5-2

RAGAZA, Mary Tonette L.

BSA 4

HIST17 MW 7:30 9:00 AM

November 23, 2015

Jose Rizal: The best the Filipino could be

Rizal, among all Filipinos, is the most deserving to be hailed as national hero.
His refusal to armed rebellion does not make him less revolutionary than Bonifacio
or any other heroes in Philippine history. His extreme subversiveness, his keen
sense of Philippine history and Filipino identity, his excellence in various fields, his
superiority even over the Spaniards and his undying love for his country are more
than enough evidences that this extraordinary Indio best represented the Filipinos
and is the best individual that any Filipino should look up to. He was the genius that
puts his brilliance to work for his country. He had lived his life in service to his
beloved country and his people. He is Philippines national hero not because the
American colonial government back then chose him but because he definitely has
what it takes to become one. He has it better than anyone else and the world
deserves to know that.
I find the comparison between Rizal and Bonifacio in the first paragraph
interesting and the idea that Rizals whole life was revolutionary in the extreme. So
is the thought that revolution isnt just about taking over a state, or grabbing power,
it is also about empowering people. I liked the statement that said, Each time Rizal
tried to exceland he did so routinely, writing, painting, treating the sick,
philosophizing, loving, becoming the first true-blue Malay Renaissance man. I must
agree that no one better represented the best that the Filipino could be. And to sum
up, I am convinced that he absolutely deserves the national hero title.
Many people contest that Bonifacio deserved to be national hero than Rizal
and I used to believe so. After reading this article, it dawned to me that he was way
better than Bonifacio not because he was more educated, but because Rizal, in
every aspect defined excellence. Rizals accomplishments were unbeatable. So is
his love for the Philippines. If you compare the life he lived to that of a common 35year old Filipino at present, no way can you find the same character. No one has the
same spirit of patriotism like that of Rizal. He opted for a silent revolution. One that
says no to violence and the same that angered the Spaniards the most. His
thoughts on revolution were unselfish. The kind that the world at present needs.
Rizal was also a man that is concerned not only of his own advancement but of his
fellowmens growth as well. In his pursuit of his dreams and no matter how
accomplished he had become, he never abandoned his principles in life. Almost
everything about him sets a very good example to the youth. He makes me realize
that as early as my age now, I should have a purpose in life that would drive me to
do things that will benefit many. That the welfare of the people around me should
also be one of my concerns in life. He reminds me also that we can achieve
anything we want to have if we try and give our best to it. And that, even if how
successful we become, it isnt a reason for us to forget our past and the lessons we
learned from those experiences. I should be able to keep my principles in life. But
just like how Rizal lived, it will never be easy. It will take much courage to emulate

the life of this extraordinary hero. He is the epitome of the best that a Filipino can
be. Indeed, Rizal is the most deserving to the national hero title.