who I’m saying is Lapu-Lapu

    Lapu-Lapu is a symbol of superiority a leader who is respected and can lead his men to victory thought his strategies and physical gifts. who can range in battle stands tall to his words not afraid to risk his own life for the country and a person who never goes back from his words.

  • Allyssa Estanio
    CIV151

    What does it takes to become a national hero? should he have a degree? should he die dramatically? or should he show unconditional love and patriotism to his country? Does Jose Rizal worthy of being our national hero?

    We all have different images of our own hero, we have different perspectives and opinions. For some a hero must have a muscular physique and undeniable strength, or he maybe someone that have a super power to take down all the villains, or maybe just a person living a simple life but made a great invention that changed our daily lives. A hero doesn’t need a super power or to have a degree or diploma, he doesn’t need to be strong or smart, because for me a hero is someone who doesn’t afraid to have nothing because he is willing to give his all, a hero someone that will stand up for what he is fighting for, someone that will choose to stand up for what is right, what is true. A true hero is brave, he fears no one but God.

    I respect Jose Rizal, I have read his works, his biography, in fact in every single history class I have attended he was honored. He have a heart for the poor, he loves his country,he is intelligent and I do idolized him. Yes he enlighten us, he open the eyes of the Filipinos back then, but after all he will only stand as my role model but never my hero. He wrote and exposed the corruption of the Spaniards and the government of his era, he could do more than that but chose to stop there. He is not my hero because first I believe that he became a national hero because he is from a wealthy and well-known family, he have studied abroad and have friends that is influential to the government on those days when actually there could be someone that is much deserving but is not famous as he is, second because as I say he just focused on his writings when on the other side he could have done more, and lastly because he actually isn’t aiming for this country’s freedom but autonomy, all he wanted was for us to become a Spaniard’s colony.

    I would like to recommend no specific person to became our national hero, because I do believe that anyone can. Heidi Mendoza, she risked her life to stand up for the truth, she exposed the supposed corruption in the military, Muelmar Magallanes he sacrificed his life to save 30 people during the holocaust of Ondoy, our soldiers who died fighting for us just like the Fallen 44, people who vowed to protect our country, people who doesn’t make it back to their family,parents who is willing to do anything and to give everything for their children. The sacrifices of this people will always be remembered and honored. They are my true heroes people who inspires, people who sacrifices, people that is brave.

    Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda a person that died with honor. He have done his job right, maybe what he did is all he can, I won’t give a comment for him to still be the national hero, because as I say anyone can be.

  • Patricia Mae D. Santos
    CIV151

    Yes, Jose Rizal truly deserves to be our national hero. He was a versatile individual who had a pleasing character and the love to people, especially to the misfortunate ones. This is just some of Rizal’s traits that prove his heroic deeds to our country. Rizal did not fight through guns and swords, but fought through his pen, books, and knowledge instead. He fought for himself, his family, but more of his fellowmen through his ideas, poems, and other articles.

    The Philippine revolution led by Andres Bonifacio was fueled by the writings of Jose Rizal, the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, which made a more lasting impression. Everything started with Rizal. Philippines Revolution against Spain started what was known as the First Republic led by Amilio Aguinaldo. For Rizal, violence or armed resistance only as a last resort and considered the restoration of the people’s dignity as a justification means of achieving national liberation and self rule. On the other hand, Filipinos are also grateful to Andres Bonifacio’s legacy, his advocacy to an armed revolution. We credit bboth Rizal and Bonifacio to have awakened the Filipino’s patriotic spirit.

    But whether a national hero or not, he did a very good job for us considering the fact that he had set us all free from slavery and better education. He’s very good example and an inspiration to us, most especially to students because of his intelligence and boldness. He was not a traitor. He had faced death with boldness. He had proven the saying goes, “A pen is mightier than sword”.

  • Krisvan Ponti
    CIV 151

    Why is Rizal your National hero?
    A hero symbolizes goodness.Jose Rizal became the National hero because he fought from freedom in a silent but powerful way. He expressed his love for the Philippines through his novels,essays,articles and poems rather than a force of aggression he was a very amazing person at his time.
    He was a humble.fighting for reforms through his writing instead of through a revolution.he used his intelligence ,talent and skill in a for more peaceful way.Rizal became a National hero because he passed the criteria during the american period- he must be Filipino.He is already dead.He displayed unconditional love for his country. he was a low temper. He died dramatically.Jose Rizal Became a National hero of the Philippines as a reformist who advocated peacefully for liberty rather than violent means.He was forerunner of Gandhi and along with Sum Yat Sen and Tagone,The thought climate will change throughout Asia.His work and the work of others led to the attrition of colonialism

    3 reason
    1)Dr.Jose Rizal is a hero and political martyr who consecrated hos life for the redemption of his oppressed people.No wonder he is now acclaimed as the National hero of the Philippines.

    2)Today we enjoy more freedom and material advantages all thanks to the revolutionary heroes like Rizal,Our National hero,Who led them all in the nobility if his character and life ,the applications of his talent ,and the sacrifice of his life.

    3)Rizal is acknowledge to be “the Greatest Malayan”and to this,the malaysian government feted the Notional hero with an international conference on Rizal in 1996 and other Nation continue to hold him in high esteem.

    Andres bonifacio was a Filipino revolutionary leader, called “the Greate Plebeian”and the father of the Philippines revolution”.
    he is also the”Father of Katipunan”.He fight for our country with the ise of swords and strenght against

  • Why is Rizal your National hero?
    A hero symbolizes goodness.Jose Rizal became the National hero because he fought from freedom in a silent but powerful way. He expressed his love for the Philippines through his novels,essays,articles and poems rather than a force of aggression he was a very amazing person at his time.
    He was a humble.fighting for reforms through his writing instead of through a revolution.he used his intelligence ,talent and skill in a for more peaceful way.Rizal became a National hero because he passed the criteria during the american period- he must be Filipino.He is already dead.He displayed unconditional love for his country. he was a low temper. He died dramatically.Jose Rizal Became a National hero of the Philippines as a reformist who advocated peacefully for liberty rather than violent means.He was forerunner of Gandhi and along with Sum Yat Sen and Tagone,The thought climate will change throughout Asia.His work and the work of others led to the attrition of colonialism

    3 reason
    1)Dr.Jose Rizal is a hero and political martyr who consecrated hos life for the redemption of his oppressed people.No wonder he is now acclaimed as the National hero of the Philippines.

    2)Today we enjoy more freedom and material advantages all thanks to the revolutionary heroes like Rizal,Our National hero,Who led them all in the nobility if his character and life ,the applications of his talent ,and the sacrifice of his life.

    3)Rizal is acknowledge to be “the Greatest Malayan”and to this,the malaysian government feted the Notional hero with an international conference on Rizal in 1996 and other Nation continue to hold him in high esteem.

    Andres bonifacio was a Filipino revolutionary leader, called “the Greate Plebeian”and the father of the Philippines revolution”.
    he is also the”Father of Katipunan”.He fight for our country with the ise of swords and strenght against

  • Why is Rizal your National hero?
    A hero symbolizes goodness.Jose Rizal became the National hero because he fought from freedom in a silent but powerful way. He expressed his love for the Philippines through his novels,essays,articles and poems rather than a force of aggression he was a very amazing person at his time.
    He was a humble.fighting for reforms through his writing instead of through a revolution.he used his intelligence ,talent and skill in a for more peaceful way.Rizal became a National hero because he passed the criteria during the american period- he must be Filipino.He is already dead.He displayed unconditional love for his country. he was a low temper. He died dramatically.Jose Rizal Became a National hero of the Philippines as a reformist who advocated peacefully for liberty rather than violent means.He was forerunner of Gandhi and along with Sum Yat Sen and Tagone,The thought climate will change throughout Asia.His work and the work of others led to the attrition of colonialism

    3 reason
    1)Dr.Jose Rizal is a hero and political martyr who consecrated hos life for the redemption of his oppressed people.No wonder he is now acclaimed as the National hero of the Philippines.

    2)Today we enjoy more freedom and material advantages all thanks to the revolutionary heroes like Rizal,Our National hero,Who led them all in the nobility if his character and life ,the applications of his talent ,and the sacrifice of his life.

    3)Rizal is acknowledge to be “the Greatest Malayan”and to this,the malaysian government feted the Notional hero with an international conference on Rizal in 1996 and other Nation continue to hold him in high esteem.

    who should be in second place? and why?

    Andres bonifacio was a Filipino revolutionary leader, called “the Greate Plebeian”and the father of the Philippines revolution”.
    he is also the”Father of Katipunan”.He fight for our country with the ise of swords and strenght against the Spanish colony.

  • Jeniña San Juan

    Jose Rizal is known as the Philippine national hero. But, what did he do for our country to be worth as a national hero? We all know that Rizal has a rich family, that’s why he had a tutor when he was a kid, study in a prestigous school and can afford study abroad. Since, his family have money, he didn’t experience, how the usual Filipinos treated by the spaniards and Friars. Yes, he’s been bullied and discriminated by the people he met, but it can’t be compared to a regular Filipino from Spaniard Era who’s been experience to abuse and be a slave.

    The reasons why Rizal is not my national hero, first, we all know that he is intelligent that’s why he just expressed his patriotism and love of the people by his works, poems and books. Its just like, what he saw and know, he just wrote it. It is easy for him to do it, because it is his passion, to wrote and plus he has the brain. Second, he’s just a national hero because he is educated because Rizal have money, he can afford to study in a prestigious schools and study abroad. Because of that he can improve his knowledge and gained friends and some of them is well-known in the society. Since, he is educated, Ofcourse, we wanted a national hero who can be idolized by the youth even he didn’t physically fought with the spaniards. Last, he is known as a playboy and even in our subject, the girlfriends of Rizal been enumerated, even Rizal and his cousin had a relationship. Since, the youth know about the Life of Rizal and he is a national hero, they can idolize him and do what he did like being a playboy.

    I prefer Heneral Luna to be the national hero. He is educated, he is General and he even fought for the Filipinos to have freedom. He was the leader of the Filipinos against the American then. Even, Emilio Aguinaldo was against his plans, he still pursued it. But in the end, his countrymen was the one who killed him.

    In reality, Jose Rizal is our National hero. He is the heart and soul of the revolution. He awakened the Filipinos through his works about the abused and slavery by the spaniards. Because of his intelligence, he can also offer self services to the people because he is engineer, doctor, farmer etc,. Even the spaniards caught him, he still fight by continuing to wrote poems and books.

  • Marlowe Aveno
    CIV151

    When I was in elementary, the teacher thought that Jose Rizal is a national hero. His intelligence, principles and a countryman are be proven that he is our national hero. But as of now, for me, he is not my national hero.

    In my own opinion, he is not my national hero because he was gone many years in the Philippines just to study. He was not the only hero that give independence in out country. We just focus on him because he is the only Filipino hero that never use war against Spaniards. And lastly he was a womanizer because I learned that he will let down his dignity and principle just to marry Josephine.

    For me Bonifacio is my national hero because he build up a “katipunan” to fight for our independence. He is a symbol of superiority that can lead a Filipino to fight for the independent of our country. I know bonifacio have a low standard in education unlike to Rizal, so his only way is to fight the Spaniards for the sake of our independent. I will recommend that Rizal is our national hero if he used his brave with his knowledge.

    But whether a national hero or not, he did a very good job for us considering the fact that he had set us all free from slavery and better education. He’s a very good example and an inspiration to us, most specially to students because of his intelligence and boldness. He was not a traitor. He had faced death with boldness. He had proven the saying that goes, ”A pen is mightier than sword”.

  • Mariella Antonette E. Yacon
    FIN131

    Yes, Jose Rizal because he fought for the freedom of Filipinos in a silent but strong way. Love for the Philippines through his novels, essay, and works. Rizal only used pen fighting foreign invaders but still Rizal was still selected to be the national hero of the Philippines. His humble opinion is truly an acceptable reason why Rizal is chose to be the national Hero. He did not think his personal interest but for the sake of our country.

    Jose Rizal used pen against the weapons of the foreign invaders because he chose to have a silent war and not a bloody war he thinks that is the only way to gain freedom. He died for our freedom though he doesn’t know what will happen after he died. I’ve never heard anyone fought for the right of our country the way he did. He showed to us the pen is mightier than sword or bullets and his power came from his mind.

    Personally, I admire Dr. Jose Rizal because he made a difference to the country to have that freedom. He truly inspired most of Filipino with his intelligence because most of the Filipinos strive really hard for the better life. I am thankful for what he did if Rizal did not fought for our freedom I think we are still in the hands of the foreign invaders.

  • KATHLEEN AMPARO
    CIV 151

    You can become a national hero if you did something heroic that affect a nation. But for the most recognized national hero today, Dr. Jose Rizal, he is not my ideal national hero. He didn’t fought to slay the dragons of the colonization. He only used his pen but not ready to do the battle with eagerness to shut them down. Rizal is not even dedicated to fight with blood because for me, as super heroes does, you must be brave enough to combat for your country’s independence.

    In fact, Dr. Jose Rizal is not our National Hero. Because according to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Heraldy Section Chief Teodoro Atienza, there has never been any law passed to recognize a national hero in the country.

    Nevertheless, Andres Bonifacio was one of those influential people we are proud to have in our country. He made superb contribution and sacrifices during Spanish regime to gain our country’s independence which we are enjoying right now.

    I’m not really underestimating (lol) the contributions of Rizal, but for him to be national hero for me, he should have fight physically not just hide and attack the enemy through writing. I salute him for he is very intelligent person with heart for our country. He did a very good job like many fellow countrymen.

  • San Juan, Jeniña B.

    Jose Rizal is known as the Philippine national hero. But, what did he do for our country to be worth as a national hero? We all know that Rizal has a rich family, that’s why he had a tutor when he was a kid, study in a prestigous school and can afford study abroad. Since, his family have money, he didn’t experience, how the usual Filipinos treated by the spaniards and Friars. Yes, he’s been bullied and discriminated by the people he met, but it can’t be compared to a regular Filipino from Spaniard Era who’s been experience to abuse and be a slave.

    The reasons why Rizal is not my national hero, first, we all know that he is intelligent that’s why he just expressed his patriotism and love of the people by his works, poems and books. Its just like, what he saw and know, he just wrote it. It is easy for him to do it, because it is his passion, to wrote and plus he has the brain. Second, he’s just a national hero because he is educated because Rizal have money, he can afford to study in a prestigious schools and study abroad. Because of that he can improve his knowledge and gained friends and some of them is well-known in the society. Since, he is educated, Ofcourse, we wanted a national hero who can be idolized by the youth even he didn’t physically fought with the spaniards. Last, he is known as a playboy and even in our subject, the girlfriends of Rizal been enumerated, even Rizal and his cousin had a relationship. Since, the youth know about the Life of Rizal and he is a national hero, they can idolize him and do what he did like being a playboy.

    I prefer Heneral Luna to be the national hero. He is educated, he is General and he even fought for the Filipinos to have freedom. He was the leader of the Filipinos against the American then. Even, Emilio Aguinaldo was against his plans, he still pursued it. But in the end, his countrymen was the one who killed him.

    In reality, Jose Rizal is our National hero. He is the heart and soul of the revolution. He awakened the Filipinos through his works about the abused and slavery by the spaniards. Because of his intelligence, he can also offer self services to the people because he is engineer, doctor, farmer etc,. Even the spaniards caught him, he still fight by continuing to wrote poems and books.

  • Allyssa Estanio
    CIV151
    What does it takes to become a national hero? should he have a degree? should he die dramatically? or should he show unconditional love and patriotism to his country? Does Jose Rizal worthy of being our national hero?
    We all have different images of our own hero, we have different perspectives and opinions. For some a hero must have a muscular physique and undeniable strength, or he maybe someone that have a super power to take down all the villains, or maybe just a person living a simple life but made a great invention that changed our daily lives. A hero doesn’t need a super power or to have a degree or diploma, he doesn’t need to be strong or smart, because for me a hero is someone who doesn’t afraid to have nothing because he is willing to give his all, a hero someone that will stand up for what he is fighting for, someone that will choose to stand up for what is right, what is true. A true hero is brave, he fears no one but God.

    I respect Jose Rizal, I have read his works, his biography, in fact in every single history class I have attended he was honored. He have a heart for the poor, he loves his country,he is intelligent and I do idolized him. Yes he enlighten us, he open the eyes of the Filipinos back then, but after all he will only stand as my role model but never my hero. He wrote and exposed the corruption of the Spaniards and the government of his era, he could do more than that but chose to stop there. He is not my hero because first I believe that he became a national hero because he is from a wealthy and well-known family, he have studied abroad and have friends that is influential to the government on those days when actually there could be someone that is much deserving but is not famous as he is, second because as I say he just focused on his writings when on the other side he could have done more, and lastly because he actually isn’t aiming for this country’s freedom but autonomy, all he wanted was for us to become a Spaniard’s colony.

    I would like to recommend no specific person to became our national hero, because I do believe that anyone can. Heidi Mendoza, she risked her life to stand up for the truth, she exposed the supposed corruption in the military, Muelmar Magallanes he sacrificed his life to save 30 people during the holocaust of Ondoy, our soldiers who died fighting for us just like the Fallen 44, people who vowed to protect our country, people who doesn’t make it back to their family,parents who is willing to do anything and to give everything for their children. The sacrifices of this people will always be remembered and honored. They are my true heroes people who inspires, people who sacrifices, people that is brave.

    Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda a person that died with honor. He have done his job right, maybe what he did is all he can, I won’t give a comment for him to still be the national hero, because as I say anyone can be.

  • CIV151

    For me, the National Hero of the Philippines is Andres Bonifacio. He is often called “The Great Plebeian” and “The Father of the Philippine Revolution”. He was one of the founders and later Supremo (Supreme Leader) of the Kataas-taasan, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan or simply and more popularly called Katipunan, a movement which sought the independence of the Philippines from Spanish colonial rule and started the Philippine Revolution. He is considered a de facto national hero of the Philippines, and is also considered by some Filipino historians to be the first President of the Philippines (through the revolutionary government he established), but officially he is not recognized as such. Although, he was influenced by Rizal’s political views.

    Bonifacio was born to a poor family and never went to secondary school because he took over the family responsibility at a young age. However, he was a self-determined, self-educated man. He taught himself English and was well read. But you’ve must see what are the achievements of Bonifacio and you can’t say that he is an uneducated man. The difference of Bonificio to Rizal is that Rizal was awakened the Filipino people through his writings while Bonifacio lead the Katipuneros to fight the abusive Spaniards.

    In this case, Rizal and Bonifacio has the same purpose to our country but in a different way. But for me, what Bonifacio did, through his actions or through his bravery is a sign of a true National Hero. It’s not about the pen and the sword they used but without Bonifacio we can’t achieve the freedom we wanted. Although Rizal’s known for his writings I am not a fan of him and I’m still a fan of a man who fights for his country not using a pen but through his actions. Because actions is really louder than words.

