LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL | GROUP 5

The Filipinos in the 19th century had suffered from feudalistic and master slave relationship by the Spaniards.

The Filipinos Filipinos in in the the 19th 19th century century had had suffered suffered The from feudalistic feudalistic and and master master slave slave relationship relationship by by from the Spaniards.

Spaniards. the The Highest class the people that belong in this class include the Spaniards, peninsulares The Highest class the people that belong in this The Highest class the people that belong in this and the They have the peninsulares power and and classfriars. include the Spaniards, the class include the Spaniards, peninsulares and the authority toThey rulehave overthethe Filipinos.

They to rule friars. power and authority friars.

They have the power and authority to rule over Filipinos. enjoyed enjoyed theirthe positions andThey do what they their want.positions over thewhat Filipinos.

They enjoyed their positions and do they want. and do what they want.

The Peninsulares (Spaniards who were born in Spain).

They held the who most The Peninsulares (Spaniards wereimportant born in government jobs, and made up the smallest Spain). They held the most important number of thejobs, population. government and made up the smallest number of the population.

The Friars are members of any of certain The Friarsorders are members of any ofthe certain religious of men, especially four religious orders of men, especially the four mendicant orders (Augustinians, Carmelites, mendicant (Augustinians, Carmelites, Dominicans, orders and Franciscans).

Dominicans, and Franciscans).

The The Middle Middle Class Class are are the the people people that that belongs belongs into into this this class class includes includes the the natives, natives, mestizos mestizos and and the the criollos. criollos.

The Natives are the pure Filipinos.

The Natives are the pure Filipinos.

The Mestizos are the Filipinos of mixed The Mestizos are or the FilipinosorofChinese mixed indigenous Filipino European indigenous Filipino or European or Chinese ancestry. ancestry.

The The Lowest Lowest class class in in this this class class includes includes the the Filipinos only Filipinos only The The Indios Indios pure pure blood blood Spaniards.

Spaniards.

are are the the Filipino Filipino

poor poor people people which which ruled ruled

having having by by the the

The Spaniards ruled the Filipinos in the 19th The Spaniards ruled the Filipinos the 19th century.

The Filipinos became theinSpaniard’s century.

The Filipinosclaimed becametheir the Spaniard’s slave. The Spaniards taxes and slave.

The Spaniards claimed their taxes and they worked under the power of the they worked under of theAbuses powerin ofthe the Spaniards.

Sources Spaniards.

Sources of Abuses in the Administrative System Administrative System

There was an appointment of officials with There was an appointment of officials with inferior qualifications, without dedication of inferior qualifications, without dedication of duty and moral strength to resist corruption duty and moral strength to resist corruption for material advancement. Through the for material advancement. Through the power and authority the Spaniards possess, power and authority the Spaniards possess, they collected and wasted the money of the they collected and wasted the money of the Filipinos.

Filipinos.

Through the power that the Spaniards possess, the theypower had the right appoint the Through that theto Spaniards differentthey positions.

The appointment possess, had the right to appoint of the positionspositions. is obtained byappointment the highest bidder different The of which is the Governor-general of the positions is obtained by the highest bidder country. which is the Governor-general of the country.

Term of office or term in office is the length Term of office or term in office is the length of time a person (usually a politician) serves of time a person (usually a politician) serves in in a particular office is dependent on the a particular office is dependent on the desire desire of the King of the country. of the King of the country.

The Spanish officials traveled to various places and theofficials needs of the Philippines The Spanish traveled to various were didofnot too much placesignored. and theThey needs theput Philippines attention to theThey needs theput other were ignored. didofnot too much people.

There were inadequate attention to the needs of the other administrative they were people. There supervisions, were inadequate unable to face and solve the problems administrative supervisions, they were regarding theand Philippines. were unable to to face solve theThere problems also overlapping powers and privileges regarding to the of Philippines.

There were of officials which of made themand competitive. also overlapping powers privileges of officials which made them competitive.

The country was opened to foreign trade The country was to foreign trade at the end of theopened 18th century which atresulted the end in ofthe therapid 18th rise century whichfirms of foreign resulted in the rise of foreign firms in Manila.

Thisrapid stimulated agricultural inproduction Manila. This stimulated and export ofagricultural sugar, rice hemp production and export of sugar, rice hemp and tobacco. The number of families and tobacco.

The number of families which prospered from foreign commerce which prospered foreign commerce and trade were from able to send their sons for and wereinable to send their sons an trade education Europe.

Filipinos whofor anwere education in Europe. who educated abroad Filipinos were able to were educated abroad were able to absorb the intellectual development in absorb the intellectual development in Europe.

Europe.

Factors Factors Contributed Contributed to to the the Development Development of Filipino Nationalism: Opening of Filipino Nationalism: Opening of of the the Philippines to International Trade and Philippines to International Trade and the the Rise of the Middle Class; Manila was Rise of the Middle Class; Manila was opened opened to to foreign foreign trade trade which which brought brought prosperity to the Filipinos and Chinese prosperity to the Filipinos and Chinese mestizo mestizo resulting resulting to to the the existence existence of of middle class; Influx of European Liberalism middle class; Influx of European Liberalism includes includes the the Ideas Ideas of of the the enlightened enlightened philosophers like John Locke philosophers like John Locke and and Jean Jean Jacques Rosseau, masonry and the Jacques Rosseau, masonry and the French French Revolution reached the Philippines; Revolution reached the Philippines; Liberty, Liberty, religious religious freedom, freedom, democracy, democracy, human rights such as suffrage, human rights such as suffrage, freedom freedom of of speech, press and form associations and speech, press and form associations and assemblies. assemblies. The The opening opening of of the the Suez Suez Canal Canal on November 17, 1869.

Connects on November 17, 1869. Connects Mediterranean Mediterranean and and red red sea; sea; shortened shortened distance between Europe and distance between Europe and Orient.

Orient.

Glorious September Revolution of 1868: Queen Isabela II was overthrown resulting to the rise of liberalism in Spain.

Generals Juan Prim and Francisco Serrano Torre asof the1868: Gloriousappointed Septemberdela Revolution governor-general in the Philippines (true Queen Isabela II was overthrown resulting democrat).

Most liberal in governor-general to the rise of liberalism Spain. Generals walked the streets in civilian clothes and Juan Prim and Francisco Serrano dismissed alabaderos (halberdiers) appointedhis dela Torre as the governor-– the governor’s security guards and general in the Philippines (true –democrat). went Most unescorted.. liberal governor-general walked the streets in civilian clothes and dismissed his alabaderos (halberdiers) – the governor’s Rafael de Izquierdo (1871-1873), the Cavite securityofguards – and unescorted..

Mutiny 1872 and thewent Execution of GomBurZa (February 17, 1872). Monarchy was restored in Spain (Prince Amadeo of Savoy, son of Victor Emmanuel I) ascended the throne in 1870. April 4, 1871:

About 200 became Filipino soldiers and workers in Isquierdo the governor-general; Fort San Felipeinmutinied, “with crucifix one handunder and athe sword in the other”ofrestored press censorship leadership Sgt La Madrid; caused by(b) prohibitedabolition all talk onofpolitical matters of and Izquierdo’s the exemption secularization of thefrom parishes the Filipino workers polo (c) and paying disapproved the establishment of arts and tributes; mutineers were able to kill the trades in Manila (d) dismissed natives and fort commander soldiers; mestizos in the and civil some and military service. mutiny leaders and participants were arrested and shot to death About 200 Filipino soldiers and workers in Fort San Felipe mutinied, under the leadership of Sgt La Madrid; caused by Izquierdo’s abolition of the exemption of the Filipino workers from polo and of GomBurZa fought for the Filipinization paying and tributes; mutineers were ableand to parishes champions of liberalism kill the fort commander and some of humanitarianism.They were charged soldiers; mutiny leaders participants sedition and rebellion dueand to the false were arrested and shot to death testimony of Francisco Zaldua (former Bicolano soldier and was bribed by the Spanish prosecutors to implicate them as GomBurZa fought formutiny). the Filipinization the masterminds of the Military of parishes and champions of liberalism Court: three priests guilty and sentenced and to humanitarianism.They were charged them die by garrote. Originally, Rizal’s of sedition and rebellion due to the plan was to take up priesthood and false testimony of Francisco Zaldua become a Jesuit father. When he(former heard of Bicolano soldier and was bribed by the the martyrdom of GomBurZa, he changed Spanish prosecutors implicate his mind and swore to to dedicate his them life toas the masterminds of of theSpanish mutiny).

