Saint Louis University

School of Nursing

GROUP THOUGHT PAPER

BSN III – E

Submitted to:

Mr. Anthony Bryan Padilla

Submitted by:

WACAL, Al Nasser

COOMBES, Caterica

POSADAS, Rocel Geneveive

MORONG, Nicola Cristine

SANTOS, Monaliza May

December 4, 2017

(Monday)
 For every individual, it is quite common for us to have that specific person to whom

we look up to and idolize for their particular characteristics that we think sets a good

example and may be consider as a hero. In today’s time, to be a hero, one does not need to

die for the country unlike before that you should die first in order to have that sure spot of

being a hero. Well that was the kind of mentality that people have. Die first for the country

then you would become a hero not knowing that there is a specific criteria that to consider

before appointing someone to becoming a here. As times goes by, there are changes in

defining a Filipino hero and dying for the country is not really a must to be called one.

However, even without the need to die literally, to become a hero for our country needs

great effort and someone who really is qualified. Heroes are those who define and

contribute to a system or life of freedom and order for a nation.

There are a few qualities all heroes should possess, these include, a willingness to do

what is right, an action or a set of actions that are to be admired, and the ability not to care

what other people think. Anyone without these three qualities may be admired but should

not actually be considered a "hero". A hero must know right from wrong, and they must be

able to use that to their advantage. They must have some sense of morality. Any person

whom is considered a hero must have that special charm or charisma. And they need to

know what to do with it.

According to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, entitled The

Gates of Heroism: Defining a Filipino Hero, there is a criteria to be considered, because they

already noticed that there are numerous names acknowledged to become a hero without
having a criteria or limitations. The first criterion is that considering the extent of an

individual’s sacrifice for the welfare of the Philippines, how willing a person is to sacrifice his

own life, time and the like for the sake of the country. Second, the motive and methods of a

person employed in the attainment of the ideal wherein the action of an individual should be

purely for the country and his own personal motives should be set aside when taking action

for the country. The third is the moral character of the person concerned. The individual

should not have any issues in life that may affect his own ideal in life. The fourth is that an

individual must have set good examples and has done positive impact life and seen as a role

model to many especially to the youth. Fifth is that heroes are those who have a concept of

nation and thereafter aspire and struggle for the nation’s freedom just like Dr. Jose Rizal, he

struggled for the freedom of our nation as the Spaniards invade our country. Jose Rizal did

everything for the sake of our freedom. In today’s time, individuals who would fight all the

odds for the sake of just government and eliminate exploitation. Sixth is that heroes are

those who define and contribute to a system of life of freedom and order for a nation. Dr.

Jose Rizal helps the country to attain betterment and orderliness, because he already cannot

endure the maltreatment of the Spaniards to the Filipinos. A hero should have that criterion

in which he thinks what would be the best for the country that will do an action for the

betterment and orderliness of the Philippines. Seventh, heroes are those who contribute to

the quality of life and destiny of a nation for making the best for country contributes in

increasing the quality of life. Eight, a hero is part of the people’s expression. He should be

acknowledged and known by many by the means of his contributions in the country. Ninth, a

hero thinks of the future, especially the future generations; his actions should also benefits
the future generation not only the people that he will encounter in his generation. Lastly,

the choice of a hero involves not only the recounting of an episode or events in history, but

of the entire process that made this particular person a hero.

A hero signifies goodness. Rizal gave us freedom by using goodness. Jose Rizal

became the Philippine national hero because he fought for freedom in a silent but powerful

way. 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. He dedicated his life for his countrymen without hesitation. He was known for his

meekness and coolness, but he never fought on a war. 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.

