Filipinos are strong in many ways. From the strong patriotism of Jose Rizal to the strong athleticism of Filipino sportsmen today, the independence we Filipinos are enjoying is buttressed by the strength of our unity. In order to build a strong Filipino nation, there has to be a strong people united as one to stand up against any element that imperils the country. Many Filipino sportsmen at present have shown the world how strong Filipinos are. Boxers Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire Jr., wrestler Batista and the football team, the Azkals, have made the Filipinos very proud for their success in the sports arena.
During the time of Jose Rizal, Spaniards mentioned about la indolencia de los Filipinos, the indolence of the Filipinos. A century later, after Manny Pacquaio's 52 boxing wins, Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales, Oscar de la Hoya, Miguel Cotto, and Antonio Margarito will all agree that los filipinos no son indolentes, the Filipinos are not indolent. Another Filipino boxer said to be following the footsteps of the eight-world division champion, Pacquiao, is the three-world division champion, Nonito Donaire, Jr., who is currently the WBC and WBO Bantamweight World Champion. In the last decade, Pacquiao along with Donaire has proven the power of the Filipino fist.
In the wrestling ring, one of the respected superstars is Batista, a Filipino. Although Jose Rizal might not recommend tattoos, he certainly would commend Batista's patriotism. On Batista's upper left arm is a tattoo that combined the Philippine and Greek flags, as homage to his Filipino father and Greek mother. This five-time world heavyweight wrestling champion himself is a fan of Manny Pacqiuao and his Filipino grandfather who served in the military. Then, in 2011, the Philippines made a name in the football arena for the first time. Thanks to the Philippine national football team most commonly known as the Azkals.
It may no longer practical for us to die for our country just as how Jose Rizal did as there are no more tyrannical conquerors. But to build a strong Filipino nation, we can show the world how strong Filipinos are, just as how Pacquiao, Donaire, Batista and the Azkals fought in the sports arena to display the power of the Filipino people. This 2011, let's honor the strength of the OFWs as the modern heroes while we commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of our national hero.
Rizal Rocks is a series of events that will bring together youth from different schools, organizations and volunteers to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.
