Today we celebrate a beloved national hero of the Philippines, Jose Rizal. Jose Rizal is most well known for his novels, Noli Me Tangere and it’s sequel, El Filibusterisimo, which are known to inspire the beginning of the revolution against Spanish rule. The novels described the inequalities between the dominant Catholic Church Priests and their government.

Noli Me Tangere & El Filibusterisimo

The two novels are required reading for high school students in the Philippines. While Noli Me Tangere was originally written in Spanish, it is most widely printed in Tagalog. It’s written in a wide number of languages so almost anyone can read the masterpiece. As per usual, I opted for the children’s version.

I originally picked up the the comic versions of the two novels at Museo Ni Jose Rizal located inside Fort Santiago. Unfortunately, I didn’t learn until I got home that they were all in Tagalog. I still love them because they are iconic and the art work is cool ta’boot.

Sino Bayani: Jose Rizal

While I couldn’t read my comic versions Tahanan Books kindly sent me their new book on Rizal, Sino Bayani: Jose Rizal, and it is pure delight! Children’s books are my jam and learning about historic Filipino heroes in an approachable and creative way is even better and this book packs it all in.

One of my favorite pages of text was seeing all the work Rizal did for his community in Dapitan while in exile. In fact, this has sparked wanderlust in me to visit Dapitan!

This is the newest book from the beloved team, Halo Halo Histories. They previously published, A Lolong Time Ago: A Prehistory of the Philippines and Cashaysayan: A History of Philippine Money, two books that I have gifted a number of times. Halo Halo histories approach to history is SO FUN! I know their audience is children and teens but I cannot get enough of their work. I staggered the pages of this book over multiple days just so I could enjoy it a bit longer.

The graphics and art design of the book are colorful, relevant and packed with useful information, you almost forget your learning. The history reads more like a magazine or a set of memes that bring delight to any of its readers.

Is he or isn’t he? You’ll have to read to find out.

May we continue to learn more about the Philippines and global heroes to inspire us in our daily actions. I am grateful to local publishing companies who create such fun and informative books at such an accessible price as well. Happy Rizal Day!

Kita Kita,

Amber

p.s. you can buy this book and many more from different publishing houses via my favorite online seller, pumpliepie books.