“Today, we are reminded of the brave men and women who laid down their lives for the liberty that we cherish today. We are, and will forever be, indebted to their sacrifice. We sustain their legacy as we persist in weaving their dream of a free, inclusive, and empowered Philippines into a tangible reality…”

– Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III

Today, the Philippines celebrates National Heroes Day. A day to remember our forefathers who fought for the good of our nation; Who scarified their lives in the service of the Filipino people. I am one with the Filipinos all over the world who stand proud for having a nation that strives its way to better the lives of people through remembering and learning from the past and continuing the legacy of ancestors.

As we honor the people from the past, I believe that it is also necessary for us to pay tribute to ordinary people. You, Me, Them – the modern-day heroes. Reality would tell us that we are without capes and superpowers. We’re not magical like Harry nor are we close to Katniss with her survival skills in the Hunger Games. But we do have something in common and that is the courage and the heart to be part of something bigger that ourselves.

Isang Payapa at Maligayang Araw ng Mga Bayani, Pilipinas Kong Mahal!!

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Still not convinced that you’re a hero? Well, here’s an interesting video from TEDed. Allow Matthew Winkler to take you to the journey of becoming a hero.