Great Filipinos: Our Heroes, Our Models

via Illustrado Magazine

By: Ambassador Grace Relucio-Princesa

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines chose the following theme for the 2014 116th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence: “ Pagsunod sa Yapak ng mga Dakilang Pilipino, Tungo sa Malawakan at Permanenteng Pagbabago.” In English, it reads: “ Following the Footsteps of Great Filipinos Toward Permanent and Widespread Change. “

Indeed, our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, who chose to give his life for our country leads the list of our hero and models. As a migrant student, he wrote about the social ills of our society then and incurred the ire of the powers that be that led to his early demise. The Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo must be readings for us Filipinos and our friends.

Gat Andres Bonifacio , likewise, shed his blood for the cause of our Independence from the country’s  colonizers. His wife, Gregoria de Jesus, was a strong woman, and with other women, were supporters of their husbands,  during our early years of struggle against the yoke of tyranny. His symbolic tearing of the cedula is forever remembered in his Caloocan monument, a place fondly and aptly called Monumento.

The first president of the revolutionary Philippine government, Emilio Aguinaldo, raised the Philippine flag , a labor of love by three great  Filipina women, namely, Dona Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza  Agoncillo and Delfina Herbosa.

The paralytic, Apolinario Mabini, our first Secretary of Foreign Affairs, printed a pamphlet called, “The True  Decalogue”, a basic documentation for the programs pertinent to the then revolutionary government.

Tandang Sora is a place in Quezon City that is named after 84-year old  revolutionary  Melchora  Aquino de Ramos. She became known by her aforementioned name because of her age when the Philippine Revolution broke out in 1896.

Gomburza or Fathers Gomez, Burgos and Zamora is a sculpture that inspires in the garden of one of the churches in the University of the Philippines. They are three Filipino priests who gave their lives for the cause of independence from the colonizers.

The power couple, Diego Silang, a datu who was replaced by his Babaylan wife, Gabriela , in the struggle for freedom are , also, an inspiration.

Nearer my age in our recent history, Ninoy Aquino’s legacy and famous words, “The Filipino is worth dying for “ resonates in my heart and mind. His death gave life to our nation.

Another role model is the man who dreamed the impossible dream, Evelio Javier, of Antique.

Nowadays, I only have to see the Overseas Filipinos and their families to remember the heroism of our great ancestors/heroes and role models.

At so much cost to life and limb, they venture out to care for their loved ones’ needs and indirectly help our beloved country.

We appreciate and salute what you are doing. We pray that the Philippine leadership, will likewise, emulate the sacrifices of our great Filipinos and thus, make it easier for Filipinos to migrate out of choice, not out of necessity .

Together, in the spirit of bayanihan (collective heroism for a common cause or common causes that we identify) we can work together and become  greater.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. Mabuhay tayong lahat.

Spotlight on Filipino Abroad Who Make Us Proud

The Illustrados formed  the middle class during the Spanish period who could have foreshadowed the Filipino expats of today.  Think of Filipino heroes Jose Rizal, Marcelo del Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena or Mariano Ponce as the early illustrados whose stay abroad made their native land proud.  They were the key figures in the growth of Filipino nationalism and the fostering of pride in the Filipino race.

images: Wikipedia

 
In that sense, they live to this day and age. There are over 11 million Filipino expats or OFWs scattered in all parts of the globe that have for the most part assimilated beautifully into their adopted countries. They have successfully improved not only their quality of life but also that of their family back home. They have created a sensation in their chosen professions abroad and made the world sit up and notice. They make the Philippines proud.  


It is these Filipino expats and their triumphs abroad that are featured in Illuustrado Magazine on a regular basis. Contributors to the magazine focus on uplifting the image of Filipinos abroad and presenting world-class expatriates who are making a difference in their adopted countries. “Taas Noo, Pilipino” is the overall theme as the OFW success stories bid to raise the morale and image of the Filipino in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the rest of the world.  All to provide discerning readers a renewed sense of pride in their race.

image: www.pinoy-ofw.com

One example of the articles celebrated in the magazine is the story and accomplishments of Michael Cinco.  Michael Cinco  is a Filipino fashion designer based in Dubai who has worked with supermodels Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell. His creations have been worn by celebrities like Sofia Vergara, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Chris Brown, Fergie, Paris Hilton, Dita Von Teese,Mischa Barton among others. His eco-couture collection was featured in the America's Next Top Model.  In the Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2012, he launched his scent Impalpable Dream, the latest fragrance of the Bench Designer Scents Collection. Cinco's achievements have been recognized by the Asian Couture Federation and in 2013 the title of “Asian Couturier Extraordinaire” was conferred upon him.

images: asianjournal.com

 Another is Dr. Rosario Tigno, the first doctor from the Philippines to practice in the United Arab Emirates.  Filipinos in Dubai refer to her as a medical beacon within the Filipino community and a doctor-at-large who is always on call whenever needed, exemplifying the bravery, industry and zeal of the Filipino migrant.  Tigno was born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur and was able to fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor by obtaining her medical degree from Manila Central University in 1972.  She worked for four years in several hospitals in Iran before going back to the Philippines and practicing medicine for more than 13 years. An opportunity came for her to be able to work again in Dubai.  In 1992, she gained the distinction of being the first Filipino doctor to be issued a license by the Department of Health and Medical Services of Dubai. Since then, she has devoted herself to helping Filipinos there, especially the underprivileged. 

Working and living outside your home country can be one of the most exciting and enriching experiences of your life, but also one of the most challenging. According to government data, there are more than 11 million overseas Filipinos worldwide, which is about 11 percent of the total population of the Philippines. Overseas Filipinos are typically known to be as doctors, nurses, accountants, IT professionals, engineers and architects, entertainers, technicians, teachers, military servicemen, students, and domestic helpers. Illustrado is a unique lifestyle-community magazine published devoted to uplifting the morale and spirit and image of these Filipinos anywhere in the world.  It has put together an A-1 team of contributing writers, photographers and artists spread across the Philippines, the UAE, including Southeast Asia, the US and Europe --- all of whom share the same passion towards the OFWs and the Filipino diaspora.