Dr. Jose Rizal, the foremost and greatest Filipino national hero, had a dream. His

dream began when he was a little child. Throughout his life, he would pursue his dream, set

the conditions for its achievement, lived his life to accomplish it, and finally achieved it, even

after his death. Surely for the dream to come true there would be conditions or

considerations; there would be struggle. And the greatest consideration for its achievement

he expressed directly in the dialogues of main characters of the Noli Me Tangere. In pursuing

his dream for his country, Jose Rizal set himself as the great example. He first pursued

education in earnest. With great dedication and conscientiousness to his studies, Rizal
proved that a Filipino in him could rise to be among the greatest men in history. His

accomplishments in life find no match from any one on record, if versatility on the various

educational disciplines is the criterion. He was, among many laurels to his name, an

accomplished doctor of medicine and specialist as ophthalmologist, a man of letters (a

novelist, essayist and poet), a scientist (the scientific world named two species of insect

after him), philosopher, sculptor, polyglot (he knew 17 languages), sportsman (he was skilled

in fencing, marksmanship, and chess), he was a recognized political leader among his

compatriots (which led his accusers to charge him with leading a revolution that became a

basis for his execution). Dr. Jose Rizal was different compared to most of the heroes of his

time, when the revolution against the Spaniards sparked. Instead of taking arms and using

weapons to fight, he opted to write, penning down the novels Noli me Tangere and El

Filibusterismo. He earned the respect of his fellow Filipinos, one of which is Andres

Bonifacio, a leader in the Katipunan, a secret group fighting the Spanish colonizers in the

country. Due to friars having read his novels which they termed “subversive in nature”, Rizal

went overseas to escape. Encouraged by his family to remain overseas in order to keep

himself safe from the prying eyes of the Spaniards, he pursued higher studies in

ophthalmology, with his mother’s failing eyesight in mind.

The life of Rizal is something that every Filipino should never forget, that each

generations should have great knowledge about his life for it will help Filipinos enlighten

and open their hearts and minds about what happened to the Filipinos in the past and how it

affected the present, and how Dr. Jose Rizal fought for our rights and freedom from the

Spaniards maltreatment the Filipinos.

 Throughout the life of Rizal, he fought to free the Philippines from the Spain so that

the Filipinos need not to be controlled by the Spaniard but be the one to rule their own

country. If you would look into the life or Rizal, you would be able to see the qualities he

possesses such as he is an extremely well educated person and intelligent, having to know

23 different languages, charismatic, and self-less because he did not care about himself

rather, he cared for the Philippines and the Filipino people and because of Rizal’s

perspective, he witnessed the colonization of the Spain that was making demands and

setting rules that could already violate the rights of the Filipinos.

The life of Rizal should always be remembered because it symbolizes patriotism, the

leadership, courage, and strength every Filipino must possess to fight for our rights and

freedom. As we Filipinos learn about the life of Rizal, we try to embrace the thought of

having that patriotism and nationalism within us, that there are more to our country than we

have ever thought of, the things that we do not see because we were blinded with the

greener pasture. In situation where there is inequality or maltreatment, we should fight for

our rights by making our voices heard purposefully and not just ranting about the

incapability of the government to make solutions to the obvious problems seen in the

country.

Rizal’s life is not just another story we need to learn in college. It is a story which

should be embedded or rooted not only in our mind but also in our hearts. Well maybe

setting aside his love stories. Back in Rizal’s days, he was so into self-serving wherein he

believed that Filipinos should rely on their capabilities and not be of slaves to the Spaniards.
However, with the monopolizing of the Spaniards, Filipinos became indolent which was

noted in one of Rizal’s works. In comparison to the Filipino nation of today, yes we are full of

talents, we are full of capabilities however we are blinded with the trends showcased by

other nations. We tend to focus on what they can give us and follow how they act and

forget our background, forget what we can give, and forget who we really are as Filipinos.

We tend to see that foreign lands are better than us, that they produce the best trends and

that we cannot live or continue our lives without looking up to them. Well this is the reality.

We see that others are superior to us because if asked, what are the contributions of our

country? What is highly traded goods of our country? Are we proud to say that we have

Myphone and Cherymobile as brands of our cell phones? Are we proud to say we have g-

strings as our cultural clothing for men in a certain place in our country? Are we proud to tell

those? I guess not. We prefer imported things because we tend to see that they are way

better than what we have.

