Most Traveled Filipino Hero

    Dr. Jose Rozal was known as the "Most Traveled Filipino Hero" during his lifetime. Between 1882 and 1887, Rizal visited 13 nations, including the Philippines. However, his journey abroad was exhausting and challenging, yet meaningful and insightful. His adventure of living abroad was significant for his education and ultimately for his intention to help Filipinos suffering from slavery by Spaniards. It was exhausting because he didn't know what the future ahead of him was. He just took the risk of keeping on traveling, gaining more wisdom, practicing his skills, studying the culture, and befriending people. It was not all sunshine and rainbows. As a matter of fact, it was challenging for him to do all the work while saving and starving himself to survive and while thinking about his family in the Philippines.

    Rizal sacrificed a lot to put up a safe place for his family and his people in the Philippines. He even lost his lover and the time to be with his family. If I were to be in the shoes of Rizal, I couldn't find any courage to stress myself that much for the country, but for my family, maybe I could have had a little hope to do the same. Throughout the journey of Rizal, he was full of hope, dedication, patience, and wisdom. I could not blame all those women he met who were attracted to him because who wouldn't? He's a man who knows what he wants, he strives hard to excel in any field of his interest, and he doesn't stick with only a plan; he accomplishes it.

    His travels and accomplishments symbolize his willingness to save the Philippines in silence. He received death threats along the way, but he continued to fight in a way that he knew. With just a word of wisdom, the Spaniards were threatened and alarmed, which really made him a legend. He is the proof and a model for our young generation to go out of their comfort zone, seek opportunities, and gain more knowledge to help our nation be better. As he said, youth is the hope of the youth.