I've been VERY BUSY these past few weeks :'( Yes. Studies first!
I just want to share this essay I wrote for my Rizal class. Obviously, this is our "tribute to Rizal" project.
I don't really write that much, but I hope you like it :)
The Supermodel
One day while wandering through the
dark, prejudiced, and unfair colony of Spain, a young man dared to make a
change. He challenged his leaders. He challenged his faith. He challenged his
countrymen. He challenged everyone to stand up for change. This man fought
without using guns. This man fought by using his brilliant thoughts. He’s a
proof that a pen is mightier than a sword. He’s a legend, a hero, a true
Filipino.
Heroism in the Philippine context
equalizes self-actualization of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. One’s greatest
achievement in life would be reflected when he is considered to be a man of spirit,
of essence, and of valor. We may admit it, or not, but there’s an eagerness
deep within our hearts that strive for such valor. We would all want to be
called a champion, a victor, a hero. But what does it take to be a hero? Do you
need to have superpowers? Do you need to have that medal, or that trophy? Do
you have to show courage, and fight in a war? Do you need a degree, or a Ph.D.
to be considered as one? Most of all, do you have to die first before everyone
else calls you a hero? And would you rather be called a hero, or a true
Filipino?
“Where
I’m from, everyone’s a hero.”
This is such a famous line that has
been circulating all over the world, thanks to social media. There’s so much
hype and attention given to it especially by us, Filipinos. Well, why not? It’s
created by a Filipino, for the Filipino people. Of course, all of us will feel
happy, pleased, and proud. “I’m from the Philippines and I’m being called a
hero! How wonderful could that be?” This and those other thoughts that are
running through our minds whenever we read such line will surely enlighten our
spirits, and hearts. But does it just start there? We will act as heroes just
for of the typhoons that destroyed properties and lives, and because someone
else needs our help? Does a hero show up if, and only if, there’s a damsel in
distress? Ask yourselves now. Is that your concept of a hero?
There’s too much darkness that
surrounds us nowadays. Natural, or man-made, name it! We all have these
problems that exist at present. Fires, earthquakes, typhoons, floods, all of
these, and more inevitable things are sure to come. Here and there, there is
corruption, discrimination, wars, maltreatment, abuses, prejudice,
prostitution, racial discrimination, and many more! Naming the difficulties we all
have in our country nowadays will surely be vague, and impossible. But it is
still a living fact that with every battle against such problems, there are
still heroes who arise. And most of them started from being a true Filipino.
Philippines is such a beautiful
country. With thousands of wonders to offer, we are very fortunate to live in
such paradise. We have a rich environment that could suffice the existence of
thousands of endemic plants and animals. We have beautiful beaches, mountains,
volcanoes, that captured not only our hearts, but also of foreigners alike. We
are the greatest gold-producing country in Southeast Asia. We have the world’s
longest discontinuous coastline. We are poised on the brink of agri-business
and aquaculture revolution.
We
are a unique nation with four cultural heritages – Asian, European, Mexican,
and American. No other nation in the world can claim to have such a varied and
extensive experience with all four cultures. We are famous for warm
hospitality, musical and artistic talents, romanticism, deep religiosity and
faith, and bravery. And as what Gregorio and Sonia Zaide said, “We have the
resiliency of the bamboo and the durability of the narra.” And thanks to our
ancestors, we are the first republic in Asia.
How
can we give back to our mother nation, the Philippines, who has given us so
much life, beauty, and wonders? How can we give back to our heroes who risked
their lives only to keep the Philippines, and our lives at peace?
We
may never model high fashion in London, New York or Paris, but as Filipinos we
model our country, the Philippines. Before we aim to become heroes, let us
start by being supermodels first. Start within ourselves, start within our own.
Consider every pathway as a catwalk. Walk the walk. Consider the sunlight to be
the limelight. Take every pose as a movement towards nationalism. Let us call ourselves
a supermodel. Show the world that we are
not just Filipinos by name, but we are Filipinos at heart. Let us be proud, be
confident, and be happy that we are Filipinos! Because out of 7 billion people
in the world, we belong to such a beautiful nation. Let our everyday speeches,
smile and laughter, movement and actions be a tribute to our country. Let us
not waste the sacrifices of our heroes. Let us not wait for a damsel in
distress before we act as heroes. Let us be supermodels. And by being
supermodels each day, we will eventually become heroes of our nation. Hello
fellow supermodels! Let us all make Rizal proud.
