12 national heroes of the philippines
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National Heroes of the Philippines
Each year, the Philippines is filled with national pride as it celebrates National Heroes Day, also known as “Araw ng mga Bayani.” Initially, in 1931, the Philippine legislature passed Act No. 3827, which designated the last Sunday of August as National Heroes Day to commemorate the Cry of Pugad Lawin. This event marked the beginning of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule in August 1896, led by Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan society. The “Cry” signified a prolonged struggle for independence that united Filipinos across the archipelago in their pursuit of freedom.
Today, through Act No. 9492, signed on July 24, 2007, Filipinos pay tribute to their heroes every last Monday of August. National Heroes Day is celebrated through vibrant activities and solemn ceremonies nationwide, including parades, cultural performances, flag-raising events, and processions. This day serves to honor and instill patriotism, reflect on the nation’s history, and recognize the sacrifices made by heroes for the country’s indepen
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Biography of José Rizal, National Hero of the Philippines
José Rizal (June 19, 1861–December 30, 1896) was a man of intellectual power and artistic talent whom Filipinos honor as their national hero. He excelled at anything that he put his mind to: medicine, poetry, sketching, architecture, sociology, and more. Despite little evidence, he was martyred by Spanish colonial authorities on charges of conspiracy, sedition, and rebellion when he was only 35.
Fast Facts: José Rizal
- Known For: National hero of the Philippines for his key role inspiring the Philippine Revolution against colonial Spain
- Also Known As: José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda
- Born: June 19, 1861, at Calamba, Laguna
- Parents: Francisco Rizal Mercado and Teodora Alonzo y Quintos
- Died: December 30, 1896, in Manila, the Philippines
- Education: Ateneo Municipal de Manila; studied medicine at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila; medicine and philosophy at the Universidad Central de Madrid; ophthalmology at the University of Paris and the University of Heidelberg
- Published Work
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This year, my anthem has been Ruby Ibarra’s “Us.” The hook, “Island woman rise, walang makakatigil / Brown, brown woman, rise, alamin ang 'yong ugat” has gotten stuck in my head more times than I can count. It’s stuck in my head right now.
“Alamin ang ‘yong ugat.” Know your roots. Growing up in Canada, I was surrounded by the strength of the Filipina women around me.
There was my mother, who spent many sleepless nights with me when I was sick in the hospital or breaking down in my bedroom. There were my lolas: one owned a school in Nagcarlan, Laguna, and the other owned a store in Cainta, Rizal—eventually, they joined us in Toronto to shower us with Cassava cakes and turon (fried banana rolls). And of course, there were my many, many titas.
Outside my immediate circle, I didn’t know who else to look up to. Or who to look back on.
I didn’t know the names of our trailblazers, our Filipina heroes, much less their stories.
In my own search, these are just some of the historic figures I’ve come across in the last month. Think of this as a primer of sorts. We have so many
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