Military vindicate the victims oppression.

Court: three priests guilty and sentenced them to die by garrote. Originally, Rizal’s plan was to take up priesthood and become a Jesuit father. When he heard of the martyrdom of GomBurZa, he changed his mind and swore to dedicate his life to vindicate the victims of Spanish oppression.

Rizal was only five feet and three inches tall but had a waistline of 25-26 inches. He also had a big head. His hats were 6 1/2 inches across and the interior measures eight inches from front to back Rizal’s favorite fruits were lanzones and mango. On account of his former cook in Dapitan, his meals consisted of three viands. His breakfast comprised of hot chocolate, rice and tuyo.

Rizal had his third unfinished work or novel. Known by historians as “Maka-misa,” this unfinished work was started by Rizal in 1892 in Hongkong. Maka-misa is not actually a title of the novel but only a single chapter of the unfinished novel. He began writing it in Tagalog but gave up and continued writing in Spanish As a polyglot, Rizal had the habit of switching from one language to another. His biographers faced difficulty in translating his works because of his habit of switching languages. He was conversant in 22 languages.

When he was studying in Spain, Rizal had to pawn a ring owned by his sister Saturnina just to pay for his exams.

There are three animals named after Rizal. These animals were what he collected when he was exiled in Dapitan: abogonia rizalie, a type of small beetle; Drago Rizalie, a specie of dragonfly and Racoforus Rizalie, a specie of toad.

Rizal established a school while in Dapitan with 21 pupils who were never asked to pay but was required

by Rizal to work for the community Rizal was a video game character. He appeared in the 1999 video game Medal of Honour as a secret character in a multi-player mode alongside other historical figures like William Shakespeare and Winston Churchill.

Sa Aking Mga Kabata The famous poem was a nationalistic undertaking to promote the usage of The famous poem was a nationalistic language the Filipino undertakingTagalog to promote the usageby of Tagalog Thispeople. aims This to instill in young language bypeople. the Filipino aims to Filipinos thethe importance ofofthe instill in young Filipinos importance theFilipino language, language is God's Filipino language, thatthat language is God's gift togift to andlove weour should love The our poem language. us, and we us, should language.

“Sa Aking Mga (To Aking My Fellow TheKabata” poem “Sa MgaChildren) Kabata” (To was believed be Jose Children) Rizal’s firstwas written Myto Fellow believed to Tagalog poem the age of eight. it be at Jose Rizal’s first However, written Tagalog was said that this poem poem at thewas agepublished of eight. However, it posthumously a hundred years after his death was said that this poem was published sentence. posthumously a hundred years after his death sentence.

A La Juventud Filipina

In this poem, Rizal describes his exile in My Retreat Dapitan where, from 1892 to 1896, he lived an poem, unexciting fruitful life a in In this Rizalbutdescribes his as exile farmer, merchant.

Even Dapitanteacher, where, and froma1892 to 1896, heinlived his Rizal proved that life be an exile, unexciting but fruitful lifecan as still a farmer, In thispoem, poem, describes hisinexile in abundant and full of achievements. teacher, andRizal aRizal merchant.

Even In this describes his exile inhis exile, In this poem, Rizal describes his exile Dapitan where, from 1892 to1896, 1896, hein livedand Rizal proved that life1892 can still be abundant Dapitan where, from to he lived Dapitan where, from 1892life to 1896, he lived an unexciting butfruitful fruitful a farmer, full of achievements. an unexciting but life as aasfarmer, an unexciting but fruitful life as in a farmer, teacher, anda amerchant. merchant.

Even his exile, teacher, and Even in his exile, teacher, andthat a merchant.

Even in his exile, Rizal proved lifecan can still abundant Rizal proved that life still be be abundant and Rizal proved that life can still be abundant and full of achievements. full of achievements. and full of achievements.

The inspiring poem written by Jose Rizal at the age of eighteen was said to be of flawless form which aimed to implore the Filipinos to rise from indolence. It is said to The

by Joseliterature Rizal be ainspiring classicalpoem piecewritten of Philippine at age ofthat eighteen was said to be of forthe reasons Spanish literary authorities flawless form which aimed to implore the recognize it as an impressive poem written The inspiring written by Jose Rizal The inspiring poem written by Jose Rizal Filipinos to rise from indolence.

It is in by a Filipino, andJose it said wastothe TheSpanish inspiring poem written by Rizal the eighteen was bebe of of atatathe age of ofpiece eighteen wassaid saidto to be classical ofpiece Philippine literature foremost literary to to display at the age of eighteen was said be of the flawless form which which to implore the flawless form aimed implore the for reasons thatthat Spanish literary nationalistic Filipinos were flawless formbelief which aimed to implore thethe Filipinosto torise risefrom fromindolence. indolence. saidto Filipinos ItItisissaid authorities it as an impressive “Fair hope offrom theindolence.

Fatherland”.

“A toLa Filipinos torecognize rise It is said Mi ultimo Adios to be a classical piece of Philippine be a classical piece of Philippine literature poem written in Spanish by a Filipino, and Juventud Filipina” isofan inspiring poem that be a classical piece Philippine literature literature for reasons Spanish literary for reasons that that Spanish literary itstates the the foremost literary to of that Filipino arepiece capable forwas reasons that Spanishyouth literary authorities recognize it as an impressive authorities recognize it as an impressive display therecognize nationalistic belief youth that to great heights.

It urgesit the The poem reflects the hero’s adoration to authorities as anFilipino impressive poem written in Spanish Filipino, and poem written in Spanish by a and Filipinos were “Fair hope of and the reach their potential by their and patriotism for his country. He poem written in the Spanish by harnessing a Filipino, The poem reflects the hero’s adoration to it was the foremost literary piece to it was the foremost literary piece to Fatherland”.

“A La for Juventud Filipina” skills the betterment requests his fellowmen to pray for others it wasand the talents foremost literary piece to isofanour and patriotism for his country. He display the nationalistic belief that display the nationalistic belief that inspiring poem states that the Filipino countrymen.

Itthat motivates the that youth to free who also have died and suffered for the display the nationalistic belief requests fellowmen to pray for others poemhis reflects thehero’s hero’s adoration to Filipinos were “Fair hope of the Filipinos were the the “Fair hope ofurges the The poem reflects the adoration to and youth are were capable of great heights.

Filipinos fromtheignorance, and seek Thecountry.

He begged the Filipino people to Filipinos “Fair hope of theItto The poem reflects theand hero’s adoration to whopatriotism also for have died suffered the for his country.

He for requests Fatherland”.

“A La LatoJuventud Filipina” is Fatherland”.

“A is an an and patriotism his country.

He requests his the Filipino youth reach their potential freedom and human dignity. never lose hope and faith in the Lord Fatherland”. “A La Juventud Filipina” is an and patriotism forpray histhe country.

Hepeople requests country.

He begged Filipino to his fellowmen to for others who also inspiring poem that states that the inspiring poem that states that the Filipino fellowmen to pray for otherswere who also have by harnessing their skills and talents for God. Forceful words used to inspiring poem that states that the Filipino have his fellowmen to pray for others who alsoHe never lose hope and faith in the Lord died and suffered for the country.

Filipino youth are capable of great youth are capable of great heights.

It urges died and suffered the He begged the betterment It encourage themfor not tocountry. be discouraged by youth are capableofof our greatcountrymen. heights. It urges have died and suffered forwere thetocountry.

He God. Forceful words used to begged the Filipino people never lose heights.

It urges the Filipino youth to the Filipino youth to reach their potential thethe Filipino people to lose hope and faith motivates the youth freetheir Filipinos from oppression of never the Spaniards.

In the the Filipino youth toto reach potential begged thefaith Filipino people to never loseby encourage them not to be discouraged hope and in the Lord God. Forceful reach their potential by harnessing their by harnessing their skills and talents for in the words were to ignorance, andtheir to skills seekandfreedom and lastLord partGod. ofForceful the poem, Jose used Rizal by harnessing talents for hope and faith in the Lord God. Forceful the oppression of In not thethe werethem usednot to the encourage them to skillsbetterment and talents for of It words the of the ourbetterment countrymen. encourage to beSpaniards. discouraged by human dignity. mentioned his “sweet stranger” as his the betterment of our countrymen. It words were of usedby to the encourage them not lastdiscouraged part poem, Jose Rizal oppression theof our countrymen.

