DE LA SALLE COLLEGE OF SAINT BENILDE

What is the role of the national

heroes and projects of
nationalism in the development
and production of Philippine
literature?
A short essay on how national heroes inspired
our literature
Patrick C. Agonias
AB – CDA, LF1U
11/30/2010

The essay will discuss about what makes a national hero and how to have come to influence us
through the works of various authors.
 The word “Hero” has acquired a lot of meaning throughout the times. Thus the pure

essence of it gives hope to people. As a result a hero’s quality that drives to do these actions is

because of selflessness and humility. That kind action gives inspiration to the people around who

are in despair and lost their hope. In today’s society heroes are still being sought after by the

people because most are poor and felt the sense of hopelessness to their country. The exploits

this heroes would forever be a part of us through the author’s works and masterpieces.

In the Philippines we have a lot of heroes; they not only liberated us from oppression but also

gave us something to write about. The earliest hero to be recorded is Lapu – Lapu. His heroism

for sake of liberty has helped him garner respect among his fellow countrymen. His epic battle

against the Spanish has prompted the creation of the poem titled “Mactan 1521”by Virginia

Licuanan. The poem describes the brief period when Magellan and his men landed on the shores

of Mactan to his inevitable death at the hands of Lapu – Lapu in the ensuing battle. The sense of

nationalism can be felt throughout the poem because of the warrior’s spirit in defeating the

Spaniards.

Not long after the Spaniards returned and eventually colonized the Philippines. They

implemented everything to the Filipino people and deeply impacted their way of lives. From the

way they dress and how they should act. All of these happened without harsh discrimination and

abuse. As result many Filipinos not take it anymore and would take up arms and rebel against the

government. The most famous cry for rebellion was at Balintawak with their outspoken leader,

Andres Bonifacio. After his emotional – laden speech together they raised their certificate of

residence or “cedula” and ripped it to shreds to symbolize the termination of their loyalty to

Spain. For this historic act of defiance it was immortalized in the poem “1896”by Aurelio

Alvero. In the poem it shows the Filipinos fiery spirit for a revolution. In any case it can’t be
contained and indeed the Philippine Revolution started. The true pride for nationalism begun and

in the hearts of the people men like Bonifacio is their hope in liberation.

Heroes during the Spanish period have two different kinds. First is the one who acts and fights

among the men in the front lines. Another, being able to command troops, coordinates ambushes

and conducts raids; a general of some kind. Second is the passive type of hero. Prompting the use

diplomacy rather than force is an example significantly shown by Dr. Jose Rizal. His exploits to

end the abuse and discrimination has led to the creation of the masterpieces: “Noli Me Tangere”

and “El Filibusterismo”. In those two books all the social issues regarding the maltreatment of

the Spaniards to the Filipinos are discussed. Also the question if the Filipino is ready for a

revolution and independence are answered through the perspective of Rizal. The impacts of those

two novels were so great that it influenced a lot of people especially the revolutionaries and

illustrados. Both of the factions he inspired had two distinct ideas in liberating the country. One

faction wants autonomy from Spain through peaceful negotiations, while another want freedom

thorough force and bloodshed. This kind of inspiration has propelled Rizal into becoming our

national hero. The qualities he had shown such as his nationalism and patriotism has touched the

hearts of men and women to unite free themselves from the abusive Spaniards. This type of

intellectual writing has continued by introducing the richness of our culture to the future

generations of our country.

In terms of the production of literature; national heroes has been a large part being there

as inspiration to the authors. Their actions to stand for what they believe gave authors the

initiative to use them as a medium to spread those values to the people. The stand against

morality, discrimination and other sensitive issues in the society gave the writers courage to

write and to have it published. They persisted to get them read by the public even if it is against
the will of the government. They often face death and social exile by publishing their works. In

the end the work would last forever because the message of the literature would be priceless all

thanks to the heroes who exemplified it in their lives.

After reading the several texts in class I realized the true extent of the role of our national heroes.

They not only fought for the rights and freedom of the people while they were alive but the

message they want to deliver to future generations. Their messages were inside the poems and

short stories are deep and would still apply to any society regardless of the time period. In

addition their messages would one day create heroes in the future because of the examples

brought about in the past.

Furthermore, the messages could have various effects among the people. Not just because

they read the literature doesn’t mean they are same because of individuality many effects would

arise. Two major effects would arise such as positive and negative effects. On the positive side

people would be even more inspired and would take the message they have learnt to heart and

reflect them on their actions. It would help the people to strive to be better and would someday

benefit the whole country itself because of the motivation they got from the literature they have

read. Another benefit is that through the qualities presented people would use it to create more

literature about the said heroes in order to inspire more people.

On the other hand on the negative side many controversies could pop up like in the movie

“Bayaning 3rd World”. It is where Rizal’s life was scrutinized since many things were discovered

that could negate him from becoming our national hero. As a matter of fact some national heroes

were created based merely on lies and rumours that would eventually discredited them. Another

scenario is the hidden actions of these heroes that were shown in the public limelight, because
exposure of this would lead them to be shunned by the people. Lastly, if such of these actions of

heroes were misinterpreted and become in use by extremists that would continue to bend and

pervert the true messages written in those literatures.

In summary heroes deserves to be respected as such since they had done things beyond

what an ordinary man can do. Sacrificing social status, loved ones, and even their lives just to

give us the liberty and rights we enjoy today. Although they are by now dead and some forgotten

people who remember their deed was forever inspired by them. Through inspiration itself they

have created masterpieces that would not only show their qualities as a hero but qualities of a

true Filipino.
Sources:

 Retrieved on November 29, 2010: http://mabetbet.blogspot.com/2009/02/mactan-

1521.html

 Retrieved on November 29, 2010: http://philippine-revolution.110mb.com/index.htm

 Retrieved on November 29, 2010:

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/The_poem_1896_by_aurelio_alvero

 Retrieved on November 29, 2010:

http://www.philippinecountry.com/philippine_history/spanish_colonization.html

 Retrieved on November 29, 2010:

http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/Tagalog_Homepage99/impacts_of_spanish_rule_in_t

he_p.htm

 Retrieved on November 30, 2010: http://www.cebu-philippines.net/philippine-

literature.html
Grading Rubrics

a. Grammar 10

The paper must observe properly the rules in grammar and the style of writing under the
category of a formal paper requirement. It is important that the paper must maintain a
fluency in the English language and accurate delivery of arguments and ideas.

b. Citation format 20

The paper must consistently abide the rules of the APA or MLA format in citing the
works of other people.

c. Organization of ideas 25

Arguments and ideas must be organized in such a way that the reader is easily directed to
the flow and direction of the arguments.

d. Content 45

Content is the substance of the paper and this should be exemplary original and profound
manifesting in the ideas and arguments that are presented.