People in History "A tribute to all Filipino heroes"

Exemplary people with ordinary lives, without having the need of the spotlight, that’s how I could depict the life story of our national heroes. On their time, they are not the most privileged persons in their town, nor to be counted as one but they chose to live rightfully, with burning hearts for their country. They didn’t have their lives easy, but they use every single time of their lives fighting for what they know is right and just. They’re courageous, hopeful and unstoppable.

Through them, it made me believe even more that you don’t shine by dimming other’s flaunting light; you shine by sharing them the light you hold. And maybe that is how I could summarize their greatest contribution in our country. They became our inspiration, our motivational heroes. They have instilled on every Filipino the heart of a nationalist. That above any other reasons we are a Filipino and it’s something worth fighting for, not just for the present but also for the future’s sake. And we owe the life we have today to them. So who would say that they don’t deserve the spotlight? Of course they deserve to be called a national hero. They deserve all the acknowledgements for choosing to fought for our freedom despite all the consequences it may take, for endlessly believing that one day we will have all the privileges that we deserve and for giving their hopeful hearts that whatever they do as long as it will contribute to the country’s well-being, they will have a life worth living.

At present, we may not have the Mabini, Bonifacio, Silang, Rizal and all the other remarkable heroes of the past but we will forever be reminded and motivated by the principles they reflect. And I believe and proud that despite the hard times and the unending injustice and oppression happening in our country, we still have heroes of the present that are not afraid to raise their voices, their flags and their beliefs in order to pursue the right of every Filipino. Today, women are starting to speak, LGBTQIA+ are being supported, and filipino citizens are all making their voice heard by utilizing everything we have on today’s modern world to continue pursuing for the things we deserve.

Women may not be all a Maria Clara but we are proud that we are building a community full of Gabriela. We may lose our Rizal, but we have the journalists and courageous speakers who take the front rows to be our voices. And like the past times, it may be hard and slow but we should bear in mind that diamonds are formed under pressure and it doesn’t take just overnight to be formed because great things doesn’t come easy, it comes with great responsibility.