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Philippine national heroes aren’t just faces on peso bills or pages in history textbooks. They were ordinary citizens just like you, who overcame personal and political challenges to secure the country’s freedom.
Discover films and books that bring Pinoy heroes to life. The relatable stories (and juicy gossip you never learned in class) will ignite your love for history and Filipino nationalism.
You can watch most movies on YouTube for free! With a strong prepaid or postpaid internet connection at home, you can start your “hero marathon” any time.
Jose Rizal
Among the many movies and books about our national hero, these won the most critical acclaim.
Ilustrado (2014)
The GMA series starring Alden Richards follows Rizal from his childhood in Calamba to his eventual martyrdom. It portrays his personal relationships (including his love for Leonor Rivera) and the struggles he faced while lobbying for independence.
Aside from being the country’s first BayaniSerye, llustrado won several local and international awards, including the ProMaxBDA Asia Award and PMPC Star Award for Television.
Find all episodes of Ilustrado on GMA’s YouTube channel.
Jose Rizal (1998)
The movie starts with Jose Rizal reflecting on key moments in his life while imprisoned in Intramuros. The flashbacks reveal his childhood, university days, and why he wrote the novels that triggered a revolution.
The movie was directed by National Artist Marilou Diaz-Abaya and swept the FAMAS, Gawad Urian, and Metro Manila Film Festival awards.
Rizal Without the Overcoat
Photo credit: Yuchengo Museum
Written by renowned historian and writer Ambeth Ocampo, this collection of essays presents Rizal as a quirky and relatable person you’d enjoy hanging out with! Discover his spending habits, hobbies, and even what he likes to eat for breakfast.
The book won the 1990 National Book Award for making Rizal’s contributions and struggles more relevant to the new generation.
Buy Rizal Without the Overcoat at National Bookstore, Yuchengo Museum, or Anvil Publishing’s Lazada store, ₱350.
Andres Bonifacio
You probably already know Bonifacio led the Katipunan. But these books and films give you the inside scoop, from his tragic family history to his fierce rivalry with Emilio Aguinaldo.
Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo
The action-packed film captures Bonifacio's patriotic fury and the personal triggers that led him to fight for freedom at any cost. Scenes with other Philippine national heroes like Melchora Aquino, Jose Rizal, Gregoria de Jesus, and Emilio Aguinaldo show connections between historical events.
Watch Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo on TBA Studios’ YouTube channel.
Supremo: The Story of Andres Bonifacio
Image credit: Goodreads
Not much is known about Bonifacio, who rarely wrote letters and lost most of his posses
sions in a fire.
However, university professor and Palanca award winner Sylvia Mendez Ventura meticulously researched historical documents. She pieced together Bonifacio’s life, from his humble roots to his tragic execution at the hands of the Katipunero brothers.
The book won the Gintong Aklat Award for Children’s and Young Reader’s Literature.
Get a copy of Supremo: The Story of Andres Bonifacio from Tahanan Books, $15.95 or approximately ₱933.35.
General Antonio Luna
Discover the backstory behind one of the country’s most legendary (and controversial) generals.
Heneral Luna (2015)
How do you fight for freedom, when your enemies include your fellow Filipinos?
The film captures bravery and treachery in a country at war. It starts in 1898, with Luna commanding the Philippine Republican Army. The United States troops defeated the Spaniards and are seizing control of the country.
Luna faces a global superpower, rivals from within his own ranks, and his political adversary, Emilio Aguinaldo. The story leaves you with deep respect and empathy for an imperfect man who never gave up his beliefs.
Heneral Luna won several Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) and Gawad Urian awards.
Stream Heneral Luna (and its prequel Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral) on TBA Studios’ YouTube channel.
Heneral Luna: The History Behind the Movie
Image Credit: Yuchengco Museum
History books often describe General Luna as a brilliant general but temperamental leader. However, this book “breaks the myths” with details overlooked by historical accounts.
Learn more about Luna’s relationships and the complex political factors that led to his betrayal and execution. You’ll see his human side and understand the tough choices he made during one of the bloodiest periods in Philippine history.
Get your copy of Heneral Luna: The History Behind the Movie from National Bookstore and the Yuchengco Museum, ₱120.