It motivates the youth motivates the youth to free Filipinos from be oppression ofjoy. thethe Spaniards.

Inhis the lastof part friend and This implied farewell to motivates the youth to free Filipinos from Spaniards. to be discouraged bypart the stranger” oppression of his mentioned his “sweet as In the last of the poem, Jose to free Filipinos ignorance, and toand the ignorance, and from to seek freedom poem, Jose“dulce Rizal mentioned “sweet his beloved estranjera”,his Josephine. ignorance, and to seek freedom and the Spaniards.

In the last part of the poem, friend and joy.

This implied his farewell Rizal mentioned his “sweet stranger” astohis seek freedom human dignity. and human dignity. stranger” as his friend and joy. This implied his human dignity.

Jose Rizal mentioned his “sweet stranger” his beloved “dulce estranjera”, Josephine. friend and joy.

This implied his farewell to his farewell to his beloved “dulce estranjera”, as his friend joy. This implied his beloved “dulceand estranjera”, Josephine.

Josephine. farewell to his beloved “dulce estranjera”, Josephine.

Noli Me Tangere

El Filibusterismo

“Noli Me Tangere” mirrors Rizal’s “El written inindedication dedication “El Filibusterismo” Filibusterismo” was written persistence in attaining freedom from the to the three martyred priests to“El the three martyred priests Mariano Filibusterismo” was written in Mariano Spaniards. True enough, as Rizal aimed to Gomez, Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora.

Gomez, Jose to Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora. dedication the three martyred priests “El Filibusterismo” was written in dedication redeem the country and its people by Like NoliMe Me Tangere, Fili aims at Noli Tangere, Fili aims atand Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, “El Filibusterismo” was written in Jacinto toLike the three martyred priests Mariano “El Filibusterismo” was written in dedication exposing the barbarity, greed, cruelty, and enlightening theNoli society, at bringing enlightening the society, at bringing the Zamora.

Me Tangere, Fili aims the at dedication to the three martyred priests Gomez, JoseLike Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora. to the three martyred priests Mariano ignorance of the Spanish colonizers, Filipinos closer to the truth.

But whereas in Filipinos closer truth. whereas enlightening thethe society, atBut bringing thein Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, Like Noli Me Tangere, Fili aims atand Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora. reflecting the struggles of the Filipino the first weto are encouraged to ask and the firstnovel, novel, are encouraged Filipinos closer the truth. whereas Jacinto Zamora.

Like Noli MeBut Tangere, enlightening the we society, at bringing the Like Noli Me Tangere, Fili aims at natives. Noli Me Tangere gave us power, it aspire for change and liberation, in this novel, aspire for change and liberation, in this novel, in the first novel, we arethe encouraged Fili aims at enlightening atto Filipinos closer to the truth.

Butsociety, whereas in enlightening the society, at bringing the was the seed that gave us the idea to stop the society isisurged to open its eyes to reality the society urged to open its eyes to reality ask aspire for liberation, the Filipinos closerand to the thebringing firstand novel, we arechange encouraged to truth. ask Filipinos closer to the truth. But whereas in “Noliignorant Me Tangere” being and itmirrors arousedRizal’s our need for and rebel against the Spanish government for and rebel against the Spanish government inaspire this novel, is urged whereas inthe thesociety first novel, we to are andBut for change and liberation, in open this for the first novel,and weabuse. are encouraged tothere ask persistence inand attaining freedom “Noli Me Tangere” mirrors Rizal’s independence freedom.

Rizal’s writing its oppression and abuse.

Noli, its In In Noli, is is its eyes to reality and against the encouraged to ask andrebel aspire forthere change novel, the society is urged to open its eyes and aspirebeauty, for change and liberation, in thisIn from the Spaniards.

True enough, as persistence in fuel attaining freedom from was created to the growing nationalism aspiration, romance, andmercy. mercy. aspiration, romance, “Noli “Noli Me MeTangere” Tangere” mirrors mirrors Rizal’s Rizal’s persistence to Spanish government forthe itsand oppression and liberation, in against this novel, the societyIn is reality and rebel Spanish novel, the society is urged to open its eyes Rizal aimed to redeem thebreak country the Spaniards.

True enough, as Rizal that will help the Filipinos free from Fili, all the reader will feel is bitterness, Fili, all abuse. the reader feel in persistence attaining freedom in attaining from freedom the Spaniards. from the government and Noli, there isbitterness, aspiration, urged to open itswill eyes toisreality forInits oppression and and abuse. In to reality and rebel against the Spanish and itstopeople bythe exposing aimed redeem countrythe and its the shackles of abuse. hatred, and antipathy.

The romance and hatred, and antipathy. romance and True Spaniards. enough, True as Rizal enough, aimed as Rizal to redeem aimedthe to Noli, beauty, romance, andThe mercy.

In Fili, allfor the rebel against the Spanish government there is aspiration, beauty, romance, government for its oppression andthe abuse.the In barbarity, greed, cruelty, and people by exposing the barbarity, aspirations are gone.

He proclaims aspirations gone.

Hereader proclaims country redeem and the its country people and byits exposing people the by reader will feel is bitterness, hatred, and its oppression and abuse.

In Noli, there and mercy.

Inare Fili, all the will feel is is Noli, there aspiration, beauty, romance, ignorance of the colonizers, greed, cruelty, andSpanish ignorance of the unstable andispresumably presumably irreversible status unstable irreversible status barbarity, exposing the greed, barbarity, cruelty,greed, and ignorance cruelty, and of antipathy.

The romance and and aspirations aspiration, beauty, mercy. bitterness, hatred, andromance, antipathy.

The and mercy.

In Fili, all the reader will feel isYet reflecting the struggles of thethe Spanish colonizers, reflecting of Spanish sovereignty in the Philippines. of Spanish sovereignty in the ignorance Spanishofcolonizers, the Spanish reflecting colonizers, the are gone.

He proclaims the unstable In Fili, all reader will feel is bitterness, romance andthe aspirations are gone.

He and bitterness, hatred, and antipathy.

The Filipino natives.

Noli Me Tangere struggles of the Filipino natives.

Noli he never urges revolution.

Not only doeshe he hehatred, never the urges Not only does struggles reflectingofthe thestruggles Filipino natives. of the Filipino Noli Me presumably irreversible status of Spanish and antipathy.

The romance and proclaims unstable and presumably romancean andindependence aspirations are gone. gave us power, was the seed that Me Tangere gaveitus power, it was the condemn won byHe immoral condemn an won by Tangere natives. gave Noli Me us power, Tangere it gave was the us power, seed that it irreversible sovereignty in gone. the Philippines.

Yetimmoral he in aspirations are He proclaims the status of Spanish sovereignty proclaims the unstable presumably gavethat us the idea seed gave us to thestop ideabeing to stop means, like Simoun's; he does not even even want means, like Simoun's; heand gave was the us the seed idea that togave stop us being the ignorant idea to stop and the never urges revolution.

Not only doeswant he unstable and presumably irreversible Philippines.

Yet he never urges irreversibleindependence, status of Spanish sovereignty in ignorant and itand aroused our need for being ignorant it aroused our need immediate which could only immediate which could only itbeing aroused ignorant our need and it for aroused independence our need and for revolution. condemn an only independence won by an status ofNot Spanish sovereignty in the does he condemn the Philippines.

Yet he never urges independence and freedom.

Rizal’s for independence and freedom.

Rizal’s mean aa new slavery.

Education, decent lives, mean new Education, decent lives, freedom. independence Rizal’sand writing freedom. was created Rizal’s writing to fuel independence immoral means, like Simoun's; he does not Philippines.

Yet urges wonhe bynever immoral means, like revolution.

Not only does he condemn an writingwas wascreated createdtotofuel fuelthe thegrowing writing and willingness to sacrifice for one's and willingness toonly sacrifice for one's the wasgrowing creatednationalism to fuel the growing that will nationalism help the even want immediate independence, revolution.

