Dr. Rizal: Epitome of the Filipino People

Dr, Jose Rizal: The true epitome of the Filipino People

I just remembered last week that my friend sent a link regarding Rizal’s proclamation as a hero. I was very shocked at what I read because of the statement that Rizal isn’t actually explicitly proclaimed officially as a National Hero. It contradicts with what I have learned for the past few years all the way from the primary school up to present.
“Even Jose Rizal, considered as the greatest among the Filipino heroes, was not explicitly proclaimed as a national hero. 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.”

This statement was from a government website, www.congress.com.ph, and I believe that this of course was legit. It may have brought me confusion regarding the proclamation but it did not lessen my feelings of admiring Rizal’s courage. I wasn’t really that of a person that you’d call a “fan” but I admire how he did his things during his time.

Beforehand, I was literally awed by the whole existence of Jose Rizal. He suffered hard in the hands of the Spanish church and government but he never gave up with his aspirations for the benefit of his land and its people. During his time of birth there have been numerous events, international and native, which happened to serve as an influence in Rizal’s developing philosophies. These events made him become a strong public figure.

He surely has touched the hearts of the Filipinos which made him become an “epitome” of Filipino Nationalism. But why is he the selected one to represent the Filipinos? I have read some articles about the Rizal VS Bonifacio issue over which is fit for the description of being a National Hero. They said that Rizal is an American-sponsored hero wherein he promoted a peaceful and intellectual way to revolt against that maltreatment of the Spanish government in the Philippines. Andres Bonifacio is the “true” hero as they say since he organized the first Philippine Government. Well in all honesty, sometimes I regard Rizal as an overrated hero. I like him and I respect his accomplishments but sometimes it annoys me because of how people only acknowledge him. Anyways, everyone is entitled to voice out their opinions.

Jose Rizal, our National Hero, served as a major influence not only here in the Philippines but also internationally. A hero as stated in the dictionary is a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for hisbrave deeds and noble qualities. ¬And yes, it fits Rizal very well, having the courage to fight against the Spaniards as long as he knows he is right and is admired for his noble qualities. What the people around the world love the most about Rizal is because of his passion to write and he uses this passion as a powerful weapon against the enemies. “A pen is even mightier than a sword.” Instead of having a revolt through bloodbaths, he used his quill to “kill” his enemies slowly but more dangerously. He enlightened the Filipinos’ minds on how the society they’re living is like that time. For me, he was the epitome of selflessness. He sacrificed a lot for his dream to free the land; remember when he sacrificed his health to publish his novels outside the country? When he almost lost his family because of the heartless government officials? And his greatest sacrifice, when he refused to be saved during his time of execution. All of these, even the unmentioned details about Rizal’s noble deeds, are what makes him represent the Filipino Nationalism—very quiet, yet very strong. Indeed, he deserves to be called and to be acknowledged as our National hero, along with the other personas who also made history with their nobility. He will forever remain in the hearts of every Filipino, looking up to him with all admiration and respect.