Four Filipinos Join Time Magazine “60 Years of Asian Heroes”
Times Asia has come out with a special issue titled “60 Years of Asian Heroes”, and as expected Cory Aquino was included. But 3 other Filipinos also made it into this elite group. Efren “Bata” Reyes, Eugenia Apostol, Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc.
The categories were Nation Builders, Artist and Thinkers, Business Leaders, Athletes and Explorers, Inspirations.
Cory was in the Nation Builders category, Apostol and Magsanoc was in the Inspirations category, and Efren was in the Athletes and Explorers category.
Although, there are 4 Filipinos, there are actually only 3 articles that pertain to them. Eugenia Apostol and Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc was lumped into one article. What I love about these articles is how each one is introduced.
Efren “Bata” Reyes - Pool isn’t merely a beer-hall amusement — It’s a path to the top
Eugenia Apostol / Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc - The Philippine press was terrified of covering a dictator’s regime—until this duo came along
Corazon “Cory” Aquino - A Philippine widow harnessed the power of prayer and protest to overthrow tyranny
Time has made different covers for this issue, and one of those covers is Cory Aquino.
So, how does Time portray our beloved Cory? I think they do a very good job in portraying her. What I came out with was that, indeed, she was strong considering her situation. They do put in the article her hard time during her presidency, and she remarks that it was indeed a difficult situation especially coming after a long dictatorship of The Marcos regime.
“Aquino was the symbol of People Power and an inspiration to others around the world struggling against tyranny. The widow of popular opposition leader Benigno Aquino, who was murdered at Manila airport in 1983 on his return from exile in Boston, she showed a quiet courage that moved millions. To Filipinos, who are devoutly Catholic, she was both Mater Dolorosa and Joan of Arc.”
Both Eugenia Apostol and Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc are very deserving of this honor. Considering that even after the death and funeral of Ninoy Aquino, the headline of the day was “TWO KILLED BY LIGHTNING”. I can only imagine there passion and courage to take on such a task and put to light what the true sentiment of the People were at that time.
Time also, acknowledges that these two trailblazers are as relevant today as they were during the Marcos regime. Time highlights the killings of reporters. And in a brief snippet puts to light a very chilling fact
“After Iraq, the Philippines is the most dangerous country for reporters—at least 13 have been killed in the past two years.”
And on a lighter note. The pride of Filipinos. With Manny Pacquiao, I think the Filipinos would probably vote them in as President and Vice President (But please don’t). Time Magazine writes about Efren in a general way and exposes the general plight of the Filipino, growing up in an impoverished city (such as the case with apl.de.ap in our previous article), an individual has to decide to rise above the poverty.
“growing up dirt poor in Angeles City, Pampanga, presents a man with countless ways to go awry. But Reyes possessed so miraculous a talent that nothing, ultimately, could deviate him from his true calling.”
These are the four Filipino heroes. No doubt there are others that are also deserving of this honor, but I think in these 4 individuals, it shows our nation in a positive light. That as a nation, we always choose to persevere. Our greatest assets are that of persistence and national pride.
Honorable mention: Our World War 2 Hero. General Douglas McArthur, the Man who would utter the famous words “I shall return”.
You can see the entire list here
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