Table of Contents Jose Rizal Andres Bonifacio Apolinario Mabini Marcelo H. Del Pilar Antonio Luna Juan Luna Emilio Jacinto Gregorio Del Pilar Mariano Ponce Graciano Lopez Jaena Melchora Aquino Gregorio De Jesus Lapu-Lapu Our National Heroes
Dr. Jose Rizal (June 19, 1861 – June 30, 1896) Dr. Jose Rizal was a Filipino nationalist, writer, and revolutionary who is widely regarded as the Philippines' national hero. He was born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna, Philippines. His parents were Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonso, both of whom were educated and belonged to distinguished families. Rizal began his education in his hometown, where he studied under Justiniano Aquino Cruz, a renowned educator. He later attended the Ateneo Municipal de Manila and the University of Santo Tomas, where he earned a degree in medicine. He also studied in Europe, where he pursued further studies in medicine, philosophy, and languages. Rizal's literary works, including novels, essays, and poems, played a significant role in the Philippine Revolution. His novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo" exposed the injustices and corruption of the Spanish colonial government in the Philippines. He also wrote articles and essays in various publications that tackled issues such as social inequality, education, and religious intolerance. Aside from his writing, Rizal also became involved in the Propaganda Movement, a group of Filipino reformists who sought to improve the status of the Philippines within the Spanish colonial empire. He also founded the La Liga Filipina, a civic organization that aimed to unite Filipinos and promote their welfare. In 1896, Rizal was arrested and charged with sedition, rebellion, and conspiracy for his involvement in the Philippine Revolution. He was sentenced to death by firing squad and was executed on December 30, 1896, at the age of 35. His death sparked the Philippine Revolution, which led to the country's independence from Spain in 1898. Today, Rizal is remembered as a hero and a symbol of Filipino nationalism. His life and works continue to inspire Filipinos to fight for their rights and freedoms.
Andres Bonifacio (November 20, 1863 – May 10, 1897) Andres Bonifacio was a Filipino revolutionary leader and one of the key figures in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. He was born on November 30, 1863, in Tondo, Manila, Philippines. His parents were Santiago Bonifacio and Catalina de Castro, both of whom were poor and worked as tailors. Bonifacio received a limited education, but he was an avid reader and was greatly influenced by the writings of Jose Rizal and Marcelo H. del Pilar, two prominent figures in the Propaganda Movement. He worked as a clerk and later became a warehouseman for a British trading firm. In 1892, Bonifacio founded the Kataas-taasang, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Supreme and Venerable Society of the Children of the Nation), more commonly known as the Katipunan. The Katipunan was a secret society that aimed to overthrow Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines. Under Bonifacio's leadership, the Katipunan grew rapidly and became a powerful force in the country. In 1896, the Katipunan launched the Philippine Revolution against Spain, with Bonifacio as its leader. Despite his efforts and leadership, Bonifacio was ousted from power by Emilio Aguinaldo, another revolutionary leader, in 1897. Aguinaldo ordered the execution of Bonifacio and his brother, Procopio, in May of that year. Bonifacio's legacy as a revolutionary leader and a symbol of Filipino nationalism remains strong in the Philippines to this day. He is remembered as the "Father of the Philippine Revolution" and is celebrated every November 30 as a national holiday, known as Bonifacio Day.
Apolinario Mabini (July 23, 1864 – May 13, 1903) Apolinario Mabini was a Filipino revolutionary leader, lawyer, and statesman who played a crucial role in the Philippine Revolution and the struggle for independence from Spain. He was born on July 23, 1864, in Talaga, Tanauan, Batangas, Philippines. His parents were Inocencio Mabini and Dionisia Maranan, who were farmers. Mabini received his early education in his hometown and later attended the Colegio de San Juan de Letran and the University of Santo Tomas, where he studied law. Despite being disabled and unable to walk, Mabini became a prominent lawyer and was known for his advocacy of civil rights and political reform. In 1896, Mabini joined the Katipunan and became an adviser to Emilio Aguinaldo, the leader of the Philippine Revolution. He drafted the constitution of the revolutionary government and served as its prime minister from 1899 to 1901. Mabini was a staunch advocate of Philippine independence and opposed the Treaty of Paris, which ceded the Philippines to the United States after the Spanish-American War. He was arrested by the American colonial authorities in 1901 and exiled to Guam for two years. After his release, Mabini continued to fight for Philippine independence and became a vocal critic of the American colonial government. He died on May 13, 1903, at the age of 38 due to cholera. Today, Mabini is remembered as one of the greatest Filipino heroes and is celebrated for his contributions to the Philippine Revolution and the struggle for independence. His writings and ideas continue to inspire Filipinos to fight for their rights and freedoms.