  • Ogoc, John Vincent J.
    CIV151

    Jose Rizal deserved to be our national hero because he fought for our freedom in a silent but powerful way. He expressed his love for the Philippines through his novels, essays, articles and poems rather that a force of aggression or violence. He was a very amazing person at his time. He was humble, fighting for reforms through his writings instead of through a revolution. He used his intelligence, talents and skills for a peaceful way. For him hurting physically using swords and killing each other is not a way to lead us to peace, for him pen is his sword to obtain peace without losing any lives. His writings influence a lot of people and also even other countries. He died for our country which proves that he really loves his country that he sacrificed his life to save it.
    But for my opinion Andres Bonifacio should be our National Hero, if we look back to their goal. Rizal only wanted reform. Where he established La Liga Filipina to ask for reforms, they wanted to make Filipinos and Spaniards equal in the eyes of the law, make the Philippines a province of Spain and make Flipinos citizens of Spain. Rizal’s goal was not to liberate the Filipinos from Spain, but to make a better life for Filipinos. I don’t hate Rizal, honestly I admire him for being a doctor, painter, sculptor, linguist, and a lot more. Even Bonifacio admired him. On the side of Bonifacio, wherein he organized a secret society, the KKK. The initials stood for Kataas-taasang, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (the highest, the most respected Association of the Nation’s Children). This organization’s aim was to rise in armed revolt against the Spanish colonial power and to win freedom and independence for the country. Bonifacio wrote a constitution called the Kartilya, patterned after Rizal’s La Liga Filipina. He realized the need to wrest control of the government from the oppressive hands of the Spaniards. His goal was total separation from the Spaniards. He believed that we should have total independence and our own government. A government runs by Filipinos.
    Filomeno V. Aguilar’s article discovered that the ilustrados intentionally removed from the imagined nation they are attempting to create the Negritos, tribes living in the mountains, and the Muslim Moros in Mindanao. The very fact that Rizal had his reservations to include other ethnic communities in his master plan or blueprint for the Filipino nation. A national hero should be expected to be a figure of national unity, of nation building.

  • Gloria Harvy N.
    CIV151
    Why Rizal is our National Hero?

    Every Nations have their own National Hero to demonstrate or to portray the best of what person possible can be and also it is important to avoid the trap of blind adoration. There are a lot of names recommended as a national hero of the Philippines like Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Emilio Aguinaldo and also Dr. Jose Rizal who fought for the freedom and sovereignty of the country with their all power, ability and vigor during Spanish Era.

    With all due respect, I rated Rizal and it landed at a 2nd National Hero not because I’m not satisfied for his doings but because of first of all the criteria’s being used to identify the National Hero is mainly and visibly came from the mouth of American people. The criteria’s are: 1. The extent of a person’s sacrifices for the welfare of the country. 2. Motive and methods employed in the attainment of the ideal (welfare of the country). Moral character of the person concerned. 4. The influence of the person concerned on his age and or the succeeding age. 5 The person died in dramatic way. Second reason is according to the National Commission for culture and the Arts: “No law, executive order or proclamation has been enacted or issued officially proclaiming any Filipino historical figure as a national hero” meaning there is no law’s indicating and pointing Rizal as the National Hero but there is a law authored by Claro M. Recto namely R.A. 1425 also known as Recto Law,1956 say’s that the life and writing of Rizal must being studied in the curricula of both public and private schools, colleges and universities course, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. With objectives of developing moral character, personal discipline, civic conscience and to teach the duties of citizenship to all student under tertiary level. And lastly, the 3rd reason is there are more people who fought the country during Spanish Era better than Rizal.

    For me the real hero base on the thing that I’ve read on various books is none other than the founder of the KKK Kataas-taasang Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga anak ng bayan, Andres Bonifacio. Both Bonifacio and Rizal died for the sake and betterment not just for the country but also for the future of next generations and that is true. Some historian says that a national hero is the mirror of what kind of person the population should be. I think Rizal considered as a national hero because he fought for the sake of the Filipino’s through his writings while Bonifacio used sword. But for me the true hero is measured to what their thinking for the name of the Philippines and they fight for their ideals. Their thinking is different. Their ideology are exactly opposite. Rizal just want a reform and he want the Filipinos and Spaniards to be treated in equal manner, to make the Philippines as one of the province of the Spain and make Filipinos as a citizen of Spain, to sent back the Spanish Friars to Spain and let the Filipino Friars led the Catholic churches and lastly, make a new nation in the sultan of Borneo’s gift to Sultan of Mindanao island strictly for the Filipino citizen. In short Rizal want to stick on the government of Spain and just fight for equal rights. Unlike Bonifacio, his goal was a total separation from the nation of Spain because he believed that the Philippines are for the Filipinos both Government and Religion.

    Indeed, I still recommend Rizal as the Philippine National Hero because of his high courage, humbleness, and undeniable love to people specially to the poor. His care for the others are overwhelming as evidenced by his sincere services to Filipinos as a teacher, farmer, engineer and last but not the least a Doctor for everyone. He even gave a free medicine and check-ups for the can’t afford citizen. But whether the idea of considering him as a national hero or not he did a very good job the fact that he is one of many people fighting for the freedom of the Philippines. He is ideal example and inspiration to many people specially to the children or students because of his intelligence and fearless characteristics.

  • Sir, ito po yon talaga. :)
    Gloria Harvy N.
    CIV151

    Every Nations have their own National Hero to demonstrate or to portray the best of what person possible can be and also it is important to avoid the trap of blind adoration. There are a lot of names recommended as a national hero of the Philippines like Adress Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Emilio Aguinaldo and also Dr. Jose Rizal who fought for the freedom and sovereignty of the country with their all power, ability and vigor during Spanish Era.

    With all due respect, I rated Rizal and it landed at a 2nd National Hero not because I’m not satisfied for his doings but because of first of all the criteria’s being used to identify the National Hero is mainly and visibly came from the mouth of American people. The criteria’s are: 1. The extent of a person’s sacrifices for the welfare of the country. 2. Motive and methods employed in the attainment of the ideal (welfare of the country). Moral character of the person concerned. 4. The influence of the person concerned on his age and or the succeeding age. Second reason is according to the National Commission for culture and the Arts: “No law, executive order or proclamation has been enacted or issued officially proclaiming any Filipino historical figure as a national hero” meaning there is no law’s indicating and pointing Rizal as the National Hero but there is a law authored by Claro M. Recto namely R.A. 1425 also known as Recto Law,1956 say’s that the life and writing of Rizal must being studied in the curricula of both public and private schools, colleges and universities course, particularly his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. With objectives of developing moral character, personal discipline, civic conscience and to teach the duties of citizenship to all student under tertiary level. And lastly the 3rd reason is there are more people who fought the country during Spanish Era better than Rizal.

    For me the real hero base on the thing that I’ve read on various books is none other than the founder of the KKK Kataas-taasang Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga anak ng bayan, Adress Bonifacio. Both Bonifacio and Rizal died for the sake and betterment not just for the country but also for the future of next generations and that is true. Some historian says that a national hero is the mirror of what kind of person the population should be. I think Rizal considered as a national hero because he fought for the sake of the Filipino’s trough his writings while Bonifacio used sword. But for me the true hero is measured to what their thinking for the name of the Philippines and they fight for their ideals. Their thinking is different. Their ideology are exactly opposite. Rizal just want a reform and he want the Filipinos and Spaniards to be treated in equal manner, to make the Philippines as one of the province of the Spain and make Filipinos as a citizen of Spain, to sent back the Spanish Friars to Spain and let the Filipino Friars led the Catholic churches and lastly, make a new nation in the sultan of Borneo’s gift to Sultan of Mindanao island strictly for the Filipino citizen. In short Rizal want to stick on the government of Spain and just fight for equal rights. Unlike Bonifacio, his goal was a total separation from the nation of Spain because he believed that the Philippines are for the Filipinos both Government and Religion.

    Indeed, I still recommend Rizal as the Philippine National Hero because of his high courage, humbleness, and undeniable love to people specially to the poor. His care for the others are overwhelming as evidenced by his sincere services to Filipinos as a teacher, farmer, engineer and last but not the least a Doctor for everyone. He even gave a free medicine and check-ups for the can’t afford citizen. But whether the idea of considering him as a national hero or not he did a very good job the fact that he is one of many people fighting for the freedom of the Philippines. He is ideal example and inspiration to many people specially to the children or students because of his intelligence and fearless characteristics.

  • Julia Florencio CIV151

    Joseph Campbell once said, “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”

    No doubt, Dr. Jose P. Rizal is one of most significant figures in Philippine history, freedom, and sovereignty. Rizal is an extraordinary individual who sacrificed his life for the sake of Filipino people. He inspired all ages of generation by his literary works that set the Filipino nationalism ablaze. Up to the modern age, we are all living by his words as he contributed to our morals and way of living. As a recognition, he is entitled as the Philippine National Hero.
    But one could argue about the validity of his title—whether he is rightful or not. According to the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts, there are no laws, executive order or proclamation has been enacted or issued officially proclaiming any Filipino historical figure as a national hero. As of NCCA’s Executive Summary, “The position he now holds in Philippine history is a tribute to the continued veneration or acclamation of the people in recognition of his contribution to the significant social transformations that took place in our country.” He may be admired by the Pinoys, but his title’s legibility remains questionable.

    But we are a country of recognition and acclamation— that’s why the Congress felt the need in taking legal action towards the incident. In return, Executive Order No.75 entitled “Creating the National Heroes Committee under the Office of the President” is passed but until now, there are no actions taken. It is very expected since the issue is very sensitive and controversial as it could trigger a lot of debates and controversies. Besides, to determine the hero with the greatest influence is a very subjective topic.

    But let’s assume that there is still an ongoing debate about the proclamation. According to the Technical Committee of National Hero, there are 3 main criteria for one to claim the title.
    Criteria 1: “Heroes are those who have a concept of nation and thereafter aspire and struggle for the nation’s freedom.” Basically, Rizal didn’t want freedom but only settled for reform. He wanted to have justice between the Filipino and Spaniards.
    Criteria 2: Heroes are those who define and contribute to a system or life of freedom and order for a nation. It includes the country’s sovereignty on making laws that are beneficial for people. Rizal didn’t want a government run solely by Filipinos, but for us only to have a participation on it.
    Critera 3: Heroes are those who contribute to the quality of life and destiny of a nation. No doubt, Rizal aced this part.
    But still, we are uncertain if we could really have the power once we participated in the Spanish gov’t. We could have been just another puppet to give us temporary sense of freedom.

    There are plethora of historical figures who fought for the Philippine independence that would surely ace the 3 criteria for National Hero. One of the greatest is Andres Bonifacio. His goal was complete separation from the Spaniards. He believes that we should have total independence to run our government. He gave birth to Katipunan and united the 8 provinces to stand against colonialism. He widely influenced the Filipinos to aggressively struggle for the nation’s freedom. Rizal is indeed a man of intelligence and wit, but Bonifacio is a man of courage and action.

    Again, I mean to imply no hate towards all the other significant historical figures. I believe that Rizal could claim the title if he actually stand for the country’s total separation from the colonials. These are just my 2 cents and I’m open to any intellectual discussions.

  • During my time in primary school Jose Rizal was lauded as a hero by my instructors because he became a hero without shedding blood, he became a hero who symbolized the humane and rational characteristics of an educated individual. These claims… I find them rather distasteful, they treat him like a saint, my books from primary school are always implying that Rizal is superior to the other people that contributed to the freedom of our country. The term “National Hero” is implying that, the other people that contributed for our freedom are inferior to him. I apologize if I went too far, but my disposition of Jose Rizal’s ideals are naive but I do commend him for exposing the corruption within the church during the spanish colonialization, but I cannot accept that the education that I went through treats him like a messiah or like the whole Philippine Revolution is centered around him. I do not like the concept of heroes because history will only revolve around those individuals and overshadow the casualties,sacrifices, and the collateral damage. Even so, I still want them to be commended for their initiative of taking action during these times of crisis. In conclusion, I’m not very fond of lauding individuals as heroes because I only see them as equal individuals because we are all human.

  • Gonzales, Eldrin James N.
    CIV 151

    As a youth, Rizal was one of the few people to inspire me that I can fight for what I want in a way that I can’t hurt someone physically. He can motivate me to work as hard as I can because he believed that every youth is the hope of the nation. It seemed like he loved his country more than anything else in the world. Although he left the country for quite sometime, his motive was still the same. He went there not for personal gain but to gain more knowledge to help his fellowmen back in his country.

    A hero isn’t just someone who possesses supernatural abilities. Those who can fly, those who has super strength and etc. A hero is someone who loves and sacrifices selflessly. Someone who dares to face their fears and weaknesses. Someone who can stand up through difficulties.

    I believe that there’s a different kind battlefield, a battlefield that you can conquer and win without the use of tanks, bombs etc. Sometimes, that battlefield is harder to win than the real one and I can say that Rizal is a master in that battlefield.

    I believe that something like freedom can be attained peacefully. It has been proven countless times in human history. Rizal is one the few people who was able to do something like that. Being able to fight without blood being spilled, able to inspire and awaken many people through the use of pen. I think that is more than enough to be considered a hero.

  • Jose Rizal is my concept of a “Definitive Hero.” Because he contributed to the success of the Philippine Revolution against the Spaniards and the Catholic church through his humane and methods that did not commit any bloodshed. Although his rationale was questioned by his peers and fellow countrymen, because of their fear of the Catholic church and the abusive government, the other filipinos ostracized him because of the fear of getting involved with a heretic which can lead an individual to their demise. Only a few people shared the rationale that Rizal holds. His brother was the one who influenced Rizal’s desire for revolution and change to the Spanish regime in the philippines. I find Rizal’s works very fascinating, I often read some of his works during my secondary school. In conclusion, for me the concept of a hero is subjective and I still find Rizal my ideal hero.

  • Magos, Jasan Denise – CIV 151

    Jose Rizal is my National Hero because he fought for freedom in an unusual way.

    But, what really is the reason why Rizal is my National Hero. It’s not that Rizal is my National Hero because he had been declared as National Hero and he passed, even more than qualified, in the qualification set by Philippine National Heroes Committee in choosing a National Hero or because he is the Country’s National Hero and not because since elementary I’ve been taught that he is our National Hero. Yes, I admit that, before he is my national hero because my mind was set that he is the country’s national hero. The thing is this. He is my National Hero because of His bravery. O, wow. Bravery, Big word. Others may say, if my basis is just bravery why not those people who fought and been killed brutally to save the country, fought and been killed brutally to prevent our country to be conquered by others. Fought and been killed because they want they’re fellowmen to be free from the injustice system. Yes, I also asked my self why not those people. Why Rizal. Rizal because the bravery that he shows is not the usual bravery that you know. There is this something about Rizal that made him my National Hero.

    The reason why he is my national hero is because of his bravery,nobility, dignity and the way he fought for our country.
    He fought in an unusual way. He fought through his writings that makes me idolized him more. It was just “Wow”. I never thought that through writings you can help your countrymen. I never thought that through writing you can save many. You can help people. He fought in not so obvious way that instead of relaying on the sword, he relied on the might of the pen. Through his work he made the Filipinos realize what they are really going through under the Spaniards. He fought for freedom without killing or without laying his hands on someone to kill. He showed that you can fight oppression through writing, you can fight without sword but with pen. By his works, he exposed the wrong doings of the Spanish, the hypocrisy of the authorities, the injustice system, the way they humiliate the filipinos on their very own land. He exposed all of that through his works even if he knew that those written works would cost him his life. He knew that he’s going to die, he knew because there are threats of execution. He knew what will happen after, but still, he did not run, he kept on writing and giving filipinos the idea of freedom. He face the consequence bravely and without regret, “he was ready and calm with his arms tied behind his back, with his head erected, with clear conscience, and smile on his lips and with his last word “Consummatum est” (it is finished)” He died for his fellow country men, he died for the country.

    Even if he died and his body is no longer living, his works are still alive, the idea of how he fought is still alive and his story gives inspiration to the people specially to his Countrymen.

    If I were to ask who should be the second National Hero. I would choose Andres Bonifacio. Why? Andres Bonifacio because he put the idea of freedom into action through revolution. And I admire him as the leader of the renowned revolutionary group which they hardly fought the spaniards for independence. Also, his willingness to die just to make the lives of his countrymen free from oppression.

  • Dalida Marc Christian
    CIV151

    What is a national hero? As per definition, a national hero is a filipino who has been recognized as a hero for his or her role in the history of the Philippines. Loosely, the term may refer to all historically recognized Filipinos. But as of date, according to the National Historical Commision of the Philippines, there has been no law enacted upon to recognize a national hero in the country.
    Dr. Jose Rizal, though believed and taught among children that he is our National Hero, has yet to be recognized. For a national symbol (which in this case is our national hero) to be official, it must be first declared so by an enabling law to be passed by both houses of the congress and signed by the president.
    I personally believe that having Dr. Rizal taught among children (me included) as our National Hero downplays the role of other heroes who have also bled and given their lives for our freedom.
    Rizal is a reformist. He established La Liga Filipina to ask for reforms. He wanted to make the Filipinos and Spaniards equal in law and the Philippines be accepted as a province of Spain. He also wanted to ship out all spanish friars and have filipino priest takeover the affairs of the Philippine church. What Rizal wanted was to improve the lives of his countrymen and accepting that the Philippines is a Spanish colony. Some may argue that Rizal was not totally against a revolution but he wanted to avoid bloodshed thus reforms are better than total separation. However, I personally do not agree on this since freedom should never be relative. With all the evil done to his country for the past 300 years, a mere reform was a farfetched solution. A country colonized, exploited and decimated by the greed of the colonizers can never have an equal footing with their oppressor thru transformations.
    Most would also say that without Rizal the revolution would not have happened. Without him and his ideals, we would not have a Bonifacio, Luna, Mabini, Aguinaldo etal. I beg to differ, without Rizal we may or may have not started the revolution on 1896. During the 300 year rule of Spain, much horrors has been done to our country. The seeds of an uprising was already sprouting and taking its roots. It was not Rizal who fought for our freedom. It was the revolutionaries who fought for our freedom thru Andres Bonifacio and the KKK. True it was Rizal who inspired Bonifacio but lets not forget that it was still Bonifacio who actually made a difference that time. He was the one who acted. He started the KKK and led them to battle the spaniards. If I can compare it to our time, Rizal is a candidate running election promising us reforms and others but lost. Bonifacio on the other hand is a citizen who did actions to change the system.
    Considering the arguments above, why did Rizal became our unofficial national hero? It was Emilio Aguinaldo who first declared Rizal day. It was during the American colonization era that Rizal was considered our National Hero albeit a law. Some historians believes that it was the Americans who instilled in our minds that Rizal is our National hero. The question on why may be answered simply because the Americans believes that Rizal would better support their purpose . Rizal was reformist. Americans know that if they should sponsor a hero, Rizal was a better choice than Bonifacio, Luna etc who were separatist. They believe that Rizals passive stand on freedom would benefit them as colonizers. I would say Rizal was a state-sponsored unofficial National Hero.
    I do not despise Rizal. In fact I admire him for his works and his influence to the other heroes whom we owe our freedom. However I must say that Rizal together with Bonifacio and other revolutionaries deserves the title of National Heroes and be given the same respect and acknowledgment in our history. We must not solely bestow the title to Rizal.

  • -ccintinuatio

    And if there was no Dr. Jose P. Rizal that live in our history, who fight for our rights in the Spanish regime i dont think that we can get our freedom to the Spaniards. That’s why Dr. Jose P. Rizal is still our “National Hero”

  • Quennie Mae A. Estrella CIV 151

    In modern times, heroes definitely had to be real persons whose life or death, life’s works, service or influence on others helped to shape the history of a nation. They are no longer worshipped as gods, but instead are upheld as models of personal conduct and bravery, unselfish service to others, and patriotism.

    Dr. Jose Rizal, a many- splendored genius who allegedly consecrated his God-given talents for the freedom and welfare of his country. Acclaimed by his people and was recognized through his own contributions to literature, science, the arts and civic affairs, he is now accepted as the greatest Filipino, the so-called national hero of the Philippines.

    Does he really deserve such merits?

    Now and then, some Filipinos have ventured the opinion that the father of Katipunan, Andres Bonifacio deserve to be acknowledge as the national hero. He is a warrior and a brave soldier who serve his own cause with the sword, distilling blood and tears for the country. The revolution which he personally planned and conceived was in full swing. With only a small army of untrained peasants and laborers, armed with bolos, bamboo spears, and some firearms without any support from the rich and educated compatriots, he launched the glorious armed conflicts for Philippine independence. No Filipino leader of his time could have done what he did, not even Jose Rizal our national hero himself. Truly, he was a hero of daring courage, a man of action, and leader of freedom. He proved to the world that a poor boy born in a little hut and without a college education could become one of the nation’s greatest heroes.

