My Hero is the late Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr., who sacrificed his own life for the Filipino people. He was assassinated on August 21, 1984, upon his arrival from exile in the United States at the now renamed Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

One of his most famous quotes was: "The Filipino is Worth Dying For"

My hero, without question, was my mother. The woman was amazing. Sadly, she died nearly eight years ago after a long illness. My reasons? The woman was truly fearless. She adopted me as an infant and raised me with all the values that to this day I hold dear: honesty, integrity, a positive "can do" attitude, etc. She suffered for many years with chronic, severe pain from a broken back (in three places) and unsuccessful fusions, yet she never once missed any of my major life events because of it (and I mean from the kindergarten Christmas play right up to my wedding). Some people who live in pain seem to give up - to lose their zest for life. She had bad days, sure, but she kept pushing through them and living life to the fullest. Since she died I've had two back surgeries, one not so successful, and I am learning to live with chronic pain myself. Because of her example, I feel I'm better able to keep a positive attitude and not let the pain overcome me.

She was a wonderful woman, and I miss her dearly.

My Parents! Without a doubt they let me pursue my goals and never laughed to much.

This one's easy. My hero has and always will be my Grandma, who sadly passed away three years ago. Throughout my life she was the one who took care of me. While some people would say that she spoiled me, I think of it as her undying love for a grandchild. She always did or gave whatever I or anybody else asked for, and never asking for anything else in return.

Unfortunately some people took advantage of her, and I must sadly say I was one of them. And now in retrospect, it hurts to think that I couldn't have been more loving to her. But I know in my heart that she is still up there watching over me. She is the wind beneath my wings.