Marcelo H. Del Pilar (August 30, 1850 – July 4, 1896) Marcelo H. del Pilar was a Filipino writer, journalist, and revolutionary who was one of the leading figures of the Propaganda Movement. He was born on August 30, 1850, in Bulacan, Philippines. His parents were Julián H. del Pilar and Blasa Gatmaitán, both of whom were educated and prominent members of society. Del Pilar began his education in his hometown and later attended the University of Santo Tomas, where he studied law. However, he did not finish his degree and instead pursued a career in journalism and writing. In 1882, del Pilar founded the newspaper "Diario de Manila" and used it as a platform to promote Philippine nationalism and to criticize the Spanish colonial government. He also wrote articles and essays in various publications, including "La Solidaridad," a newspaper published in Barcelona, Spain, which became the official organ of the Propaganda Movement. Del Pilar's writings exposed the injustices and abuses of the Spanish colonial government in the Philippines and advocated for political and social reforms. He was also a key figure in the organization of the Propaganda Movement and worked closely with other Filipino nationalists, including Jose Rizal. In 1896, del Pilar went into exile in Spain due to his involvement in the Propaganda Movement and his support for the Philippine Revolution. He died in Barcelona on July 4, 1896, at the age of 45 due to tuberculosis. Today, del Pilar is remembered as a hero and a symbol of Filipino nationalism. His contributions to the Propaganda Movement and his writings continue to inspire Filipinos to fight for their rights and freedoms.
Antonio Luna (October 29, 1866 – June 5, 1899) Antonio Luna was a Filipino general and revolutionary leader who played a significant role in the Philippine Revolution against Spain and the Philippine-American War. He was born on October 29, 1866, in Badoc, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. His parents were Joaquín Luna and Laureana Novicio, both of whom were pharmacists. Luna studied pharmacy at the University of Santo Tomas and later studied military science in Madrid, Spain. He was a brilliant military strategist and became one of the most prominent leaders of the Philippine Revolution against Spain. During the revolution, Luna served as the commander of several military campaigns and played a crucial role in the victory at the Battle of Caloocan. He also helped establish the revolutionary government and was appointed as its Secretary of War. After the Philippine Revolution, Luna continued to fight for Philippine independence during the Philippine-American War. He served as the commander of the Philippine Army and led several successful military campaigns against the American forces. Despite his successes, Luna's leadership style was controversial, and he often clashed with other revolutionary leaders, including Emilio Aguinaldo. He was assassinated on June 5, 1899, at the age of 32, allegedly by members of Aguinaldo's faction. Today, Luna is remembered as a hero and a symbol of Filipino bravery and resistance against colonialism. His contributions to the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine-American War continue to inspire Filipinos to fight for their rights and freedoms.
Juan Luna (October 24, 1857– December 7, 1899) Juan Luna was a Filipino painter who is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists of the Philippines. He was born on October 23, 1857, in Badoc, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. His parents were Joaquín Luna and Laureana Novicio, both of whom were pharmacists. Luna began his artistic career in the Philippines, where he studied under the painter, Lorenzo Guerrero. He later went to Europe and studied at the Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Madrid, Spain, where he honed his craft and developed his style. Luna's most famous work is the painting "Spoliarium," which depicts the aftermath of gladiatorial combat in ancient Rome. The painting won the gold medal at the Madrid Exposition of Fine Arts in 1884 and earned Luna international acclaim. Luna's other notable works include "La Bulaqueña," "The Parisian Life," and "The Death of Cleopatra." His paintings were characterized by their realism, dramatic lighting, and attention to detail. In addition to his artistic career, Luna was also a patriot and revolutionary who fought for Philippine independence from Spain. He was a member of the Propaganda Movement and used his artistic talents to promote Philippine nationalism and expose the injustices of the Spanish colonial government. Luna died on December 7, 1899, at the age of 42 due to a heart attack. Today, he is remembered as one of the greatest artists in Philippine history and his contributions to Philippine art and culture continue to inspire generations of Filipinos.
