HERO-ING RIZAL 101

Dr. Jose Rizal is the national hero of the Philippines. He devoted his life to his mission of giving our country its denied freedom. 

Starting from a young age, he has committed his time to his studies to bring glory to the name of his people. Jose exchanged the luxurious life presented to him for the sake of the benefit of the Filipinos.

We learned that his written works served as a light that guided our ancestors towards liberty. 

Rizal is known for his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, but his nationalistic effort is more than that. 

There are countless reasons for how he became our greatest hero. His life is full of learnings that every Filipino can reflect upon. 

The learnings we can get from Jose Rizal are the importance of education, love for country, making good friends, nothing is impossible, the value of time, and the superiority of pen against sword.

Education is Indispensable

Jose Rizal emphasized the importance of education in our society. He serves as the embodiment of how important education is. Most of his time was dedicated to his studies. This effort of Rizal was not wasted since it empowered our countrymen to fight for themselves.

In one of his writings, he stated that "Without education and liberty, which are the soil and the sun of man, no reform is possible." Rizal gave education the same value as liberty. It means that education is something that every man needs to live. Without education, human is helpless as a bird inside a cage. When analyzed from a contemporary perspective, education is essential. Educational attainment is the primary qualification in seeking a job. 

Love Your Nation

Do you love your country? 

The most noticeable learning from the life of Jose Rizal is his love for his motherland. He committed his whole life to bringing benefit to his fellow Filipinos. At a young age, he had seen the injustice that the Filipinos experienced from the Spanish colonizers. This made Rizal's resolve stronger to restore independence and order to our country.

Only a few can die for their country. This makes Rizal a distinguished man. Despite the luxurious life he could have achieved, he chose to fight for his countrymen. Thus, we need to thank Rizal for emulating the love he has for our country. We must protect the freedom that he and the other Filipinos have died for.

In today's society, some Filipinos seem to be ashamed of their origin. It is a common practice to laugh at someone who has a dark complexion, short stature, and rough face. The young generations also feel distant from our traditions due to their reason of it being primitive. They do not appreciate the true essence of being a Filipino. We need to reflect and change ourselves. We have to value the lives that our heroes paid just for us to live in an orderly and peaceful environment.

Make Good Companies

Jose Rizal could not achieve his success without the help of his family and friends. His family was always by his side to support him in his journey. The most notable from his family is his brother, Paciano. He served as the second father of Jose. He also gives a monthly stipend to Jose during his study at Central Madrid University. 

Rizal has been to different countries during his studies. In these adventures, it is evident that he can easily make friends with people. He has a distinct charm that attracts the people around him. These people then served as his companion during his stay at their place. 

In this way, Rizal found it easy to adapt to every environment. It also helped relieve his longing for his family in the Philippines. The friendliness of Rizal assisted him to survive the hard life outside of the country. His companions, especially Ferdinand Blumentritt, served as the shoulder he could rely on during his tough times. The experience of Rizal shows that we need to find good friends. These are the people whom we will celebrate during our victory and the ones who will save us during our downfalls.

Nothing is Impossible

Rizal proved that nothing is impossible with motivation and will. He has faced many difficulties during his quest but he remained victorious in the end. Despite the challenges he encountered, he was able to awaken the Filipino's desire for change. The life of Rizal taught us that we can all achieve our dreams. We just need to set our eyes toward our goal. We have to equip ourselves with resolve and dedication. No matter how big our disadvantage is, we have to keep moving. Whenever how much we stumble, we have to continue standing. As there will come a time when destiny will be on our side. Thus, never look back and just continue moving forward.

A Pen is Mightier Than a Sword

Jose Rizal is a distinct hero compared to other heroes of other countries, because he served his cause using his pen. He chose a peculiar but peaceful way of fighting against the Spanish colonizers. 

Rizal proved that a pen is sharper than a sword. The writings made by a pen will always overcome the thrust of a sword. The works of Rizal, especially his two novels, awaken the desire of the Filipinos to gain independence. In a practical sense, it teaches us the power of written documents. The work of the pen is like magic that moves the people. It has an inconceivable blow that shatters one's reputation. Also, the value of settling matters peacefully is emphasized. Peace-loving individuals will always be regarded as a man of quality and honor. Disputes can never be resolved with bloodshed, they are settled through harmonious ways.

