“If Rizal were alive, he would be with SRB.”

I remember seeing this scribbled on the wooden swing post in our province when I was a kid. For the uninitiated, SRB stands for Scouts Royale Brotherhood, a fraternity whose members (like my uncles back in the day) proudly imagined Rizal would naturally join their ranks.

But what would Rizal really be doing today?

If Dr. José Rizal suddenly found himself in the modern-day Philippines, he’d first need to adjust to selfies, milk tea and K-Pop obsessions, endless senate and congressional hearings, and, of course, Metro Manila’s legendary traffic. But Rizal being Rizal, he’d quickly adapt and realize he needs wheels fit for a national hero.

According to Jun Cruz Reyes, one of my favorite Filipino writers, in his book “Hu U, Rizal? O Kung Bakit Lagi’t Lagi kang Kailangang Barilin,” it took a staggering 10 hours by carromata from Biñan Laguna to Intramuros when Dr. Jose Rizal, also known as Pepe, secretly departed for Madrid without informing his parents for fear they would not let him leave.

Given his experience with lengthy trips — what ride would Pepe choose for his first present-day ride?

Maybe he’d go nostalgic and practical with the legendary NextGen Toyota Tamaraw. Reliable, rugged, and unapologetically Filipino, the Tamaraw could comfortably carry Rizal’s books, medical instruments, and possibly even a few Katipuneros along the way. I could imagine him smiling politely at surprised drivers, who would immediately start honking in patriotic approval.

If Rizal wanted something uniquely adventurous yet compact, maybe the iconic Suzuki Jimny would catch his eye. Its rugged charm and ability to easily handle potholes would be handy when driving from Manila to Calamba for secret meetings. Rizal would appreciate how effortlessly it conquers rural roads and urban streets alike.

Rizal’s futuristic side might lean towards something sleek and innovative, like Mazda’s CX-90. Modern, stylish, and sophisticated, the CX-90 would match Rizal’s inventive nature. Techs like adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking might prevent historical road mishaps we wouldn’t want to repeat.

Or maybe the ever-practical Rizal might go for a classic Honda Civic, known for its reliability and timeless appeal. Ideal for Metro Manila’s busy and narrow streets of Binondo, Rizal could swiftly move from one engagement to another.

Rizal might also appreciate the versatile and robust Nissan X-Trail — good for those long provincial drives. Its comfort and dependability would impress him, just as my trusty 20-year-old XTY still manages to impress me.

With Pepe’s taste for adventure and innovation, he might be intrigued by emerging car brands — like the rugged yet refined Jetour T2 or the futuristic-looking Jaecoo EJ6. Both vehicles offer enough style and tech to keep Rizal ahead of his contemporaries — fellow intellectuals and influencers alike.

Sustainability could also be a priority. The BYD Sealion is an electric powerhouse that’s making waves. Eco-friendly and quiet, the Sealion would allow Rizal to champion green living while impressing eco-conscious netizens. Imagine his Instagram filled with the hashtag “#GoGreenWithPepe.”

Rizal might surprise us by choosing the sleek and modern Aeolus from Dongfeng. Its refined yet practical design could reflect his character — understated yet undeniably impactful.

But, let’s face it — after exploring all these sophisticated options, Rizal might still choose the simplest and most reliable mode of transportation: the good old bicycle. It’s easy to imagine Rizal pedaling through Quiapo’s lively streets, manuscripts and important documents securely packed.

Whatever ride Rizal picks, he’d handle modern transportation frustrations with grace and some clever satire — maybe even posting witty complaints on social media in between stoplights. After all, he is Rizal.