    Indeed, the pen is mightier than the sword, as other great men have admitted. So in my opinion, Jose Rizal could have done better for the country if he somehow put a little courage and aggressiveness to support the revolution with his works. He must not spend most of his time abroad socializing and fancying the culture of other nations while his own nation was in trouble. And with that he could have been better and deserve his title; The National Hero of the Philippines.

  • JETAJOBE, ARMEL C.
    CIV151

    Well, Dr. Jose Rizal is actually a great man and deserves to be called as a hero but for me he is not deserving to have the title of being called as our NATIONAL hero. For having three (3) reasons;

    First, if the basis will be on the blood, he is not a pure Filipino.

    Next, being so called a hero is not only based on the intellectual capacity of an individual. It is actually based on the courage, action and pure heart just like what Lapu-Lapu did, in which he critically strategize on how they will attack and execute on killing and to put the colony of Magellan away on our country. I am not saying that he should fight off using guns and swords but using a knowledge wasn’t enough for me. It’s just still a question on my mind why rizal would do such things like writing or what to attack the Spanish friars and was his intention really fighting for our rights.

    Lastly, Is that he is from a rich and famous family (I am not depriving any class level of a person), Without his family’s resources, rizal would not be able to prosper and improved himself hence, was able to see the discrimination between the rich and poor and even witnessed the maltreatment done by the friars against the Filipinos including the abuses of the Spanish officials who was then running Philippines.

    A national hero or not, he did a very good job for us his fellow countrymen considering the fact that he had set us all free from slavery and to have a better education. He’s a very good example and an inspiration, most specially to us students because of his intelligence and boldness. He had faced death with boldness.
    But rizal did a huge contribution on the Philippine revolution and I commend him for that.

  • Paolo Kent C. Constantino
    CIV151

    For me, Rizal is not our National hero. My national hero is Andres Bonifacio. Bonifacio was a Filipino revolutionary leader and the president of the Tagalog Republic. He is often called “The Great Plebeian” and “The Father of the Philippine Revolution”. He was one of the founders and later Supremo (Supreme Leader) of the Kataas-taasan, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan or simply and more popularly called Katipunan, a movement which sought the independence of the Philippines from Spanish colonial rule and started the Philippine Revolution. He is considered a de facto national hero of the Philippines.

    The reason why Andres Bonifacio is my National Hero. First he aspire and work for the nation’s freedom. Second he contributed to a life of freedom and order of a nation and Third a hero should contribute to the quality of life and destiny of a nation.

    We all know that Rizal and Bonifacio fought for the freedom of Filipino people. Rizal used his brain to write against the spaniards but Bonifacio fought the spaniards through a bloody war. I know, that is not about the pen or sword that they used but for me to commit a freedom you’ve must do an actions because actions is really louder than words.

  • Castro, Pauline Joy M.
    CIV 151

    Dr. Jose Rizal is a hero but for me he is not a national hero. His contributions to the Philippine revolution is unquestionable and worthy to be acknowledge. But how about the others who fought until their last breathe for their beloved Philippines? Most of our heroes confront our foes personally and physically. Unlike Dr. Jose Rizal, he used his pen and write novels that use to disgust our foes. Why not be like Apolinario Mabini that despite being disabled, he still find a way to help the revolutionary troops and share his thoughts and tactics on how may they defeat the enemies. Why not be like Andres Bonifacio who fought bravely and risk his own life for us to be free? Why he just write novels when others is risking their life? Yes his novel opened the eyes of everyone but I think that was not enough to be called national hero.

    Andres Bonifacio must declared as the national hero. He may not be educated as Dr. Jose Rizal but his so much loved for our country shows that he is qualified to be called as one. Andres Bonifacio was a good leader. He became the supremo of katipunan and under his leadership the katipunan grew from only 300 to 30,000 katipuneros. His goal was total separation from Spaniards and be independent and have our own government that was run by our own. He launched the revolution and organized the Filipinos to fight for their freedom from the Spanish colonies and greedy priests. He showed a true patriotism and inspiration to his countrymen. Without the revolution that was led by Andres Bonifacio, there would be no sun with eight rays and three shining stars on our national flag.

    There’s no doubt that Dr. Jose Rizal was a hero. His desire to have our freedom though not through physical fight has been showed. Dr. Jose Rizal is well educated and his nationalism and patriotism has been showed in his writings. Writing may be silent but when it use to confront others, it may be very offensive just what like Rizal did. His novels and advocacies opened the eyes of everyone, that we need to fight for our own rights and freedom. He showed us that bloody revolution are not always needed to achieve freedom.

  • Why Rizal is your national hero?

    Many people says that a hero is someone who has distinguished courage and ability, someone that admired for his brave deeds, an opinion maker, influencer and most of all he is a born leader. There was one person who from birth had bestowed his talent and skills for the freedom he has been aiming for his beloved land which is the Philippines and that person is Jose Rizal. A lot of people hate’s Jose Rizal for being our National Hero, but for me Rizal is one of the best hero’s because of his patriotic services for his country and he did what he can do in this country. He is also known for being a propagandist and his way of fighting the Spanish Government through his writing by revealing the inhumane manipulation of the Spanish government in the Philippines, here are the three reasons why I consider him as my hero.

    First, Jose Rizal fought for our freedom in a silent but powerful way and he dedicated his life for his countrymen without hesitation. He fought for our freedom but he never fought on a war and it is always said in many cultures that the pen is mightier than the sword. He died for the Filipino’s and it shows how he loves his countrymen. He was a very amazing person at his time and he was humble, fighting for reforms through his writings instead of through a revolution. He also used his intelligence, talents and skills in a more peaceful way rather than the aggressive way.

    Second, I was deeply touched by his writings. One of his novels is the Noli Me Tangere, it shows heroism, patriotism and his love for his countrymen. Only a few would realize how these novels moved the Filipino people but if you would read the novel you will see that everything was clear, that the Filipino people were suffering from the Spanish and nobody could help us but ourselves. He had not use swords and guns in fighting for this advocacy and I do agree in the saying that “the pen is mightier than the sword” and history proved he was right. Third, love for his country and his countrymen.

    Who should be in the second place?

    It should be Andres Bonifacio because he also shows the love for his countrymen by fighting the Spanish Government on a war. He is also a leader and he also wants a freedom for his countrymen. Andres Bonifacio revived the La Liga to continue pressuring the Spanish colonial rulers to grant the Filipinos autonomy and enjoy human rights.

  • Surio, Sheila Ann D.
    CIV151

    Why Rizal is your national hero?

    Many people says that a hero is someone who has distinguished courage and ability, someone that admired for his brave deeds, an opinion maker, influencer and most of all he is a born leader. There was one person who from birth had bestowed his talent and skills for the freedom he has been aiming for his beloved land which is the Philippines and that person is Jose Rizal. A lot of people hate’s Jose Rizal for being our National Hero, but for me Rizal is one of the best hero’s because of his patriotic services for his country and he did what he can do in this country. He is also known for being a propagandist and his way of fighting the Spanish Government through his writing by revealing the inhumane manipulation of the Spanish government in the Philippines, here are the three reasons why I consider him as my hero.

    First, Jose Rizal fought for our freedom in a silent but powerful way and he dedicated his life for his countrymen without hesitation. He fought for our freedom but he never fought on a war and it is always said in many cultures that the pen is mightier than the sword. He died for the Filipino’s and it shows how he loves his countrymen. He was a very amazing person at his time and he was humble, fighting for reforms through his writings instead of through a revolution. He also used his intelligence, talents and skills in a more peaceful way rather than the aggressive way.

    Second, I was deeply touched by his writings. One of his novels is the Noli Me Tangere, it shows heroism, patriotism and his love for his countrymen. Only a few would realize how these novels moved the Filipino people but if you would read the novel you will see that everything was clear, that the Filipino people were suffering from the Spanish and nobody could help us but ourselves. He had not use swords and guns in fighting for this advocacy and I do agree in the saying that “the pen is mightier than the sword” and history proved he was right. Third, love for his country and his countrymen.

    Who should be in the second place?

    It should be Andres Bonifacio because he also shows the love for his countrymen by fighting the Spanish Government on a war. He is also a leader and he also wants a freedom for his countrymen. Andres Bonifacio revived the La Liga to continue pressuring the Spanish colonial rulers to grant the Filipinos autonomy and enjoy human rights.

  • Ablaza, Jian Jacob S.
    ECE152

    Our country has been conditioned to look up to Rizal whose execution by the Spaniards on December 30, 1986. On school, we are required to read his great novels: Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. In fact, other have even memorized his farewell address to the country: Mi Ultimo Adios. And because of this we have forgotten and neglected the other unsung heroes who have fought and died for our country.
    I know that Rizal is a hero in our hearts and mind but according to the Publication for Commission for Culture and the Arts, Rizal is not yet declared as National Hero of the Philippines. But before anything else, I have atleast 3 reasons why Rizal is not Deserving for a “National Hero” title.
    Rizal is not a Pure Filipino. He has a blood of Chinese, Spanish, and Japanese. National Hero should be a Pure Filipino by blood. Another reason is Americans are the ones who declared that Rizal is our National Hero. They have their own standards for choosing a National Hero. And in that case, Americans are the one who chose our National Hero not the Filipinos. We didn’t decide for it but the other Nationality does. Last is he’s not a Revolutionist. He fight for our freedom by using his pen. Unlike the other heroes who fight and participate in war.
    Despite that Rizal is not deserving for “National Hero” title, I am still pushing that Bonifacio would be our National Hero. It’s enough that he had participation in KKK that led towards a Filipino nation’s independence. But whether a national hero or not, Rizal did a very good job for us considering the fact that he had set us all free from slavery and better education. He’s a very good example and inspiration to us, most especially to students because of his intelligence and boldness. He had faced death with boldness. He had proven the saying that goes “The pen is mightier than the sword.”

  • Avellaneda Reniel O.
    CIV151
    (Sir ito na yung final mali yung una kung comment)
    Why is Rizal not your national hero?
    -For me all of the Filipino that fight the government of spain are national hero they never afraid to die to protect and fight for our country. Rizal,Andres,apolinario, etc all of that heroes are my national hero not only rizal diffirent place but all of them they protect our country against the Spaniards They all deserved the title of being national heroes.
    Your 3 reason
    -too alleged(pinanindigan) his belief.
    -should equality that all Hero of this land PHILIPPINES are national hero.
    -So Many Chix
    Who should it be?
    -For me my national hero is ANDRES BONIFACIO he is the first Filipino hero who leave policy of the Spanish government by rending(pagpunit) of SEDULA reminding that they are slave(alipin). He Never afraid to die because they believe that death while in the battle is a great honor for our country philippines. That someday the Philippines will be freely(malayang) country.
    How will you recommend that rizal still be the national hero?
    -Why rizal is my national hero? Because he is the one that never use asperity for protect our country and fight the Spanish he use his brain to spread the crude of the priest and the government. And because of the book NOLI ME TANGERE and El FILIBUSTERISMO Filipino found the crude and reason to fight the government of spain.

  • Dr. Jose P. Rizal is a hero, yes, but was he worthy to be considered as our national hero? In my own opinion, he only became a hero because his family was rich and famous. They were rich that he had a private tutor. So rich that he was sent to Manila to study to prestigious school and even sent to Spain to widen his wisdom. Because of his family’s fortune, he also gained friends and among them were very well-known and were respected to the society. Without his family’s money, he would not be able to prosper and improved himself hence, was able to see the disparity between the rich and the poor and even witnessed the maltreatment of the friars against the Filipinos including the abuses of the Spanish officials who was then running our country.

    On the other hand, we might as well consider him as a national hero because he’s a multifaceted individual both through the mind and manipulative areas, not to mention his inherit character and the love to people, especially to the poor. His sensitivity to the needs of others was overwhelming as evidenced by his sincere services to the people as doctor, engineer, teacher, artist, farmer and the like. He fought through his pen, books and knowledge. He did not fight through guns and swords. With the articles he has written, of which most of the topics discussed were all about slavery and abused, he has touched lives, awakened the people, but also provoked the Spaniards thus sent him to jail. But even then, he was still fighting, not for himself or for his family, but more for his people, for us through his ideas, through poems and other written articles.

    But whether a national hero or not, he did a very good job for us considering the fact that he had set us all free from slavery and better education. He’s a very good example and an inspiration to us, most specially to students because of his intelligence and boldness. He was not a traitor. He had faced death with boldness. He had proven the saying that goes, ”A pen is mightier than sword”.

  • AKEMI GALURA
    CIV151

    Why Rizal is your national hero?

    Dr. Jose Rizal is a National Hero for me because he had suffered a lot just to get the fairness he wanted to achieve by his fellowmen. He didn’t fight with the conquerors thru bloody war but by his excellent writings. He wrote papers about the exploits of the Spaniards to the Filipino men, which later incited the Filipinos to engage in war for the independence of the country. entitled Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, to make the filipino realized that they were being treated like a piece of a dirty rug. Due this, filipino did so they fought on their own and got what Rizal’s wanted for them. Rizal became a famous Doctor. He really wanted to be a doctor (opthalmologist) to cure the failing eye sight of his mother and also to give a free service to his fellowmen. Rizal built some hospitals to help the filipinos to their different diseases. He also built some Gymnasium, Schools, etc.. for them to have a knowledge of science, math, literature, english, sports, and so on. He is also a national hero because of his contribution for the development of the society and because of that many Filipinos admired him .

    Who should be in the second place?

    For me, Andres bonifacio should be the second national hero because he organized a secret society that aims to rise in armed revolt against the Spanish colonial power and to win freedom and independence for the country. Bonifacio wrote a constitution patterned after Rizal’s La Liga Filipina. He realized the need to wrest control of the government from the oppressive hands of the Spaniards.

  • (And, Bonifacio due to his determination to acquire freedom for his country. He was inspired by his Idol, Dr. Jose Rizal, by doing something for the freedom they wanted. Even he has not enrolled in any course-subject and in any institution, with his determination, he didn’t give up.Aftermath, the conquerors had been defeated)

  •  LYMTTEE RAZNEM BONGALON
    ECE 152
    Why do I think that Dr. Jose Rizal is not deserving as a National Hero. First, he just want to happened was a not a total independence. Second, he just wanted to have a representative to the Spanish Cortez and lastly he also wanted the Philippines to be the Province of the Spain. Then, If Dr. Jose Rizal was not a national hero, my alternative national hero was Gat Andres Bonifacio, because he’s not only ATAPANG ATAO in his generation but he also wanted a total independence towards the Spain even though we are lacked of arms and preparation to fight for Spain, he insisted to fight. Gat Andres Bonifacio also wanted to be free from the Spain, unlike Dr. Jose Rizal who wanted only to be the Province of the Spain. And yes Andres Bonifacio has a problem towards his short temperedness and his violence. But, you can’t blame Andres Bonifacio because he was born and live in that time where the war between the Spanish and Philippines were on going. But if Hero Wise thinking, for me Dr. Jose Rizal deserve to be the national hero, because he still fight even he was in the jail by writing novels to enlighten his fellow Filipinos. Dr. Jose Rizal still have too much sacrifices for us but the sad thing is our fellow Filipino was the one who killed our national hero (Dr. Jose Rizal). And Gat Andres Bonifacio even though he is ATAPANG ATAO he is still the one who initiate the 1896 Philippine Revolution. Still, Dr. Jose Rizal was my national hero because of his courage and after he was considered as a national hero many of our fellow Filipinos inspired and look after him, idolizing him because of his courage and his talent of writing the novels.

  • Mariella Antonette E. Yacon
    FIN131

    Yes, Jose Rizal because he fought for the freedom of Filipinos in a silent but strong way. Love for the Philippines through his novels, essay, and works. Rizal only used pen fighting foreign invaders but still Rizal was still selected to be the national hero of the Philippines. His humble opinion is truly an acceptable reason why Rizal is chose to be the national Hero. He did not think his personal interest but for the sake of our country.
    Jose Rizal used pen against the weapons of the foreign invaders because he chose to have a silent war and not a bloody war he thinks that is the only way to gain freedom. He died for our freedom though he doesn’t know what will happen after he died. I’ve never heard anyone fought for the right of our country the way he did. He showed to us the pen is mightier than sword or bullets and his power came from his mind.
    Personally, I admire Dr. Jose Rizal because he made a difference to the country to have that freedom. He truly inspired most of Filipino with his intelligence because most of the Filipinos strive really hard for the better life. I am thankful for what he did if Rizal did not fought for our freedom I think we are still in the hands of the foreign invaders.

  • Anastacio, Roi Vincent T.

    BSME/ ECE 152

    Rizal does not deserve to be a National Hero one of the reasons is because he is an arrogant person he feel that he can dominate the Spaniards all by his works and he think that he is powerful. He likes to debate and to prove that he is always right, he thinks that all his plans are all successful. He thinks that he can outsmarted the Spaniards he also makes fun with Spaniards, he talk to them like they are a kid. The other reasons is he is so ambitious, as I said he think that all his plans are success and he thinks that by writing a novel he can punish the Spaniards away to the Philippines but he failed. He wants a revolution that’s why he created some groups to have companions to punish the Spaniards but in the end he also failed. The last reason is he is a selfish man, he wants freedom the freedom that also Filipinos also wanted, and he is willing to sacrifice innocents Filipinos for the sake of freedom it was also base on his novel in the character of named Simoun.

    Andres Bonifacio deserves to be a National Hero, he became a great leader of KKK and he is the one that starts the war between Spaniards and we get the freedom that we wanted. Andres admires Rizals so much and he wants to tolerate Rizal, he didn’t know how to write and read but he fight for our freedom. Andres is not afraid to die he fight for the end. Without Andres, I think Philippines is still at Spains hands that’s why he deserves to be a National Hero for me. But without Rizal, I think Andres will not have a will to fight against Spaniards that’s why we need to be thankful to Rizal even he has many failures but he doesn’t give up he worked hard for it even he was accused and sentenced to death. If Rizal doesn’t die I think Andres has no will to ambush the Spaniards at that time. So we are lucky to have a Jose Rizal in this country and accredited as our National Hero.

  • Rizal was not that deserve to be a national hero. Only for my opinion he only became a hero first because his family was rich. They were rich that he can study on a prestigious school and go to the other country. Second because his family was famous he gained friends and among them were very well-known and were respected to the society. Third because he only have a talent to write a novel, poems &etc that bulgar what was true story in our country.

    General Antonio Luna is also qualified to become a natiinal hero. He was ready to die for his country from the onset. He knew what was at stake. He gave up a life of comfort and complacency to fight for his country’s freedom. General Luna was a loving and loyal son to Inang Bayan and he expected that same love and dedication from each Filipino. Why? Because he knew that’s the only way for the Philippines to be free. He said that Tell our countrymen that freedom was not achieved by caring for their loved ones. We need to pay. Blood and Sweat. We need to jump into the abyss”

    Whether a hero or not. I really appreciate what Dr. Jose Rizal did just for the freedom of our country. I admire his talent in writing a novels, essays, articles, poems. But I am much more satisfied if he also fought for our freedom by force like what General luna do. Or It can also be in the two ways fought our country hi his talents in writings; by force. This is just my opinion thank you :)

    Dula, Divina A.
    CIV 151

  • Tuason, Andrea Stephanie B.
    FIN131

    There have been a lot of arguments regarding whether our dear Jose Rizal deserves its title as the National hero or not. Some articles also suggest that there was never an official title given by the Philippine constitution as to Rizal being the national hero. He was never proclaimed yet from the beginning of our basic education we were taught that he was one. Yes, what he did and all of his works really contributed to the freedom from the Spaniards that we are enjoying right now. We continue to look up to Rizal that we are already neglecting other unsung heroes who have fought and died for the country.