HONORING RIZAL

 STATUES AROUND THE WORLD

Location: Jose Rizal Square in Jinjiang, Fujian Province, China

Location: Avenida de las Islas Filipinas, Madrid, Spain

Location: Parc Mackenzie-King, Montreal, Canada

Location: Luneta Gardens at Boxgrove Community Park in Markham Ontario, Canada

Location: University Eye Clinic at Bergheimer Straße 20, Heidelberg, Germany

Location: Lincoln Park at 4900 N. Marine Drive, Chicago, USA

Location: Inside Plaza Ibero Americana at Chalmers St Path, 5010 Chalmers Street, Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia

Location: Heritage Gardens, Kepaniwai Park, Iao Valley, Maui, Hawaii

Location: China Cultural Plaza, Honolulu, Hawaii

Location: Jose Rizal Park in Lima, Peru

Location: Carson International Sculpture Garden in Carson, California

Location: Jose Rizal Park at 1007 12th Ave. S, Seattle, Washington

Location: International Sculpture Garden, Hermann Park Conservatory, Houston, Texas

RIZAL THE MARTYR

 FINAL HOURS

On December 26, 1896, the military court tried Jose Rizal and later found him guilty of rebellion, sedition, and conspiracy. The Spanish authorities believed that Rizal’s writings “fatally and necessarily” incited the rebellion which, by 1896, had already become a revolution. On December 29 at 6 a.m., Capt. Rafael Dominguez read before Rizal his death sentence. His execution was scheduled the following day.

At around 7 a.m. of December 29, Rizal was transferred to his death cell in Fort Santiago. There he received numerous visitors, including his counsel; some Spanish officials; and several priests, his former professors, with whom he supposedly discussed reason and religion. The Archbishop of Manila, Rev. Bernardino Nozaleda, recalled: “During that day, although Rizal did not reject [the Jesuits], he persisted in his errors contrary to the Catholic faith. However, at the last hour, Rizal abjured, in writing, his religious errors.” In other words, Rizal, a Mason, was said to have recanted his statements against the Church and to have returned to the Catholic faith.

The controversy over Rizal’s retraction has not been settled. The “original” document of Rizal’s “retraction” was found in the archdiocesan archives in 1935, 39 years after having disappeared the day Rizal was shot. There was no record of anybody seeing this “original” document in 1896, except the publishers of La Voz Española, which published its contents on the day of Rizal’s execution: “We have seen and read his (Rizal’s) own handwritten retraction which he sent to our dear and venerable Archbishop.” Most experts think that the handwriting on the document is authentic. However, scholars are baffled as to why Rizal, who courageously faced persecution for most of his life, and who was finally sentenced to death for his beliefs, would suddenly balk at the last, futile moment. (For more discussion on Rizal’s retraction, see Garcia, 1964; Guerrero, 1998; and Vaño, 1985).

In his last hours Rizal read the Bible and Thomas à Kempis’s Imitation of Christ, which he later dedicated to Josephine Bracken. He also wrote the poem “Mi Ultimo Adiós,” which he concealed in an alcohol burner. When his family came to see him, he asked pardon from his mother and talked to his sisters as they entered his cell one by one. He also wrote letters. In his last letter, addressed to Paciano Rizal, he asked his brother to ask their father for forgiveness for all the pain he had caused him. To his friend Ferdinand Blumentritt, he wrote: “When you receive this letter, I shall be dead by then…. Tomorrow at seven, I shall be shot; but I am innocent of the crime of rebellion…. I am going to die with a tranquil conscience.”

At 7 a.m. on December 30, 1896 at Luneta, Manila, the 35-year-old patriot was shot in the back by a firing squad. He hesitated, turned halfway around to face his executioners, and fell on his back to face the Philippine sun.

Rizal In Dapitan

PEACEFUL LIFE IN DAPITAN 

During the early part of his exile in Dapitan, Rizal lived at the commandant’s residence. With his prize from the Manila Lottery and his earnings as a farmer and a merchant, he bought a piece of land near the shore of Talisay near Dapitan. On this land, he built three houses- all made of bamboo, wood, and nipa. The first house which was square in shape was his home. The second house was the living quarters of his pupils. And the third house was the barn where he kept his chickens. The second house had eight sides, while the third had six sides. In a latter to his friend, Ferdinand Blumentritt, on December 19, 1893, Rizal described his peaceful life in Dapitan. "I shall tell you how we lived here. I have three houses-one square, another hexagonal, and the third octagonal. All these houses are made of bamboo, wood, and nipa. I live in the square house, together with my mother, my sister, Trinidad, and my nephew. In the octagonal house live some young boys who are my pupils. The hexagonal house is my barn where I keep my chickens. "From my house, I hear the murmur of a clear brook which comes from the high rocks. I see the seashore where I keep two boats, which are called barotos here. "I have many fruit trees, such as mangoes, lanzones, guayabanos, baluno, nangka, etc. I have rabbits, dogs, cats, and other animals. "I rise early in the morning-at five-visit my plants, feed the chickens, awaken my people, and prepare our breakfast. At half-past seven, we eat our breakfast, which consists of tea, bread, cheese, sweets, and other things. "After breakfast, I treat the poor patients who come to my house. Then I dress and go to Dapitan in my baroto. I am busy the whole morning, attending to my patients in town. "At noon, I return home to Talisay for lunch. Then, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., I am busy as a teacher. I teach the young boys. "I spend the rest of the afternoon in farming. My pupils help me in watering the plants, pruning the fruits, and planting many kinds of trees. We stop at 6:00 p.m. for the Angelus "I spend the night reading and writing."

PLOT

He helped the local residents by offering free education to all children, befriending his student Jose Asiniero, and rendering his services as a doctor, including treating his mother, Doña Teodora Alonzo, who visited him with his sisters Maria and Narcisa.

