CONCEPT OF HERO IN

FILIPINO CULTURE
AND HISTORY
HERO
• HERO is normally defined as an
illustrious man, often of define
descent, or with distinguished
valor or enterprise in danger, and
fortitude in suffering, who is
supposed to be exalted after
death.
BAYANI
• BAYANI is bayan (community,
town, nation).
• BAYANI is more on
kawani/lingkod bayan
(community servant)
• The concept of bayanihan
(cooperation) and the word
ipabayani (free labor) proves
the semantic essence of Bayani.
• Zues Salazar
• Bayani as a person who leaves
his/her town and then returns. The
tattoo, used as the protection of
kaluluwa (soul), his kris/kampilan
(weapon), his putong (head gear),
and other garments colored red are
his iconic physical features.
BAYANI, BAGANI, MAGANI, WANI
• PANGANGAYAW or raiding into unallied territory.
• According to William Henry Scott, this was done
because of four reasons; 1. to secure resources,
ranging from the occasional use goods or bounty to
human slaves; 2. to avenge a personal affront or
family honor; 3. to fulfill mourning requirements to
which the life of enemies must be sacrificed; 4. for
personal prominence or mercenary reward.
• The Boxer Codex (1590) defines BAYANI as a person with a high
status and dignity.
• PEDRO SERANNO LAKTAW in his dictionary, elaborates the
personality of BAYANI: a person who fears no one, courageous, firm,
bold, but quiet and calm.
• The concept of a Filipino Hero in early Philippine societies, is not
posthumous award given to dead people, but rather an honorific
role and title in the society.
SPANISH& AMERICAN
COLONIZATION
 MODERN
DAY HERO
CRITERIA FOR
RECOGNIZING HEROES
RIZAL AS A FILIPINO HERO
AMERICAN’S CRITERIA AS
NATIONAL HERO
• 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 is already dead.

• In 1901, William H. Taft, had appointed Rizal to embody the

brand of nationalism propagated by the American government.
Three steps were made;
• 1. the creation of Rizal Province
• 2. the construction of Rizal monument
• 3. Declaration of Rizal Day on December 30 as public Holiday.
 Selection And
Proclamation Of National
Heroes And Laws
Honoring Filipino
Historical Figures
CRITERIA FOR RECOGNIZING
HEROES