Lea Salonga, international singer and theater actress:

"New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Marriage equality was just passed in NY State last June 24 and he worked tirelessly to help make that happen. I am an admirer of anyone that champions a cause such as this one, enabling everyone to share the same rights. In other words, no one should be more equal than others."

Publicity photo

Alodia Gosiengfiao, cosplayer and TV host:

"My comrade Danny Choo of www.dannychoo.com (Japan), because his passion inspires people all over the world (including myself). And because of that, it brings a lot of unique and amazing individuals together!"

Photo courtesy of Visions and Expressions

Bianca Gonzalez, TV host:

"All those who work hard and are passionate about their job but are underpaid, all the honest and non-corrupt people who choose to work in government because they want to serve, and each and every staff member of every big company for without them the business won't run."

Photo by Mark Ryan Alvarez

Carlos Celdran, Manila tour guide, performance artist, and RH Bill advocate:

"This may sound odd: myself. And I hope others out there would have the same answers about themselves too.

"As Bertolt Brecht said: 'Unhappy is the land that needs a hero.'

"We need to stop looking outside of ourselves for the power to improve the world around us. If we just realize that we can make the world a better place through our own little actions, the faster we can get to where we need to go.

"You are your own hero and you really should be.

"Seriously."

Photo courtesy of Visions and Expressions

Ebe Dancel, musician:

"My ninang, Gang Badoy. She's so passionate about her beliefs. She really thinks she can help people. She doesn't stop helping people. During Ondoy, she manned a radio station until naubusan siya ng boses. You know, taking calls, calling the firemen, calling the cops, telling them where to go. Not a lot of people can do that. Only my ninang can do that."

Photo by Jean Natividad

Pepe Diokno, filmmaker, writer, and Rock Ed Philippines Executive Director:

"It isn't just one person, but many. I see the work that Rock Ed volunteers are doing around the country, and it really inspires me. They're organizing book drives, fighting HIV/AIDS, and bringing relief to people suffering from calamities. And they're doing it all on their own initiative, and with their own time and resources.

"Heroism doesn't always have to be about individual achievements; it can also be about collective impacts. And to me, that's the future of our country—many movements of different sizes, different ages, different dialects and cultures, working together for a better Philippines."

Photo from PEP.ph

Glaiza de Castro, actress:

"It has always been Natalie Portman. I love her truthfulness be it performances or interviews. She doesn't need hype, she blows everyone away by her subtlety."

Photo by Mads Adrias

Liz Uy, stylist:

"Oprah, we all know why."

Photo by Magic Liwanag

Tessa Prieto Valdes, columnist and designer:

"Pacman is my modern day hero! Why? Because we are now together in Misibis Bay Resort. Haha! But really, he makes [us] all proud to be Pinoy!"

Photo by Liza Ilarde

Jessica Mendoza, radio DJ:

"Natalie Portman. Not necessarily because she's an actress but because of her intelligence, her drive to succeed, and her dedication to every thing she chooses to do—whether it's playing an unconventional role or graduating from Harvard or sticking to a cause. And she never lets beauty get in the way. With her it's all about respect, hard work, and what's on the inside."

Photo from Jessica Mendoza's Twitter

Senator Kiko Pangilinan:

"Nelson Mandela, a towering figure in the world of leadership, governance and political and social reforms. [He was] jailed for 27 years, he refused to abandon his core beliefs and stood by his principles despite extreme difficulties to himself. [He] showed all those wanting change and reforms the way to achieve it despite the odds, despite the pain and suffering, with perseverance, patience and undying resolve."

Photo from Senator Kiko Pangilinan's official Facebook page

Slick Rick, radio DJ:

"Modern day heroes have to be our athletes because even without funding, they still give it their all in training and during their games abroad. If they lose, they don't get recognized but still they train. But if they win, that's the only time they are recognized. They give it their all for the country, family, and themselves—heart and soul."

Photo courtesy of Boys Night Out

Chico Garcia, radio DJ:

"People and organizations who fight for the rights of children and animals, the ones who don't have a voice, those who can't fight for their own rights. Having been bullied, I know first-hand the value of the courageous few who step up and fight for those who cannot fight for themselves."

