His novels awakened Philippine nationalism For him, “the pen was mightier than the sword.” And through his writings, he exposed the corruption and wrongdoings of government officials as well as the Spanish friars. As part of his reforms, he even called for the inclusion of the Philippines to become a province of Spain.

Bonifacio was able to listen to the cries of the oppressed Filipinos. Bonifacio, an idealist, was able to live his learnings by embarking on a historic revolution. Having tangible focus, his faith on Filipinos was so immense – that he was somehow thought of as a fool by the formally educated.

Horacio Dela Costa S. J.

José Rizal, son of a Filipino father and a Chinese mother, came from a wealthy family. Despite his family’s wealth, they suffered discrimination because neither parent was born in the peninsula. Rizal studied at the Ateneo, a private high school, and then to the University of St. Thomas in Manila.

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. Instead he used his writings to open the eyes of the Filipinos.

José Rizal (1861-1896) is one of the most revered figures in Philippine history. He was a multifaceted intellectual and a political activist, best known for his political writings that inspired the Philippine revolution and ultimately led to his execution by the Spanish colonizers.

Rizal is a hero, yes, but was heworthy to be considered as our nationalhero? In my own opinion, he only became ahero because his family was rich andfamous. Because of hisfamily’s fortune, he also gained friends andamong them were very well-known and wererespected to the society.

José brought a new era for the Filipino people. His ability to inspire others and his compassion for his people made him a national hero. In joining this movement he inspired his fellow Filipinos to take nonviolent action against the Spanish. His words awakened new ideas throughout the Philippines.

Retana is right in saying that Rizal was always a romantic; if this is to mean one who is a dreamer, an idealist, and above all, a poet. Indeed, Rizal was a romantic, like all Filipinos, if we are to believe Mr. Taviel de Andrade.

Jose Rizal became a hero because he fought from freedom of silent but in powerful way. He expressed his love for the Philippines through his novels, essays, articles and poems rather than a force of aggression.