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Jose Rizal's Legacy . . . A Life Worth Emulating
By: Zigfred Diaz

More than 111 years ago, Spanish authorities shot a man in the grounds of Luneta Manila. That moment was about to change the course of Philippine history. The man who was shot during that time was Jose Rizal. Every year we continue to remember and commemorate the death anniversary of this great man.

What was the reason why Jose Rizal was chosen as our national hero ? What is the greatest legacy that he gave to the Filipino people ? Majority of Filipinos believed that Jose Rizal become a national hero because of his example and his writings that greatly influenced most of our revolutionary leaders. However there are those who believe that he should only be declared a hero not "The national hero." Majority of Filipinos also believe that the greatest legacy that he gave to the Filipino people was his patriotism and his love for his country.

Years ago when I was taking up the required "Rizal" course in college, I was so amazed by the story of Jose Rizal that I went through Zaide's book on Rizal in just one day. I consider Jose Rizal is one of my "Role models." When I went to Manila, I made sure that I could visit the actual grounds where Rizal was shot. Contrary to what others believe, Rizal was not shot where the Rizal shrine in Luneta stands. The actual place where he was shot is several meters away from the shrine. As you approach the area you can see a sign that says that the place is "hollowed ground." and it truly is for me. After we took the bar exams, I went with my family to Enchanted Kingdom. I also saw this as an oppurtunity to visit nearby Calamba, Laguna, Rizal's home. Hopefully, I hope to visit his place of exile in Dapitan someday. Reading so much about Rizal, being to the places where he has been, and watching so many Rizal movies, I cannot help but ask myself, how could a somebody who lived only 34 years of his life make a huge difference in this world, not only in his country but globally as well ?

It is my personal belief that Jose Rizal's greatest legacy is a life that is full of meaning and purpose. Even if he lived for only 34 years, he accomplished so much because he had a vision in his mind and a mission in his heart. The strength and intensity of such mission and vision translated into action. That is why he did not waste any time in trivial matters. Rather he devoted all of his time to live out his mission and accomplish his vision.

The question right now that I should be asking myself or you should be asking yourself is when the time comes for us to leave this earth, will our lives matter? Can we truly say that we have lived a full and meaningful life? If we cannot answer this question positively, than we must ask God to grant us a personal vision and a mission for our lives in order that we might not waste our time on things that does not matter at all. In so doing we might be able to live a life just like Jose Rizal did and leave a legacy for others to follow. Leaving a legacy as Rizal did is what I believe as my "higher calling."