Netizens define modern-day PH heroes: ‘Willing to serve the country, brave enough to speak up’

MANILA, Philippines – When we say “hero,” it’s easy to imagine caped crusaders or black-clad vigilantes who bat off the bad guys to keep the average citizens safe. Heroes, we think, are people way beyond the ordinary.

But in reality, the “super” aspect that we often attribute to heroes is just a flourish on top of the qualities that make these figures truly heroic.

A willingness to serve and protect others, a passion to fight for what is right, the charisma to instigate change – all of these are the underlying traits of who we believe are heroes, both imagined and real.

Last August 29, National Heroes Day, we held a Twitter conversation on the definition of a modern-day hero and the modern-day heroes in your life.

We also hosted a Facebook poll where we asked you what traits you believe make up a modern-day Filipino hero. Here’s what 1,367 respondents on Facebook had to say:

Servant leaders

The ability to look beyond one’s self-interest is a noble one, no doubt. That’s why we celebrate those who are willing to set their own interests aside for the sake of others. These modern-day heroes include those in government, our local police units, the humble everyday street sweepers, and of course, the OFWs – those who, in one way or another, have devoted their lives to service.

Heroes learn how to sacrifice their own safety even their own lives! Like our police forces #HowToBeYou#keepmovingforward @rapplerdotcom

— Jeng Valeroso Taugan (@JengTaugan) August 29, 2016

The sheer amount of human-will Nurses bring into their work yet at d end of d day it was just another day at work #HowToBeYou #KeepWalkingPH

— LENA△ (@helenasison) August 29, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

Vocal advocates 

 

This is someone who not only has principles, morals, and standards, but is also able to defend his or her beliefs in a fair and diplomatic manner. When his opinions are challenged, he is gracious enough to research, keep an open mind, and hear what the opposition has to say. And at the end of the day, he will always vocalize what he thinks is right.

My hero reminds me to never stop speaking truth to power. #HowToBeYou

— ella (@SPACESHlFT) August 29, 2016

You aren’t defined by what you do in times of convenience. Rather what you do in times of trial and adversity. #HowToBeYou #KeepWalkingPH

— vince velasco (@vincevelasco23) August 29, 2016

Heroes should stand up for what they believe is right, should not succumbed to pressure and not be swayed by no one. #HowToBeYou

— PeoniesAreLove (@iluvpeonies) August 29, 2016

The ripple 

This is your charismatic best friend, your confident older sister, your dedicated class president – anyone who can mobilize a group, no matter how big or small, for a greater cause. It’s this trait that reminds us that heroes aren’t just there to be admired, but also to be emulated.

@rapplerdotcom someone who makes the lives of the people around them better & inspires others, simple as that 🙂 #KeepWalkingPH #HowToBeYou

— Illin R. (@eelleen) August 29, 2016

@rapplerdotcom @xtianbautista @XtianFriends Being able to make other people happy & inspire others.,simple as that #HowToBeYou #KeepWalking

— Gloria Bravo (@GloriaBravo13) August 29, 2016

The unwaveringly decisive 

There will be times when a person’s virtue will be challenged, and when that time comes, a real hero knows it’s better to sacrifice a good thing for the sake of what’s right. Maintaing a sense of dignity and integrity are more important than personal gain.

@chingjoyce @rapplerdotcom someone who lives with PuRe intentions of helping others. Someone who lives with INTEGRITY. #Howtobeyou

— Donn Caringal (@CaringalDonn) August 29, 2016

@rapplerdotcom people who do good how small a thing it may be. Who needs no recognition but does it anyways. #HowToBeYou #randomactofbeauty

— Aling Tinaning (@t_amour) August 29, 2016

Love and loyalty

Family and friends are some of the most important people in anyone’s life. And contrary to what we might believe, to be able to remain loyal and devoted to them is no easy feat. Think of the single mothers who work day in and day out to run a household and send their kids to school. It’s the strength of our loved ones that enable us to fulfill our own personal goals.

@chingjoyce Hero is someone who is willing to sacrifice himself w/ no hesitation for the good of someone else.  #KeepWalkingPH #HowToBeYou

— Mikay Collado (@romikacollado) August 29, 2016

A hero think less of self, and more of others. Like my mom! #HowToBeYou#keepmovingforward @rapplerdotcom

— Christian Bautista (@xtianbautista) August 29, 2016

Heroes, unlike what we often imagine, are ordinary people. Their presence reminds us that each and every one of us is capable of great things as well. 

@rapplerdotcom

Heroes are role-models and examples for us to follow. They show us what we can become.#KeepWalkingPH #HowToBeYou

— Christian Bautista (@xtianbautista) August 29, 2016 

They do this by acting as role models, as mentors, or as enablers. It could be anyone from a scholar like Leonardo Da Vinci to someone like that security guard who opens the door for you everyday. It could be your mother who always tells you to shoot for the stars. 

A hero is someone who inspires you to become your best self, to fulfill your own goals and ambitions. And through their example, they offer you strength. 

Heroes are all around us. They may not be in the shape or form that we expect them to come in, but they’re there, pushing us along the away. And while not everyone is necessarily a hero, anyone has the potential to be one. – Rappler.com