Why is Rizal the National Hero?

Why Rizal is the National Hero
By Ambeth R. Ocampo

In June 1892 Rizal left two sealed letters with a Portuguese friend “to be opened and published after my death.” In these letters Rizal explained to his family and his countrymen that he was returning to the Philippines to show by example that Filipinos knew how to die for principles.

This is the letter he wanted us to read, a letter that will illustrate to anti-Rizal advocates why Rizal is our national hero:

The step that I have taken, or am about to take, is undoubtedly very risky, and it is unnecessary to say that I have pondered on it a great deal. I know that everyone is opposed to it but I realize also that no one knows what goes on in my heart. I cannot live knowing that many are suffering unjust persecution because of me; I cannot live seeing my brothers [hermanos] and their large families persecuted like criminals. I prefer to face death and gladly give my life to free so many innocent persons from this unjust persecution.

I know that, at present, the future of my country gravitates in part around me; that with my death, many would rejoice, and that, consequently, many are longing for my end. But what am I to do? I have duties of conscience above all else; I have moral obligations toward the families who suffer, toward my aged parents whose sights pierce my heart; I know that I alone, even my death, can make them happy by returning them to their country and the tranquility of their home. My parents are all that I have, but my country has many sons still who can take it to advantage.

Moreover, I wish to show those who deny us patriotism that we know how to die for our duty and for our convictions. What matters death if one dies for what one loves, for one’s country and for those whom he loves?
If I know that I were the only pillar of Philippine politics and if I were convinced that my country men were going to make use of my services, perhaps I would hesitate to take this step, but there are still others who can take my place, who can take my place to advantage. Furthermore, there are those who find me superfluous and in no need of my services, thus they reduce me to inaction.

I have always loved my poor country and I am sure that I shall love her until my last moment. Perhaps some people will be unjust to me: well, my future, my life, my joys, everything, I have sacrificed for love of her. Whatever my fate may be, I shall die blessing my country and wishing her the dawn of her redemption. (Originally published in The Philippine Daily Inquirer, 12/31/89) •

Veneration without Understanding

Veneration without Understanding Analysis

“More than a hundred years ago, a hero was born. He was regarded as one of those who fought for freedom, not through the literally revolutionary way, but through his works and writings. He fought the bloodless way, for he believed that the pen is mightier than the sword.” – Quite familiar? It’s because this is actually the usual introduction we hear whenever we speak of Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda… the doctor, the writer, the economist, the philosopher, our national hero.

“Veneration Without Understanding” by Renato Constantino is not just a simple article (or essay) about Rizal. It is a much deeper analysis of the real story behind his being a national hero, the aspects that contributed to such recognition, his condemnation of the revolution, and other factors which are not reflected on history books… - factors which we fail to converse over the years. He also had a discussion of the concept of Filipino nationhood, the metamorphosis of the term “Filipino”, and how Rizal viewed the terms, “independence” and “liberty” as words whose meanings are apart from each other.

Admit it. We are all regarding Dr. Jose Rizal as one of our role models. We look up to him and “praise” him for that slight contribution he did for us to gain colonial independence. It was so surprising, however, that there are, still, a lot of things that we do not know about him and what really happened during his existence. Constantino was right when he made mention of how we are blinded by our adoration of how great Rizal was…of how martyr he was…of how he died for our country through unjust execution by the Spaniards.

The writer, as I can assess, is not an anti-Rizal one. Rather, he is just trying to inculcate how important is the necessity of looking into a much deeper sense, the attributes of a real and true hero…the factors that should be considered so as to call someone, a hero. Is it because he died for our country? Or is it because he had enough courage to fight a losing battle, despite the fact that all he wanted to do was to surrender?

The role and contribution of Rizal, according to Constantino, must be evaluated in the context of his particular reality within the general reality of this time. True enough, he was a necessary moment in our history. But like all things, he was just a moment. And though his heroism amounted to being recognized for all time, we cannot say that his ideas should be the yardstick of our aspirations…that despite the fact that he is a Filipino we can be proud of, we should not consider him as the whole basis or determinant of our national goals.

As each day passes by, society evolves into a higher level of organization thereby needing and creating higher forms of heroism. Every nation is always discovering or rediscovering heroes in the past or in the present. Therefore, we must always be ready to admit at one point that a hero’s applicability ceases to be of current value. A true appreciation of Rizal would require us to study social criticisms against him and take steps to correct, if not, eradicate the evils he decried.

