ABOUT HEROES… Who is a hero? ■ According to Merriam-Webster a hero is… – A mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability – An illustrious warrior – A person admired for achievements and noble qualities – One who shows great courage The Filipino Concept of a Hero ■ Bayani, Bagani, Magani or Wani ■ In early Philippine societies, a hero was just a normal warrior of the community who are given simple tasks that aided the village’s daily life. ■ The term bayani comes from the root word “bayan,” which is taken from the fact that a bayani does not work alone but together with other members of the community. The Filipino Concept of a Hero ■ A bayani as depicted in the early times is usually illustrated wearing red clothing, a putong (head gear), has a kris/kampilan (weapon), and has a tattoo used as a protection for his kaluluwa (soul). The Filipino Concept of a Hero ■ a bayani is considered a kawani or lingkod bayan. ■ His main purpose is to help out the people in the community without counting the cost. ■ His main goal is to keep the peace and order in his community. ■ It is a title not given only to the dead or those who give their life for their country but is an honorific role in society. ■ According to the Boxer Codex (1590), a Bayani is a person with a high status and dignity. The Filipino Concept of a Hero ■ In reference to Pedro Serrano Laktaw’s dictionary, a bayani’s characteristics includes: – A person who fears no one (walang takot) – Courageous (matapang) – Firm (matibay) – Bold (mapangahas) – Quiet (Tahimik) – Calm (Mahinahon) Some Early Filipino Heroes ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Lam-Ang Labaw Donggon Humadapnon Dumalapdap Tuwaang Indarapatra Sulayman Evolution of the Concept of Filipino Heroes ■ Spanish Time – centered on religion; heroes were defined as those with good faith and follow the rule of the Church; saints and martyrs ■ American Time – Secular view of heroes; centered on war and nationalism; hero-worshipping of those who died in war ■ Modern Time – Reliving the concept of the indigenous Bayani; modern day heroes = OFWs Criteria of Recognizing Philippine Heroes ■ A hero is a social construct and the recognition of heroes may have subjectivity. ■ The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) devised a criteria for recognizing heroes through Project Saysay. Criteria of Recognizing Philippine Heroes 1. The extent of a person’s sacrifice for the welfare of country. 2. The motive and methods employed in the attainment of the ideal (welfare of the country). 3. The moral character of the person concerned 4. The influence of the person concerned in his/or her age and or the succeeding age. 5. Those who have a concept of nation and thereafter aspire and struggle for the nation’s freedom. Criteria of Recognizing Philippine Heroes 6. Those who define and contribute to a system of life or freedom and order of a nation. 7. Those who contribute to the quality of life and destiny of a nation. 8. A part of the people’s expression. 9. Person who thinks of the future, especially the future generations. 10. The choice of a hero involves not only the recounting of an episode or events in history, but of the entire process that made this particular person a hero. Rizal as a Hero ■ The first commemoration of Rizal’s death was held in December 30, 1989 as a declaration by then President Emilio Aguinaldo. He declared it a National Day of mourning. ■ During the American time, to avoid the possibilities of a Rizal cult that can disrupt their colonialization, they proclaimed Rizal as the national hero. ■ Three criteria were used in selection by the American Government: 1. A hero who is not violent or militant, and if possible, preferred means like education. 2. A hero who had no qualms on American Imperialism 3. A hero who is already dead. Rizal as a Hero ■ In 1901, President William H. Taft, had appointed Rizal to embody the brand of nationalism propagated by the American colonial government. ■ No actual law was passed by American regime in declaring Rizal as the national hero instead three steps were made to promote his heroism: 1. Creation of the Rizal Province 2. The erection of the Rizal Monument 3. The declaration of Rizal Day on December 30 as a Public Holiday. Rizal as a Hero ■ Since then, Rizal’s embodiment as the national hero was promoted and further strengthened by in 1956 with the passing of the Rizal law. ■ Today, there are 4 major national celebrations with Rizal as an important subject: 1. June 12 (Independence Day) 2. June 19 (Birth Anniversary) 3. Last week of August (National Heroes Week) 4. December 30 (Rizal Day) References ■ Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Hero. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved September 2, 2020, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hero ■ Crudo, E. P., Guiwa, H. C., & Pawilen, R. M. (2019). The Life, Works, and Writings of Jose Rizal (First ed.). Manila, Philippines: Rex Book Store.
