Jose Rizal (1861 - 1896)
Jose Rizal is the National Hero of the Philippines. Born in Calamba Laguna, Phillipines, he left for Spain when he was 21. While in Europe, he joined the Propaganda Movement and became a vocal critic of Spanish colonialism and clerical rule in the Philippines.
He wrote two famous novels, the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. In these two novels, he exposed the abuses of the Spanish friars in the Philippines. These books inspired Andres Bonifactio to begin the Philippine Revolution.
His activites led to his arrest, exile, and eventual execution in Bagumbayan Field (now known as Luneta Park) in Manila.
Some trivia:
Aside from being a novelist and hero, Rizal was also a poet, linguist, and medical doctor.
The only member of the propaganda movement who did not regularly visit brothels, he was reputedly a playboy, and had a long string of girlfriends.
He also was short, had a big head, and did not often take baths (because he could not afford it).
There is a Rizalista cult in the Philippines who believe that Rizal is the second coming of Christ. They are now awaiting his third coming.