Today, we are slowly adapting to the culture of the foreign, losing now our

patriotism for the country. We do not see the best in our country, thus see our country as

impoverish, no good at all that is why we prefer to work overseas because we see a greater

future if we leave the country. We see success if we leave the country because Filipinos are

well recognized abroad. On the other hand, some Filipinos at present tend to be hypocrites

in a way when other countries try to praise our country for our athletes or influential

individuals brings pride, we automatically become proud Filipinos. Well that is somehow the

reality. We only consider ourselves Filipinos if there is something good about it and forget

who we are when all we can here as see are negative image of the country. At times, we are
like Donya Victorina in Rizal’s novel, Noli Me Tangere wherein we have that colonial

mentality that because of what is happening in our country, we tend to act as if we are not

Filipinos and try to blend with outsiders. We prefer their products rather than our own. We

change our appearance, even our skin color just to be like them. We are slowly embracing

their culture, forgetting our own. That is the reality because we lack that encouragement,

that willingness to accept what is ours. But if we come to think of it, if the government

would be self-less and return to the people what should be theirs, provide reasonable

salaries to all professions, provide recognitions to what we really have, will everything

change? Will the Filipinos still look for life overseas? Will the country regain its people?

With having learned the life of Rizal, nationalism and patriotism within us is slowly

being awaken. Thus, to be effective Filipinos, we should develop the characteristics Rizal had

demonstrated. We need the courage to stand not only for ourselves but for the entire

Filipino nation to voice out our cries, also, we need the strength to bear all that hinders us in

achieving our goals and the leadership for us to be able to motivate and guide others to do

what is best for the country even in the smallest way possible.

If we care for our own country, we should always be keen in observing and know

what is going on around us. If others does not care of what is happening, we should alarm

them and let them realize what is going on. Helping the country to have a better nation is a

responsibility of every citizen. Doing well for the sake of the country is part of the

responsibilities we should take into consideration. As the generations today and for the

succeeding generations, we should see the life of Dr. Jose Rizal as an inspiration to fight for
the injustices and the rights of every Filipinos not just for the foreign colonialism but also

when it comes to local interests who controlled the political, social, and economic lives of

the vast majority for the personal benefit. Because of his love for our country, it makes us

believe and realize that there is still hope. By knowing the life of Rizal we learned the value

of education as a stepping stone towards gaining success for our life and for our country.

On the Philippine Daily Inquirer on the writing of Ambeth R. Ocampo of the “ Pieces

of the National Hero ”, the three original copy of Dr. Jose Rizal’s personal letter to his sister

Maria was subjected for auction at Leon Gallery. These letters are all was legible, well-

preserved, and was signed by Rizal’s trademark flourish. This capture a lot of attention

especially of the press. The text was all about the conversation of Dr. Jose Rizal and Maria

trying to get to know of their self-situation and their conditions in life. It is one that can

show how caring and loving are we especially to our love ones, how concern and protective

are we especially the eldest among the children on the family.

Now, as first time of Dr. Jose Rizal’s piece of thing to be on sale in the market, it

shows how people are still willing to own and still remembering the history of what he did

for our country. But why do they need to sell it? Why not just keep it or just donate it in a

museum for us to have some remembrance of Dr. Jose Rizal?

It may not be that affordable for others but still, it has an impact by just simply

knowing that it was a property or owned by someone who did great for our country, who

sacrificed himself to save us from the hell that brought about by the Spaniards. That it may
get to inspire a lot more of the people to do good things and to also make something for

their own country.