Emilio Jacinto (December 15, 1875 – April 16, 1899) Emilio Jacinto was born on December 15, 1875, in Trozo, Manila, Philippines. He was a revolutionary leader and intellectual who played a crucial role in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonization. Jacinto is also known as the "Brains of the Katipunan" for his intellectual contributions to the secret society. Jacinto was a gifted writer and thinker, and he wrote many revolutionary tracts and manifestos, including the Kartilya ng Katipunan (Code of the Katipunan), which served as the organization's guidebook. He was also a skilled propagandist, using his writings to inspire and motivate his fellow revolutionaries. In 1896, Jacinto joined the Katipunan, a secret society founded by Andres Bonifacio that aimed to overthrow Spanish rule in the Philippines. He quickly rose through the ranks of the organization, becoming a trusted adviser to Bonifacio and a key strategist in the revolution. Jacinto was instrumental in the organization of the first phase of the revolution, which saw the Katipunan successfully capture several Spanish garrisons. Jacinto's involvement in the revolution was cut short when he contracted malaria in 1897. He died on April 16, 1899, at the young age of 23. Despite his short life, Jacinto made a significant impact on the Philippine Revolution and is remembered as one of its key leaders and intellectuals. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Filipinos to fight for justice and freedom.
Gregorio Del Pilar (November 17, 1875 – December 2, 1899) Gregorio Del Pilar was a Filipino general who played a significant role in the Philippine Revolution against Spain and the PhilippineAmerican War. He was born on November 14, 1875, in San Jose, Bulacan, Philippines. His parents were Fernando H. del Pilar and Felipa Sempio, both of whom were educated and prominent members of society. Del Pilar was a young officer in the Philippine Revolutionary Army and became known for his bravery and military skills. He served under the command of Emilio Aguinaldo during the Philippine Revolution against Spain and played a crucial role in several battles. During the Philippine-American War, del Pilar was appointed as the youngest general in the Philippine Army at the age of 24. He led a group of soldiers in the Battle of Tirad Pass, where they fought against a much larger American force. Del Pilar and his men fought bravely but were ultimately defeated, and del Pilar was killed in action on December 2, 1899. Today, del Pilar is remembered as a hero and a symbol of Filipino bravery and resistance against colonialism. His contributions to the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine-American War continue to inspire Filipinos to fight for their rights and freedoms. The Philippine Military Academy, the premier military institution in the Philippines, is named after him.
Mariano Ponce (March 23, 1863 – May 23, 1918) Mariano Ponce was a Filipino writer, physician, and revolutionary who played a significant role in the Philippine Revolution against Spain. He was born on March 23, 1863, in Baliuag, Bulacan, Philippines. His parents were Valentin Ponce and Maria Hizon, both of whom were educated and prominent members of society. Ponce studied medicine at the University of Santo Tomas and later went to Madrid, Spain, where he continued his studies and became involved in the Propaganda Movement. He was a prolific writer and published articles and essays advocating for Philippine independence and exposing the injustices of the Spanish colonial government. Ponce was a close friend of Jose Rizal and helped him in his work as a propagandist. He was also a member of the Katipunan, a secret society that aimed to overthrow Spanish rule in the Philippines. He played a crucial role in the establishment of the Hong Kong Junta, which was a revolutionary government in exile. After the Philippine Revolution, Ponce went into exile and continued his work as a propagandist in various parts of Europe and Asia. He worked closely with other Philippine exiles and revolutionaries and continued to advocate for Philippine independence until his death. Ponce died on May 23, 1918, in Hong Kong at the age of 55. Today, he is remembered as a hero and a symbol of Filipino bravery and resistance against colonialism. His contributions to the Philippine Revolution and the Propaganda Movement continue to inspire Filipinos to fight for their rights and freedoms.
Graciano Lopez-Jaena (December 18, 1856 – January 20, 1896) Graciano Lopez-Jaena was a Filipino writer, journalist, and revolutionary who played a significant role in the Philippine Revolution against Spain. He was born on December 18, 1856, in Jaro, Iloilo, Philippines. His parents were Plácido López and María Jacoba Jaena, both of whom were teachers. Lopez-Jaena was a gifted writer and orator who wrote articles and essays advocating for Philippine independence and exposing the injustices of the Spanish colonial government. He co-founded the newspaper La Solidaridad, which became the voice of the Propaganda Movement in Spain. Lopez-Jaena was a close friend of Jose Rizal and worked closely with him in the Propaganda Movement. He also played a crucial role in the establishment of the Hong Kong Junta, which was a revolutionary government in exile. After the Philippine Revolution, Lopez-Jaena went into exile and continued his work as a writer and revolutionary in various parts of Europe and Asia. He was also active in the labor movement and advocated for workers' rights. Lopez-Jaena died on January 20, 1896, in Barcelona, Spain, at the age of 39. Today, he is remembered as a hero and a symbol of Filipino bravery and resistance against colonialism. His contributions to the Philippine Revolution and the Propaganda Movement continue to inspire Filipinos to fight for their rights and freedoms.