Emilio Aguinaldo
Learn more about the Philippines’ first president, his political struggles, and the controversies that surrounded his leadership.
El Presidente (2012)
Watch Aguinaldo's rise from being governor of a small town to the leader of the revolutionary government—and finally, his dramatic downfall. If you enjoy political dramas, this true story will keep you hooked.
The movie is based on Aguinaldo’s book, Memoirs of a Revolution.
Watch El Presidente on BiliBili.
Great Lives Series: Emilio Aguinaldo
Image Credit: Tahanan Books
Through simple but compelling storytelling, the book introduces children to Aguinaldo’s life and historical contributions.
Consider buying all the Great Lives books on Philippine national heroes—including Jose Rizal, Apolinario Mabini, Teodora Alonso, Gabriela Silang, and more—for your family collection.
Get Great Lives Series: Emilio Aguinaldo from National Bookstore or Tahanan Books, ₱100.
Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora
Gomburza—Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora—were executed in 1872 for allegedly leading the Cavite Mutiny. Their deaths became a catalyst for the Filipino struggle against Spanish colonial rule.
Gomburza (2023)
The film explores the priests’ role in the Cavite Mutiny when Filipino troops rebelled because of higher taxes and forced labor. Their deaths inspired other heroes and rallied public support for the Philippine revolution.
The film garnered several awards and nominations from FAMAS, the Metro Manila Film Festival, and the Society of Filipino Film Reviewers.
Stream Gomburza on Netflix.
Manuel Quezon
These books and movies offer an eye-opening glimpse into the life and legacy of the Philippines' first Commonwealth President.
Quezon’s Game
In 1938, Quezon chose to accept Jewish refugees escaping the horrors of the Holocaust. The Philippines was still a struggling American colony, and the United States was already refusing refugees. Despite the odds and limited resources, Quezon helped save over 1,200 lives.
Thanks to Quezon’s decision, the Philippines is the only ASEAN country with a special friendship with Israel. Pinoys can travel to the country without a visa.
Catch Quezon’s Game on iWantTFC. If you want to get more details on how the Philippines helped the Jews, listen to his grandson Manuel L. Quezon III’s speech during the 2008 Israel Congress.
Quezon’s Sukiyaki
Image credit: Ayala Museum
This fascinating collection of essays by Ambeth Ocampo records some of Quezon’s trips to Japan, as well as other historical trivia on our diplomatic relations and cultural ties—from fave Japanese takeouts to anime!
Grab your copy of Quezon’s Sukiyaki from National Bookstore, Ayala Museum, and Yuchengco Museum, ₱150.
Macario Sakay
History books often overlook Macario Sakay, a revolutionary leader who resisted American occupation. He established the Tagalog Republic, which had its own flag and constitution.
Sakay
Directed by Raymond Red, one of the pioneers of modern Filipino alternative cinema, Sakay combines poignant storytelling with striking visuals.
The movie is not just a biopic: it explores themes like cultural identity, the meaning of Philippine patriotism, and the harsh realities of colonial oppression. It won multiple awards and nominations from FAMAS, Gawad Urian, and the Manila Film Festival.
Stream Sakay on Amazon Prime or Vimeo.
Tandang Sora
Tandang Sora, or Melchora Aquino, is celebrated in Philippine history for her pivotal role during the rebellion against Spanish rule. She sheltered Filipino revolutionaries and hosted meetings in her home. She was called the “Mother of Balintawak.”
Sugar & Salt
This short story by Ninotchka Rosca combines modern ink illustrations and simple, beautifully written text. The author uses Tandang Sora as a modern fable for “feminine power" and the “cruel twists of Philippine history.”
Rosca is a feminist and multi-awarded historical writer. Her short stories have been included in several international anthologies, including the 1986 Best 100 Short Stories in the U.S.
Get a copy of Sugar & Salt from Art Books, ₱1,200.
Let these stories of Philippine national heroes ignite your love for history and country. Discover even more stories of modern day heroes, like Filipina inventors and scientists.
Enjoy a riveting read or epic movie night whenever you want (like these popular books that were later adapted into films). With Globe, you can connect to YouTube, Netflix, or other streaming platforms without a hitch. You can even use Go+ promos to get discounts for book purchases on Lazada. Discover Pinoy heroes and reconnect with your heritage.