According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, on the writings of Ambeth R. Ocampo

about “A Hero’s Full Life “, it was clearly stated how Antonio Luna and Apolinario Mabini

started in joining revolution, and on how Dr. Jose Rizal got involved in the revolution that

was being made by his followers without even knowing that he is the known founder of the

group. Maybe it is really a good thing how Rizal in behalf of the Filipino citizens sake. It

turned the citizens to open their eyes and see the reality on how cruel and obnoxious the

Spaniards are that time with his writings, it made people to clearly think that they are being

manipulated and treated without equality and not able to speak up for their rights, but it’s

like in return to himself as the saddest part, it put his life to danger where his enemies could

use against him. But maybe, it is what Rizal’s dream and desire in life. To help his co-Filipinos

to learn how fight. He bet his life just to attain what he thinks is the right and what it should

be for Filipinos.

More on to this topic, November 30 just passed by but it is not more on to look back

about revolution where it was first led by Bonifacio which is the First Phase of the

Revolution, or the Cry of Pugad Lawin. The Philippine revolution led by Andres Bonifacio

was fueled by the writings of Jose Rizal, the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, which

made a more lasting impression. This is one of the best arguments of those who believe that

Rizal is rightfully the national hero. Rizal was truly an inspiration to many Filipinos during the

Spanish period. According to the historian Rafael Palma, Rizal was more deserving of the
national hero title. Rizal was even thought to have suggested that Antonio Luna lead the

revolutionary forces since Luna has studied military science which was a brilliant idea to

lessen casualties against the powerhouse Spanish militia. Rizal believed that only an army

that was well prepared and had enough arms would ensure victory. Apolinario Mabini and

Antonio Luna did not join the First Phase of the Philippine Revolution, but joined in the

Second Phase of the Philippine Revolution which was led by Emilio Aguinaldo. Now why did

they not join? According to this, it was stated that there are some parts which are being

neglected and where it was not really emphasized in the internet, discussions or in social

medias, and one of this is Antonio Luna betraying his friends and acquaintances which

includes Rizal. This is the reason for Antonio Luna not being able to join or got involved in

the First Phase of the Philippine Revolution. He betrayed them by squealing the said

revolution prepared by the Katipunan. He denounced the plans of the Katipunan a month

before the outbreak of the revolution. He reported the information he got on their plan in

initiating a revolution to the director of the Municipal Laboratory of Manila and then the

director passed the information to the governor general who summoned Antonio Luna to

become their ally for this propagating revolution. Now because of this incident, at least

there’s part of your thinking, what if Antonio Luna did not squeal the plan of revolution by

the Katipunan? Will they be able to win against the Spaniards? Will there be a possibility of

them gaining their objectives in initiating revolution? It’s funny how people who we think we

can count on and trust in times of needing for some help. It’s like you are doing it in

desperation just because of your own sake and desires. It is being selfish. But we, Filipinos,

relating to what Antonio Luna did, I can say that there are some people who has this kind of
personality. They did not want to be left behind and just want what is best for themselves.

Which is what makes us confused and very cautious now in disclosing or giving information

even if we say that they are our real or close friends. There is doubt that keeps on calling

your attention anytime you are in need of someone to tell about your questions and what is

bothering you inside or if you have secrets and everything. It’s very alarming now at this

time because they can really use all the information that you are going to give them against

you, use it for threatening/block mailing you, or even to get others sympathy by disclosing it

to them just to have rapport and get attachment from them. Mostly, friendship is the

number one factor that can be affected if things like this gets to happen. Because

sometimes, there are problems or a part of being jealous to your friend of not having what

they have, can be position in life, economic status, physical appearance and etc.

Until now, we are still finding for someone that can save us from the irks of our daily

lives. We are in need of people who are concerned in our country’s dilemma. We are just

about hoping and wishing of a person who are willing to defend our rights, justice and

equality. Being a hero does not only mean that a person is known for his or her taking risks,

but also a true leader. A true leader can have perspective, objective and integrity until he

becomes a hero. He will help the country to unite and lead towards common goods and

goals. It is correct that Dr. Jose Rizal is a true leader that made him also a hero. The idea of a

hero can be perceived in several different ways, mainly people are defined as heroes due to

personal life experiences or accomplishments. Though most perceive heroism as that, I

however feel that the true heroes are just everyday people trying to do what’s right. A hero

is someone who is determined to do what’s right no matter the cost, a hero is someone who
is selfless in bad situations and a role model. The one who gives his or her life to a cause

bigger than oneself. He or she influences the people to get inspiration from.

