In 1887, the great Jose Rizal introduced the beautiful Maria Clara as his virtuous and self-effacing heroine in Noli Me Tangere. Since then, the fictional character was depicted as the ideal Filipina, with young girls told to emulate her modest ways. However, in the 130 years that have passed since her birth, should Filipinas continue to emulate Maria Clara? Should she still represent Filipinas in today’s modern world?

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