Not does he condemn an Simoun's; he does not even want immediate independence won by immoral means, like growing nationalism thatthe willFilipinos help nationalism that will help convictions, even to suffer martyrdom this convictions, even martyrdom Filipinos that will break help the free Filipinos from the break shackles free from of which could only aonly newmean slavery. independence wonmean by immoral means, independence, which could a - this he does not that evenRizal wantwould immediate the Filipinos break fromof the break free from the free shackles abuse. isisSimoun's; the road freedom Rizal would have the road to to abuse. the shackles of abuse.

Education, decent lives, and willingness to like Simoun's; he does not even want new slavery.

Education, decent lives, andhave independence, which could only mean a shackles of abuse. his countrymen travel. his countrymen travel. sacrificeto for one's convictions, even to immediate independence, which could willingness sacrifice for one's convictions, new slavery. Education, decent lives, and suffer martyrdom - this-isthis theisroad to only amartyrdom new slavery.

Education, even tomean suffer the road willingness to sacrifice for one's convictions, freedom thatand Rizal wouldhave have his lives, willingness to his sacrifice to decent freedom that Rizal would even to suffer martyrdom - this is the road countrymen travel. even to suffer for one's convictions, countrymen travel. to freedom that Rizal would have his martyrdom - this is the road to freedom countrymen travel. that Rizal would have his countrymen travel.

To The Young Women of Malolos

“To the Young Women of Malolos” centers around “To the Young Women of centersaround aroundfive five the YoungWomen Women of Malolos” Malolos” centers five salient points (Zaide &Zaide, 1999); Filipino “To“To the Young of Malolos” centers around five salient points (Zaide &Zaide, 1999);Filipino Filipinomothers mothers salient points (Zaideteach &Zaide, 1999); mothers should their childrenFilipino love of God, salient points (Zaide &Zaide, 1999); mothers should teach their children love of God, country and should teach their children love God, country and country and fellowmen.

Filipino mothers should be should teach their children loveof of God, country and fellowmen.

Filipino mothers should be glad and honored, fellowmen. Filipino mothers should be glad and honored, glad and honored, like Spartan mothers, to offer fellowmen.

Filipino mothers should be glad and honored, like their sons sonsinindefense defenseofof likeSpartan Spartanmothers, mothers, to to offer offer their their sons in defense of their country.Filipino like Spartan mothers, to offer their sons in defense of theircountry.Filipino country.Filipino women women should their shouldknow knowhow howtotoprotect should know how toshould protect know their dignity their women country.Filipino women how to their dignity and honor. educate protect their dignity andFilipino honor. women Filipinoshould women should and honor.

Filipino women should educate protect their dignity and honor.

Filipino women should themselves aside from retaining their goodtheir racialgood values. educate themselves aside from retaining themselves aside aside from retaining their good racial educate from retaining their good Faith isthemselves not merely prayers and wearing racial values.

Faith isreciting not merely reciting prayersreligious and values. is not merely reciting prayers and and racial values. is merely reciting prayers pictures.

ItFaith isFaith living thenot realIt Christian with good wearing religious pictures. is living way the real Christian wearing religious pictures. is living real wearing religious pictures.

It isItliving thethe real Christian morals manners. way withand good morals and manners.

Christian withand good morals and manners. way with goodway morals manners.

Indolence of the Filipino People Philippines a Century Hence “The Indolence of the Filipinos” (La Indolencia de los Filipinos) is an exploratory essay written by Jose Rizal, to explain the alleged idleness of his people during the Spanish colonization. It is important to note that indolence in the Philippines is a chronic malady, but not a hereditary “The “TheIndolence Indolence ofofof the the Filipinos” Filipinos” (La (La said “The Indolence the (La one.

The reasons forFilipinos” this Indolencia Indolenciawere de de los losFilipinos) Filipinos) isisan an inis the Indolencia de los Filipinos) an indolence clearly stated exploratory exploratory essay essay written written by by Jose Jose exploratory essaynotwritten essay, and were based by onlyJose on Rizal, Rizal, to to explain explain the the alleged alleged idleness idleness Rizal, to explainbut thewere alleged idlenesson of presumptions, grounded of of his his people people during during the the Spanish Spanish his taken people the Spanish fact from during history. Another thing colonization. colonization.

It It is is important important to to note note colonization. is important note that we mightIt add that had to caused that thatindolence indolenceininthe thePhilippines Philippinesisisaa that indolence, indolence in Philippines is a this isbutthe the lack of unity chronic chronicmalady, malady,but not notaahereditary hereditary chronic malady, but notsaid a hereditary among the Filipino people.

As Rizal one. one.The The reasons reasons for forthis thissaid one.

The reasons forman this stated in were conclusion, “a in said the indolence indolence were clearly clearlystated stated in inthe the indolence were clearly stated in not the Philippines is annot individual; heon is essay, essay,and andwere were not based based only only on essay, and were not based only on merely a citizen ofwere a country”.

It can presumptions, presumptions, but but were grounded grounded presumptions, buthistory. were on clearly deduced from grounded the writing on onfact factbe taken taken from from history.

Another Another fact taken from history.

Another thing thing that thatwe wemight might add addthe that that had had thing that the cause of indolence that wethis might caused caused caused this indolence, is thehad lack lackof of attributed toindolence, our add race that isisthe Spain. unity unity among amongthe theFilipino people.

Asunity this indolence, isFilipino the people. lack ofAs Rizal Rizalstated stated inconclusion, conclusion, “a“aman man among the inFilipino people.

AsininRizal the thePhilippines Philippines isisan anindividual; individual; he hein isis the stated in conclusion, “a man not notmerely merelyais acitizen citizen ofofaacountry”. country”.

Philippines an individual; he It isIt not can canclearly clearly be bededuced deduced fromthe the It can merely a citizen of a from country”. writing writingthat thatdeduced the thecause causefrom ofofthe thethe writing clearly be indolence indolenceattributed attributedtotoour ourrace raceisis that the cause of the indolence Spain.

Spain. attributed to our race is Spain.

“The Philippines a Century Hence” is an “The Philippines a Century Hence” is an essay written by Jose Rizal to forecast the essay written by Jose Rizal to forecast the future of the country within a hundred future of the country hundred “The Philippines a Century within Hence” a is an essay years.

Rizal felt that it was time to essay remind “The Philippines a Century Hence” is an years. feltRizal thattoitforecast was time remind writtenRizal

by Jose the to future of Spainby that the circumstances that ushered written Jose Rizal to forecast the future of the country within a hundred years. felt Spain that the circumstances thatRizal ushered the French theincountry withinRevolution a hundred could years. have Rizal afelt it was time toRevolution remind Spaincould that the inthatthe French have a that it waseffect time to that the telling forremind her inSpain the Philippines.

This circumstances thather ushered the French This telling effect for in theinPhilippines. circumstances that ushered in the French essay, published in Laa Solidaridad Revolution could have telling effectstarts for herby in essay, published in La Solidaridad starts by Revolution could have a telling effect for her analyzing the various causes of theinmiseries the Philippines.

This essay, published La analyzing the various causes of the in miseries in the Philippines.

This essay, published La suffered bystarts the Filipino people.

Solidaridad by analyzing the Eventually, various suffered by thebyFilipino people.

Eventually, Solidaridad starts analyzing the oppression various the natives such causes of therealized miseriesthat suffered by the Filipinoin the natives realized suffered that such causes of the miseries by oppression the Filipino in their society by foreign colonizers must people.

Eventually, the natives realized thatno their society by foreign colonizers must no people.

Eventually, the natives realized that such oppression in their society by foreign longer be tolerated.

Spain, therefore, had no such oppression in theirSpain, society by foreignhad no longer be tolerated. therefore, colonizers be tolerated.

Spain, means to must stop no thelonger progress of the country. colonizers must no longer be tolerated.

Spain, means to stop the progress of the theprogress country. therefore, had no means toto stop What she needs to do is change her therefore, hadneeds no means to stop the change progress her What she to do is to of the country.

What she needs to do is to colonial policies soshe that theytoare in keeping ofcolonial the country.

What needs do is to policies so policies that they are they in keeping change her colonial so that areand in with the needs of the Philippine society change her colonial policies so that they are with the with needs the Philippine society and keeping theofneeds of the Philippine to the rising nationalism people. in keeping with the needs of of thethe Philippine to the and rising nationalism of theof people. society to the rising nationalism the Whatand Rizal hadrising envisioned in hisofessay society to the nationalism the came people.