Dr. Jose P. Rizal's concept of the importance of education is clearly shown in his work

entitled Instruction wherein he sought improvements in the schools and in the methods of

teaching. He knows that the backwardness of his country during the Spanish era was not

due to the Filipinos’ indifference, apathy or indolence as claimed by the rulers, but to the

neglect of the Spanish authorities in the islands. For Rizal, the mission of education is to

elevate the country to the highest seat of glory and to develop the people’s mentality. Since

education is the foundation of society and a prerequisite for social progress, Rizal claimed

that only through education could the country be saved from domination. Rizal’s philosophy

of education, therefore, centers on the provision of proper motivation in order to bolster

the great social forces that make education a success, to create in the youth an innate desire

to cultivate his intelligence and give him life eternal.

A Hero, according to Everest Dictionary, is simply just a “person admired for his

achievements and qualities”. Also, “a person of distinguished valor or enterprise in danger,

or fortitude in suffering. And finally, “a man honored after death by public worship, because

of exceptional service to mankind.” There are so many strange stories regarding the

different famous men who at once become a hero. Dr. Rizal has been the most

retrospectively recreated as a hero of the Philippines. He dreamt of a peaceful reform of the

government and his fellow Filipinos.

 A national hero should have an idea of nation and has goals for a nation’s well-being.

Works for the struggle of a nation’s freedom. Just like Dr. Jose Rizal, he sacrificed his time

and struggled for the freedom, justice and equality of the country. A hero is aware of the

world he lives in, the society and the people around. A passionate and dedicated to a cause

and is also an influential not only because of his recognition but because of the capability to

inspire people to support an ideal. A hero is determined and keeps on pursuing towards a

goal and wants to establish of a better nation.

To be a hero is also to dedicate his life for his country and not give up. He who needs

to have courage in fighting for what is right and for what his countrymen deserves. Should

have the abilities and talents to influence people or otherwise it will not succeed. Timeless

work is the attribute of the hero’s contribution that would qualify it to be inspiring to the

people not just during his time but also in the future.

According to the National Heroes Committee, they came up with the following

criteria: First, those who have a concept of nation, and aspire and struggle for the nation’s

freedom, Second, defines and contribute to a system or life of freedom and order for a

nation, Third, contributes to the quality of life and destiny of a nation, Fourth, A hero thinks

of the future, especially the future generations and Fifth, The choice of a hero involves not

only the recounting of an episode or events in history but of the entire process that made

this particular person a hero. Even Dr. Jose Rizal, considered as the greatest among the

Filipino heroes, was not explicitly proclaimed as a national hero. The position he now holds

in Philippine history is a tribute to the continued veneration or acclamation of the people in

recognition of his contribution to the significant social transformations that took place in

our country. No law, executive order or proclamation has been enacted or issued officially

proclaiming any Filipino historical figure as a national hero. However, because of their

significant roles in the process of nation building and contributions to history, there were

laws enacted and proclamations issued honoring these heroes. Aside from Rizal, the only

other hero given an implied recognition as a national hero is Andres Bonifacio whose day of

birth on November 30 has been made a national holiday. Despite the lack of any official

declaration explicitly proclaiming them as national heroes, they remain admired and revered

for their roles in Philippine history. Heroes, according to historians, should not be legislated.

Their appreciation should be better left to academics. Acclamation for heroes, they felt,

would be recognition enough. Nevertheless, the Philippine government have made

attempts in the past to identify and officially recognize Filipino heroes.

Filipino’s expectations of public figures are different now than it was more than a

hundred years ago, maybe because of the realization that no one is perfect. This is the

reason why today, many were acknowledged as heroes and many were voted in important

governing positions with flaws and questionable characters. Lucky are those who aspire one

day to be called a hero that the criteria was already set to pattern their decisions with.