Rizal Day: A Celebration of Heroism and Filipino Pride
It’s that time of the year again when we Filipinos, wherever we are in the world, come together to celebrate the life and works of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Cue the parades, the speeches, the flag-raising ceremonies, and — my personal favorite — the endless servings of adobo and pancit!
But why all the fuss, you might ask? Well, my friend, let me take you on a little journey back in time. Picture this: it’s the 19th century, the Philippines is under Spanish rule, and a young man named Jose Rizal is about to change the course of our history.
Jose Rizal was, in many ways, just like you and me. He had dreams, aspirations, and, believe it or not, a great sense of humor! But what set him apart was his unwavering love for the motherland and his fierce determination to fight for its freedom.
Using his pen as his weapon, he wrote brilliant novels like “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo,” which exposed the injustices of the Spanish colonial government. These books sparked a flame in the hearts of Filipinos, igniting a revolution that would eventually lead to our independence.
Fast forward to today, Rizal Day isn’t just about taking a day off work or school (although who doesn’t love a good holiday, right?). It’s a day to remember and honor the sacrifices of our national…