What Rizal had envisioned in his essay What Rizal had envisioned in his essay came true. What This was fulfillment of in what people.

Rizalinhad envisioned his he had cameThis true.was This in was in fulfillment of what true. fulfillment of what hehe had essay cameintrue.

This was in fulfillment of written his essay: “History does not had written essay: “History not not written in in hishisessay: “Historydoes does what he had written in his essay: “History record in its annals any lasting domination record in its any lasting domination by record in itsannals annals any lasting domination does not record in its annals any lasting by one people another, of different one people overover another, of different races, of by one people over another, of different domination by one people over another, of of races, of diverse and diverse usages andusages customs, of customs, opposite and races, of diverse usages andand customs, of different races, diverse usages opposite andofdivergent ideas.

Onetoofyield the divergent ideas.

One of the two had oppositeof and divergent ideas. ideas.

One of the customs, opposite and divergent twosuccumb.” had to yield and succumb.” and twoofhad yield succumb.”

One theto two hadand to yield and succumb.”

Renato Constantino, a Filipino scholar, Renato Constantino, a Filipino scholar, delivered a lecture titled "Veneration delivered a lecture titled "Veneration without Understanding" on December 30, without Understanding" on December 1969. He contended that the selection30, of 1969.

He contended that the selection of Rizal as a national hero allowed the United Rizal as to a national hero allowed United States steer Filipino hostilitythe toward States steer Filipinoout hostility toward Spain to when carrying a second Spain when carrying out a second colonization.

The national revolution colonization.

The national revolution marks a pinnacle of triumph in many marks a pinnacle in many nations' cultures,oftotriumph which men's minds nations' cultures, to which men's minds return time and time again in gratitude return time and time again in gratitude and for a revival of confidence in and for a revival of confidence in democracy. Since the national revolution democracy. the national is invariablySince the only time in arevolution country's ishistory invariably the only time in a country's that its people were the most history that its people were the in most united, active, and determined the united, active, and determined in the struggle for independence. As a result, it's struggle for independence.

As a result, no surprise that the revolution's leaderit's is no surprise that the revolution's leader is almost always hailed as a national hero. almost always hailed as a national hero.

The power of the venerated mass action The power of the venerated action and the honored single person mass is amplified honored single person is amplified asand theythe work together.

Our Revolution was as they work together.

Our Revolution was not led by our national hero in our situation. led by hero in our situation.

Innot reality, he our wasnational a staunch opponent of the In reality, he was a staunch opponent the Revolutionary War. He declared openly of that War. He openly that heRevolutionary opposed Bonifacio anddeclared the Filipinos who he opposed Bonifacio and the Filipinos who were fighting for the country's were fightingIn forreality, the country's independence. he was on his way independence.

In reality, he was oninhis way to Cuba to use his medical expertise the to Cuba to usewhen his medical in the service of Spain he wasexpertise apprehended. service of Spain when he was And in a manifesto addressed toapprehended. the Filipino And in a manifesto addressed to Filipino people on December 15, 1896, he the stated: people on December 15, 1896, he stated: ""From Fromthe theoutset, outset,when whenI Ifirst firstbecame became

aware awareof ofwhat whatwas wasbeing beingplanned, planned,I I opposed opposedit, it,resisted resistedit,it,and and demonstrated demonstratedits itsutter utterimpossibility. impossibility.I I did didmuch muchmore. more.When, When,against againstmy my guidance, guidance,the therevolution revolutionmaterialized, materialized,I I gave gavenot notonly onlymy mygood goodoffices, offices,but butmy my very verysoul, soul,and andalso alsomy myreputation, reputation,totobe be used usedininwhatever whateverway wayseemed seemedbest, best,for for stifling stiflingthe therebellion; rebellion;for, for,persuaded persuadedofof the theills illsititwould wouldentail, entail,I Iconsidered considered myself myselflucky luckyif,if,atatany anysacrifice, sacrifice,I Icould could avoid avoidsuch suchfutile futilemisfortune.... misfortune....I've I've already alreadywritten written(and (andI'll I'llsay sayititagain) again)that that changes changesmust mustcome comefrom fromabove aboveininorder order

to be successful, and those that come to be successful, and those from below are haphazard andthat come from below are haphazard andI can unpredictable.

With these ideas, unpredictable.

With ideas, this I can only denounce, and I dothese condemn, only denounce, and I do this revolt, which dishonors us condemn, Filipinos and revolt, which us Filipinos discredits thosedishonors who may advocate forand discredits those who may advocate our cause. I despise its criminal tactics for ourrefuse cause.toI participate despise its in criminal tactics and it, pitying the and refuse to participate in it, pitying unwary who have been duped into doing unwary who have been duped into sothe from the bottom of my heart.” doing so from the bottom of my heart.”

independence. Others, in reality, privately praise Rizal’s stand against the Revolution, agree with his position, as evidenced by if they dared.

Since they do not dare their focus on Rizal's gradualism in his for themselves, they are prudently teachings, especially hisalso insistence on silent for Rizal’sprimacy. sake. Others, and education's They careless would probably superficial theiragainst approach history and praise Rizal’s in stand the to Revolution, perhaps afraid to they stir ado hornet’s nest if they dared.

Since not dare forof controversy, doare notalso think it important themselves, they prudently silentto onsake. this contradiction between fordwell Rizal’s Others, careless and our Revolution and our national andand elect superficial in their approach to hero history to leave wellto enough alone. Perhaps Filipinos are caught in a bind because of perhaps afraid stir a hornet’s nest of they Filipinos are caught in a bind because do not perceive adverse consequences Rizal's inability to associate himself withof controversy, do notthe think it important to Rizal's inability to associate himself with of our refusal to analyze and resolve revolutionary movements and his dwell on this contradiction between ourthis revolutionary movements and his contradiction.

Yetnational the consequences are adamant rejection of the mass movement Revolution and our hero and elect adamant rejection theRevolution mass movement our regard forPerhaps our Revolution and its leaders.

Eitherofthe was to manifest leave wellinenough alone. they and its leaders.

Either the Revolution was and in our understanding of Rizal. incorrect, but we cannot deny it, or Rizal do not perceive the adverse consequences incorrect, but we cannot deny it, or Rizal was incorrect, but we cannot deny him as of our refusal to analyze and resolve this was incorrect, but we cannot deny him as The Philippine has always well. We've always chosen to disregard contradiction.

YetRevolution the consequences arebeen well.

We'veinconsistency. always chosen to disregard overshadowed by the figure this obvious Rizalists, in manifest in our regard foromnipresent our Revolution this obvious inconsistency.

Rizalists, in the understanding towering reputation of Rizal. particular, have taken the easy way out andand in our of Rizal. have taken thehave easy treated way out by Because Rizal took no part in that byparticular, ignoring the issue.

They ignoring the issue. They have treatedas Revolution and in fact repudiated it, the Rizal's condemnation of the Katipunan general regard for our Revolution is not as Rizal's condemnation of the Katipunan a skeleton in his wardrobe, as well as the as high as it otherwise would be. On the other a skeleton in his he wardrobe, as well "silent treatment" has received forashisthe hand, because we refuse to analyze the "silent treatment" he has received for his unequivocal opposition to the The Philippine Revolution has always been significance of his repudiation, our unequivocal opposition to the Revolution. overshadowed by the omnipresent figure Revolution. understanding of Rizal and of his role in and the towering reputation of Rizal. our national development remains There hasn't been a thorough examination Because Rizal took no part in that There thorough examination superficial. This is a disservice to the event, of thehasn't issuebeen to mya knowledge.

This feature Revolution and in fact repudiated it, the ofofthe issue my knowledge. feature to the man, and to ourselves.

