Kuya Pepe (A Tribute to the Philippines' National Hero)

"On this battlefield man has no better weapon than his intelligence, no other force but his heart." Jose Rizal

He is widely considered one of the greatest heroes of the Philippines and has been recommended to be so honored by an officially impaneled National Heroes Committee. However, no law, executive order or proclamation has been enacted or issued officially proclaiming any Filipino historical figure as a national hero. Hence, every Filipino has been educated and taught that this man is indeed, a champion of his own right as well as awakening the nation's mind thru his novels and writing which opened the eyes of all Filipinos and gave them the braveness to strive against. Spain's control of the Philippines ended in 1898, though the country did not gain lasting independence until after World War II. Rizal remains a nationalist icon in the Philippines for helping the country take its first steps toward independence.

121 years after and let's go straight to our current state, have you ever wonder why Rizal’s words are still applicable up until now? Is he some kind of a time traveler to know what the future brings? Or is he a prophet, just like what most Rizal patriots are saying? Or a fortune teller that somehow predicts what will happen in the future, Or maybe it’s because of our system, and ourselves that is remained unchanged since Rizal’s time?

The youth will only be the fair hope of the motherland if we will give them the proper education that they deserve, and the education that they need. According to our National Hero, education will be the solution to the problems of our country. If education is the solution, then how come it is one of our country’s problem?

To wrap it up, Kuya Pepe's legacy remains lasting well until to a certain extent. With today's rise of digital literacy and technological advancement, today's youth and their voice is vast changing where Ka Pepe's blue print might thrive. The question is,

"A man of incredible intellectual power just been spotted a real treat to the mind of the greedy monsters. before the talisay tree, he speaks his heart with love."He who knows not how to speak his mother tongue will smell worse than a rotten fish".

Mabuhay Gat Jose Rizal!