    I know that Rizal is our hero in our hearts and soul because ever since we were young we were taught to believe that Rizal is our National hero. But according to the publication of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, aside from the Philippine flag, the anthem, the coat-of-arms and other heraldic devices, the Philippines has only five national symbols declared by law. This law unfortunately doesn’t involve Rizal being our National hero. Research shows that there is no Filipino historical figure that has been declared as National hero. What we officially have right now are laws and proclamation honoring Filipino heroes. Through my research I learned that this is still a pending issue because up to now no action has been taken on these recommendations.

    I hope that the National Historical Commission can persuade the President to do something about this. The Philippines has always been in search of its identity, is it an aftermath of us being conquered by so many countries for a very long time? Our country has a lot of good things to offer including our own people and the culture that we are practicing today. Maybe it’s about time that we straighten up our facts and our historical data. He have to strengthen up our national identity before we trap ourselves into a deeper make believe. To sum it all up, I think that Rizal is one of our country’s greatest heroes but there are still many other historical figure that we must look into for consideration. Let us find our National hero to be the person who really had the biggest impact on our Nationalism and freedom.

  • Mallari, Eddie Boy C. CIV 151

    Jose Rizal, since we were young we always hear his name and we all know his story because he is our national hero. No doubt he contributes a lot when he use his knowledge on writing noble that attacks the abuses of the Spaniards and makes Filipinos awake and help us to redeem our freedom. But does he really deserve to have a title of national hero? For me there is someone who deserve to be our national hero other than Jose Rizal and that is Andres Bonifacio. They both contributed a lot for us to have our freedom but let focus on there goal. Rizal goal is to only have an equal treatment of Spaniards to his fellow Filipinos unlike Bonifacio’s goal is to have a totally separation from the Spaniards, that’s why I admired bonifacion more than rizal.
    Bonifacio really deserve to be our national hero because, Bonifacio deserved to be respected and honored more than Rizal. Bonifacio know howcpainful the abuses of the Spaniards more than rizal Because he came from a poor family who really experienced the abuses done by the Spaniards while Rizal lived a happy and comfortable life because they are rich and he went to different places to study . Rizal didn’t want the Philippines to be free from the Spanish he just want our country to be a province of spain. so we can conclude that Rizal did not really fought for the independence of the Philippines, but Bonifacio did because he built katipunan and sacrifice his life for our freedom and he always fight for his principle and for what is right.
    But whenever the national hero is, we can say that Rizal did a very good job because he has done a lot for us to have our freedom . And he’s a very good example and an inspiration to us, because he is an intelligent, responsible student and a good lover.

  • ASERIT, JAN MARO M.
    ECE 152

    PHILIPPINE NATIONAL HERO IS DR. JOSE RIZAL. HE IS REGARDED AS OUR HERO BECAUSE OF HIS WORKS IN RESPONSE TO SPANIARDS. HIS WORKS WERE HIS WEAPON AND EVENTUALLY BECAME PHILIPPINES WEAPON AGAINST CONQUEROR. HIS WORDS ARE CONSIDERED SIGNIFICANT BECAUSE IT MADE HIM A FIGHTER. HAVING HIM AS REPRESENTATIVE OF ALL FILIPINOS STRUGGLING FROM HARDSHIPS BROUGHT BY THE CONQUERORS OCCUPATION OF THE ISLANDS WAS ACCOMPLISHED WITH RELATIVELY LITTLE BLOODSHED, PARTLY BECAUSE MOST OF THE POPULATION OFFERED LITTLE ARMED BATTLE INITIALLY. A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM THE SPANISH FACED WAS THE INVASION OF THE MUSLIMS OF MINDANAO AND THE SULU ARCHIPELAGO. THE MUSLIMS IN RESPONSE TO ATTACKS ON THEM FROM THE SPANIARDS AND THERE NATIVE ALLIES RAIDED AREAS OF LUZON AND THE VISAYAS THAT WERE UNDER SPANISH COLONIAL CONTROL. THE SPANISH CONDUCTED INTERMITTENT MILITARY CAMPAIGNS AGAINST THE MUSLIMS, BUT WITHOUT CONCLUSIVE RESULTS UNTIL THE MIDDLE OF THE 19TH CENTURY.

    BUT, ASIDE FROM JOSE RIZAL, THERE ARE ALSO BRAVE SOULS WHO FOUGHT FOR THE NATION. AND THIS IS HOW THE ARGUMENT JOSE RIZAL SHOULD NOT BE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL HERO CAME INTO THE PICTURE. BECAUSE THERE ARE ALSO WHO REALLY FOUGHT AGAINST SPANIARDS, NOT BY WORDS BUT LITERALLY ‘FOUGHT’ , SACRIFICED THEIR OWN LIFE, FOR THE PHILIPPINES TO BE FREE TO NAME THE BRAVE SOULS WHO FOUGHT FOR THE NATION KKK SHOULD BE CONSIDERED.
    AS THE POLITICAL GOAL WAS TO COMPLETELY SEPARATE THE PHILIPPINES FROM SPAIN AFTER DECLARING THE COUNTRY INDEPENDENCE AND THE MORAL GOAL WAS TO TEACH THE FILIPINOS GOOD MANNERS, CLEANLINESS, HYGEINE, FIME MORALS, AND HOW TO GUARD THEMSELVES AGAINST RELIGIOUS FANATICISM. THE CIVIC GOAL WAS TO ENCOURAGE FILIPINOS TO HELP THEMSELVES AND TO DEFEND THE POOR OPPRESSED.

    KKK IS LEAD BY ANDRES BONIFACIO ARGUMENTS REGARDING THIS MATTER STATES THAT BONIFACIO SHOULD BE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL HERO.
    ANDRES BONIFACIO WAS A FILIPINO REVOLUTIONARY LEADER AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE TAGALOG REPUBLIC. HE IS OFTEN CALLED “THE GREAT PLEBEIAN” AND “ THE FATHER OF THE PHILIPPINE REVOLUTION”. HE WAS ONE OF THE FOUNDERS AND LATER SUPREMO OF THE KKK ( KATAAS-TAASAN, KAGALANGGALANGAN, KATIPUNAN NG MGA ANAK NG BAYAN) A MOVEMENT WHICH SOUGHT THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE PHILIPPINES FROM SPANISH COLONIAL RULE AND STARTED THE PHILIPPINE REVOLUTION.

  • Rizal deserve to be a national hero. but for me he is lack of the ability to became a true national hero. For my opinion Jose Rizal dont really want to be a hero he do things like Noli Me Tangre and El Filibusterismo because he want to offend the spanish people who hurt his family and his friends, but not saving the life of many pilipinos. Its just an opinion of mine for my own perspective he just did his novle just to have a revenge on the spanish governmetn and the frayle that fooling the pilippino. Rizal became famous because of his works but it is not enough to recognize him us a hero that Rizal himself did not wanted to be. For me Rizal is lack of passion on saving or helping his fellowman. He always want to impress and love to have many girls whereever he go and that is not a good model for the generation to come.

    For me Ferdinand Marcos is the true national hero. I know that many will disagree about my opinion but it is just for what i see that really fit to be a national hero to be recognize. Marcos is one of the most intelligent student on his time. and for me he is the most intelligent president of the world. Yes he may involved in many issue about the crime happen in marshallaw but nothing was really proven true. For me Marcos was just a victim on what happen. Marcos was betrayed by his trusted friends and many of his fellowman. But did anyone recognize all of President marcos did for his country. He rise the Philippines from a poverty. We almost became the most richest country in the asia. Marcos did this knowing that people will forget him someday but what he will do will be the best for the future of his country. For me President Marcos is the true national hero.

    Whether a hero or not. Dr. Jose Rizal is still deserve to be national hero. Beside of his bad habbits on being a wommanizer he still has the ability to get the attention of the many by his writtings and holding the future of a state. Pen are still powerfull than a gun or sword. And his ability to overthrown the spanish colonizer help the pilipino people even do it is his inttention or just an act of revenge. He still do his part in the history of our country.

    Caballero, Ghyrvy B.
    CIV 151

  • Why is Rizal a hero, nay, our foremost national hero? He is our greatest hero because as atowering figure in the Propaganda Campaign, he took an “admirable part” in that movement w/croughly covered the period from 1882-1896. If we were asked to pick out a single work by aFilipino writer during this period, more than any writer writing, contributed tremendously to the
    formation of Filipino nationality, we shall have no hesitation tin choosing Rizal’s
    Noli MeTangere

    With the advent of ultramodern society characterized by extreme individualism, we have somehow missed some important links to the past. We are more impelled to know more and get enthralled by the thoughts of the future, at times, extreme futures, than care about what had been in the past. For most of us today, the future is exciting; we can’t do something about the present; and the past, oh! Let us just forget it. An awful reality.

    Sadly, today’s younger generations are more familiar with the local actors, Hollywood stars, or superheroes, or on-line game characters than with the national heroes. They are highly idolized and elevated on higher pedestals. Most of them have even become household names. More than anything else, these characters fictional or not, have overshadowed the importance of our heroes. Our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal is not excused from this harrowing reality. How many of us would care about his great feats and contributions to our country, for the Filipino people? How many could at least give a confident answer about his literary masterpieces? Or what cause did he champion? What made him a hero, our Prime National Hero?

    I was one of those, unfortunately. Though I had Philippine History classes in high school and grade school, I cared less. However, in college, though still mandated, I could say that at least I started to appreciate our national heroes, specifically our Prime National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Interestingly, as I began to know him better, I couldn’t help but have self-introspection. Was he deserving to be the National Hero? Should the perpetual historical honor be bestowed upon him? Would it be worth it, if the youth of today go back to the ideals that he had shared with his fellow youth of his time as he immortalized in his poem, “A la juventud Filipina” (To the Filipino Youth) and in all of his literary works?

    Model Student, Learner at his Best, Multifaceted Man. Firstly, given the fact that he has the capacities of his time because of his family’s affluence, somehow he had the caprice and the convenience of availing private education but what remarkable were his consistently excellent study habits vis-à-vis his innate intelligence. Not many of his contemporaries, who were also from the same social status as his family, had the same passion for achieving excellence and pursuit for wisdom. He might have been gifted with superior IQ but his great love for learning made him one of the most admired students in his schools not only by his teachers but also by his schoolmates. His genius was not only confined on his academic performances, mostly rated sobresaliente (Excellent), but also shown in different crafts. He was a poet, a novelist, a playwright, an essayist, a social historian, a painter, a sculptor, an inventor, a scientist, an ophthalmologist and above all a nationalist. Had he lived during the Renaissance period in Europe, he could have been greater and more influential than the Renaissance man himself, Baldassare Castiglione. His multifacetedness was simply awesome.

    His poetic prowess manifested as early as age eight when he wrote, “Sa Aking mga Kabata.” This special interest developed as he aged gracefully, poetically. Not only had he shown appreciation on various subjects and themes on his poems. He also had the insights on the social and societal diseases of his time as these poems reflected issues and concerns which affected the Filipinos during the Spanish regime. He had found inspiration in his poems mostly intrinsically, which make them immortal, transcending generations. The pieces of advice and nuggets of wisdom are still reverberating to the hearts even of the present generation. Its perfect example is “Sa mga Kababaihang taga Malolos”(Letter to the Women of Malolos), which highlighted equality, spirituality over religiosity, self-confidence and service and love for others. All these reminders, though addressing the Tagalog women of Rizal’s time are still very relevant today. Its subtlety against stark realities is simply amazing.

    CIV151 ryan emilson cruz

  • Why is Rizal a hero, nay, our foremost national hero? He is our greatest hero because as atowering figure in the Propaganda Campaign, he took an “admirable part” in that movement w/croughly covered the period from 1882-1896. If we were asked to pick out a single work by aFilipino writer during this period, more than any writer writing, contributed tremendously to the
    formation of Filipino nationality, we shall have no hesitation tin choosing Rizal’s
    Noli MeTangere

    With the advent of ultramodern society characterized by extreme individualism, we have somehow missed some important links to the past. We are more impelled to know more and get enthralled by the thoughts of the future, at times, extreme futures, than care about what had been in the past. For most of us today, the future is exciting; we can’t do something about the present; and the past, oh! Let us just forget it. An awful reality.

    Sadly, today’s younger generations are more familiar with the local actors, Hollywood stars, or superheroes, or on-line game characters than with the national heroes. They are highly idolized and elevated on higher pedestals. Most of them have even become household names. More than anything else, these characters fictional or not, have overshadowed the importance of our heroes. Our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal is not excused from this harrowing reality. How many of us would care about his great feats and contributions to our country, for the Filipino people? How many could at least give a confident answer about his literary masterpieces? Or what cause did he champion? What made him a hero, our Prime National Hero?

    one of those, unfortunately. Though I had Philippine History classes in high school and grade school, I cared less. However, in college, though still mandated, I could say that at least I started to appreciate our national heroes, specifically our Prime National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Interestingly, as I began to know him better, I couldn’t help but have self-introspection. Was he deserving to be the National Hero? Should the perpetual historical honor be bestowed upon him? Would it be worth it, if the youth of today go back to the ideals that he had shared with his fellow youth of his time as he immortalized in his poem, “A la juventud Filipina” (To the Filipino Youth) and in all of his literary works?

    Model Student, Learner at his Best, Multifaceted Man. Firstly, given the fact that he has the capacities of his time because of his family’s affluence, somehow he had the caprice and the convenience of availing private education but what remarkable were his consistently excellent study habits vis-à-vis his innate intelligence. Not many of his contemporaries, who were also from the same social status as his family, had the same passion for achieving excellence and pursuit for wisdom. He might have been gifted with superior IQ but his great love for learning made him one of the most admired students in his schools not only by his teachers but also by his schoolmates. His genius was not only confined on his academic performances, mostly rated sobresaliente (Excellent), but also shown in different crafts. He was a poet, a novelist, a playwright, an essayist, a social historian, a painter, a sculptor, an inventor, a scientist, an ophthalmologist and above all a nationalist. Had he lived during the Renaissance period in Europe, he could have been greater and more influential than the Renaissance man himself, Baldassare Castiglione. His multifacetedness was simply awesome.

    His poetic prowess manifested as early as age eight when he wrote, “Sa Aking mga Kabata.” This special interest developed as he aged gracefully, poetically. Not only had he shown appreciation on various subjects and themes on his poems. He also had the insights on the social and societal diseases of his time as these poems reflected issues and concerns which affected the Filipinos during the Spanish regime. He had found inspiration in his poems mostly intrinsically, which make them immortal, transcending generations. The pieces of advice and nuggets of wisdom are still reverberating to the hearts even of the present generation. Its perfect example is “Sa mga Kababaihang taga Malolos”(Letter to the Women of Malolos), which highlighted equality, spirituality over religiosity, self-confidence and service and love for others. All these reminders, though addressing the Tagalog women of Rizal’s time are still very relevant today. Its subtlety against stark realities is simply amazing.

    ECE152 ryan emilson cruz
    .

  • Economist, educator, musician, novelist, painter, poet, philosopher, doctor, master of multiple languages and a journalist who supported peaceful activism for the purposes of Filipino independence from Spain. The native Filipino ardently disavowed any violent uprising against Spanish rule. Those characteristics that describes our National hero. But, isn’t it enough to give Jose Rizal the title of being a National Hero?

    Heroes. What are the significance of a hero? What do they mean to us? What makes a person a hero? Who decides to make someone a hero? All of these questions demand that ‘hero’ is more than a four-letter word but it has a thousand of meanings to the people. Hence, it begs us to understand how someone becomes a hero and, in the case of Dr. Jose Rizal, a national hero. Why Rizal? What made him as our National Hero? It is always an argument on who deserves to be called Philippine’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal or Andres Bonifacio or may it be Lapu lapu?

    Dr. José Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda. A very known in the Philippines. Almost everyone is familiar with him and his suffering because of the coins, stamps, and books made to honor him. The Luneta Park, which is considered as the national symbol for our country. School children recite a nursery rhyme of his principles. I still remember when I was in High School when I first knew His novels and I feel like so bored whenever we have that particular subject that teaches all his novels and its principles. But then, now my maturity let me understand it all.

    Pen is mightier than the sword. That tag line that gives Jose Rizal an honor that he should be treated as a National Hero. He is a hero because of his numerous articles and reforms that had awaken the Filipino spirit and courage during the time of Spanish colonialism. His classic novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo served as a wake-up call to the inhabitants of the Philippines, especially the Filipino elites. As a result, he was transported, imprisoned, and was sentenced to death. That’s why it makes December 30, the day of his suffering, a significant day to commemorate his death and the nationalism in the Philippines.

    There are groups arguing that we make Andres Bonifacio our national hero as there’s no other hero in the whole wide world who was not a revolutionary. Regardless, at the end of the day, they all played a great part in our history. All of them sacrificed a lot for the liberty of this country. It’s just that it is Rizal who captured most of the people’s heart, and that does not make all the other heroes, known or unsung, any less of a hero. So, official or not, still, they are all heroes. It’s just that, Rizal, for now, is the foremost of them all.

    Carpio, Shela May D.

    CIV 151

  • MARY ALYSSA S. BARCELONA
    ECE151

    Is Dr. Rizal a hero?

    For me Yes! He is, because being a hero symbolizes goodness. It doesn’t have to be in a bloody war to fight for your freedom, for your country. Dr. Rizal fought from freedom in silent but in a powerful way. He used his intellect and expressed his love for the philippines through his novels, essays, poems etc. to expose all the spanish colonial abuse in print. He chose to fought in silent rather than a force of aggression.

  • ESPERAME, JHOSEL RUPERT D.
    ECE152

    WHY DO YOU THINK RIZAL IS NOT DESERVING OF THE “NATIONAL HERO” TITLE?

    As a young Filipino citizen that has been studying for years now, I can say that Dr. Jose Rizal is truly the National Hero of the Philippines. He is a role model to all Filipino youth; he was an excellent student, received several academic accolades and finished multiple degrees in college. And I truly believe that our government must set the record straight and inform all of us the truth about Dr. Jose Rizal. However, we must admit that our National Hero wasn’t all that perfect. There were up and downs about his heroism that questions his title as the National Hero of the Philippines. There were three flawed traits of Rizal; one is that he was not a full blood Filipino. He was believed to have Spanish, Chinese and Japanese blood. Second he wanted to prove that everything he did was right even if he’s actually wrong. He felt that he could defeat or dominate the Spaniards through his works and writings. Lastly, he had too many girls. He even fought other men, like Heneral Luna, over a woman.

    In my opinion, Andres Bonifacio can be an alternative hero. Some Filipinos have recognized him as the founder of the Katipunan and the “First President of the Philippines”. And he also fought and died fighting for our freedom. He was the reason why the Filipinos started to have the courage to defy the ruling Spaniards in the country. Andres Bonifacio and the the rest of the Katipuneros died fighting for our beloved Philippines.

    Should Dr. Rizal be considered as a hero? Yes! Simply because he fought for our freedom. Our country that had been in the hands of the Spaniards for 333 years. It’s not easy to defeat an enemy by a pen. He wrote novels to give Filipinos knowledge and idea to fight for our country. He revealed the truth about Spanish government, their reputation and let the Philippines free. He didn’t die just for our freedom, he also proved the saying “A pen is mightier than a sword”.

  • MARY ALYSSA S. BARCELONA
    ECE151

    Is Dr. Rizal a hero?

    For me Yes! He is.
    A hero symbolizes goodness. Dr. Rizal became the National Hero because he proves us that being a hero doesn’t have to be in a bloody war to fight for your freedom, for your country. Dr. Rizal fought from freedom in silent but in a powerful way. He used his intellect and expressed his love for the philippines through his novels, essays, poems etc. to expose all the spanish colonial abuse in print. He chose to fought in silent rather than a force of aggression.

