Maranan, Rhealyn M.

CLOHS 2A

HEROISM OF THE TWO HEROES

Heroism is something that is differently defined between different people. Often,
the ideal hero is thought of as someone who must do some extravagant deed to be
labeled as a hero; however, that is not the case. Defining the term hero, analyzing
aspects of what makes up a hero, and determining the qualities that do not make up a
hero will genuinely express the meaning of what a hero means and stands for. Heroism
is a position of the heart. It sees yourself as connected with humanity, guardians of their
welfare, with love for God and man. Dr. Jose Rizal and Ninoy Aquino are brave enough
to fight for the country, oppose what is right, and fight for our freedom.

In all Philippine history, no two national heroes were as similar in how they lived
and how they died as Dr. Jose Rizal and Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. There are a few
striking similarities between the two that makes them comparable with each other. Both
came from similar class backgrounds. Their families were just below haciendero level
landed gentry; both studied at the elite Ateneo school. They both traveled extensively,
wrote prolifically, and returned to the Philippines from safety abroad despite warnings
that they faced certain death upon setting foot on native soil. Both were tried on sham
charges by kangaroo courts, which sentenced them to death. Filipino soldiers executed
both following the orders of the powerful forces who feared their return. Seeking to avert
bloody revolutions, both freely chose to return to the Philippines to make a case for a
non-violent reform alternative personally. But their pleas fell on deaf ears. Rizal was
executed in Luneta, now Rizal Park on December 30, 1896, by a firing squad of Filipino
soldiers acting on the orders of Malacañang Palace. Ninoy was killed at the tarmac of
the Manila International Airport, now the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on August
21, 1983, by an execution squad of Filipino soldiers also acting on the orders of
Malacañang Palace. Each of their deaths sparked revolutions that overthrew the
tyrannies that caused their martyrdoms. Rizal’s execution triggered the Katipunan
revolution that led to the Filipino people’s overthrow of Spanish rule. Ninoy’s execution
sparked the People Power revolution that led to the ouster of the Marcoses from the
Philippines. In their cosmic conflicts against their fates, by their words and deeds, Dr.
Jose Rizal and Ninoy Aquino transformed the Philippines and the Filipino people.

If we reflect on the similarities of the two, we can say how great they were. They
used their intelligence and skills in a more peaceful way rather than the aggressive way,
and they also sacrificed their lives for the sake of our country and the Filipino people.
Also, they wanted the best for others, always kept their ideals in mind, and their courage
knew no bounds. Undeniably, their memories could forever be etched in the hearts of
the Filipino people. As a product of the young generation, their deeds and efforts are the
most significant. We should not let others to oppress us. Their heroism imprints my
mind that we should always fight for the right thing. They were indeed an inspiration as
they prove to us that there is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater
people than our own, so we should serve them with all our hearts, with all our might,
and with all our strength.