Rizal hastobeen a source of This shame for general regard for our Revolution is not as ofsome RizalRizalists has beenbecause a sourcethey of shame foras the see him high as it otherwise would be. On the other some Rizalists because they see supreme symbol of our fight forhim as the supreme symbol Others, of our fight for privately hand, because we refuse to analyze the independence. in reality, significance of his repudiation, our agree with his position, as evidenced by understanding of Rizal and of his role in our their focus on Rizal's gradualism in his national development remains superficial. teachings, especially his insistence on education's primacy. They would probably

Viewedsuperficially, superficially,Rizal’s Rizal’sreaction reaction Viewed towardthe theRevolution Revolutionisisunexpected, unexpected, toward comingas asititdid didfrom fromaaman manwhose whoselife lifeand and coming laborswere weresupposed supposedto tohave havebeen been labors dedicatedto tothe thecause causeof ofhis hiscountry’s country’s dedicated freedom.Had Hadsomeone someoneof oflesser lesserstature stature freedom. utteredthose thosewords wordsof ofcondemnation, condemnation,he he uttered wouldhave havebeen beenconsidered consideredaatraitor traitorto to would thecause. cause.As Asaamatter matterof offact, fact,those thosewords words the weretreasonous treasonousininthe thelight lightof ofthe the were Filipinos’struggle struggleagainst againstSpain.

Spain.Rizal Rizal Filipinos’ repudiatedthe theone oneact actwhich whichreally really repudiated synthesizedour ournationalist nationalistaspiration, aspiration,and and synthesized yetwe weconsider considerhim himaanationalist nationalistleader. leader. yet

fad that that can can be be used used for for almost almost anything, anything, fad because itit isis really really nothing. nothing. We We must must view view because Rizal as as an an evolving evolving personality personality within within an an Rizal evolving historical historical period. period. That That his his evolving martyrdom was was tainted tainted by by his his attacks attacks on on martyrdom our independist independist struggle struggle isis not not aa ground ground for for our condemning him him entirely. entirely. We We must must condemning determine the the factors factors -- economic economic and and determine cultural that that made made Rizal Rizal what what he he was. was. cultural

Such an an appraisal appraisal has has dangerous dangerous Such implicationsbecause because itit can can be be used used to to implications exculpatethose those who who actively actively betrayed betrayed the the exculpate Revolutionand and may may serve serve to to diminish diminishthe the Revolution ardor of of those those who who today today may may be be called called ardor upon to to support support another another great great nationalist nationalist upon undertaking to to complete completethe the anti-colonial anti-colonial undertaking movement. movement.

It is a reflection of our lack of creative thinking that we continue to invoke Rizal when we discuss specific problems and present-day society. This is also a reflection of our intellectual timidity, our reluctance to espouse new causes unless we can find sanctions, however remote, in Rizal. This tendency is fraught with dangers.

Hero-worship, therefore, therefore, must mustbe be both both Hero-worship, historical and and critical. critical. We We must mustalways always be be historical conscious of of the the historical historical conditions conditions and and conscious circumstances that that made made an an individual individual aa circumstances hero, and and we we must must always alwaysbe be ready ready to to hero, admit at at what what point point that that hero’s hero’s applicability applicability admit ceases to to be be of of current current value. value.To To allow allow ceases hero-worship to to be be uncritical uncritical and and hero-worship unhistorical isis to to distort distort the the meaning meaningof of the the unhistorical heroic individual’s individual’s life, life,and and to to encourage encourage aa heroic cultbereft bereft of ofhistorical historical meaning meaning -- aa cult cult of of cult the individual individual shorn shorn of of his his historical historical the significance.ItIt isis form form without without content, content,aa significance.

We must see in his life and in his works the We must see in his life and in his works the evolution of the Filipino and must realize evolution of the Filipino and must realize that the period crowned by his death is that the period crowned by his death is only a moment in the totality of our only a moment in the totality of our history. history.

We We are are living living in in an an age age of of anti-colonial anti-colonial revolutions different in content revolutions different in content from from those those of Rizal’s period.

Rizal could not of Rizal’s period. Rizal could not have have anticipated the problems of today. anticipated the problems of today.

He was not conversant with economic tools of not analysis that would thetools He was conversant withunravel economic intricate techniques that todaythe areintricate being of analysis that would unravel used by outside forcesare to consign us to techniques that today being used bya state of forces continued poverty. outside to consign usThe to a state of revolutions of today would be beyond the continued poverty. The revolutions of today understanding of Rizal would be beyond the understanding of Rizal

whoseCastilian Castilianorientation orientationnecessarily necessarily whose limitedhis hishorizon horizoneven evenfor forthat thatperiod. period.He He limited wascapable capableofofunraveling unravelingthe themyths mythsthat that was werewoven wovenby bythe theoppressors oppressorsof ofhis histime, time, were buthe hewould wouldhave havebeen beenatataaloss lossto tosee see but throughthe themore moresophisticated sophisticatedmyths mythsand and through recognizethe thesubtle subtletechniques techniquesof of totorecognize present-daycolonialists, colonialists,given giventhe thestate stateofof present-day hisknowledge knowledgeand andexperience experienceatatthat thattime. time. his Thisisisnot nottotosay saythat thatwere werehe healive alivetoday today This andsubject subjecttotomodern modernexperiences, experiences,he he and wouldnot notunderstand understandthe themeans meansof ofour our would times.But Butititisisuseless uselessspeculation speculationto totry tryto to times. divinewhat whathe hewould wouldnow nowadvocate. advocate. divine Unless Unlesswe wehave havean anulterior ulteriormotive, motive,there thereisis really reallyno noneed needtotoextend extendRizal’s Rizal’smeaning meaningsoso that thathe hemay mayhave havecontemporary contemporaryvalue. value.

Many Manyofofhis hissocial socialcriticisms criticismsare arestill stillvalid valid today todaybecause becausecertain certainaspects aspectsofofour ourlife life are arestill stillcarry-overs carry-oversofofthe thefeudal feudaland and colonial colonialsociety societyofofhis histime. time.AAtrue true appreciation appreciationofofRizal Rizalwould wouldrequire requirethat thatwe we study studythese thesesocial socialcriticisms criticismsand andtake takesteps steps totoeradicate eradicatethe theevils evilshe hedecried. decried.

We have magnified Rizal’s significance for We significance for toohave long.magnified It is time Rizal’s to examine his limitations too long.

It isfrom timehis to weaknesses examine his just limitations and profit as we and profit from his weaknesses just as have learned from the strength of hiswe have learned from strength of his character and his the virtues.

His weaknesses character his virtues. were theand weaknesses ofHis his weaknesses society. His were the weaknesses of his society.

Hisaction wavering and his repudiation of mass wavering and his repudiation of mass should be studied as a product of theaction should bethat studied as a product of the society nurtured him. society that nurtured him.

Part and and parcel parcel of of the the attempt attempt to to use use Part Rizal as as an an authority authority to to defend defend the the status Rizal status quodesire is the of desire some to quo is the someofquarters quarters from to expunge fromlegacy the Rizalist expunge the Rizalist the solegacy the so-called controversial called controversial aspects of his aspects of his writings, his writings, particularly hisparticularly views on the viewsand on the friars and onhave religion.

We friars on religion.

We but to have but recall the to the recall the to resistance toresistance the Rizal bill, [p.

Rizal bill, [p.

144] the use of expurgated 144] the use of expurgated versions of versions of the Noli Me the Noli Me Tangere andTangere the El and the El Filibusterismo, and objections Filibusterismo, and objections to the to the readings ofother his other writings to readings of his writings to realize realize thatmany whilewould manyhave would us that while ushave venerate venerate they would us to a Rizal, theyRizal, would want us towant venerate venerate a homogenized version. homogenized version.

In his time, the reformist Rizal was In his time, the reformist Rizal was undoubtedly a progressive force. In undoubtedly a progressive force. In many many areas of our life today, his ideas areas of our life today, his ideas could still could still be a force for salutary change. be a force for salutary change. Yet the Yet the nature of the Rizal cult is such nature of the Rizal cult is such that he is that he is being transformed into an being transformed into an authority to authority to sanction the status quo by a sanction the status quo by a confluence confluence of blind adoration and of blind adoration and widespread widespread ignorance of his most telling ignorance of his most telling ideas. ideas.

Wehave havemagnified magnifiedRizal’s Rizal’ssignificance significancefor We forlong. too long.

It is time to examine his too It is time to examine his limitations limitations and his profit from his just as we and profit from weaknesses weaknesses just asthe westrength have learned have learned from of his from the strength character and his character and of hishis virtues.

His weaknesses virtues. weaknesses were the His were theHis weaknesses of his society. weaknesses society. His wavering and of hishis repudiation of wavering mass action and hisberepudiation mass action should should studied as of a product of the be studied a product society that as nurtured him.of the society that nurtured him.

