The stars which are light-years away reflect their shine throughout the world. Like dots, once connected, they form a figure. Jose Rizal, as a form of star from the same sky that we share, still shimmers whatever the season is. As one of the vanguards in resisting and advocating change, especially political and social, during the Spanish Era, he still resounds throughout the country up until the present time. It was because of his work that carries hope which influenced people to seek independence from Spaniards. For that reason, his name and legacy were more than relevant, and they will exist eternally.

His relevance in the 21st century revolves around his great ideas that formed several schools of thought that have something to do with life and his interpretations of social problems. The lack of national sentiment gives rise to the numerous ills in our nation, and his principles in identifying these problems, including his ideals, are cogent and will still be relevant in the coming centuries. Another relevance is that he could be a source of courage. He is someone who can light up our passion for being the best version of ourselves, and he is a light which gives hope despite all the hardships we encounter.

He endeavored to indicate what was wicked and corrupt among the people and institutions in the society of his time, and these social problems are still existing in some form or another these days. We can look at him as an emulate in many perspectives of life. He's the best example of patriotism - something most of us need in this time of dwindling Filipino identity. He also put emphasis on giving importance to our culture and own language. Likewise, his life can still inspire us in many ways. He lived a shorter life than others, yet he has done much more things than those who lived longer. This is something that implies us to live our life to the fullest.

However, the question is whether today's youth have proven themselves worthy of the legacy left by him. Your answer is as good as mine. There may be cases showing how big-headed the young individuals are at present, yet we've also seen budding Filipinos who became successful and have proven their worth in society at such a young age. Rizal may have been so proud. Here, we can also see his relevance because he showed more than a century ago that a pang of hunger for education and a burning desire for accomplishments, even under challenging circumstances, is achievable as long as each young Filipino focuses on working hard to achieve their ambitions.

Closing Ideas

For as long as there is poverty and various social illnesses in the society, discouragement in the strife for the honor and protection of human rights, selfishness and greed for power, especially in the government, and the need to make people who are losing their sense of nationalism to change for the betterment, Rizal remains to be germane and significant not just in this century but even in the future. As what he taught us, we have to give the best of ourselves amidst the worst circumstances. All in all, we can be like him in our own ways, for he’s the star who shimmers and guides us to strive and defy all odds and boundaries so we could accomplish the best things in life.

We should always remember also to look back from where we came from and love language, our own, the same way as we love ourselves. No one will do it for us so do not just keep on saying words. Do it with action and pride for being a Filipino. Like Rizal, we can all be great even in our small ways. As they say, everything starts with a small thing.