Melchora Aquino (January 6, 1812 – March 2, 1919) Melchora Aquino, also known as "Tandang Sora," was a Filipino revolutionary and mother of the Philippine Revolution. She was born on January 6, 1812, in Banlat, Caloocan, Philippines. Her parents were Juan Aquino and Valentina de Aquino, and she grew up in a humble household. During the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule, Aquino provided aid and support to Filipino revolutionaries. She was known for providing shelter, food, and medical care to injured Filipino soldiers and for helping to smuggle revolutionary supplies. In 1896, at the age of 84, Aquino was arrested by Spanish authorities and exiled to Guam for her involvement in the revolution. She was eventually allowed to return to the Philippines in 1898, after the Spanish-American War, and continued to support the Philippine cause for independence until her death. Aquino died on March 2, 1919, in her home in Caloocan, Philippines, at the age of 107. Today, she is remembered as a national hero and a symbol of Filipino courage and resilience. Her legacy continues to inspire Filipinos to fight for their rights and freedoms. The Tandang Sora National Shrine, located in Quezon City, is dedicated to her memory.
Gregorio de Jesus (May 9, 1875 – March 15, 1943) Gregorio de Jesus was a Filipino revolutionary who played a significant role in the Philippine Revolution against Spain. He was born on November 14, 1875, in the town of Bocaue, Bulacan, Philippines. His parents were Mariano de Jesus and Gregoria Bonifacio, the sister of revolutionary leader Andres Bonifacio. De Jesus was an active member of the Katipunan, a revolutionary society founded by Andres Bonifacio to fight for Philippine independence from Spain. He played a key role in the Battle of San Juan del Monte, where he was wounded, and in the Battle of Zapote Bridge. After the death of Andres Bonifacio, de Jesus became the head of the Katipunan's military operations. He married Bonifacio's widow, Gregoria de Jesus, who was also an active member of the revolutionary movement. De Jesus continued to fight against the Spanish colonial government until the Philippine Revolution ended in 1898. After the revolution, he worked as a farmer and eventually became a government employee. During the Philippine-American War, de Jesus joined the Philippine Army and fought against American forces. He was captured by American troops in 1901 and imprisoned on charges of rebellion. De Jesus was eventually released from prison and pardoned by the American government in 1912. He continued to work for the Philippine government until his death on April 15, 1942, in Manila, Philippines. Today, de Jesus is remembered as a hero and a symbol of Filipino bravery and resistance against colonialism. His contributions to the Philippine Revolution and the Katipunan continue to inspire Filipinos to fight for their rights and freedoms.
Lapu - Lapu (ca. 1490 – 1560) Lapu-Lapu was a Datu or chieftain of Mactan Island in the Philippines. He is best known for leading his warriors against the invading Spanish forces led by Ferdinand Magellan, resulting in the Battle of Mactan and the first recorded resistance of the Filipinos against foreign colonizers. Lapu-Lapu's exact date of birth and early life are not well documented. He was a Visayan warrior and chieftain who ruled the island of Mactan in the Visayas region of the Philippines at the time of the arrival of the Spanish fleet led by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. On April 27, 1521, Magellan and his crew arrived on Mactan Island and attempted to convert the locals to Christianity. However, LapuLapu refused to submit to Spanish authority and refused to pay tribute to the Spanish king. In response, Magellan led a force of Spanish soldiers and native allies to attack Lapu-Lapu's forces. However, Lapu-Lapu and his warriors were well-prepared and skilled in battle, and they defeated the Spanish forces, killing Magellan in the process. Lapu-Lapu's victory at the Battle of Mactan is regarded as a significant event in Philippine history and a symbol of Filipino resistance against foreign colonization. Today, Lapu-Lapu is regarded as a national hero in the Philippines, and there are numerous monuments and memorials in his honor, including the Lapu-Lapu Monument in Rizal Park, Manila. The island of Mactan, where the battle took place, is also named after him.