By definition, a hero is a person who is admired for courage, excellent accomplishments, or

noble character. But actual heroism is not just a common notion. Anyone can be a hero but it
takes a true hero to step up and take the action. In contrary to what usual people revered as
heroes, the real ones don’t really wear a cape, fly to and fro, jump on buildings or possess
supernatural powers. They are not simply what we see on the televisions but they are the
ones who prosper nobility and dignity that make them our greatest national heroes.
After I watched the film and read the excerpt from Esteban De Ocampo's work, I learned that
Rizal is not a ‘perfect’ hero, there were snide remarks about him involving in different
controversies. Some arguments rose regarding his resistance to the Catholic church. Rizal
allegedly fought against the church because it roots the suffering of Filipinos and also
because of political reasons. Others argue on Rizal’s true motives and reasons why he
opposed to the Spanish regime. But what makes Rizal different from the others are his silent
but powerful way of fighting for the freedom of the Philippines. He expressed his love for the
Philippines through his novels, essays, and articles rather than through the use of force or
aggression. He was a very amazing person at his time. He was humble, fighting for reforms
through his writings instead of through a revolution. He used his intelligence, talents, and
skills in a more peaceful way rather than the aggressive way. Most of the world Heroes was
elevated as such because of their war exploits. Rizal never did it. He was using his pen for
criticism about the handling of the Spanish government in the Philippines.
Rizal was transformational, charismatic, visionary, and most importantly, incorruptible. He
displayed a kind of leadership that was not motivated by personal interest but the willingness
to sacrifice oneself for the good of the majority. Rizal's attainment of our nation's freedom
gave us a chance to foster more our personal discipline and character. Rizal help us
strengthen the foundation of values and principles we already have with intervention of his
worthwhile life lessons. Rizal has a concept of nation and thereafter aspire and struggle for
the nation’s freedom. He also contributed to a life of freedom and order for a nation.
Freedom without order will only lead to anarchy. Above all, he thinks of the future, especially
the future generations. Rizal was not only a great hero, but the greatest among the Filipinos.