“Mahirap magpakabayani.

Ang bayani ay binabaril sa

Luneta.”
CONCEPT OF A HERO
CHAPTER 1
LESSON 2:
Ms. Gemma Joy S. Alforque, LPT
LESSON OUTCOMES:

Trace the Filipino Concept of

hero/bayani through times;

Analyze the criteria set by the nation in

recognizing heroes; and

Assess the heroism of Rizal using the

definitions and criteria of heroes.
MISCONSTRUE OF THE WORD

HERO
■ An award given to dead people.
■ Doing great things (e.g. Rizal)
■ Devoid of care for others.
“Mahirap magpakabayani.
Ang bayani ay binabaril sa
Luneta.”
HERO - Known as
bayani, Bagani, Magani
or Wani in various
Filipino ethno-linguistics
groups;
Concept of Hero in Filipino Culture &
History
Western Concept:

■ Normally defined here as an illustrious

man, often of divine descent,
■ With distinguished valor or enterprise in
danger
■ Fortitude in suffering (who is supposed to
be exalted after death).
Filipino Concept (Acc. to Salazar)

■ Kaisa ng bayan
■ nagmula sa masa
■ kadalasan ay ordinaryong tao
■ simple
■ nagbibigay ginhawa
How do we depict Jose Rizal?
 Personality of Bayani (Pedro Laktaw):
■ A person who fears no one (walang-takot)
■ Courageous (matapang)
■ Firm (matibay)
■ Bold (mapangahas)
■ Quiet (tahimik)
■ Calm (mahinahon)
Filipino Heroes in Spaniard Era:
■ Instead living role models, the Spaniards introduce the
image of obedience of saints and disciples whom the
Filipinos had to imitate in order to become good colonials.
Vida Sancti – the lives of [dead] saints became the foundation
of good qualities of life.
Doctrina Christiana - prayer and doctrine, became the
textbook of faith.
Filipino Heroes in American Era:
■ Hero-worshipping of American soldiers who
died during the Philippine-American War.
■ Promoted though monuments and annual
commemoration rituals to justify the need for
American tutelage in the Philippines.
■ Venerated Filipino heroes
Filipino Heroes in Modern-day:

■ Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) – are considered Bagong

Bayani.
Rizal as a Filipino Hero
Jose Rizal – as a Filipino hero is state-sponsored through Republic Act 1425
(Rizal Law).
December 30, 1898 – the first commemoration two years after his death.
 President Emilio Aguinaldo – declared in Malolos, Bulacan, a day of
National Mourning.
 Various provinces like Tayabas and Batangas were reported to observe
solemn commemoration in front of Rizal’s portrait.
 During the meetings of the Katipunan, a portrait of Rizal was hanging in
the room where members were made to believe that Rizal was an
honorary member of the secret society.
3 criteria used in the selection making Rizal
the “national” hero by the Americans:
1. A hero who is not violent and militant, and if
possible, preferred peaceful means like
education;
2. A hero who had no qualms on American
imperialism; and
3. A hero who is already dead.
3 steps made by American colonial
government to promote heroism:
Criteria for Recognizing Heroes
 In 1995, the National Heroes Committee created by
Pres. Ramos released an list of Recommended
National Heroes.

■ Jose Rizal ■ Sultan Dipatuan

■ Andres Bonifacio Kudarat
■ Emilio Aguinaldo ■ Juan Luna
■ Apolinario Mabini ■ Melchora Aquino
■ Marcelo H. del Pilar ■ Gabriela Silang
4 major national celebrations with Rizal as an
important:
■ June 12 (independence Day)
■ June 19 (Birth Anniversary)
■ Last week of August (National Heroes Week)
■ December 30 (Rizal Day)
THANK YOU
alforquejoya@gmail.com