Ilustrado

Near the end of the 19th century, 35-year-old Jos Rizal turned into the Philippines' most beloved hero when he was martyred by the Spanish colonial government at Bagumbayan. He died an extraordinary man of his times: renowned novelist, poet, ophthalmologist, journalist, and linguist. But behind these achievements, there remained the story of a man every Filipino can relate and connect to. Like today's overseas Filipino, Rizal needed to leave his family to fulfill his studies and career abroad, suffering from homesickness, and enduring a long-distance relationship with the woman he loved most. He was also the best example of the Filipino who came back home and used the knowledge and skills he…