In 1973, Ravelo reinvented the character again for Banana Split comics, giving him a red suit, a mask, and the ability to fly—literally turning him into "The Flying Filipino." For a generation born under Martial Law (1972–1981), this Juan dela Cruz represented the dream of escape and liberation.
: Juan dela Cruz serves as the Philippine equivalent to America's Political Resistance juan dela cruz history
: During the American colonial period, editorial cartoons often used him to critique foreign influence or local corruption. He was frequently depicted alongside Uncle Sam as a "Little Brown Brother" or a victim of imperialism. Placeholder Name In 1973, Ravelo reinvented the character again for
However, the most famous incarnation came in the 1970s when filmmaker depicted Juan Dela Cruz as the quintessential Filipino folk hero—a simple man pushed by injustice into action. This version appeared in films starring Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ), the "King of Philippine Movies." FPJ often played characters named Juan or Julio, fighting landlords, corrupt officials, and American bullies. Placeholder Name However, the most famous incarnation came
As the writer F. Sionil José once said: “Juan dela Cruz does not live in Malacañang. He lives in the wet market. He is the nation.”
However, the name did not start as an honorific. According to historian Ambeth Ocampo, the term "Juan dela Cruz" was originally used by Spanish friars and colonial officials as a derogatory label for the generic, uneducated native. In the 19th century, Spanish newspapers in Manila referred to Juan dela Cruz as the stereotypical indio—lazy, simple-minded, and easily fooled.