  • Jade Carlo M. Tarol
    ECE 152

    Why do i think Jose P. Rizal is not deserving as a “National Hero” is because, He did not totally fight for the freedom of our beloved country. What he only wanted for the people of the Philippines, who the Spaniards called indios, is to be treated equal with the Spaniards. But at the end, Dr. Jose P. Rizal did not get what he wanted. He does not deserve the title “National Hero” because first, Dr. Jose P. Rizal didn’t want to fight for our freedom. He just wanted to study and get a doctors degree to cure his mother’ disease/illness. And for me, Dr. Jose P. Rizal is not a true hero unlike Lapu-Lapu who fought Magellan in a bloody war and won the battle to stop them from conquering the islands of the Philippines.

    The deserving of the title “National Hero” for me is Gat. Andres Bonifacio because like Lapu-lapu, he was who a good leader and a brave person. At the young age, Gat. Andres Bonifacio witnessed the cruelty of the Spaniards that’s where he got his courage to fight for the freedom. He led many revolts and was not scared of the Spaniards. And because he wanted to fight for the freedom of the Filipinos, he founded a secret propaganda against the Spaniards and was called “KKK”.

    And i think those are the reasons why Gat. Andres Bonifacio deserves to be a “National Hero”.

    Dr. Jose P. Rizal can still be considered a hero because he wrote many novels depicting the life and suffering of the Filipinos under the regime of Spain. Because of it, the Spanish government was insulted. Although he fought the Spanish government through writing, because of it he lost his life. And if there was no Dr. Jose P. Rizal that live in our history, who fight for our rights in the Spanish regime i dont think that we can get our freedom to the Spaniards. That’s why Dr. Jose P. Rizal is still our “National Hero”

  • Jose rizal is not deserving of national hero title, why? Because, in his generation he have so many ladies. Rizal is our hero, having a title without a crown is considered as a king or a highness with a class but how do we consider a guy who have many ladies in some countryin which he pass through a months, days, and years? Being a hero means your responsible to your countrymen, your their number 1 role model that everyones wanted to be. But how? In our generation, we have so many man having two or.more woman with his to flirt. That was Rizal’s biggest mistakes flirting or having many ladies after a couple of time he need to go to somewhere and leave.

    For me one of our hero we have is Andres Bonifacio. It would be interesting to look and compare Bonifacio with our national hero Rizal. Their views and opinions were truly different from each other, giving way for us to challenge which of the two would be a better national hero. First point, if one looks at the national hero of other countries, they would find that their heroes were the leaders of theirRevolution. then Andres Bonifacio would be our national hero. He was the Father of the Philippine Revolution. Instead, we have a hero that was actually against the revolution.Rizal wanted nothing but for the Philippines to beequals with Spain. He did not want to be free from it. He felt that the country was not yet ready to beindependent. In other words, his plan of attack was different. On the other hand, Bonifacio created theKatipunan in goal of freeing the whole nation fromSpanish rule, whether it meant having to use physical means of warfare. Even before he started theKatipunan movement, Bonifacio sent Pio Valenzuela to Dapitan, where Rizal was exiled. This was in hopes of convincing Rizal or rather asking for his blessing to start the revolution.

    We should considered rizal as our national hero because a hero symbolizes goodness. Jose rizal become the national hero because he thought from freedom in a silent but powerfull way. He was a very amazing person at his time. He was humble fighting for reform through his writing instead of truth a revolution he use his intelligent talents and skills in a for more peacefull way. Jose Rizal become a national hero of the philippines as a reformist who advocated peacefully.

  • Buenaventura, Edraelyne C.
    ECE152

    Does Jose Rizal deserve to be acknowledge as a National Hero?

    The Jose Rizal that we know since we are a child, the hero that we learn who fought the Spaniards and the person who is willing to sacrifice his life for the love for his own country. That is the hero that we used to know, the Hero that our teachers taught us in school. Jose Rizal whom we are calling as a National Hero, does he deserve to be acknowledge as that? Is he worthy enough to be called as a national hero when all that he did is to write a novel where he believe that can open the eyes and mind of every Filipino who reads it? He fought the Spaniards using his writings saying that he did not want a revolution. He hid under different pen names for him not to be recognized when he will be publishing his books. He has many degrees, he is smart a genius to be exact as others might have said but he is also boastful, self-centered, and he can’t accept the fact that there is someone who can outsmart him because he believes that he is the smartest. Another one is that he came from a family who is devoted a catholic yet he had a relationship with his cousin. He had different woman from different countries that he’s been to. How can we consider a national hero who is not brave enough to fight the Spaniards, who keeps writing a novel hiding under the roof of his house or in the other country while the Spaniards are treating the Filipino like slaves, torturing and making fun of them? Though we can see that Jose Rizal is a patriotic person who loves his country very much, I still think that it is not enough reason for him to be called and acknowledge as our National Hero.

    For me, Andres Bonifacio is the one who is fitted to be called as a National Hero. He came from a poor family and was working very hard to support their needs. When their parents died he needs to fill the role of a mother and father for his siblings. He is the founder of KKK. Bonifacio together with his men fought to gain the rights of every Filipino in this country, to be free from Spaniards colonization. He is a true hero on his own, coming from a poor family, learning to educate himself and fight for our country. Bonifacio, aside from being a revolutionary leader he also become the first president of the Philippines.

    Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio may have a little bit similarity and may have big differences but they still both considered as the hero of the Philippines. Jose Rizal did his best to save the country from Spaniard colonization, he attempted many times and was successfully opened the eyes and mind of every Filipino, to see the reality in our surroundings. Jose Rizal’s patriotism is also an inspiration to everyone just like Andres Bonifacio who made Rizal his inspiration to fight for the country. Today we millennials still consider Jose Rizal as National hero. His writings will always reveal the truth about our society, our government and what is wrong with this country. but all in all Rizal will always be an Inspiration to everyone.

  • CUNAN Camille

    Why I do not think Rizal is not deserving the National hero title,
    First, Rizal is an “illustrado” or noble man, he doesn’t belong to the group of Filipino people that Spaniards refer as “indio” or low class of people. He was born to a well-off family that follows the teachings of the church and those teachings include discrimination of the low class people. We can simply say that he doesn’t represent the true bond of being a Filipino because he himself was born and raised by the teachings of the foreign invaders.
    Second, even in his novels he uses Spanish language which they considered as his weapon against the Spaniards. The very idea of the novel why he wrote it , is because he wanted an equal nights for the Filipinos, it was never really for the Independence or our country that is just his way of rebelling against them. They called him a traitor, Yes because ever since in the beginning he was one of them, they gave him an education but in the end he just betray them and expose their wrong doings. An Indio is not educated to understand or even read his novel unless there is an interpreter that will make them understand. Those who really fought by hand and risk their lives for our Independence are the one we should really thank for. And I was just wondering if it’s not because of what he did then maybe we will be part of Spain, and then maybe we’ll be more a better country, just maybe.
    And last, why I think he does not deserve to be a national hero is because of having a lot of affair or having a lot of different relationship. This idea would so lame but I think having a lot of romantic relationship or having a lot of girlfriends doesn’t make you feel like a hero. It feels like he is just using them as an inspiration to write. He even had a relationship with his cousin which is very immoral for a noble man that was raised by the teachings of the church.
    Like I wrote earlier I think the alternate heroes are those people who are brave enough to fight for our Independence. The one that really risk their lives and fought physically even though they doesn’t stand a chance against the Spaniards . For me a hero is not just one or two person, All of them should be our National Hero .
    Dr. Jose Rizal should still be considered a hero, why? Because if it’s not because of him the world will never know the cruelty we suffer from the hands of the Spaniards for more than 300 years. Even he does not fight with them physically but he uses his brain, his knowledge and wisdom through his writing that makes an impact and realization for the Filipinos to fight for their right. He help his countrymen and gave them encouragement. If it’s not for him I guess we will still suffer a hundred more years or maybe we will never have our freedom. He also risk his life for our country and it’s never been a waste. Because his death was the start of revolutions or the “himagsikan” that led us to our independence. So we should honor him and thank him because he will be forever remembered and remain as a National Hero to the hearts of Filipino people.

  • ECE 152
    Jamoralin, Lovely L.

    One of the reasons why Jose Rizal does not deserve to be our national hero is that he loved Spain. He even wanted the Philippines to become a part of Spain because he felt that the Filipinos did not have enough education. He also felt more comfortable speaking and writing in Spanish. He was more fluent in Spanish than in Tagalog. As our national hero, he should have choose and put the Philippines above all, despite his love for Spain. He should have loved our own language more than Spanish. He was also married to a foreigner, Josephine Bracken. Second is that he had a lot of women. At an early age he already had fell in love with many women including Segunda Katigbak, Leonor Valenzuela, Vicenta Ybardaloza, Leonor Rivera, Consuelo Ortiga, Nelly Boustead, Suzanne Jacoby, Usui Seiko, Gertrude Beckett, and Josephine Bracken. He spent too much time with lots of women in Europe which is not a good example to youth. And lastly, Rizal was a noble man, but he was not a leader. Some people say Rizal is not really a brave hero because he wrote his essays in pseudonyms.

  • Cajocson, Krisha Camille V.
    ECE152

    Dr. Jose Rizal is proclaimed as our national hero because he is known for believing in education, letting us, Filipinos free from ignorance and fought against the Spaniards. But for me, a true hero must be brave and fighting with his countrymen; not hiding on someone else’s name or on a pseudonym. A true hero must voice out his thoughts and opinions whether it can cause war against the enemies just for the sake of the country. Obviously, that is not Rizal’s personality.

    In my humble opinion, Rizal is not deserving to be our country’s national hero. The reason is he was gone for how many years in the Philippines. He wasn’t brave enough to fight against the Spaniards. Although, he has many works and writings about on how the Spain took control our country, it is not enough to use it against them. According on the article that I have read, it states that Rizal was not leader of the Revolution. He actually refuse to support it. So does it mean that he actually don’t care about the revolution and its plan for our country? Maybe Rizal is not loyal to our country. He wanted the Spain take control of the Philippines.

    I admire the other Filipino heroes risked their lives for all the sake of being free and to be called a nation. And for me, General Antonio Luna is the one deserves to be called our national hero because of his wit and sacrifices aside from Rizal. Luna stood firmly in his decision to fight for our country and he never gave up to our enemies during the war. He is the kind of hero that will fight in the front line and never hand our country in the opponent. General Luna was the bravest among them all but was killed by traitors.

    Nevertheless, Jose Rizal truly deserves to be the national hero because he awakened Filipinos mind to have a great knowledge, understanding and appreciating literary works. He just used a pen and a paper to have our independence and not through bloody war. And because of that, Filipinos appreciated the good things that Rizal had.

  • Ryan Rey Magdaong
    ECE152

    What do we really think a national hero has to have to be considered as national hero? A hero should symbolizes goodness. Being national hero isnt important when doing heroic things, however someone can become a national hero if you do something heroic that affects a nation.
    No one lives a perfect life, not even these heros. Rizal as an example, he may have done so much for our country but he is also just a human. It may have not been said and written on the writings about him but he also made things out of the norms that other people may question his qualifications to be the national hero.

    He may have been part of some groups but for some reasons, because of his being selfishness he dicided to just go back to the Philippines and create his own group, a clear representation that he is not open for his members idea to be entertained.

    Rizal may not be considered the national hero as he never really fought for our country unlike Andres Bonifacio. Rizal is a coward for fighting the spaniards by just writing. On the their hand Andres Bonifacio really fought for the countries freedom by doing the revolution. There may be a lot of arguments in this matter but let’s all think of what is really the essence of being a national Hero, is it using force or by using just the mind.

    Having said that, do we still think that Jose Rizal should really be our national hero? I’d say yes! Every hero’s has their own downfalls nevertheless, Rizal works and life has given us and will give the next generation a good example of being a true Filipino. As Rizal has the qualities that made him stand out, such as commitment, self-sacrifice and dedication to national ideals. He demonstrated leadership qualities and ethical behavior, showing love for his country. We can’t deny that Rizal has enriched the lives of others through his contributions to the country.

  • In my own opinion, José Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda is not my national hero with his arrogant and ill-tempered personality. And also, he had an affair with his cousin Leonor Rivera as a catholic this was a crime and Philippines is a catholic country do you want to see our country as people who don’t stand on their beliefs because of Jose Rizal. And the catholic church revised the life and books of Jose Rizal, why do you think the catholic church do such things? Because Jose Rizal have bad trait that can be a bad influence to youth. And Jose Rizal was a FUBU I don’t like Philippine to be a land of FUBU.

    But in the other hand Jose Rizal was the only person to fight for our country using his pen and voice which is a good trait. He also came back from the Philippines because he wants to fight for the Philippines in his own country not like other who flew to other country. And Jose Rizal wrote novels that inspired Filipino to fight for our country. And Jose Rizal is known to other countries not only in the Philippines because of his intelligence.

    Andrés Bonifacio y de Castro can also be our national hero because he was the leader of the revolutionary leader and the president of the tagalog republic He was one of the founders and later Supremo (Supreme Leader) of the Kataas-taasan, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan or simply and more popularly called Katipunan, and there is also a humor that andres Bonifacio was our first philippine president but he is not recognized as such. He fought for our country even he doesn’t have the intelligence of jose rizal. He uses his own strength to fight for our country that’s why he can also be our national hero

  • Panaligan,Mark Angelo B.
    CIV151

    *Why is rizal not your national hero?
    -Rizal deserves to be our national hero but for me there are some reasons that he didnt deserves the title of being our national hero.
    *Your 3 reasons.
    -First he has no commitment to his beliefs, because he turned his back on his faith on our lord.
    -he’s not a good model for our youth,because of being a womanizer.
    -he prevented the katipunan to have a rebellion to spanish goverment because he thinks that they can obtained freedom in a educational way.But he’s wrong.

    *Who should it be?
    -I think the title of being our national hero belongs to Andres Bonifacio,because he is the founder of Katipunan(a group of filipino rebel who fight the spanish colony)

    *How will you recommend that rizal still be our national hero?
    -by persuading them to read noli me tangere and el filibusterismo,because this novels represents the life of rizal.This novels opened the mind of filipino to fight against spanish goverment.

  • Why is Jose Rizal not a hero?
    In my own honest opinion, Jose Rizal is not a hero and he doesn’t deserve to be called one, because the only thing that he did, is write. I truly think, that Andres Bonifacio deserves to be called the National hero more than Jose Rizal does, because I think that Andres Bonifacio did a lot more sacrifices than Rizal that all has done is sit and write his novels and stuffs.
    Writing and wanting to start something that will make the lives of your fellow countrymen better, is something great; but it is a whole different thing from what Andres Bonifacio did for the Filipinos that really made them have their freedom and all, even though it had to be bloody and some men have to sacrifice their own lives which what Jose Rizal exactly did not want.
    Although, Jose Rizal’s writings did have a good impact on the Filipinos that time by teaching them, and making them open their eyes and realize that they shouldn’t let anyone, especially the Spaniards, to belittle them or treat them any less than what they deserve that really made the Filipinos to want to fight back, and gain equality and freedom from being slaves.

  • You can become a national hero if you did something heroic that affect a nation. But to the most recognized national hero today, Dr. Jose Rizal, he is not. He didn’t fought to slay the dragons of colonization. Rizal only used his pen with lack of willingness to do the battle. He is not dedicated to fight with blood because for me, as super heroes does, you must be brave enough to fight for your country’s independence. You must not hide and not attack them throught writing but instead confront them with eagerness to shut them down.

    As a matter of fact, Dr. Jose Rizal is not our National Hero because according to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Heraldy Section Chief Teodoro Atienza, there has never been any law passed to recognize a national hero in the country.

    Nevertheless, Andres Bonifacio was one of those influential people we are proud to have in our country. He made superb contributions and sacrifices during his Spanish regime to gain our country’s independence which we are enjoying right now.

    Well, i’m not underestimating the contributions of Rizal. I salute him for he is such an intelligent person with a heart for our country. His passion and dedication to help for our country’s freedom made a huge difference. And with that I commend him!

  • GONZALES, PJB
    CIV151

    1.) Why is Rizal your national hero?

    Rizal is my national hero because his legacy lives on even if he already passed away. he died with his wits killing our country’s greatest conqueror, Spain. In his time, his works and the whole of his life inspired many in the present days to be as noble as he is. From his educational attainments to the places he traveled and changed. He has this living legacy that reminds the youth to be the catalyst of change.

    He is my national hero because his pen didn’t act just an ordinary one, but more of a sword that is slashing every ego that the friars had, that every conqueror had. Aside from using it as an armor of revolution, his writings became an inspiration to a writer like me. His ideals and stylistics bring out the best in every piece he made. His words didn’t just pierce the subject in every page, but more of becoming the voice of the revolution that hasn’t started yet by that time. And with those two novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, the Filipino regimen stood for what the people in our country wants.

    He is my national hero because he is a man of integrity. His nobility sticks to his spirit like what a true blooded Filipino should be. Though he travelled far and learned greater than the average, he still came back to our country and set the fire burning for our independence. His pursuit for freedom didn’t go to waste, because his character inspired Katipunan and the other Filipino troops to make a move. To indict the strength of us Filipinos and fight for what we deserve.

    So far, how can one consider who is supposed to be the national hero? Maybe from one’s kindness. Maybe from one’s history. Maybe from one’s bravery. And I think Gat Jose Rizal embodies it all. He is a man that us Filipinos can be proud of. He is a hero that teaches us to be a hero on our own too. He is, Gat Jose Rizal.

    2.) Who should be in second place, why?

    I think, someone that should be named hero next to Rizal are those Overseas Filipino Workers. Because aside from the fact that they are sacrificing their happiness living close to their family, OFWs also know how to handle stress and people’s judgment of us, lahing kayumanggi, to the foreigners they are working for. They know how to keep their dreams alive just by thinking of the future that life may bring to them. And though they are far from our country and their loved ones, they are still keeping up with life because they believe that by working abroad, they can give a bright future to the youth of today and send their own kids to school. For those OFWs working abroad, I’m a fan of your masterpiece, the art of tenacity. You are the real example of hardwork that pays off.

  • My whole experience in rizal was amazing and fun it showed me that i can make a change that i want to see

  • 1. I know that Rizal is a hero in our hearts and minds but I don’t think Jose Rizal is not worthy to be considered a national hero because I have reason to say this one of my first reason why Rizal for me is not worthy because he is he was self-center that he was have a pride that he can do whatever without the help of other Filipino fellows and my second reason why Rizal is not worthy for me to considered him to be a national hero because he only became a national hero because his family was rich and famous. They were rich that he had a private tutor. So rich that he was sent to Manila to study to prestigious expensive school and even sent to Spain to study and widen his wisdom and intellectual. Because of his family’s fortune and richness, he also gained friends and among them was very well-known and was respected to the society and he became famous because of his family.

    2. If i were a authorize official’s that promote the national hero in our country I will choose General Antonio Luna we all know that General. Luna is one of the most brave Fililipino soldier of our history he was a excellent leader of our fellow Filipino soldier and also General luna is intelligent Filipino soldier he also got many achievement in his past history he was the first one no guts to fight American that he knows Americans has the advantages in the war but General luna He was the one formed the Luna sharpshooter that support the revolutionary army of the Philippines he was also the one that protect the dignity of our country. However i was been disappointed when his fellow soldier assassinated him. I will be glad to recognize General Luna to be one of our national hero.

    3. As a student and a Filipino citizen I know that our fellow Jose Rizal is a surely intelligent and noble one because of his achievement, literature and contribution on his past life to our nation. I should be happy and be glad to have Jose Rizal as our great national hero because of his history in life that he shared on us and in our beloved country that he gave his own life to save our nation Rizal is the one represent peaceful political advocacy, unlike more radical people whose ideas could inspire resistance nation his writings had helped inspire the Philippine Revolution against colonial rule. Hero symbolizes goodness. Jose Rizal is a hero because he fought from freedom in a silent but powerful way. He expressed his love for the Philippines through his novels, essays, articles and poems rather than a force of aggression

  • Economist, educator, musician, novelist, painter, poet, philosopher, doctor, master of multiple languages and a journalist who supported peaceful activism for the purposes of Filipino independence from Spain. The native Filipino ardently disavowed any violent uprising against Spanish rule. Those characteristics that describes our National hero. But, isn’t it enough to give Jose Rizal the title of being a National Hero?

