Today is the 148th birthday of Dr. Jose Rizal. He's known as the National Hero of the Philippines, but did you know that there is no law that states that Jose Rizal really is the National Hero? Heck, he shouldn't even carry the title of "Dr." before his name, because he didn't really take the medical licensure exam after he graduated from the University of Santo Tomas.

I'm not bashing Rizal. Really. Haha. I admire him, actually.

One thing that I learned is that people, the youth, especially, glorify Rizal so much that they make him look like some demi-god with immeasurable talent and knowledge. Bayani si Rizal. Rizal is a hero. But he isn't a hero because he can kick butt like Superman. When people hear the word "bayani" or "hero", they usually think of them as overqualified individuals who died; hence, are blessed with immortality. If this is so then...

How the hell can I be a hero?

This somehow discourages people. They think heroes are so high up that they can't reach that level. What people must understand is that being a "bayani" doesn't entail you to sacrifice your life for the country. Being a "bayani" just asks one to give what they can, to serve for a cause. To make one's talents worthwhile, expecting nothing in return. We can be heroes in our own simple ways, like obeying laws, and throwing trash where they should be thrown. Yes, it sounds cliche, but really. We should all understand that we can all be heroes.

Imagine if everyone in the country did their best. Then we would be a "nation of best people". Ang ganda ng ideya, diba? If people would start thinking and acting this way, then I can say that this country still has hope.

109 years after the recognition of the Philippines as the "Katagalugan". 111 years of Philippine independence. Where are we now? Nakakahiya naman kena Rizal, Bonifacio at sa iba pang mga bayani...

Come on! Let's realize the importance of history. Let's fix all this sh*t the country's in.

Maging bayani tayo! Let's all be heroes.



Anyway, I really wanted to upload photos to commemorate Independence Day and Rizal's birthday, but time and opportunity escaped me. I might go to Intramuros sometime in the near future. Must. Phototrip. IMMEDIATELY.

That's all.