Accordingly, we should start now. Start examining Rizal’s limitations and profit from his weaknesses just as we have learned from the strength of his character and virtues. Nobody’s perfect. A hero’s weaknesses, is society’s weaknesses. Rizal’s weaknesses were his society’s weaknesses. Every little thing he did was a product of the society which nurtured and formed him as a whole individual.

In conclusion, let me quote one part of the article:

“We must discard the belief that we are incapable of producing the heroes of our epoch, that heroes are exceptional beings, accidents of history who stand above the masses and apart from them. He true hero is one with the masses: he does not exist above them. In fact, a whole people can be heroes given the proper motivation and articulation of dreams.”

-Anonymous

Read the full article here

About the Author

Renato Constantino (March 10, 1919 – September 15, 1999) was an influential Filipino historian. He was a member of the leftisttradition of Philippine historiography. Apart from being a historian, Constantino was also engaged in foreign service, working for the Philippine Mission to the United Nations and the Department of Foreign Affairs

He is the father of former Civil Service Commission Chairperson Karina Constantino-David and father-in-law of University of the Philippines Diliman sociology professor emeritus Randy David.

Bakit si Rizal ang National Hero - Short Movie

A Short Movie about why Rizal is our National Hero

Disclaimer: This movie belongs to its respective owners and we do not claim it as ours

Bakit Idol ko si Rizal?

The Purpose of the Creators:
The purpose we chose to portray Jose Rizal is primarily because we are inspired by our National hero in many ways. A versatile individual, who, suffice it to say, is multi-faceted. Very talented, very blessed with a lot of capabilites one could only wish for- and what's more- he is a lot of things to a lot of people. Eccentricity flows through him. We mean, come on, how may tasks and personalities can one individual human being perform in a lifetime? And yet, look at our National Hero, a very well- rounded one too. A doctor, a writer, a lover, a loving person to family, friends, and country. Who would readily give one's life for country the way he did? Not everybody would. To top it all, we believe that Jose Rizal is endowed with a great sense of humor as well, so we know , if he would be watching our short video clip right now, he would be smiling as well, and bidding us : "way to go!" . So from our hearts, out of our admiration to the greatest National Hero in the whole world, we contrived to make this video in memory of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

Disclaimer: This video belongs to it's respective owner and we do not claim it as ours :D

enjoy~

Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo Inspired artworks

While browsing the web we found various arts created inspired by the works of Jose Rizal : Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

(Elias (Left) and Ibarra (Right) from Noli Me Tangere by: DataDrainedShrimp)

(Reign Of Greed by Chrystus)

It is an Original Work inspired by Rizal's El Filibusterismo with a touch of modern technology

(Elias and Ibarra by: SlumberPoppy)

(el filibusterismo by olrakbustrider)

(noli me tangere for children by ayamaakuna)

(Maria Clara Day Dreaming by: xXchevilXx)

(Random Noli Me Tangere sketch by: JiChan13)

 

(Ibarra (Left) and Elias (Right) Character Design  and Noli Me Tangere Characters by: demitasse-lover)

Disclaimer: All Arts belong to their respective owners

Bakit Si Rizal ang Hero ko? - Tin

Sa panahon ngayon pag sinabing bayani o 'hero' ang unang pumapasok sa isip ng mga tao ay ang mga bida sa mga komiks na may mga kapangyarihan gaya ng kakaibang lakas, abilidad para lumipad, mahika o kung ano pa man. Pag katapos lng nun nila maiisip ang mga totoong bayani na nagbuwis ng kanilang buhay para sa bansang minahal nila. Ang ideya kasi ng mga tao ay kapag ikaw ay bayani ay perpekto ka sa lahat ng aspeto at walang bahid ng kasalanan.

Kailangan ba na ikaw ay perpekto para maging isang bayani? Sa paniniwala ko ay hindi naman, gaya ng pinaka-hinahangaan kong bayani, si Jose Rizal. Alam ng lahat na hindi siya perpekto, ni hindi nga siya matangkad o malakas. Isip, pagkamalikhain, at pagmamahal sa kanyang bansa lang ang kanyang magagandang aspeto. Alam din ng lahat na nagkasala din siya noong nabubuhay pa siya, at sa mga hindi nakakaalam, babaero si Rizal. Saan ka nakakita ng bida sa komiks na babaero? Diba wala?