Dr. Jose Rizal Mercado y Alonso (1861Dr. Jose Rizal Mercado y Alonso 1896), also known as Jose Rizal, is(18611896), known Jose Rizal, is withoutalso a doubt ourascountry's greatest without doubt our country's hero andamartyr.

All classes of greatest our hero and martyr.

All classes of ouras citizens across the world, as well citizens the friends world, as well as Filipinosacross and their abroad, Filipinos and their abroad, commemorate thefriends day of his birth and commemorate the day of his birth and the day of his execution. His name is a the day of his execution.

His name is a household word in the Philippines, and household word theon Philippines, his image can be in seen postage and his image can be seen on postage stamps and widely circulated paper stamps and widely circulated paper currency. No other Filipino hero will currency.

No other Filipino hero willof match Rizal in terms of the number match Rizal in and terms of thenamed number of cities, barrios, streets after cities, after him, asbarrios, well asand the streets numbernamed of him, as well as the number of educational schools, associations, and educational schools, associations, and trade names bearing his name in the trade names bearing his Filipinos name in the number of people, both and number of people, both Filipinos and foreigners, who were given the names foreigners, who were given the names "Rizal" or "Rizalina" because their "Rizal" "Rizalina" their parentsoradmired thebecause Great Malayan; parents admired the Malayan; and in the number ofGreat statutes, and in the Orders number&ofProclamations statutes, Executive of Executive Orders & Proclamations of the Chief Executive, as well as bulletins, the Chief Executive, as well bulletins, memoranda, and circulars ofas both public memoranda, and circulars of both and private school bureaus. Who ispublic the and private school bureaus.

Who is Filipino writer and scholar whose the Filipino writer and scholar whose teachings and noble thoughts have been teachings and noble thoughts have been regularly cited and quoted by writers regularly and quoted by writers and publiccited speakers on almost all and public speakers on almost occasions? Just Rizal. And whyall is this occasions?

Just Rizal.

And why is this so? Since, as noted by biographer Rafael so?

Since, as noted by biographer Rafael Palma, "The doctrines of Rizal are not Palma, doctrines of epochs.

Rizal areThey not for one"The epoch but for all for epoch but as forthey all epochs. are one as valid today were They are as valid today as they were yesterday. yesterday.

It cannot be said that because the political It cannot be said that because the political ideals of Rizal have been achieved, ideals of Rizal have been achieved, because of the change in the institutions, because of the change in the institutions, the wisdom of his counsels or the value of the wisdom of his counsels or the value of his doctrines have ceased to be his doctrines have ceased to be opportune. They have not." opportune. They have not."

Unfortunately, Unfortunately,however, however,there thereare arestill still some someFilipinos Filipinoswho whoentertain entertainthe thebelief belief that Rizal is a "made-to-order" national that Rizal is a "made-to-order" national hero, hero,&&that thatthe themaker makeror ormanufacturer manufacturerinin this thiscase casewere werethe theAmericans, Americans,particularly particularly Civil CivilGovernor GovernorWilliam WilliamHoward HowardTaft.

Taft.This This was done allegedly, in the following was done allegedly, in the following manner: manner:

"And now, now, gentlemen, gentlemen, you you must must have have aa "And national hero". hero". These These were were supposed supposed to to national be the the words words addressed addressed by

by Gov. Gov. Taft Taft to to be Mssrs. Pardo Pardo de de Tavera, Tavera, Legarda Legarda & & Mssrs.

Luzurriaga, Filipino Filipino members members of of the the Luzurriaga, Philippine Commission, Commission, of of which which Taft Taft Philippine was the the chairman. chairman. It It was was further further was reported that "in the subsequent reported discussion in in which which the the rival rival merits merits of of discussion the revolutionary revolutionary heroes heroes (M. (M. H. H. del del the Pilar, Graciano Graciano Lopez Lopez Jaena, Jaena, Gen. Gen. Pilar, Antonio Luna, Luna, Emilio Emilio Jacinto, Jacinto, & & Andres Andres Antonio Bonifacio—O.) were were considered, considered, the the Bonifacio—O.) final choice—now choice—now universally universally acclaimed acclaimed final wise one—was one—was Rizal.

Rizal. And And so so history history aa wise was made."(2) made."(2) was

According to Webster’s New According to Webster’s New

International Dictionary of the English International Dictionary of the English Language, a hero is "a prominent or Language, a hero is "a prominent or central personage taking admirable part central personage taking admirable part

in any remarkable action or event". Also, in any remarkable action or event". Also, "a person of distinguished valor or "a person of distinguished valor or enterprise in danger". And finally, he is a enterprise in danger". And finally, he is a man "honored after death by public man "honored after death by public worship, because of exceptional service worship, because of exceptional service to mankind". to mankind".

Whyis isRizal Rizal a hero, nay, our foremost Why a hero, nay, our foremost national hero?

Heis is our greatest hero national hero?

He our greatest hero becauseasasa atowering toweringfigure figure the because inin the PropagandaCampaign, Campaign, took Propaganda hehe took anan "admirablepart" part" that movement w/c "admirable inin that movement w/c roughly coveredthe the period from 1882roughly covered period from 18821896. wewere were asked pickout out 1896.

If If we asked toto pick aa single workbyby a Filipino writer during this single work a Filipino writer during this period,more more than any writer writing, period, than any writer writing, contributedtremendously tremendously the contributed toto the formation Filipino nationality, we shall formation ofofFilipino nationality, we shall havenonohesitation hesitation choosing have tintin choosing Rizal’s NoliMe MeTangere Tangere(Berlin, (Berlin, 1887).

Rizal’s Noli 1887).

It Itis is truethat thatPedro PedroPaterno Paterno published true published hishis novel, Ninay , inMadrid Madridinin1885; 1885; del novel, Ninay , in M.M. H.H. del PilarhishisLaLaSoberania SoberaniaMonacal Monacalinin Pilar Barcelonainin 1889, GracianoLopez LopezJaena, Jaena, Barcelona 1889, Graciano Discursosy yArticulos ArticulosVarios Varios , also hishisDiscursos , also inin Barcelonainin 1891; Antonio Luna, Barcelona 1891; && Antonio Luna, ImpresionesininMadrid Madridinin1893, 1893, but hishisImpresiones but noneofof these books had evoked such none these books had evoked such favorable& &unfavorable unfavorable comments from favorable comments from friends foes alike didRizal’s Rizal’s Noli friends & &foes alike asas did Noli . .

Typical Typical of of the the encomiums encomiums that that the the hero hero received for his novel were those received for his novel were those received received from from Antonio Antonio Ma. Ma. Regidor Regidor & & Prof.

Ferdinand Blumentritt.

Regidor, Prof. Ferdinand Blumentritt. Regidor, aa Filipino Filipino exile exile of of 1872 1872 in in London, London, said said that "the book was superior" & that that "the book was superior" & that ifif "don "don Quixote Quixote has has made made its its author author immortal because he exposed immortal because he exposed to to the the world world the the sufferings sufferings of of Spain, Spain, your your Noli Noli Me Tangere will bring you equal Me Tangere will bring you equal glory…" glory…" (3) (3) Blumentritt, Blumentritt, after after reading reading Rizal’s Noli , wrote & congratulated Rizal’s Noli, wrote & congratulated its its author, author, saying saying among among other other things: things: "Your "Your work, as we Germans say, has been work, as we Germans say, has been written written w/ w/ the the blood blood of of the the heart... heart... Your Your work has exceeded my hopes & I work has exceeded my hopes & I consider consider myself myself happy happy to to have have been been honored by your friendship.

Not honored by your friendship. Not only only I,I, but but also also your your country, country, may may feel feel happy happy for having in you a patriotic & loyal for having in you a patriotic & loyal son. son.

If If you you continue continue so, so, you you will will be be to to your your people one of those great men who people one of those great men who will will exercise exercise aa determinative determinative influence influence over over the progress of their spiritual life." the progress of their spiritual life."

Who made made Rizal Rizal the the foremost foremost hero hero of of Who the Philippines?

Philippines? The The answer answer is: is: no no single single the person or or groups groups of of persons persons were were person responsible for for making making the the Greatest Greatest responsible Malayan the the No. No. 11 Hero Hero of of his his people. people.

