Key Points
- Dr Jose Rizal is widely considered one of the greatest heroes of the Philippines because of his achievements and sacrifices for the country.
- Nowadays many ordinary Filipinos are considered modern-day heroes of the Philippines – such as the teachers, fishermen, those serving in the Philippine armed forces, athletes who bring honour to the country, and the millions of overseas Filipino workers.
- One can become a hero by giving to those in need, being a good citizen, promoting one's own culture, and putting into practice the lessons learned from those who sacrificed for the Philippines.
LISTEN TO
'Being kind, give time and help others': How to be a hero in the modern times
SBS Filipino
30/12/202413:20
Dr Jose Rizal is widely considered one of the greatest heroes of the Philippines and is considered the prominent hero of the country for he fearlessly fought Spain through his peaceful resistance to their colonial rule in the 1800s and giving up his life for his country's independence.
Raffy Palma (right), with child actors Chloe Lofthouse and Seeyan Ricardo, played Dr Jose Rizal in the play, Parting at Calamba, staged in December 2024 in Sydney. Credit: SBS Filipino
In today's modern times, there are many ways for Filipinos to show their love for their homeland
"The most valuable thing that we have now is our time. So, if we are willing to devote our time to help each other out, that's invaluable," solicitor from New South Wales, Raffy Palma emphasises.
You don't have to give up your life, but you need to provide time to be able to hear out someone or offer any sort of assistance, it doesn't have to be financial. Giving time and attention is already a big thing.Raffy Palma - Solicitor
Lessons from Rizal's life and writings remain in the heart and mind of Monsterminds Creative Service creative head Chi De Jesus.
"The story of Rizal has to be discussed every so often because there are many things that can be learned or understood about us as Filipinos, especially for people who have experienced migration."
De Jesus believes that "leaving your own country and interacting with other governments, other races and cultures give you understanding and enlighten you of your own personality as a Filipino."
"Everyone is a hero in their own mind and I think we need to reach understanding and humility so that change can begin," thought the director-producer.
The whole cast of the stage play, Parting at Calamba , with their director Chi De Jesus (far right) Credit: SBS Filipino
Ms Trijo-Marsh believes that becoming a modern-day hero starts with oneself, no need to broadcast it to others and expose it on social media. No self-gratification needed."
"True heroism comes from the goodness of a person and it will be rewarded by the Creator."
Actors Jinky Trijo-Marsh (standing), Grazie Panlican (left) and Aubrey Abanico (right) acted as Jose Rizal's sisters and Marilyn Mendez (seated) as Rizal's mother at the 'Parting at Calamba' stage play in December 2024. Credit: SBS Filipino
"Just because you're no longer in the Philippines doesn't mean you are no longer a Filipino. This is why we continue to get involved in Filipino events to promote our culture, especially our traditions that focus on our families," Grazie says.
For young actors Chloe Lofthouse and Seeyan Ricardo, both born in Sydney, with their limited resources, they can also do something for their neighbours.
"We can raise money for all the [needy] people in the Philippines and really help them," Chloe thought.
"I could help other people. I could donate things that I no longer need to charity," Seeyan says.
