Over decades, the term evolved from a label for the anonymous "common man" into a specific character representing the nation.

: There have been several Filipino comic series and TV shows titled Juan dela Cruz , often portraying a hero or everyman figure. The 2013 ABS-CBN series starring Coco Martin reimagined him as a half-human, half-aswang (supernatural creature) — a modern twist on the classic symbol.

In contemporary Philippines, "Juan Dela Cruz" is used everywhere: