Readings in Philippine History
Group 7
Conspiracy about the making of the
Philippine hero
“A hero means a prominent or central personage
taking an admirable part in any remarkable action or
event; a person of distinguished valor or enterprise in
danger, or fortitude in suffering; and a man honored
after death by public worship because of exceptional
service to mankind”
-Dr. Esteban de Ocampo
What makes a hero?
According to the National Heroes Committee,
heroes:
 Have a concept of nation and aspire and
struggle for a nation's freedom
 Define and contribute to a nation’s freedom,
order, quality of life and destiny
 Are part of the people’s expressions
 Think of future generations
The 9 Filipinos that made the shortlist for National
Hero as of 1995:
Jose Rizal
(June 19, 1861 – December 30, 1896)
 Patriot, physician, and man of letters
 Author of Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo
 He became an icon for the nationalist
movement
Andres Bonifacio
(November 30, 1863 – May 10, 1897)
 The Great Plebian and Father of the
Katipunan
 He founded the katipunan in 1892 which
provided the rallying point for the people’s
agitation for freedom, independence, and
equality
Emilio Aguinaldo
(March 22/23, 1869 – February 6, 1964)
 Filipino leader and politician
 President of the First Philippine Republic
 Fought first against Spain and Later against
the United States for the independence of the
Philippines
Apolinario Mabini
(July 22 1864 – May 13, 1903)
 Filipino political philosopher and architect of
the Philippine revolution
 Brains of the Philippine Revolution
Marcelo H. Del Pilar
(August 30, 1850 – July 4, 1896)
 Writer, patruit
 Blueprint of the Revolution for freedom,
justice, and democracy
 Moving Spirit of the Propaganda Movement
Sulta Dipatuan Kudarat (1581 – 1671)
 7th Sultan of Maguindanao
 He successfully fought off Spanish invasions
and hindered the spread of Roman
Catholicism in the island of Mindanao
Juan Luna
(October 23, 1857 – December, 1899)
 Filipino painter, sculptor, and political
activist of the Philippine Revolution
Melchora Aquino (Tandang Sora)
(January 6, 1812 – February 19, 1919)
 Mother of Philippine Revolution
 She supported the Katipuneros whilst risking
her own life in the process
Gabriela Silang
(March 19, 1731 – September 20, 1763)
 Continued what Diego Silang (her husband
and leader of the rebellion) has started
 She was called “Henerala” (woman general)