    Heroes. What are the significance of a hero? What do they mean to us? What makes a person a hero? Who decides to make someone a hero?  All of these questions demand that ‘hero’ is more than a four-letter word but it has a thousand of meanings to the people. Hence, it begs us to understand how someone becomes a hero and, in the case of Dr. Jose Rizal, a national hero. Why Rizal? What made him as our National Hero? It is always an argument on who deserves to be called Philippine’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal or Andres Bonifacio or may it be Lapu lapu?

    Dr. José Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda. A very known in the Philippines. Almost everyone is familiar with him and his suffering because of the coins, stamps, and books made to honor him. The Luneta Park, which is considered as the national symbol for our country. School children recite a nursery rhyme of his principles. I still remember when I was in High School when I first knew His novels and I feel like so bored whenever we have that particular subject that teaches all his novels and its principles. But then, now my maturity let me understand it all.
    Pen is mightier than the sword. That tag line that gives Jose Rizal an honor that he should be treated as a National Hero. He is a hero because of his numerous articles and reforms that had awaken the Filipino spirit and courage during the time of Spanish colonialism. His classic novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo served as a wake-up call to the inhabitants of the Philippines, especially the Filipino elites. As a result, he was transported, imprisoned, and was sentenced to death. That’s why it makes December 30, the day of his suffering, a significant day to commemorate his death and the nationalism in the Philippines.

    There are groups arguing that we make Andres Bonifacio our national hero as there’s no other hero in the whole wide world who was not a revolutionary. Regardless, at the end of the day, they all played a great part in our history. All of them sacrificed a lot for the liberty of this country. It’s just that it is Rizal who captured most of the people’s heart, and that does not make all the other heroes, known or unsung, any less of a hero. So, official or not, still, they are all heroes. It’s just that, Rizal, for now, is the foremost of them all.

    CARPIO, SHELA MAY D.
    CIV 151

  • Peña, Daniela M.
    CIV151

    We all know that our national hero, Jose Rizal was a man with artistic aptitude and had geek authorities. He has a perceptive attitude that he can rival with the Spanish legislature, he also exceed to writing, medicine, architecture, poetry and even sketching. He advocated freedom of speech and equal rights for his countrymen, and despite a lack of any evidence of his collusion in the Revolution, Rizal was convicted and given the death sentence.

    In my point of view being a national hero is a leader who recognizes because of his or her role in the history of the country, primarily refers to those officially designated. However, beside Jose Rizal I can say that one of the Philippines’ greatest and most influential hero was Andrés Bonifacio. He was one of the Filipino revolutionary leaders who spearheaded the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish colonizers. He was also founded the underground movement known as the Kataas–taasan, Kagalang–galangan, Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan, or simply KKK in 1892 that heralded the end of Spanish colonial rule, who had over 30,000 members and functioned at the national, provincial, and municipal levels.. He insinuated itself into the community by setting up mutual aid societies and education for the poor. And unlike Rizal Day or any other national celebration for independence, Bonifacio Day is celebrated on the day of his birth rather than the day of his death, mainly because Bonifacio suffered the controversy of being killed by his fellow countrymen, not by the Spaniards. Nevertheless, Andres Bonifacio was one of those influential people we are proud to have in our country. He made great contributions and sacrifices during the Spanish regime to gain our country’s independence which we are enjoying right now.

    Indeed, I’m not against Rizal, I salute him for changing the life style of the Filipinos with pride and fear no more. And considering the fact that he was able to save our country and set us all free under the Spanish legislature. Concluding, heroes like them is honored by keeping them alive as symbols in our social justice and solidarity.

  • Quimba, Joshua S.
    ECE151
    We might as well consider J. Rizal as a national hero because he’s a multifaceted individual both through the mind and manipulative areas, not to mention his inherit character and the love to people, especially to the poor. His sensitivity to the needs of others was overwhelming as evidenced by his sincere services to the people as doctor, engineer, teacher, artist, farmer and the like. He fought through his pen, books and knowledge. He did not fight through guns and swords. With the articles he has written, of which most of the topics discussed were all about slavery and abused, he has touched lives, awakened the people, but also provoked the Spaniards thus sent him to jail. But even then, he was still fighting, not for himself or for his family, but more for his people, for us through his ideas, through poems and other written articles.

  • Agustin, Jayvee

    This semester is a mix of a roller-coaster ride for me. The beginning seems to ready myself for the upcoming challenges of the subject. It is a bit thrilling since I don’t know what may happen next, what goes around and how will it turn 360 degrees to make my college days more nerve-racking. My expectations of how aggravating the subject could be is way too high.

    The first downfall is exciting. Prelim.

    Assignments may ton a bit but it is still workable with the other subjects. The introduction to Rizal is amusing though I know some facts about him. Stress is not yet sensed here due to some times that I can still manage my time and I even have spare time to do some stress-relieving experiences.

    The next plunge shot me to pieces. Midterm.

    The start of the recession bawled my eyes because of the announcement of the activities and tasks we need to do. The drop continued and the remaining works I haven’t done is piling up. Finding the Noli Me Tangere 2 book is much stressful than what I have expected. All of my subjects are pulling all the parts of my body and I don’t know what to do anymore. Luckily, I got through this stage after our group sent the article that was posted also here on the blog.

    The last dive was breathtaking, but I enjoyed this part. Finals.

    It feels like my body is getting used to with the stress. The further announcement of the activities and tasks we need to do is not surprising anymore. The book review was a group effort since my group communicate a lot and we try to finish the review as soon as possible. The activities drained me though, but those gave me wisdom on laws that I should’ve known since then.

    All in all, that was an exciting ride and I believe that what I learnt in this subject can contribute to what I can share to my community and my beloved country.

  • Diego, Nichole Rein I. ECE151

    For me, Dr. Jose Rizal truly deserves to be the national hero. A hero doesn’t need to fight or start a war for him/her to show other people that he/she is brave enough to fight for his/her country. What Rizal did to free us from the spaniards was incredible. No doubt his works lives up until now. Some of us may not appreciate him or what he did for our country because they think he was a coward for not fighting the spaniards with Andres Bonifacio. Every heroes have different ways to show their love and devotion for something or someone, it doesn’t have to be just about violence.

  • I Experienced:
    I really had fun studying this subject, learning Rizal is sometimes complicated due to school activities often took our time for Rizal. I often think a lot what if Dr. Jose Rizal did not wrote those books, what if he just plainly accepted the clutches of discrimination. I am thankful that he was born and rised as he is was known to be. I am also greatful that their are still some people spend the time teaching Rizal’s heroic deeds to others and a person spend the time to create a sequel of Rizal’s works.
    I had fun, I am thankful and greatful.

  • Gonzales, Troy

    My experience in this subject was great. I’ve learned more about rizal’s life and his works. And it’s fun to study with my good friends and of course with my great professor. We did many activities and paper works, and because of that we became closer to each other, also we’ve learned many things together about rizal’s life. And about his literary works, I’ve realized many important things about Filipinos, Myself, and our country. I’ve been more aware about the issues or problems of our country and Filipinos. And because of that realization, I became a good and wise citizen of this country. Now, I have care not only with myself but also with the Filipinos especially with our country. So, it was a great experience for me. I’ve learned a lot of things at the same time I enjoyed the class.

  • Ofamen, Darryl M.

    I’m glad and happy that I took the subject Rizal with my classmate and also with my Professor Hernandez. I had fun learning with him about Rizal’s life and his literary works I also had fun learning with my classmates. In this subject I learned that there’s a Noli 2 made by Roger Olivares which He reincarnated the main character in Noli 1 to fight the crisis of our country, I was so happy that my classmate chose it as our performance task to make a book review for it. It is a good story indeed, it changed my perspective to become a great citizen of this country. I am so really glad and happy that I took this subject it reminds me of sacrifices Rizal made for our country to be freed.

  • Oclares, Kier Vincent V

    I Experienced:
    I really had fun studying this subject, learning Rizal is sometimes complicated due to school activities often took our time for Rizal. I often think a lot what if Dr. Jose Rizal did not wrote those books, what if he just plainly accepted the clutches of discrimination. I am thankful that he was born and rised as he is was known to be. I am also greatful that their are still some people spend the time teaching Rizal’s heroic deeds to others and a person spend the time to create a sequel of Rizal’s works.
    I had fun, I am thankful and greatful.

  • Astrologio, Ada R.

    My experience in Rizal subject this semester was a total blast. At first, I thought that it would be really boring but it went the opposite way. I enjoyed every minute spent in this class. It was really nice to know even the little details about our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal that were not taught when I was in highschool. It was also nice how I was reminded how great Dr. Jose Rizal was and how hard he fought for this country and for our freedom. It is great that my eyes were opened on how this country is suffering and how we took our heroes’ bravery and sacrifices for granted. Time spent with Sir Hero in this subject was a time not wasted. It was fun too that we were to work in groups for our performance tasks and a lot more. In this class too, not only have I learned things about our history, our heroes and our country, I have also learned a lot of values like resposibility, cooperation, teamwork, time management and the like and I have worked on some of my struggles in life by learning these. I thank sir Hero for that. This class made our block’s bond stronger and I thank this subject for that. It was really awesome to learn a lot of things about Dr. Jose Rizal and this country while having fun and not getting bored listening to a lot of lectures for hours. I will forever treasure my experinece in Rizal class having Sir Hero as my professor and cherish all the learnings and moments I had in this class. I will always be thankful and I am really pleasured that I was given the chance to be one of the few students of Sir Hero in Rizal subject.

  • Codero, Ma. Patricia A.

    What I would like to share from my experience is this subject is that I had fun while learning new things. This subject has been an eye opener since it discusses everything about Rizal and among other things. It’s fun to learn especially when you’re surrounded by the people you share common interests with. Sir Hernandez is a professor whose witty comebacks never fails to make us laugh. Activities are more exciting because we get to do it with our close friends. I think that is really nice learning everything about Rizal. He is a great man with a much greater sense of patriotism and should be a example to all Filipinos.

  • Avellano, Joelle
    CIV151

    Why is Rizal not your National Hero?

    Jose Rizal is not my National Hero. One of the reason is he didn’t want the Philippines to be free, he wanted only to have equal rights. Also, he had many girls in his life and ge cheated Leonor Rivera. Lastly, his novel Noli and El Fili were not enough to make him a hero.

    For me, Andres Bonifacio is more deserving to be our National Hero. Because he sacrifice his life for the freedom of our country which is tge Philippines.

    Even though Jose Rizal is not morally good, he dedicated his life to the country. Also he was good as a man even if he is womanizer.

  • Alvero, Joev L.
    ECE152

    We have different perception of what it means to be a hero. I observed many issues portrayed upon declaring Rizal as our ” Third World Hero”. People doubted whether Rizal deserved to be our national hero or not.
    Upon reading any articles about him, it enlightened me about who Rizal was, its obviously seen that he had a passion for our country wherein the trait he possessed was indeed a unique one. As far as I’m concern, Rizal was the main reason why Filipinos was awakened and enlightened .This country needs democracy and this can be obtain by the manifestation of peace instead of war against one another for it doesn’t make sense at all .Rizal offered his life as a sacrifice for your sake, he wasn’t self-seeking because if he was, then I don’t think he will spend his life searching for the best way how to save Filipinos from captivity, no wonder why he deserve to be a hero, a national hero, rather.
    Doubtlessly, I boldly say that Rizal is a hero. He deserved the title not just because of his distribution in the Philippines but also because Rizal made a great impact by showing us that filipinos is worth dying for. His memories will always be indelible to our history.
    Rizal is someone who have all the intellectual excellence one might want to associate to a hero. I think he would have been a great President of our country had he lived longer. But unlike each of us, he has flaws too. We tend to be perfectionists that is why some of us misjudge him.
    Isn’t someone who have the courage to fight and die for our country worth the title? He might not have fought the way we want or the bloody way, but he worked his way towards what he know real independence is and putting in mind the welfare of the whole nation.
    His humanist ideals gave meaning to our identity as a nation. They made us imagine what it means to be a Filipino.
    Andres Bonifacio led a Revolution to free us from Spanish tyranny. The Founding Fathers bestowed upon that Revolution the trappings of statehood. Their efforts were all political: To achieve independence. Dr.Rizal, on the other hand, transcended the political. He defined the principles that have come to serve as the glue that binds us into a single, imagined community. Thanks to him, we have created a nation that consecrates itself to important Enlightenment values: Freedom, democracy, social justice, and human rights. For me, to be Filipino is to believe in these values.
    Dr. Rizal’s thoughts will remain relevant even long after nationalism itself becomes obsolete, precisely because they transcend the concepts of state sovereignty and political independence.

  • I’ve learned a lot in this subject, Rizal and it would be a very long list if I listed them all. One of the most important thing I’ve learned in this subject, obviously is Rizal’s life like his education, travels and literary works. I was really into subjects relative to history, that’s why I’ve read a lot of references to gain more understanding specifically about Rizal. All my life, I know that Rizal is a genuis but I’ve never put an effort of deepining my knowledge about that, but through this subject, I’ve learned that in his education, Rizal is like us, he had subjects with good grades and low grades though his grades are better than ours, that he’s into arts than science though he is still good at it and through that fact, I’ve realized that grade should not be basis in measuring one’s capabilities and knowledge like Rizal who haven’t had perfect grades but still he became a great man and our national hero. In his travels, I’ve learned that Rizal wasn’t that rich, well when I was a kid I thought he came from a very rich family, though his family was richer compared to Filipinos during those days, but still they are certainly not the richest, I’ve learned this since when he was in Europe, there are times that his allowance falls short since there are crisis in Calamba during that time and when he even borrowed money to his friend just to fund the publication of his books. Another thing that I learned is Rizal’s El Filibusterismo was inspired by another book, The Count of Monte Cristo. Really. I don’t know that fact before Sir Hero showed the film to us. There are laws made to comemmorate Rizal’s memory and contributions to this country, laws that I thought I would never know but thanks to this subject, I’ve finally knew them. The most important thing I’ve learned in this subject is that Rizal really deserved the title of being Philipine’s National Hero even though some contradicts with this argument. Yes Rizal was a play boy, he wasn’t perfect but what does being hero means? Is it define as perfect or holy? No! You’re talking about a saint if yes. Is it define as someone armored with sword or gun? No! You’re talking about a soldier. But a hero is someone that is admired or idealized for his courage and outstanding achievements. Rizal, even though he knows that revealing the cancer spreading in the Philippines during Spanish era would meant his death, he did it anyway. He opened our ancestor’s eyes to see what is really happening in our country. And what he had done is still applicable nowadays. If there is one very valuable, helpful and worthy of learning thing that I learned in this subject is that don’t be apathetic to your own country.

    ROCHELLE ANNE MARIE NICDAO

  • Dalisay, David Joshua M.

    What was my experience while studying the life of Rizal this Semester? It was amazing. The volume of knowledge was so dense that made my brain and knowledge so full of facts about Rizal’s life from cradle to grave.

    What i learned while studying the life of Jose Rizal this semester? Well i learned that even though you came from nothing you can be something and that if you want to see the change you must be the change that you want to see.

  • The whole semester I’ve been dealing with Rizal and everything he has done, I think I’ve learned something I’ll bring with me everytime. Filipinos wants change yet, we aren’t working to make progress. We want to rebuild our society yet we ourselves can’t start it straight. Rizal loves the Philippines so much that he really died fighting. I salute him for being so brave despite the precarious soldiers of USA in his time. I really admire his courage to start the change for a better country. Altough I learned alot from Rizal, it is still hard to continue his advocacy this days. Not all people focuses advertising change, because they are preparing to make their own lives comfortable in the future. In reality there are little or less whose really passionate about helping our country. Rizal is such an inspiration that whoever we are, wherever we came, we should start from ourselves change we want our country to be.

    Arroyo, Mariz U.

  • At first, I really thought that this subject is not interesting but it goes in the opposite way. I really have fun learning and exploring the life and works of Rizal not just the typical Rizal we know but beyond that. It’s very nice that this subject is a great reminder to us how we are freed from the spaniards through the works of our national hero.
    Sir napaka astig mo kala ko nga ikaw na si Rizal

    Agcongay, Allen Joseph M.

  • Throughout this semester, I was able to know more about Jose Rizal. It was a fun and an informative experience as well. Take for example, how Rizal, our national hero, spent his whole life and how he ended up dying in the hands of Spaniards for being the face of uprisings against the Spanish regime. Through his literary works, he continues to instill love for our fellowmen and patriotism within every individual. In my own perspective, the problem hadn’t ended when Filipinos attained freedom from the colonizers and invaders. New issues and problems sprang out, like corruption (which was now at its severe case), and unfortunately introduced tremendous poverty as its aftereffect. The previous statement sums up my realization after I have read the modernistic sequel of Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere which was written by Roger Olivares. Rizal hadn’t served only as an eye-opener but an inspiration for every Filipino to follow his footsteps – evident through Olivares’ contribution to induce the sense of patriotism of every Filipino. Now I was able to see how important it was to study the life of Rizal and how he changed the future and lives of Filipinos which stood at a forked path during his time. Every activity we’ve done in Sir Hero’s Rizal class was indeed well worth the time. In the near future, who knows, maybe one of the students of our professor might be the one next in line to save Filipinos from a great despair and suffering, caused by few of our own fellowmen, by means of a contingent but peaceful approach. With Rizal as the most befitting example and, with all the things the students, including me, have learned from our professors of how to be functional citizens like Rizal by the time when we’ll be much capable of contributing to the improvement of the state of our country, starting anew will again be possible. Hopefully, it would indeed become a manifest destiny.

    CHEONG, ROSE MARL S.

  • Labios, Renz Kim Martin L.
    BSME/ECE152

    Why do you think Rizal is not deserving of The “National Hero” title?

    -In my opinion first Rizal was not in the Philippines by the time of revolutionary war, while Bonifacio and the rest of Katipuneros live their lives under the pressure of chaos, Rizal might be there then, anywhere in the world, either in the peniteatuary or anywhere safe, for what they may have then believed, would set us free in the hands of cruel Spaniards. And again in my opinion the Spaniards only declared or pronounced Rizal as a National Hero for he believes that the pen is mightier than the sword therefore anybody who’d like to fight against the Spaniards would fight the wat he did. Lastly, How did Rizal’s books benefited them or us? Did Rizal’s books economically or in anyway had been helpful for countrys progress? And from Grade school it has been going for decades that every generation has been taught that Rizal is our National Hero that suddenly being questioned why or how they believe to be so when they get in to college.

    Give an alternate hero you have in mind. Why?

    Andres Bonifacio.
    He may not be as academically intelligent as Jose Rizal, but for me he has motr of the heart of a real National Hero to be called for putting his own life in the line of fire for freedom, along with his brother Procopio who died at a very young age and the rest of Katipuneros for the lands freedom.

    Recommend how Rizal should still be considered a hero.

    – Rizal must still be our National Hero because they believed that he did everything right and for us to be free from the Spaniards that he did the best for our country in his own ways which he believed is appropriate. And again Educators, Historians and Professionals still believed no one is better than Rizals did for our country.

  • Hero or not, national hero or not, Rizal deserves commendation and acknowledgement. In a country conquered, not just by other nationalities, but also with fear. Someone rose and did things his own way. By novels. Letter by letter, word by word, he provoked the stagnant state of mind of his fellowmen. He was able to look past his comfort zone. He thought about the future of the country, not only of his own. And that, for me, is enough for someone to be lauded a hero (or a national hero idk he has his own shortcomings lol). An inspiration indeed for the youth.

