For author Napoleon 'Leo' Gregorio Almonte, the Philippines' national hero Dr. Jose Rizal is a timeless inspiration, one that he thinks should set the bar for the country's next leader in the 2010 polls.

His belief in Rizal's abilities prompted him to finish a timely masterpiece - his book titled "Rizal Is My President: 40 Leadership tips from Jose Rizal."
 
Almonte thought that instead of criticizing the many political crises that have been eating at the country, he thought instead of shedding light and guidance for Filipinos by writing the book, which he said took him two years of thorough research and study before he could finish.
 
"Rizal Is My President" takes the reader to a different time. Our dead heroes are alive, watching over the Philippines with desperate concern. At 'bahay ng mga Marangal at Bayani', a fictional guest house for Philippine heroes, a plan was hatched to send Dr. Jose Rizal back through time so that he could run for president of the Philippines.

The narration ends with a surprising twist and showcases 40 leadership tips based on Rizal's decisions and deeds like trusting God, focus, and rejecting bribes. The book comes with 'Rizal in You- Leadrship Workbook' to help emerging leaders apply Rizal's leadership principles in everyday life.
 
As the national elections looms, Leo believes the book is very timely to help educate Filipinos on selecting the next leaders of the country, from the President down to the local postions. It espouses leaders who possess Rizal-like leadership qualities, which he says will bring a patriotic kind of leadership.
 
Leo further explained that the book is his way of helping his beloved country regain its glory as a nation of honest and honorable people. He envisions a country that his 2-year-old daughter Sorene, and all Filipino children, can enjoy and live in.
 
Leo was 25 when he started writing and gives credit to his father from whom he inherited his passion for reading and writing.
 
Leo holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy from De La Salle University, Manila. A true-blue "Manilenyo", Leo later moved to Iloilo two years ago after marrying Kristina Gonzales, an Ilongga from Jaro, Iloilo City.

He has written several inspirational books on spirituality which have been published by St. Paul's and Paulines press. He wrote a weekly column called "thoughts" for the now-defunct newspaper "Today". Almonte has worked with several non-profit organizations and is now in developmental work through social business entrepreneurship and advocacy for patriotic leadership, an initiative he started.