At sinong magaakala na sa pagsulat ni Rizal ng Noli me Tangere at El Filibusterismo ay magdudulot ng rebolusyon na magpapalaya satin sa mga espanyol? Malay ba natin na sinulat nya lang yun dahil sa kanyang galit sa mga espanyol na naghatol ng kanyang kamatayan.

Ipinakita ni Rizal na lahat ng ginagawa natin sa pang-araw araw ay may epekto sa lahat, maliit man o malaki, at hindi natin kailangan maging perpekto para maging isang bayani.

- Kristine Llevado

Bakit Si Rizal ang Hero ko? - Ai

Bakit si Rizal ang Hero ko?

Sa tanong na yan, madalas na sagot ay, “Kasi binuwis niya ang kanyang buhay para sa bayan”

Hindi ba nandoon ang kagitingan ni Rizal? Sa pagiging nationalistic niya at pagkamatay niya para sa bayan? Idol ko din siya kasi binuwis niya ang kayang buhay para sa bayan.

Di ako plastik ah, idol ko si Rizal kaya siya ang Hero ko.

Eh bakit yung iba din namang bayani ah, nagbuwis din sila ng buhay para sa bayan?

Ikaw kaya barilin ng walang kasalanan? Hindi ba mas idol yun? (Pero ayokong mabaril ng walang kasalanan ha) Hindi pa nga sigurado matapos siyang barilin ay malaya na ang Pilipinas. Pero alam niya na ang pagbubuwis niya ng buhay ay magdudulot ng mabuti, alam niya na kapag namatay siya ay may pagbabagong mangyayari at buong puso niyang tinanggap ang sintensya sa kanya kahit alam niyang magiging masakit para sa kanyang magulang, para lamang sa mga taong napagbibintangan ng walang kasalanan  at para lamang sa bayan.

Isa pang rason,

Frustrated Writer ako, kaya idol ko din si Rizal kasi magaling siyang manunulat at hindi ko tinaglay yon (sana nga kahit konti man lang nakasalo ako nn biyaya sa pagsulat). Sa pamamagitan ng kanyang pluma ay naimulat niya ang mga kababayan sa katotohanan ng pangaapi ng mga Kastila. Sa pamamagitan ng pagsulat ay hinangad niya na magkakaroon ng mapayapang pamamaraan ang paghingi ng kalayaan mula sa mga mananakop. Hindi ko naman pinangarap na makapagsulat ng nobelang magdadala sakin sa hukay ko pero pinangarap ko na makagawa ng nobelang binabasa padin ng mga tao kahit nasa hukay na ako (siguro balang araw).

Kung tatanungin niyo ako kung may mga nagbabasa pa ba ng mga sinulat ni Rizal kahit hindi required sa school, at mayroon pa bang nakaka-appreciate, aba’y meron pa! Andami ko kayang nakita sa internet, andami kong nakitang arts at fan fictions na may kinalaman kay Rizal, sa Noli at Fili May mga kabataan padin sa ating bansa na tumatangkilik sa kanya at nagiging inspirasyon siya. Di naman nawawala ang dugong makabansa ng mga Pilipino.

Huli,

Bakit Hero ko si Rizal?

Dahil mahal niya ang bansang Pilipinas.

Lahat naman tayo ay  maaring matawag na Bayani. Sa panahon ngayon, hindi na nga natin kailagan mabaril sa Luneta para lang maging Bayani, madaming paraan at ang Una ay ang pagmamahal sa bayan. Kung lahat tayo ay mahal ang ating bayan at hindi naghahangad para sa sarili lamang, kakaunti siguro ang naghihirap, hindi sana ito matatawag na “Gates of Hell” at wala sigurong magtatangkang kunin ang kayamanan na para sa bansa. Pagmamahal lang ang hinihingi ni Inang Bayan, sino ba ang anak niya? Hindi ba tayo? Hindi ba’t tungkulin din ng anak na tulungan ang magulang, kapalit ng lahat ng ginawa nito para sa kanya?

Mahalin natin ang bansa gaya ng pagmamahal ni Rizal dito, hindi man tayo sakop ng mga Kastila sa ngayon tayo naman ay sakop ng ating mga sarili, hindi ballpen, papel, baril o itak ang sandata sa kalayaan, ito ay PAG IBIG. 

-Airis Karen Villaran