We all have our idols. People we admire and look up to. This might be an easier task for some people whose idols are their parents, teachers, or other special but ordinary people. Even for those who aim a little higher that idolize famous actors, artists, or writers. But what about those that want to go even higher? For the extraordinary? For the likes of Albert Einstein, Mother Theresa or, dare I say it, Dr. Jose Rizal?

Even with all the ambition in the world, how are we to possibly compare to the incomparable? To measure up to their larger-than-life achievements? Or are we doomed to long for a day when we might by chance get caught up in an accident and emerge with savant syndrome? For extraordinary people like Albert Einstein and Leonardo Da Vinci, it might be. But for our favorite pencil-pushing ladies man, it shouldn’t be so.

From a young age, we’ve been taught over and over again about the heroes of our country. One of the most prevalent being Jose Rizal. He’s always been presented to us the ideal Filipino. Respectable, hardworking, and patriotic. Someone who changed the course of history with little more than the power of his words and mind. Someone who we should aspire to act and think like. However, it is in this general portrayal of him as a perfect role model and inspiration that we do our youth a disservice.

In focusing on Rizal’s achievements and outward image, we set a standard that you can only accomplish as he did if you were either born wealthy, connected, or a genius. In removing the imperfect, more human aspect of him, he becomes an abstract concept. A legend of a man. Instead of teaching people that he was perfect and that we must in turn also aspire to be perfect. We should teach people that despite our imperfections, we can accomplish anything.

The road to success and fortune is never a straightforward walk through a rose garden; but it is never impossible. Neither does it distinguish between social classes nor care about connections. Privilege and circumstance might play a role in how fast you travel along your journey, but it will never guarantee that you reach your destination. Whether or not we become legends ourselves, all that matters is that in the end, we are remembered.


—alike.com.ph


REAL PEOPLE, REAL STORIES. WE COVER PERSONALITIES WHO ARE WORTHY OF MAKING THE HEADLINES. PROFILES, LIFESTYLE, CULTURE,  ARTS, LITERATURE, ENTERTAINMENT—TELLING STORIES THAT MAKE US FEEL AND CELEBRATE LIFE. WE ARE ALIKE. FOR STORY PITCHES, PERSONAL ESSAY, LITERARY, AND ART SUBMISSIONS: EDITORIAL@ALIKE.COM.PH

FOR NATIVE CONTENT, GRAPHIC DESIGN, VIDEO PRODUCTION, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT, AND INFLUENCER MANAGEMENT— COLLABORATE WITH US: MEDIA@ALIKE.COM.PH