Jose Rizal the foodie

The Philippines' national hero was a lot of things: doctor, scholar, poet, polyglot, novelist, essayist, artist, and athlete among many other things.

With all those titles linked to him, he gives off a "superior" feel, which might make you think of him as a guy who's all work and no play.

Contrary to that, Rizal, or "Pepe" to his family and close friends, had a good sense of humor and was witty, to boot. He was also a big fan of good food.

On his birthday 153rd birthday, an "Unang Balita" video revealed his favorite picks.

Included in the Calamba, Laguna-born writer's list of favorites are tinola, ginisang munggo, and tuyo.

For dessert, he favored toasted pastillas, yema, and empanada.

According to historians and academicians, his love for food was mirrored in journals and even in his novels.

His favorite tinola was used as metaphor in his famed novel, the "Noli Me Tangere," wherein it symbolized politics and the varying social status of the masses during the 19th century.

The specific part where it was mentioned was during the welcome home dinner of Crisostomo Ibarra, hosted by Kapitan Tiago. Several friars were invited as well, including the novel's antagonist, Padre Damaso.

Food historian Rheeza Santiago on Thursday explained in the video that the tinola determined one's "class" in society, shedding light on why Padre Damaso threw a fit when he received the neck part of the chicken.

"Nagalit siya na hindi dapat mapunta sa kanya dahil siya ay nakalagay sa mataas na antas," Santiago noted.  

When he was exiled in Dapitan, historians said that he often had tuyo and ginisang munggo.

Rizal's love for food displays a very Filipino trait and it shows that even though he was monumental in attaining Philippine independence, he was still a regular citizen.

Our heroes didn't eat any "magical" stuff for them to become such. This should inspire us to be our own heroes fighting for our own beliefs, advocacies and rights.       

"Anybody can be a bayani basta ang puso mo ay bukal," Santiago shared in the report. — Janelle Cosino/VC, GMA News