Patriotism existed ever since human civilization came to be. It was the one word which made nations what they are, people linked to one another in their community and country. There is no better example of patriotism and heroism in the history of Philippines than that of Jose Rizal's life.
Rizal's life was full of hardships and difficult choices. But even under these circumstances, he still managed to follow his path of righteousness. His principles proved firm and upheld his morals until the end.
As a kid, he lived life in a working class family and did not worry much about financial problems. He was exposed to religious acts at an early age, and showed academic excellence since the start of his school career. He experienced many sorrows since he was a child, including the death of his sister Concha at a very young age, and the execution of the so-called "three martyrs." As years pass by, Jose Rizal gradually realizes the oppression of spaniards to his fellow Filipinos, which brought about his unconditional love for the Filipino nation.
In studying Rizal's life and acts, I was inspired by his devotion for his countrymen, and, of course, his withstanding principles. One notable event in his life was when he reminded his countrymen of the true mission to eliminate Spanish oppression when they were all drowning in their vices in Europe. Amidst all the leisure, he did not let himself fall into temptation. Instead, he took a stand and followed his mission. An ordinary man would be blinded by all the temptations at hand without principles that Jose Rizal had.
Another heroic demonstration that Rizal displayed is his martyrdom of writing. Unlike his compatriots that desired bloodshed, he chose to believe a revolution through his writings instead of resorting to violence. It is this act that no other people have upheld just to attain freedom. The discipline and faith manifested in the process are quite no ordinary man has.
Until his death, he and his love for the Motherland remained firm and unchanged. Despite all the allegations and threats from the spaniards, he was unmoved by them and still pursued his dream of freeing his countrymen from Spanish oppression. Every risk he took for the Motherland surely is admired by people that have known him and studied his life.
Recollecting everything that happened in his life, Jose Rizal deserves to be in his title being the Philippine National Hero. He was born a leader and destined to awaken the Filipinos' sense of nationality and freedom. Despite his flaws as a man, it did not affect his unselfish and unconditional love for the country. I learned to appreciate the word "Filipino" and my nationality as well.
Truly, he was sent by Divine Providence to lead the Filipino people to the path of freedom. I know that the Almighty Father purposely let Rizal be born during the time when Filipinos needed a hero. Things may have changed if he decided to settle down and marry one of his lovers. After all, he is just an ordinary man who would want to be with someone he loves. But everything still fell to its place, and even though he was not the one who directly liberated the Filipino people, it was through his acts and patriotism that ignited his countrymen's hearts to stand up and fight. If I can have one chance talk to Dr. Jose Rizal, I would thank him in behalf of all Filipinos and people who have sacrificed a lot just for today's Filipino men to attain liberty.
-Gomez, Gwyne Gabriel Q.
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