Photo courtesy of Visions and Expressions

Marites Danguilan Vitug, journalist:

"My modern-day heroes are three soldiers who, despite the systemic corruption in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, have lived honestly and simply and they also blew the whistle! They led/lead by example. They refused to succumb to the prevailing culture of conversion of funds. Two have retired while on is still in active duty. They are retired Rear Admiral Guillermo Wong, former head of the Philippine Navy; retired Army Brig. Gen. Ricardo (Dick) Morales; and Col. Noel Miano, commander of the AFP ammunitions office.

"It is tough to speak truth to power in an organization that is extremely hierarchical and is wrapped in a culture of fraternity and brotherhood. The least path of resistance is to keep quiet, be complacent. Or be part of the pack. Thus, I am proud of what these three men did and are doing."

Photo courtesy of Marites Danguilan Vitug

Ces Drilon, news anchor:

"Milwida Guevarra of Synergia Foundation. She is such a low key, modest person but is doing great work in education and making an impact in getting community stakeholders involved in improving our education system."

Photo from Ces Drilon's Twitter

Tweet Sering, writer:

"Angelina Jolie (you know, my girl Angie). For me, she embodies the Dante quote that I carry around in my wallet: 'Follow your own path and let people talk.' She seems to really be leading her own life, following her passions—for family, for her work, for her causes. As one film director who had worked with her observed, she holds her own counsel. To be able to trust yourself that way, to know that this self is connected to some infinite wisdom and power, is, to me, heroic. Most people don't trust themselves—don't trust their own instincts, their own intellect and their own intuition—but rather look outside to other people's opinion and all these external structures about how they should live. She seems untouched by that. She is such a big person and so her life reflects that bigness. OK, I will stop right here lest I end up writing a book about her."

Photo courtesy of Tweet Sering

Pauline Prieto, model:

"My modern day hero is my boyfriend (Cliff Ho). He has the biggest heart! He never stops believing and encouraging others to go after their dreams! He is always reasonable and rational so he always teaches me something new and how to be better. He also teaches me how to explore and expound my knowledge on things. I can honestly tell you that he is everything I want to be in a person and I say that with no bias at all! And those are the little reasons why my boyfriend is my modern day hero."

Photo by Sandro Paredes

Butch Dalisay, writer:

"My hero is Rosa Rosal, who has devoted six decades of her life to helping others through the Red Cross and through private acts of charity and compassion."

Photo courtesy of Butch Dalisay

Jiggy Cruz, blogger:

"Gang Badoy is my modern day hero. She reminded me that we need to have the relevant conversations going and going. Important things need to be talked about! Other than that, Rock Ed has helped a lot of our less fortunate brothers and sisters."

Photo courtesy of Jiggy Cruz

Budjette Tan, comic book writer:

"I learned about Mr. Bino last year, when I was working on a project for Tribute to Teachers. For 12 years, he was the teacher, principal, property custodian and security guard at the Mataas Elementary School on the island of Bacacay, Albay. He used to ride a boat, just to reach that school. Eventually he decided to live on the island in order to fulfill his duties everyday. On an island that didn't have school, where children didn't have a chance for a better education, Mr. Bino devoted his time and talent to give those children the education they deserve."

Photo courtesy of Budjette Tan

Karen Pamintuan, model:

"I admire people that aim to change the world by doing something for our society. The ones who take action - these are my modern day heroes."

Photo courtesy of E!

Tracy Abad, radio DJ:

"It would be Gang Badoy. She's a strong-willed woman who reminds me that there's still hope for change in the Philippines and in ourselves. She's also ready to help people in need without asking for anything in return. She personifies selflessness and brings out the true essence of volunteering."

Photo courtesy of Tracy Abad

Kian Kazemi, TV host:

"My modern day hero would have to be Steve Jobs.

"First off, he was put up for adoption by his biological mother then he dropped out of college. But during his time there, he didn't attend the required classes. He had instead opted to sit in classes that interested him.

"He got into calligraphy classes, which at the time he did not know would be useful. But when he got older, the dots started connecting and he integrated the idea of putting it into the Mac when they were developing the format.

"Furthermore, he started Apple from a garage when he was 20 years old. In 10 years, it grew to a $2B company. Then he got fired at 30 years old. He said that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that happened to him because the heaviness of being successful all of a sudden shifted and he felt the lightness of being a beginner again, which led him to the most creative years of his life. He never settled he kept on going and found ways that made him grow.

"What makes him a hero is that he was able to share his passion and talent with the world even after he found out he had cancer—tumor in his pancreas. He faced death head on and overcame the odds to continue being a game changer for humanity and the world. With his constant advancements in technology, Apple is one of the most successful companies in the world.