    Caspillan, Ronald Mari Jerard R.

  • Rizal’s story is very influential for us Filipinos in the modern era. The problems of the past are still seen in the present Philippines, but Rizal left us lessons on how to fight our modern day problems. He also taught us to stand firm on what you think is right for you and your country. He has shown us the real meaning of nationalism that Filipinos should not be afraid of defending their homeland. I learned all of this at sir Hero’s class. I will not say that I found his class boring at first, I really love learning at his class actually. I’m not a two-faced guy. What I really mean is that I really love Social Science subjects, even since high school. I love listening and learning to it especially on this one, Life and works of Rizal, that includes History that I really love. We also watched The Count of Monte Cristo that I found interesting. It resembles the time of Rizal. After this semester, I think that my maturity and nationalism have improved.

    Indoc, Jan Philip C.

  • Carl Sherwin O. Fortunato

    my experience in this subject is great. I learned many things about Rizal’s life and his literary works. This subject reminds me of how Jose Rizal fought and sacrifice for our country. I had fun learning with my classmates and to our professor, Sir Hernandez. The activities were fun and exciting because of it we had a great time with our classmates. I only know few things about Rizal because way back in my high school years they only thought us the works of Rizal. But because of this subject iv’e learned a lot of about his life and literary works. It was fun and a great experience for me. It was really nice to learn new things about Rizal. I am so thankful to our professor, Sir Hernandez. I learned a lot of things in this subject and also I enjoyed this class.

  • BULSECO, JONAH M.

    I am glad I took this course because I have realized that there are things about the country that I do not know. Though I can be aware through the news, there is still more that meets the eye. This course has helped me understand not only things about Dr. Rizal but also things about this country most especially its problems.

    I have always thought that Rizal would be a boring subject because it’s all about the history but our professor made it fun because of his humor. The way he delivers his lessons are always full of life and he knows how to get along with students like us.

    I have also learned about Noli Me Tangere 2. Before having this course, I didn’t know that there was one. When I read the book, I learned that the country still faces the same problems as it did before but this time, only modernized. This course helped me become more aware of my surroundings and it helped me think of what it take to become a citizen of the Philippines that can help its progress. As this semester ends, I will always remember all the lessons I have learned because I will use it even when I grow old.

  • Throughout the entire semester in this course Life and Works of Rizal, I was able to learn a lot about his life including his works, love life and achievements. I also found out that his inspiration in his second novel El Filibuterismo is the novel the Count of Monte Cristo which I’ve never thought I’ll discover while taking this course. I was able to relate to Dr. Jose Rizal in terms of studying where he is also a student striving for good grades that he is also not just a genius but a hardworking student. He taught me that there is nothing hardwork cannot beat. His legacy is something I will never forget, despite being taught in school ever since I was a child. When I studied his works, it became an eye-opener on what was the condition our country was in but not onlt that it shows his patriotism toward his motherland which I really found aspiring. His work became also an inspiration to Roger’s Noli Me Tangere 2, wherein the Filipinos fight within themselves and where he shows that an immediate action is needed. However, the indifference of the people made this impossible to fulfill but even a one person can make a difference just like what Dr. Rizal showed us and inspired us to do with courage, love and faith

    DE VILLA, CARA LARIZE A.

  • Alvero, Joev L.
    ECE 152

    We have different perception of what it means to be a hero. I observed many issues portrayed upon declaring Rizal as our ” Third World Hero”. People doubted whether Rizal deserved to be our national hero or not.
    Upon reading any articles about him, it enlightened me about who Rizal was, its obviously seen that he had a passion for our country wherein the trait he possessed was indeed a unique one. As far as I’m concern, Rizal was the main reason why Filipinos was awakened and enlightened .This country needs democracy and this can be obtain by the manifestation of peace instead of war against one another for it doesn’t make sense at all .Rizal offered his life as a sacrifice for your sake, he wasn’t self-seeking because if he was, then I don’t think he will spend his life searching for the best way how to save Filipinos from captivity, no wonder why he deserve to be a hero, a national hero, rather.
    Doubtlessly, I boldly say that Rizal is a hero. He deserved the title not just because of his distribution in the Philippines but also because Rizal made a great impact by showing us that filipinos is worth dying for. His memories will always be indelible to our history.
    Rizal is someone who have all the intellectual excellence one might want to associate to a hero. I think he would have been a great President of our country had he lived longer. But unlike each of us, he has flaws too. We tend to be perfectionists that is why some of us misjudge him.
    Isn’t someone who have the courage to fight and die for our country worth the title? He might not have fought the way we want or the bloody way, but he worked his way towards what he know real independence is and putting in mind the welfare of the whole nation.
    His humanist ideals gave meaning to our identity as a nation. They made us imagine what it means to be a Filipino.
    Andres Bonifacio led a Revolution to free us from Spanish tyranny. The Founding Fathers bestowed upon that Revolution the trappings of statehood. Their efforts were all political: To achieve independence. Dr.Rizal, on the other hand, transcended the political. He defined the principles that have come to serve as the glue that binds us into a single, imagined community. Thanks to him, we have created a nation that consecrates itself to important Enlightenment values: Freedom, democracy, social justice, and human rights. For me, to be Filipino is to believe in these values.
    Dr. Rizal’s thoughts will remain relevant even long after nationalism itself becomes obsolete, precisely because they transcend the concepts of state sovereignty and political independence.

  • I learned throughout this semester is about Heroism. It makes me think about my purpose after I graduate, then after that I will just work forever until I die. I just don’t like that kind of living, or maybe thinking outside the box in order for me to find new path, opportunity and anything positive that may improve my life. The more important is, I always thought of saving my country from poverty, the reason why I chose engineering, because of my likes about technology, and be a contribution for Technology improvement, and in this way, other countries might recognize us in the future, and they won’t be calling us failipino, peenoise,and asian mexicans anymore, but rather give us a ton of applause.

    TRISTAN GOLD D. LATORRE

  • I’ve learned and realize many things in this course Life and Works of Rizal. There are a great number of quotations and life examples that Jose Rizal left as his legacy to the people of the Philippines and to the world in general. Here are some quotes of Rizal that help to shape an image of him as a moral leader who was unjustly persecuted, imprisoned and eventually, put to death as a threat to the establishment and government of the nation at the time. (1) It is a useless life that is not consecrated to a great ideal. It is like a stone wasted on the field without becoming a part of any edifice. (2) While a people preserves its language; it preserves the marks of liberty. (3) There can be no tyrants where there are no slaves. (4) He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will never get to his destination. (5) The youth is the hope of our future. (5) With the head and heart, we ought to work always; with the arm when the time comes when physical strength is needed. The principal tool of the heart and the head is the pen.

    QUIMBA, JOSHUA S.

  • This semester has made me realize how Rizal loved and served our country. He may not join the revolution, but he has made ways to fight for our country. His weapon was not a sword, but rather a pen that has mentally killed our minds. I have also learned how his personal life went. Where he was schooled, how many girlfriends he has gotten, how many siblings does he have and many more. Not to mention one of his favorite novels is The Count of Monte Cristo. Well, it is a must-watch not just for someone who is taking this course, but also for someone who is yearning to know Rizal and someone who is looking for a good movie. It has taught me how someone can comeback with just pushing ourselves to become better. Also, as you have required us to read the modern day Noli Me Tangere, I have realized how Rizal fought for our country. He will indeed sacrifice all he has for us just to have a decent life. You can also notice from that novel that he really wants change for the Philippines specifically on how the government runs. Wrapping this up, this semester was a very fun and full of learning one.

  • PINEDA, KRISTAN JORLDAN Y.

    As I enrolled this Rizal class I was thinking about so many things in this subject. I was just like a typical student who was doubting if there is really a importance in this subject because I was taking up engineering. But as times goes by and we are starting to meet once a week, I starting to appreciate and realize why it was meant to be added in our curriculum. Maybe there is no connect or relate in our subject but there is somehow importance in our daily life. I come up realizing that what we are now is that there is a part of Jose Rizal that change our daily life. The importance how the subject Rizal talked about how Jose Rizal fought for our nation. And As this semester ends I can proudly say that I learned from this subject and with the help of our professor. it’s not just about what course you are taking up right now but the things you will learned and used in your daily life and what story of history that you can share to the next generation

  • Fajarito, Michael John

    My experience in this subject was very awesome. I’ve learned a lot about rizal’s life and his works.It’s nice and fun to study with my good friends and of course with my great professor. We did many activities and paper works, and because of that we became closer to each other, also we’ve learned many things together about rizal’s life. And about his literary works, I’ve realized many important things about Filipinos, Myself, and our country.Now i have been more aware about the issues or problems of our country and Filipinos.I became a good and wise citizen of this country. Now, I have care not only with myself but also with the Filipinos especially with our country. And i also care more abour rizal and to our philippine history.

  • Menguiz, Patricia Anne O.

    This subject is really an intellectual one . I’be learned a lot about our national hero , starting from his childhood , the economic crisis they beem througj during that time and ever his lovelife . Rizal is indeed a playboy after all! Hahaha . Anyways, this subject itself shows the connection of the people, its economy and even those people who able to conquer us. It was an eye opener to us about the reality of those events that took up in our country. The cruelty, sufferings and how it end up. The subject gives us a lot of experience and thoughts of todays happenings . How it shows the same thing of our history . I really enjoy this subject , aside from the facts ofcourse , the activities and even during discussions , its not boring but it’s also funny which is helpful for those who find the subject boring. It should be taughy to all students specially those college students about Rizal’s life, not because he is our national hero, but because His contributions and how he let his countrymen know about the realitu behind tjeir surroundings. Although rizal didnt fought the way bonifacio did , still he uses his pen to atleast inform and inspire others to defeat the spaniards and fight for our country .

  • Throughout this semester, i’ve learned many things not just about Rizal, but my country itself. The country’s issues on the political, social and economic intricacies strike against the idealism of a young mind or the youth with great passions to change the country and its system. This subject should be take by each young Filipino maybe someday we can stand together to raise the awareness and values. I really enjoyed this subject, maybe because sir. Hero is not that boring type of prof. My experience in Rizal subject this semester was a bomb, it was fun.

    Reyes, Jorielle Mae D.
    ECE151

  • Arnonobal, Cariel Ann O. ECE151

    This subject thought me how to be serious in all the things that i do and also to have a time management even if i dont know what todo. Then when i read the book i also relate in some situation but then a little bit amazed because of some part. This subject also taught me on how to be a responsible one and also in this whole semester i’ve learned that all filipinos want changes and that changes is to be more interesting in rizal’s work. Our professor taught me to laugh in simple things and to prove that even if rizal is not a major subject but still important in every student.

  • First, I was so excited to take this subject because being a student, it is my privilege to study the life and works of our national hero, Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda. Then few questions came into my mind. Is Rizal worthy to be called our national hero?, Is he really a genius person? What made him write the novel El Filibusterismo? Was that his original idea or he has an inspiration? These are the questions at the back of my mind that seeks for an answer.

    Fortunately, I found all of the answer to these questions on this subject. I found out that Jose Rizal has an inspiration in his second novel El Filibuterismo. It is the novel the Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. I haven’t read the book but we have watched this movie and I like it. I hope I could read the novel. I also found out that Jose Rizal was like us, his grades on his subjects wasn’t all high. He also have low grades too. Jose Rizal made me realized that grades doesn’t matter as long as you love what you are doing and you are doing it right.

    Last question: Is Rizal worthy to be called our national hero? Jose Rizal contributed a lot to our revolution. He is the one who “started” it by writing novels such as Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. But he never actually fought in battles, he didn’t fight like Bonifacio, all he did was writing. Studying this subject helped me to find a great answer. And my answer is YES. Being a hero means dying for what you believe to be true. It doesn’t matter where you died whether you died in a battlefield or in front of Bagumbayan. Jose Rizal has a choice, he could have lived longer if he just retracted what he said. But he chose to face death instead, to show us that he is willing to die for us and our country. And that is what makes a HERO.

    This subject was fun and very educational. Fun because our professor never fails to make us laugh. and educational because of the lessons that you will learn on this subject. I liked the idea that performance tasks should be done as a group. Because of that, me and my friends became closer and we got to know each other more. I learned many things on this subject, things that I can use everyday. This subject thought me to have respect on my country and it’s citizen. Overall experience: had fun while learning new things about our national hero.

    Banday Joeen Marie Donceras

  • This semester in rizal taught me on how to be a responsible one and also balancing time. And i also prove that rizal was a true playboy but a loving one. The subject gives us a lesson and also an idea In what rizals work is. This subject proves me that even if rizal is not a major subject but still it is important in every student it gives a background to the youth to take back in our history from time to time. And in our professor he taught me to be amazed in one person because he was a jolly person with a good heart and he also taught me to smile in little things.

    Arnonobal, Cariel Ann O. ECE151

  • This subject was fun and very educational. Our professor never fails to teach us in the best way they can do for us to know their great knowledge about our national hero and even the happenings in their time. The idea of performance tasks should be done as a group has an great impact as a student specially iregular students Because of that they became close and get to know each other in better ways. I learned many things on this subject i know it will help me not only now but for the rest of my life. This subject thought me on how important my country is and because of that i will proudly say that i’m proud to be the one of filipinos with a big and also a great heart as well.

  • Ryan Jasper Miguel Carlos ECE152

    For me Jose Rizal is the definitive concept of a hero because during the Spanish colonization he had shown his supreme ardor for the freedom of the Filipino people. Using diplomatic and poetic methods, he delivered through without any bloodshed, and he had exposed the church’s corruption and the abusive treatment on the Filipinos. He is the ideal hero because of this. Actualizing freedom and peace through methods that do not resort to violence. In conclusion Jose Rizal’s efforts for peace are to be appreciated and commended he showed valiance with a pen, not a sword.

  • Aserit, Jan Maro M.
    ECE 152

    Phlippines national hero is dr. Jose rizal. He is regarded as our hero because of his works in response to spaniards. His works were his weapon and eventually became philippines weapon against conqueror. His words are considered significants because it made him a fighter. Having him as representative of all filipinos struggling from hardships brought by the conquerors occupation of the islands was accomplished with relatively little bloodshed, partly because most of the population offered little armed battle initially. A significant problem the spanish faced was the invasion of the muslims of mindanao and the sulu archpelago. The muslims in response to attacks on them from the spaniards and there native allies raided areas of luzon and the visayas that were under spanish colonial control. The spanish conducted intermittent military campaigns against the muslims, but without conclusive results until the middle of the 19th century.
    But, aside from jose rizal, there are also brave souls who fought for the nation. And this is how the agrument jose rizal should not be philippine national hero came into the picture. Because there are also who really fought against spaniards, not by words but literally ‘fought’ , sacrificed their own life, for the philippines to be free to name the brave souls who fought for the nation kkk should be considered.
    As the political goal was to completely separate the philippines from spain after declaring the country independence and the moral goal was to teach the filipinos good manners, cleanliness, hygeine, fime morals, and how to guard themselves against religious fanaticism. The civic goal was to encourage filipinos to help themselves and to defend the poor oppressed.
    Kkk is lead by andres bonifacio agruments regarding this matter states that bonifacio should be philippine national hero.
    Andres bonifacio was afilipino revolutionary leader and the president of the tagalog republic. He is often called “the great plebeian” and “ the father of the philippine revolution”. He was one of the founders and later supremo of the kkk ( kataas-taasan, kagalanggalangan, katipunan ng mga anak ng bayan) a movement which sought the independence of the philippines from spanish colonial rule and started the philippine revolution.

  • CALAGUI, JOHN ROMIEH E.
    ECE152

    As I read articles about Rizal being the national hero and about why he doesn’t deserve to be, I slowly become confused. We have been accustomed to consider Jose Rizal as our one and only national hero. In fact, we have a specialized law which is the Republic Act No. 1425 that requires any university or college to include the Rizal Subject in the curricula. Moreover, we are obligated to read his great novels: Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

    I see three reasons why Rizal is not deserving for his title.

    First, according to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Heraldry Section Chief Teodoro Atienza, there has never been any law passed to recognize a national hero in the country. And there have never been laws passed to recognize many of our national symbols either.
    Second, he fought using pen and paper, others fought using with their own blood without fear.
    Lastly, because of too much exposure given by the public to him, we have overlooked and ignored the other unacknowledged heroes who have fought and died for our country.

    If I will be asked, I think Andres Bonifacio got also the qualities to replace Jose Rizal as a National Hero. They differ in their goal during Spanish time. Rizal only wanted reform. Rizal’s goal was not to separate the Filipinos from Spain, but Andres Bonifacio’s goal was total separation from the Spaniards. He believed that we should have total independence and our own government. A government run by Filipinos. And that’s something to be considered of.
    Despite those things, I think he should still be our National Hero. He fought for freedom in a silent but powerful way . In my opinion, for one to be a hero, one must sacrifice him/herself for the country and Rizal did that. Dr. Jose Rizal will remain as the heart of the Philippine revolution and the Philippine national hero.

  • I’m very glad that I took this subject this semester because I’ve learned many facts and trivias that I doesn’t know about Rizal. Plus the fun and excitement every class is really enjoying. I’m whole heartedly thanking you Sir Hero for the care and trust that you gave to us students. I really appreciate it and Sir Hero, you are not a hero but a legend. You Da Real MVP. Godbless

    Ernest Robert A. Estologa
    ECE-151

  • 1. Why is Rizal should not be the national hero?

    I always believe that “Action speaks louder than words” and this has surpassed the mentality that Pen is mightier than any sword. We cannot deny the fact that somehow, Jose Rizal had contributed trivial things to our country. But I do believe that there were other people who are more deserving and worthy of emulation. I want a National hero who was equipped with unnerving principles, someone who was capable to stand on his own convictions. For me, the National Hero of the Philippines is someone who has shed his blood, and died for our country. Someone who has fought a good fight, and finished the race.
    Because he not worth it for the position.  he’s a multifaceted individual both through the mind and manipulative areas, not to mention his inherit character and the love to people, especially to the poor.  His sensitivity to the needs of others was overwhelming as evidenced by his sincere services to the people as doctor, engineer, teacher, artist, farmer and the like.  In many degree he finished , he not use it to fight his supplication to the Spaniard. He did not ask help in other country he travel. Rizal is a influence person because of his money and fame but he not use it wisely. Rizal and other Pilipino who fight against Spaniards wanted to make the Filipinos and Spanish equal in the eyes of the law, to make the Philippines a province of Spain and make Filipinos citizens of Spain, and for the Spanish friars to be sent back to Spain and make the Filipino friars the parish priests of the churches. Rizal’s goal was not to liberate the Filipinos from Spain, but to make a better life for Filipinos. 
    2. Three Reason?
    a. Rizal just write some novels, poem and essay to tell his supplication for the country event. He not use power to hear it in the authority. Every know that pen is stronger than sword but is not enough to get the freedom of the beloved country, after rizal death the country is not yet free.
    b. Rizal have many connection but he not use it to free from the jail. Incase he use it, he can do other way to express some ideas of the freedom of the country.
    c. In my opinion, Rizal is a bright man but have to wisely ideas.

    3. Who should be?
    I suggest that the hero of this county who sacrifices their life for the freedom, dignity and peace. In Rizal time , I saw the sincerity of Andres Bonifacio and Aponilario Mabini to become the national hero because they die at the time of war and sacrifices their life for the country. The broke leg of Mabini is not hindrance to be better of the country. He fights by joining the different group/ counsel to tell his opinion. Today life, the new hero is who the migrant worker of the overseas Filipino worker. Who would sacrifice their being away from the bosom of their families to able to earn better pay they could send home.

    4. How will you recommend that Rizal still be the national hero?

    I recommend that Dr. Jose Rizal still be the national hero because best of all, he fight for our country against from Spain and other different country he travel. Rizal fought from freedom in a silent but powerful way. He expressed his love for the Philippines through his novels, essay, articles and poems rather than a force of aggression. He was a very amazing person at his time.

