HEROES

Heroes played very significant roles in the country where they have settled. These historical
heroes came about in a country where ones freedom had been repressed by the oppressors. They
demonstrated a high degree of bravery to fight injustice and violence instilled by the oppressors.
They struggled against the most powerful in order to fight for what they think is right. They did
not fear instigating the fight against the tyrants which made their patriotic followers ensue the
tread of their footsteps.
There are several well-known Philippine national heroes who sacrificed their lives for the
Filipino people. To name a few, we have Dr. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Melchora Aquino,
Apolinario Mabini and countless others who stood against their fight by the then Spanish
government. All of our heroes share the same sentiments. They think of the plight of others more
than they think about themselves. They went through all sorts of humiliation and hardships but
their faith, belief and strong will were not at all shaken. Notable among these heroes, is none
other than our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.
Jose Rizal became the Philippine National Hero because he fought for freedom in a
peaceful and powerful way. He is a real advocate of the old adage, Pen is Mightier than Sword.
He has fully awakened the consciousness of the Filipino people to fight for their rights against
the Spanish Conquistadores. His sentiments and beliefs on the needed reforms in the country
were all embodied in his two famous novels, the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
Again, he was undaunted by the imminent danger of being killed as he divulged the injustices
being committed by the Spanish government.
A quoted conversation in a film stated that Ang paghangad ng karunungan noong
panahon ng mga espanyol ay isang krimen. Indeed, fear did not overcome him to open the
minds of his fellowmen on the discrimination being inflicted on them. He has portrayed heroic
qualities such as that of being dauntless, selfless and courageous, just as what a real hero should
be. He refused to be saved by the group of Andres Bonifacio and allowed himself to be executed
by the Spaniards, which is ultimately a very heroic act.
Dr. Jose Rizal embodied the qualities of a real hero. He is being looked up as a role
model by the Filipino people. All his fruitful advocacies are being invoked in these present day
society, when our nationalistic people feel that there is an utter violation of their rights by those
in power. Indeed, the Filipinos learned from his advocacy of a peaceful revolution, hence, his
famous quotes, which states, On this battlefield, man has no better weapon than his intelligence,
no other force but his heart.
But who is the real Dr. Jose Rizal? We have heard, read and seen his name in books,
Filipino movies, radio shows and many other educational materials. Since we were children, we

were told that he was our National Hero. His face was carved in the 1 peso coin. Some people
even considered him as a saint and created a new religion devoted to him. Despite all those
attribute to Dr. Jose Rizal, no one ever knew who he really is.
The Bayaning Third World is movie where two filmmakers try to investigate the top three
mysteries about Rizals life. These three mysteries are the following: his stand with the
revolution, his retraction and his relationship with Josephine Bracken. The filmmakers travelled
through time to interviewed some of the closest friends and relatives of Jose Rizal, namely Dona
Teodora, Trining, Narcisa, Paciano, Josephine Bracken and even Dr. Jose Rizal himself, as they
seek answers to their questions. But as they progress through their investigations, they find
themselves with even more questions which were never and will never be answered.
The first question that they want to answer was whether Rizal was pro or against the
revolution. Through some interviews and investigation, the filmmakers found out that he was not
brave enough to fight the war himself. But despite his lack of bravery to pick up a sword and
shield to fight, he found a way to be a big part of the revolution and this is by the use of his wise
words. But for me, his stand with the revolution wouldnt make any difference because the
Spaniards already considered him as part of the revolution even though investigations showed
that he actually declined his being part of the revolution.
The second question is about his retraction which includes the controversial gossip
stating that Rizals signature on the retraction contract was forged. The filmmakers had to
decipher whether the signature is genuine or not. In the movie, Rizal was talking to two priest.
He told them that he was certain about his decision but he would not yet dare sign the contract.
This made me question the story that I once knew. If Rizal did not really sign the contract in the
beginning, then his retraction is not valid. But why is it that the contract found by Historians was
signed by Rizal? So is it true that his signature was forged? But no matter how hard you
investigate through things, there are things that only the true Dr. Jose Rizal can answer. Gossips
also stated that he wanted to marry Josephine Bracken which is the main reason for his
retraction. This gossip brought up even more questions about Rizal.
The third question was about his relationship with Josephine Bracken. The filmmakers
had many questions about their relationship such as, whether they are married of not, is Rizal the
father of the child Jospehine was carrying or was it his stepfathers, did Jospehine really love
Rizal or all she wanted was his fame and fortune and many other questions concerning their
realtionships. In my perception, the private life of Rizal is not significant in defining Rizals
motive of being a hero, it shows that even in the earlier years, marriage have been a part of a
persons life. It also shows that marriage was practiced in the country for those who is willing to
live with their loved ones.
My realization for this movie is the no matter who you are, how people see you, where
and when you were born or even your stand in life, you will never be perfect. Rizal is our
National Hero but that does not mean that lived a perfect and sinless life. He is only another
ordinary Filipino like each and every one of us but what made if unique is his extraordinary way
of fighting for freedom. No one is born to live an extraordinary life but every one of us is given

the chance to make our own life extraordinary. Change in life does not happen inevitably but
actually it depends weather the person chose to accept change or not.