“Heroes”

What comes in your mind if you heard the word “hero”? Personally, I will think of Superman, Batman, Wonderwoman, Thor, Ironman or Spiderman. These heroes are admired for their special abilities that normal people doesn’t have. But what is a hero? What exactly makes a person a hero? Is it bravery, being fearless when others run away? Or is it putting the needs of others before your own?

Being a hero doesn’t really mean whether or not a person has superpowers. A hero is someone who is admired for his achievements and noble qualities. They are often the central figure in an event, period, or movement. These important people from the past have influenced the whole society such as Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Lapu-lapu, Ninoy Aquino etc. Last Aug. 17, we had a forum at the Asia Pacific College Auditorium about “Bayani ‘ba to?” it was a very enlightening activity, and I have acquired so many information and knowledge about Hermano Puli who is considered as a hero in Quezon but wasn’t recognized by most of us. He is the one who connected people through one faith but got himself killed because of this. They defined that hero is just heroism x pag-ibig. The x there is you. Anyone can be a hero even you. You just have to find it in yourself. You can start by taking small opportunities to help those people around you. Anyone can contribute something to make a difference.

The moment we decide that no one else has the power over our well-being, our happiness or our best lives except for us, we become our own savior. We must create our own legend even if that legend is confined within ourselves. We must create our own story with the world as a witness. So, no more waiting for the superman. Because the only hero you'll need is already there within you.