    I believe that Rizal should indeed be a national hero for his action and willingness against fighting Spaniards towards conquering our mother land, I think that he should be commend for his nationalism and bravery. We should acknowledge his intelligence in developing a non-violent way of seeking for freedom.

  • JAYLORD INHOG

    Mamaya ako na magkaroon ng Rizal’s na subject kasi dto mas naipaliwanag ng maayos ang tunay na kahalagahan ni Rizal at kanyang mga nobela. Ang mga nobelang naisulat ni Rizal ay maiiangkop sa realidad na pamumuhay nating mga pilipino. Ngayon dahil sa Rizal subject namin mas lubos ko na nauunawaan ang mga bagay bagay. Dapat mas lalo pang paglawakain ang mga ganitong asignatura lalo na sa mga kabataang pinoy.

  • A hero symbolizes goodness and Jose Rizal was a very amazing person at his time because of his influences. The books of Jose Rizal showed the real situation of the Philippines during the time of the Spaniards. This is also related to what happened in Calamba where their land and properties where forcefully taken by the Spanish authority along with other Filipino families. This also represents the struggle of the nation against the abuse of the colonizer. Even though death awaited him if he will return to the Philippines, still he chose to go back to the Philippines because the real battle was in his homeland not in the Spain. He was exiled to Dapitan where he experienced one of the colorful chapters of his life. It is a good example that there is hope for every small town in the country. He taught children and still manages to identify species of different newly discovered organisms. I believe that Jose Rizal indeed be a national hero for his sacrifices for the freedom and peace of the country.

    FIN131

  • At first, I thought Rizal subject was a boring class. But that’s wrong. Thankyou sir for the wonderful semester with you. Thankyou because you brighten me up of what Rizal did for us and for the country. Thankyou sir because you never fails to teach us the best way you can do. This subject made me realize how important my country is. Thankyou for this awesome semester sir. And because of this subject I still believe that the youth is still the hope of this country.

  • At first, I thought Rizal subject was a boring class. But that’s wrong. Thankyou sir for the wonderful semester with you. Thankyou because you brighten me up of what Rizal did for us and for the country. Thankyou sir because you never fails to teach us the best way you can do. This subject made me realize how important my country is. Thankyou for this awesome semester sir. And because of this subject I still believe that the youth is still the hope of this country.

    Mendoza, Ranielle Adriane – ECE151

  • I am glad that I have become a part of Mr. Hernandez’s class for I learned more about Rizal’s tragic life and his heroic death. Despite the 3-hour class, the professor managed to make the class even more interesting with his witty lines. Being his lazy, tardy stud, I may want to apologize for all that. You may or may not make me pass for that, it is already understood that I may not. But I thank you for the experience in this semester and thank you for inspiring us more about Rizal. More power and God bless.

  • I’m thankful to be a part of the class of Sr.Hero’s Class in Rizal because I learned a lot about Rizal’s life. In this subject I knew about the Noli 2, and I liked it. I liked the Noli 2 because of the unique story of Crisostomo Ibarra. and I thank sr.Hero to teaching us very well. He wants us to learn alot about rizal.

  • At first, I thought this subject would be boring but no. This rizal subject was so awesome. This subject made me realize many things about Life and Works of Rizal. It made realize that how important my country is, here I am now because of this subject this time I will be more responsible for my country. And for Sir Hernandez thankyou so much for teaching us the best way you can do. And now, I still believe that the youth is still the hope of our future.

  • Cunan Camille D.
    ece152

    Why I do not think Rizal is not deserving the National hero title,
    First, Rizal is an “illustrado” or noble man, he doesn’t belong to the group of Filipino people that Spaniards refer as “indio” or low class of people. He was born to a well-off family that follows the teachings of the church and those teachings include discrimination of the low class people. We can simply say that he doesn’t represent the true bond of being a Filipino because he himself was born and raised by the teachings of the foreign invaders.
    Second, even in his novels he uses Spanish language which they considered as his weapon against the Spaniards. The very idea of the novel why he wrote it , is because he wanted an equal nights for the Filipinos, it was never really for the Independence or our country that is just his way of rebelling against them. They called him a traitor, Yes because ever since in the beginning he was one of them, they gave him an education but in the end he just betray them and expose their wrong doings. An Indio is not educated to understand or even read his novel unless there is an interpreter that will make them understand. Those who really fought by hand and risk their lives for our Independence are the one we should really thank for. And I was just wondering if it’s not because of what he did then maybe we will be part of Spain, and then maybe we’ll be more a better country, just maybe.
    And last, why I think he does not deserve to be a national hero is because of having a lot of affair or having a lot of different relationship. This idea would so lame but I think having a lot of romantic relationship or having a lot of girlfriends doesn’t make you feel like a hero. It feels like he is just using them as an inspiration to write. He even had a relationship with his cousin which is very immoral for a noble man that was raised by the teachings of the church.
    Like I wrote earlier I think the alternate heroes are those people who are brave enough to fight for our Independence. The one that really risk their lives and fought physically even though they doesn’t stand a chance against the Spaniards . For me a hero is not just one or two person, All of them should be our National Hero .

    Dr. Jose Rizal should still be considered a hero, why? Because if it’s not because of him the world will never know the cruelty we suffer from the hands of the Spaniards for more than 300 years. Even he does not fight with them physically but he uses his brain, his knowledge and wisdom through his writing that makes an impact and realization for the Filipinos to fight for their right. He help his countrymen and gave them encouragement. If it’s not for him I guess we will still suffer a hundred more years or maybe we will never have our freedom. He also risk his life for our country and it’s never been a waste. Because his death was the start of revolutions or the “himagsikan” that led us to our independence. So we should honor him and thank him because he will be forever remembered and remain as a National Hero to the hearts of Filipino people.

  • Manuel, kenneth Peter
    Ece 152

    Why Dr. Jose Rizal is not my national hero? For me being a hero to our country on the years that Rizal is alive is to fight to our enemy face to face and lead for our fellow filipino soldier in war and like alexander the great he is very good in fighting. But Rizal i think do it in a way that there was no blood to be shed away he do it in a peaceful way like he hide, study and observe what does Spaniards do to filipinos before. He just wrote a book/novel describing what is the reality behind the Spaniards do to us. And he just travel to different nation to not be caught by the Spaniards. But that is not a real hero would do to his fellow citizen behind those people who are fighting the spaniards with their life. For me this act is like a cowardnes he act of being selfish. If he really wants to help his nation and the freedom of the country he should fight with andres bonifacio to free our country . And its a shame for the many of us to know his life that he played a lot of girls feelings and that shouldnt be doing of a real hero
    The real hero loves his country and will not run just because of what his brother wants to. If he really wants to fight the spaniards before he should have stay and use his intelligence to help the katipuneros to fight with the spaniard he should have plan for them to win the fight.. And for me Andres bonifacio should be the national hero because of what they had done and achieve. Because of them there is a red sun with eight shining yellow rays in the philippine national flag. It’s becuase of there revolution that the katipuneros opposed.
    For me being a hero should have a good fighting in combat have a bright and smart brain and can lead thousands or million of men in fighting and prevent many of deaths… If Rizal stayed and joined the kkk here in our country i think we can call him really a hero and thats how he can show to us his loyalty to our fellow Filipinos.

  • Manuel, kenneth Peter
    Ece 152
    Why Dr. Jose Rizal is not my national hero? For me being a hero to our country on the years that Rizal is alive is to fight to our enemy face to face and lead for our fellow filipino soldier in war and like alexander the great he is very good in fighting. But Rizal i think do it in a way that there was no blood to be shed away he do it in a peaceful way like he hide, study and observe what does Spaniards do to filipinos before. He just wrote a book/novel describing what is the reality behind the Spaniards do to us. And he just travel to different nation to not be caught by the Spaniards. But that is not a real hero would do to his fellow citizen behind those people who are fighting the spaniards with their life. For me this act is like a cowardnes he act of being selfish. If he really wants to help his nation and the freedom of the country he should fight with andres bonifacio to free our country . And its a shame for the many of us to know his life that he played a lot of girls feelings and that shouldnt be doing of a real hero
    The real hero loves his country and will not run just because of what his brother wants to. If he really wants to fight the spaniards before he should have stay and use his intelligence to help the katipuneros to fight with the spaniard he should have plan for them to win the fight.. And for me Andres bonifacio should be the national hero because of what they had done and achieve. Because of them there is a red sun with eight shining yellow rays in the philippine national flag. It’s becuase of there revolution that the katipuneros opposed.
    For me being a hero should have a good fighting in combat have a bright and smart brain and can lead thousands or million of men in fighting and prevent many of deaths… If Rizal stayed and joined the kkk here in our country i think we can call him really a hero and thats how he can show to us his loyalty to our fellow Filipinos.

  • For me he doesn’t deserve to be called a national hero because first, how can you consider a person to hold a very prestigious title “National Hero” if he is a womanizer? Imagine, how will foreigners think of our personality? Second, he left our country for a very long time. He actually spend most of his time abroad than in his own country and last he didn’t do anything aside writing his complains about the government unlike our other hero like Andres Bonifacio, Lapu-lapu and many more that literally fight for our country, risk their life defending our own land, did more effort to achieve freedom that every citizen deserve.
    Actually there is a lot of reasons to still consider him as a national hero and this subject makes me realize three things, first, he makes us Filipinos realize what friars is really doing, he revealed all the cruelty of the Spaniards, he left our eyes wide open and let us know and realize the truth that is hiding in that fake cross. The other one is a little bit personal, I admire him because of his personality, he chose to walk in the right path, against all odds he still chose the truth even though he knows that it will be dangerous he still stand firm just to enlighten our “bandwagon” belief and that I believe is a very good reason to consider him as a hero and last, he makes us one, he let us realize that we should set aside our personal or to be specific, political interest and we should help each other to achieve freedom. Glory be to him, because if he didn’t do those heroic acts, we do not know if Philippines will be considered a country now.

  • Rizal should be considered as National Hero because we all know what he has done for our country.

  • I’m very thankful that I belong to sir Hero’s class. I enjoyed having him as my professor in Rizal. I really like him because he’s very cool while teaching that it makes our time on him enjoyable, though it is a 3 hour subject. My knowledge on Rizal has improved because of him. It makes me think of my country, its problems and how to come up with a solution everyday, thanks to this subject. I hope to be your student again next semesters.

    – Ryan Bonifacio, ECE151

  • Suarez, Jesus III S.
    for Rizal Completion

    I believe that Jose P. Rizal should be our National Hero because he deserves it. He is a model of bravery,integrity, a man of words and honors. He displays calmness in making decision, and have done things to proved his loyalty and love for his country. and the thing that made me admire his works is that He counteract the enemies through his mighty pen, so i believe that Rizal should be the hero of our country

  • Ablaza, Jian Jacob S.
    ARC131
    Sociology MQ2
    Ethnocentrism – tells about the their next generation will be the best

  • Madiam, Angelita L.
    FIN 144
    Rizal

    Whether Dr. Jose Rizal is a national hero or not, he did a very good job for us considering the fact that he had set us all free from slavery and better education. He’s a very good example and an inspiration to us, most specially to students because of his intelligence and boldness. He was not a traitor. He faced our country with full of sincerity and respect.

  • SOTEJO, Kimler L.
    FIN 144
    Rizal

    Dr. Jose Rizal is my hero! We must need to appreciate his great feats and contributions to our country, for the Filipino people including his literary masterpieces.

  • Legaspi, Ma. Rica Eula T.
    FIN144
    RIZAL
    Yes, I can still say that Dr. Jose P. Rizal can still be considered as a hero but not as what they say as a “national hero”. Dr Jose P. Rizal truly is a genius at his profession to what he does and to everything that he has proven from his achievements and contribution for our country’s freedom. He was a versatile individual who had a pleasing character and the love to people, especially to the misfortune ones. This is just some of Rizal’s traits that prove his heroic deeds to our country. Rizal did not fight through guns and swords, but fought through his pen, books, and knowledge. He fought for himself, his family, but more of his fellowmen through his ideas, poems, and other articles.

    But a national hero for me must be physically and mentally superior from everyone, he must be a model, a person who can lead us, who is respected and ready to sacrifice his life with no hesitations, and to protect our country no matter what.

  • Why judge people? Why don’t we try to just appreciate them instead of judging them all the way. Saving a country is not easy as cracking an egg. Are we not happy that someone did something to save our country? It’s not just Rizal who we should call a hero anyways. What about our soldiers who died from the war and those people who is trying their best to save lives? Appreciate them and be inspired.

  • Ramos, Ezra Joy L.
    FIN144
    Rizal

    Why judge people? Why don’t we try to just appreciate them instead of judging them all the way. Saving a country is not easy as cracking an egg. Are we not happy that someone did something to save our country? It’s not just Rizal who we should call a hero anyways. What about our soldiers who died from the war and those people who is trying their best to save lives? Appreciate them and be inspired.

  • Español, Trishian Aaron N.
    FIN 144
    RIZAL

    Yes, Jose Rizal was a man of incredible intellectual power, with amazing artistic talent as well. He excelled at anything that he put his mind to medicine, poetry, sketching, architecture, sociology. The rationale for naming Rizal as the Filipinos’ national hero by the American administration was articulated by US Governor General W. Cameron Forbes in his book, “The Philippine Islands,” also cited by Constantine
    But in truth it was the Filipinos and not the Americans who first chose Rizal as their national hero. It was revolutionary President Emilio Aguinaldo of the First Philippine Republic, not Taft and the Second Philippine Commission, who first designated Rizal as a national hero.
    Writing can be and may be very silent but when it strikes, it can be very hurting and offensive, striking and hitting at the strongest possible point not only his personal nemesis but the entirety of those who incites sedition and treason as well as those who plan to literally take control and possession of our sovereignty against our own and to our detriment and prejudice.
    Rizal is the one represent peaceful political advocacy, unlike more radical people whose ideas could inspire resistance nation his writings had helped inspire the Philippine Revolution against colonial rule. Hero symbolizes goodness. Jose Rizal is a hero because he fought from freedom in a silent but powerful way.

  • HORNADA, Chelyn S.
    Fin144
    Rizal

    Its not important if Doc.Rizal is a hero or not because now a day everyone is a hero in every different way. The most important is we learned something in the past and we learned how to fight and be strong in are very own way.

  • Villamor, Marie Charisse R.
    FIN144
    RIZAL

    Being a hero is definitely one of the toughest thing a man can do. Unfortunately, not all can sacrifice their life for other people or for their own country. A man can be a hero by fighting physically and mentally with or without swords, and that is when Dr. Jose Rizal became a hero for me.

    Dr. Jose Rizal shows his love for us and for country through his goodness. He fought for our country by expressing his love for his fellow Filipinos and for the Philippines through his writings. He wrote novels and articles which help our country and us gain our freedom back. He stand for his own beliefs and ways which led to his death. Though he did not use weapons nor swords, still he used the “silent way” but the “powerful one”, and for me that is where a hero can be definite.

  • Laporbida, Jelou Kim Cuizon
    FIN 144

    He desired our country’s freedom. When the Philippines was under the rule of the Spaniards, his brilliance and dedication for his country served as an inspiration for his fellow Filipino men to fight for their homeland’s independence. He led the independence by fighting for reforms through his writings and novels instead of a bloody revolution. He fought passively and proved that the pen is mightier than the sword. He was able to use his intelligence for his beliefs and opinions clearly. And we should always remember that he truly believed that the youth is the hope of our country so why it’s really hard for us youth to believe that Rizal is should be consider as a our national hero and his actions is a well defined of a hero.

    Let us face it. Economically speaking, we Filipinos have become strangers in our own country. We have become untrue to ourselves, we have become traitors to the brave Filipinos who fought and died like Rizal so that liberty mighy live in the Philippines. We have betrayed the trust that Rizal reposed on us. Try to look out in front of the mirror and stop the judgment.

  • CHARLENE LOUISE MENDOZA
    FIN144
    Rizal ( Mr Roel Hernandez )

    Definitely YES,
    he will not be our national hero for no such good reason.
    And we have to thank him for every sacrifices he has done, Lastly, remember that he is a part of our lives today, that
    IT IS MANDATED BY LAW to study Rizal Works (R.A. 1425)
    RIZAL LAW

    Haha

  • Yes he is, as he showed his heroism through writing to serve our country in achieving the unity and freedom that the Philippines has been longing for. He deserves the acknowledgement for he dedicated his own life for the benefit of the Filipino people and of the nation. We cannot deny that Rizal played a major part in the country’s struggles for reform and independence because after he was executed by the spanish gov’t, Dr. Jose Rizal has been honored by the Filipinos for his sacrifices and contributions to the Philippine freedom, peace and social progress. As for that I can say that he is a definitive hero.

  • Jonjie Villegas
    Prof: Roel HernandeZ
    Subject: Life and work of Rizal
    Sec: FIN 144

    The article explains us that the other generation are not completely patronizing that Rizal is the true Hero in the History of our Country, Because of his doings instead of fighting fist for fist and teeth for teeth he just write books to tell everyone what is happening to our country. And he use his intelligent to fight for the enemy by using his writing and his books that telling us all the wrong doings of other country who conquer us many years ago. And as of now his books is still there to tell us and enlightend us what is the true meaning of being a hero.

  • Joseph Ramos
    FIN144
    RIZAL (Mr.Hernandez)
    Dr. Jose Rizal, is he your definitive hero or not?

    With all due respect with what he has done and accomplished with our country. No doubt, he deserved to be the hero of our beloved Philippines. ❤️

  • For me, the word hero is relative. Is Rizal a hero? Of course ,yes. Is Rizal my hero? Then, no he isn’t.

    Bottomline, is he a definitive hero? No. For me, a definitive hero is someone who made an impact to your life and you aspire to be that person. As far as my concern, our definitive hero is usually our parents, those who look after us and those who protects us.

  • ABSALON, KRIZZIA SANDHIE F.

    FIN 144

    RIZAL (HRIZALW)

    FRIDAY (6:00PM – 9:00PM) 706MB

    Mr. ROEL HERNANDEZ

    Question: Dr. Jose Rizal, is he your definitive hero or not?

    Answer:

    In my opinion, everyone can be a hero as long you can help other people who in needs. for me there’s a different meaning of “hero”, Hero as a savior, who save the people in bottom line, and the other one is hero as a person who idealized his/her outstanding, personality, appearances, knowledge and his/her life.

    The question, I think was a tricky, my answer is if Dr. Jose Rizal is MY hero? I would love to say No, why? because, Dr. Jose Rizal didn’t help me in literal way and to think that I’m still struggle in this system, no improvement, same government, corruptions. and to think that “Kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan” but the story of his life is not idealism, in reality He should be a good example for the next generation.

    but, if Dr. Jose Rizal is a HERO? I would love to say Yes, why? because, He is our national Hero, through his writing and expressing his opinion in his time, we’d know what happened in the past, what system we had before, and government and life. He may not fight through physically but his word means a lot to be an eye opener for the next generation which is still we’re blind what system we had right now.

  • ILIGAN, MA. CRISTINA P.
    HHISGOV- NUR151

    Undeniably, Rizal is a hero. He used his intellectual capability to contribute to the freedom of our country. Mightier than the sword is his pen.

    Since our childhood, Rizal is pictured as the Prince Charming of the Philippines. It’s as if he is the only one who sacrificed for the sake of ouf freedom. But as I grew older, I realized that there’s someone more worthy of the attention and admiration that Rizal receives. It is Gat Andres Bonifacio.

    For me, Andres Bonifacio sacrificed and has done more than Jose Rizal. I do not have to retell the history but if you know his story, you’ll understand where I’m coming from. He’s from a poor family, he raised his siblings and he is not as fortunate as Rizal as to many instances.
    But that didn’t stop him.

    Rizal is a hero, yes. But he is not our only hero. There are many out there, waiting to be praised just as Rizal.

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