"After he lived through the death scare he said: 'Death is the single best invention of life, out with the old in with the new.

Our time is limited. We should not live someone else's life. We should not live with dogma, which means living with results of other people's thinking. We must not let the noise of other people's opinion drown our own inner voice. We should have the courage to follow our heart and intuition. They somehow already know what we truly want to become. Every thing else is secondary.'"

Photo courtesy of Kian Kazemi

Vicky Herrera, host and model:

"Beyonce. She's a person who works hard on her talent to be successful. She's also an amazing role model for young women. [She's] always looking to inspire them with her music."

Photo courtesy of Forever 21

RJ Ledesma, writer and TV host:

"There are 2 people whom I find to be modern day heroes:

"1. Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Tony Meloto - Aside from already building homes for the homeless, he has taken his samaritan initiative one step further with GK's Social entrepreneurship program. He is bringing dignity to the lives of Filipinos.

"2. TOWNS awardee Gang Badoy has managed to bring together her love of music, love of education and love of advocacy in Rock Ed. Gang's tireless efforts to make everyone involved in various causes has always been an inspiration and a challenge to me."

Photo courtesy of Smart C+

Mojo Jojo, radio DJ:

"For me, I'd consider Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago as one of my modern day heroes. She's intelligent, saucy and not afraid to speak her mind. More importantly, I feel she is genuine in her efforts to help the Filipino people and our nation. We need more politicians like her—hardworking, with integrity, fierce, and fearless enough to stamp out corruption and inequity wherever she finds it. She may be misunderstood by some, but I think she's in a league all her own. I'd love to see Miriam Defensor Santiago become president one day."

Photo from the Good Times Facebook page

Gang Badoy, Rock Ed Philippines founder:

"Entrusted to relatives as an infant, bundled up and taken by bus from Tarlac to Bontoc, Earnest Zabala was eight months old when Martial Law was declared in the Philippines.  A time of documented oppression and rampant injustice, the year 1972 found Earnest's parents joining the underground movement. Her father was a student of architecture at that time, while her mother was the Editor in Chief of her college paper.  Both idealists, the couple decided to physically (literally) join the fight against the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. I surmise that they went underground because they decided it was the best way to claim back a future that was free for their baby daughter.  So in October 1972 they left.  The couple never came back.  They disappeared.  Earnest never met her parents.  She was raised by her grandparents and then subsequently lived with an aunt in Manila.  She made it to the University of the Philippines, Diliman for college where she met her husband Buddy.  (Buddy Zabala, bass guitarist of the Eraserheads and now of The Dawn.)  

"Earnest built her career in development work.  She throws her resources and smarts forcefully behind the heaving campaign for the RH Bill.  She tirelessly organizes projects with and for Rock Ed, especially the ones focused on alternative education for young girls. She spearheads Rock Ed's The Dalagita Project and her chief consultant for this project is her pre-teen daughter Veda. I personally know Veda.  Veda does very well in school, she plays the violin. She is polite while being outspoken and opinionated, an apparent testament to good parenting.   Buddy, Earnest's husband is the unusual rock star.  He is focused on Veda and Earnest, keeps relatively normal hours, eats healthy for the most part, does not smoke, barely drinks, stays sane and steady - and I can see that a part of it is because of Earnest's hand and presence. While juggling all these roles, Earnest earned her Masters Degree in Development Communication from UP.  Imagine that.

"Earnest is my hero because I watch her lead her life from up close and I can see that she optimizes her time, balances her work for others, never wavers on her love of family and knows just when to be stern.  For someone who started with a lot less 'psychological capital' than most of us, for someone who doesn't have a single conscious memory of her parents, she certainly gripped her life with more control than most of us who grew up with a lot more 'givens.'  

"A single spectacular act can certainly make a hero but for my purposes I need to define that a hero is someone who left excuses unused, someone who took on her tasks dutifully, someone who never focused on what was lacking but optimized what was at hand to see what could still be done despite.

"In Greek mythology a hero or a heroine came to refer to characters who, in the face of adversity or from a position of weakness, display courage and the will for self-sacrifice.  Plato said we should 'tell each other stories because these stories shall be the education of future heroes.' Earnest is certainly my hero and I am grateful I was given this chance by SPOT.ph to share her story."

Photo courtesy of Visions and Expressions