Malayan Rizal himself, himself, his his own own people, people, & & the the Rizal foreigners all all together together contributed contributed to to foreigners make him him the the greatest greatest hero hero & & martyr martyr of of make his people. people. No No amount amount of of adulation adulation & & his canonization by by both both Filipinos Filipinos & & canonization

foreigners foreigners could could convert convert Rizal Rizal into into aa great great hero hero ifif he he did did not not possess possess in in himself himself what what Palma Palma calls calls "excellent "excellent qualities qualities & & merits" merits" or or what what Retaña Retaña calls calls "la "la finura finura exquisite exquisite de de su su espiritu,…la espiritu,…la nobleza nobleza quijotesca quijotesca de de su su corazon,… corazon,… su su psicologia psicologia toda, toda, romantica, romantica, soñadora, soñadora, buena, buena, adorable, adorable, psicologia psicologia que que sintetizo sintetizo todos todos los los entimientos entimientos yy aspiraciones aspiraciones de de un un pueblo pueblo que que sufria, sufria, viendose viendose victima victima de de su su regimen regimen oprobioso…." oprobioso…."

Jose Rizal is the one who really contributes to have our freedom to this day. His names indicates to the most famous street and plaza in town. Rizal has become a symbol of Philippines patriotism. the making of Rizal as a national hero was a true and intended Jose Rizal is the one who really contributes operation carried outto a few to have our freedom this decades day. His after names Jose Rizal is the one who really contributes his cruel execution during thestreet American indicates to the most famous and to have our freedom to this day.

His period. may not find to pay himnames plaza inItown.

Rizal hasways become a symbol of indicates to the most famous street and plaza tribute but to read and the understand hisRizal Philippines patriotism. making of in town.

Rizal has become a symbol of he works and appreciate things that as a national hero wasthe a true and intended Philippines the making of Rizal as have donecarried inpatriotism. our country.

Rizal operation out a fewBefore decades after a national hero was a true and intended being a hero, he was already amazing his cruel execution during theaAmerican operation carried out a few decades after his writer. I may not find ways to pay him period. cruel execution during the American period. I - Renz Patrick tribute but to read and understand his may not find ways to pay him tribute but to works and appreciate the things that he read and understand his works and have done in our country. Before Rizal appreciate the things that he have done in being a hero, he was already a amazing our country. Before Rizal being a hero, he writer. was already a amazing writer.

- Renz Patrick - Renz Patrick

It is common to everyone that whenever we heard the name Dr. Jose Rizal, automatically, it is known as the country's national hero. Besides being a national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal is indeed a true hero way limits, he has come It isbeyond common to everyone that to whenever influenced than Dr. a thousand people we heardmore the name Jose Rizal, It is common to everyone that whenever during his time through to his automatically, it is known as talent the in we heard the name Dr. Jose Rizal, writing which then led himBesides to become country's national hero. being a automatically, it is known as the country's known for hero, beingDr. a master of allistrades. national Jose Rizal indeedIta national hero.

Besides being a national was onhero him way I realized thelimits, true essence true beyond he has of hero, Dr. Jose Rizal is indeed a hero education virtues.more than true come to and influenced a way beyond limits, hemanifested has come to Against all odds, Rizal thousand people during his timethe through influenced more than a thousand highest a Filipino.

He people to his virtues talent inbeing writing which then led during his time through to his talent in struggled and won in thefor face of the most him to become known being a master writing situations, which thenand ledinspired him to become arduous the the of all trades. It was on him I realized known for being a master of all trades. It Katipunaneros to education revolt, andand thereby true essence of virtues. was onfound him Ithe realized the true essence of helped first Against all odds, Rizalindependent manifested the education and virtues. all odds, Republic Asia. being a Against highest of virtues Filipino. He Rizal manifested the highest virtues being - Millen struggled and won in the face of the a Filipino. He struggled and won in the most arduous situations, and inspired the face of the most arduous situations, and Katipunaneros to revolt, and thereby inspired the Katipunaneros to revolt, and helped found the first independent thereby helped found the first Republic of Asia. independent Republic of Asia.

- Millen - Millen

Dr. Jose Rizal, being considered as our As we go deeper understanding about the national hero, is indeed an ideal life and work of Dr. Jose Rizal, I can say He expressed lovebeing and care for the as our representation of an educated man with Dr. Jose his Rizal, considered Dr. Jose Rizal, being considered as our Dr. Jose Rizal is truly a hero. He may not use Philippines. national Through hero, ishis novels, indeed essays, an and ideal bravery and dignity. Through his works, he national hero, is indeed an ideal violence but he uses a pen and paper to write. articles, the fellow awakens their representation ofFilipinos an educated man with was able to touch the hearts of thousands representation of an educated man with Rizal is also the one who recognized the work minds andand enlighten the status in he of people and empower the Filipino bravery dignity.about Through his works, bravery and dignity. Through his works, he of Luna and Hidalgo paintings. Their nationalism.

Despitethrough the consequences he society in the hand of the Spaniards.

Jose was able to touch the hearts of thousands was able to touch the hearts of thousands of art is one of a kind, because in their paintings may gone through, these never stopped Rizal is regarded hero because used of people andas aempower the heFilipino people and empower the Filipino nationalism. there are so much to tell. Poems, essays , his experienceDespite throughthe writings rather thanhe him to serve his purpose of gaining nationalism. consequences Despite the consequences he may gone novels or paintings can express in oneself that through coercion or violence.

His stopped freedom for his beloved country and equal may gone through, these never through, these never stopped him to serve his even today it is still existing. Sometimes in a humbleness for using to battle him to serve his writing purpose of gaining treatment for his fellow countrymen. He purpose of gaining freedom for his beloved war doesn’t need a weapon to fight, a pen and changes. being offensive, he equal even emphasized the importance of freedomInstead for his of beloved country and country and equal treatment for his fellow a paper can be also a weapon to wake up in used his intellect, abilities, expertise inHe education, and the implementation of a treatment for his fellowand countrymen. countrymen. He even emphasized the this wicked reality.

His ways aeven more peaceful manner. sacrifices his of peaceful revolution over violence. emphasized theHe importance - Nicole Rhein importance of education, and the own life and and his peace of mind for the sake education, the implementation of a of defending the Filipinos, especially when implementation of a peaceful revolution over they were labeled as indolent, is something of our country and the people of theHis ways peaceful revolution over violence. violence. His ways of defending the Filipinos, to be proud of for he was able to show the Philippines.

In the there especially is no denying of defending the end, Filipinos, when especially when they were labeled as that was the first to imagine theyRizal were labeled as indolent, is himself something real set-up of the Philippines under the indolent, is something to be proud of for he Spanish regime and how the Spaniards and hisproud country nation Filipinos and to be of as forahe was of able to show the was able to show the real set-up of the to defend liberty from occupiers.

He will real set-up of the Philippines under the contributed on such unfortunate state. As a Philippines under the Spanish regime and youth, Jose Rizal is someone I looked up to live on in the heartsand of every as the Spanish regime how Filipino the Spaniards how the Spaniards contributed on such greatest national hero.unfortunate It made a more contributed on such state. As a because he made me realized that being unfortunate state. As a youth, Jose Rizal is lasting and is still very significant youth,impact Jose Rizal someone I lookedafter up to young is not a hindrance in reaching your someone I looked up to because he made me own success, instead it is an opportunity generations there a Filipino because hethat made meone realized thatwho being realized that being young is not a hindrance in and a starting line of creating new fight for our freedom in a silent but young is not a hindrance in reaching your reaching your own success, instead it is an powerful way. instead it is an opportunity possibilities and rightful changes for the own success, opportunity and a starting line of creating - Michelle and a starting line of creating new benefit of everyone. new possibilities and rightful changes for the - Collien Princess possibilities and rightful changes for the benefit of everyone.

Dr. Jose Rizal is truly a national hero.

He benefit of everyone.

Collien may not use violence but --he uses aPrincess pen Collien Princess and paper to write. Rizal is also the one who recognized the work of Luna and Hidalgo through paintings. Their art is one of a kind, because in their paintings there are so much to tell. Poems, essays , novels or paintings can express in oneself that even today it is still existing. Sometimes in a war doesn’t need a weapon to fight, a pen and a paper can be also a weapon to wake up in this wicked reality.

- Nicole Rhein