How can I be a HERO?

“Bayani and hero are words that have been used so much,
and indiscriminately at times, that they have lost
the power to inspire a people that solely needs heroes…”

—A. R. Ocampo


HERO is a heavy word packed with patriotism and martyrdom, however in the context of our society in the present time where the colonialism is over; the weight of the once almost sacred word was lightened.

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) were tagged by the Arroyo administration as modern-day heroes for keeping the country’s economy afloat amidst global crisis. Honest Filipinos such as drivers returning valuable goods or brief cased money are instantly called heroes as well.

And so, I pause for a thought, “Can I also be a hero in my simple ways?”

How can I be a hero then?

Journalists are one of my most-respected people from the time I heard the idealisms of the few renown in their field.

Kara David, GMA 7 reporter, regards a journalists as “story-tellers who are nation-builders” at the same time. The documentary reporter emphasized the accountability in every story they deliver the public.

And so, I told myself, “I will be a responsible nation builder”. Easy as it may sound but it will be different in the field—amid the corruption in media; the temptation and challenges.

Though, how can an ordinary person be a great hero, is to be the best he can be in performing his role in the society.

Just think how peaceful and prosperous Philippines will be if everyone does his responsibility faithfully; so not joining those many going with the current of infidelity, one can be considered a hero.

…and I will be a hero!

The time of Rizal was long over. Yet, the plume remains great weapon in fighting the unseen enemies of truth. The use of novel is now inapplicable for press had got a sharper fang—a freedom to boldly express the truth.

Ironically, while the truth is freer to express it became harder to search. Or was it the searcher that had grown timid of finding it?

The time of martyrdom was over—the guns of the firing squad are now too rusty. But many are still modern day Rizal whose writings sent them to grave. They are the fighters for the truth of which number had swollen fast. The number of media killing had reached already more than 80 early last year.

Journalism had gained a bloody impression from the curios spectators, and so I salute the bravery of those who continue reporting accurately in the name of the only one rule of the game: the public has the right to know.

Journalists are indeed heroes.

…and I will be a hero. ‘dLS