EDITORIAL – Rizal still relevant today

One hundred twenty-three years ago today, Spain put to death what it considered a nuisance to their rule in the Philippines. Little did they expect that it was the death of Dr. Jose Rizal that would wake up a nation and start it on the road to revolution.

Fast forward to today. Many critics now dismiss Rizal as a figure who better belongs in the annals of Philippine history. They say he is no longer relevant, that we can no longer learn from his example.

However, critics can’t be more wrong. Filipinos from all sectors of society, especially the youth, can still look up to Rizal as someone to emulate in many aspects of life.

For Filipinos in general, Rizal is an excellent example of patriotism. He decided to put promoting reforms for Philippine independence ahead of a lucrative career in medicine and personal success.

For the students, Rizal is a good example of what the youth can become if they study and work hard. He was consistently on top of his class and eventually became a successful doctor. He even went on to learn many languages.

For the athletes, Rizal was an avid fencer. He was even said to have been familiar with marksmanship, judo, boxing, and even arnis, showing that even those of small stature can become equal to others in sports.

For those who feel like they are bursting with creativity but misunderstood by others, they should know that Rizal was an artist. Aside from just being a writer, he also painted and sculpted. This shows us what a person can become if he or she unleashes his creativity using the proper channels.

For those who feel like they are just wasting their lives, they should realize that Rizal did so many things in so little a time. In his short life of just 35 years, Rizal was able to do so much, not just as a patriot but also a member of a small community, a traveler, a collector of stories, and even as a ladies’ man.

There is still so much to learn from the man even 123 years after he died. Rizal was many things at different times; doctor, artist, athlete, traveler, lover of women, even sort of a “construction worker.” There will always be something in Rizal the people of today can emulate. There is always something in Rizal for everyone.