He met his fiancée Josephine Bracken who brought her blinded stepfather George Taufer but later on she left him for her beloved Rizal. They decide to marry, but are refused a Church wedding on political grounds. The couple settles for a common-law marriage despite initial opposition from Rizal's family, and have a stillborn son Rizal names Francisco. The film closes with Rizal leaving Dapitan as the locals mourn him. An epilogue explains Rizal's intent to work in Cuba and subsequent arrest, his execution and its birthing the Philippine Revolution.

Rizal The Propagandist

RIZAL'S MEMORABLE QUOTES 

"One only dies once, and if one does not die well, a good opportunity is lost and will not present itself again." 

"Justice is the foremost virtue of the civilizing races. It subdues the barbarous nations, while injustice arouses the weakest."

"Routine is a declivity down which many government slide, and routine says that freedom of the press is dangerous."

"He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will never get to his destination."

"Without education and liberty which are the soil and the sun of man, no reform is possible, no measure can give the result desired."

 "The youth is the hope of our future."

"To live is to be a among men, and to be among men is to struggle, a struggle not only with them but with oneself; with their passions, but also with one's own." 

"On this battlefield man has no better weapon than his intelligence, no other force but his heart."

"He who would love much has also much to suffer."

"I want to show to those who deprive people the right to love of country, that when we know how to sacrifice ourselves for our duties and convictions, death does not matter if one dies for those one loves for his country and for others dear to him."

"The glory of saving country is not for him who has contributed to its ruin."

"To be happy does not mean to indulge in foolishness."

"He who does not love his own language is worse than an animal and smelly fish." 

 

- Dr. Jose Rizal

MUST-READ WORKS  

TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH

The poem “To the Filipino Youth” by Dr. Jose Rizal is a message primarily to tell the importance of the youth and their capability to shape the future of our Motherland. Dr. Jose Rizal also expresses his optimism despite the turmoil our country was in during his time. Rizal wrote this literary poem when he was still studying at the University of Sto. Tomas. Originally written in Spanish, Rizal submitted this piece for a poem contest organized for Filipinos by the Manila Lyceum of Art and Literature. At the age of 18, this work is beaming with strong messages to convince readers, the youth in particular, that they are the hope of the nation. He also stresses the importance of education to one’s future. Rizal won the first prize and was rewarded with a feather-shaped silver pen and a diploma.

GOODBYE TO LEONOR

This literary piece gives an insight into the romantic relationship of Rizal and his beloved, Leonor Rivera. The two met when in the province of Dagupan when Rivera was only 13-years-old. Rivera’s parents were not in favor of their relationship and though distance separated them, the two kept in touch by sending letters and photographs to each other. Rizal later found out that her lady love would soon tie the knot with Henry Kipping, and the news definitely disheartened him. The lonely, heartbreaking feelings he felt, resulted in this melancholic poem.

TO THE YOUNG WOMEN OF MALOLOS

Addressed to the Filipino women, Rizal’s letter entitled To The Young Women of Malolos reflects his inheritance and issues reminders to Filipino women. In his letter, he addresses all kinds of Filipino women – mothers, wives, and even the single women. Throughout this literary piece, he highlights the qualities that Filipino mothers should possess, the duties of wives to their husbands and children, and a counsel on how young women should choose their lifetime partners. The idea behind this letter sparked after he was impressed by the women of Malolos who won the battle they fought. Rizal advises women to educate themselves, protect their dignity and honor, and live with good manners – setting up as a role model.

KUNDIMAN

A kundiman traditionally refers to a love song where a man serenades the woman he loves. For scholars, this word was derived from the Tagalog phrase “Kung Hindi man” (if it should not be so) which suggests that people put their faith in a Higher Being who decides whether or not something is meant for them. But in Rizal’s literary work, he wrote a kundiman to profess his intense love for his motherland. This piece reflects his high hopes that one day, the Philippines would be free from treachery and injustice. At the time, the country faced great threats while he was in Europe. And, through this work, he voices his hopeful thoughts despite being far away from the country.

MI ULTIMO ADIOS

After being associated with the Katipuneros, Rizal was arrested and later sentenced to death by firing squad for acts of sedition and rebellion. During his final days in Fort Santiago of Manila, Rizal bid farewell to his motherland and countrymen through letters. Mi último adiós or My Last Farewell is one of the few last works that Rizal wrote.

Rizal The Artist

SKETCHES:

Title: Antonio de Morga

Material: Pencil

Remarks: Made in London while annotating "Sucecos"

Title: Cover of Noli Me Tangere

Material: Ink 

Remarks: Now in the original Noli Me Tangere in Bureau of Public Libraries

Title: Heads of Sibili Cumana

Material: Ink

Remarks: Made in Dapitan. Included in the Sibila Cumana

Title: Sketch of the plan of their lodging house in 15 Baño, Madrid

Material: Ink

Remarks: Lopez Museum

Title: Sulpakan

Material: Ink

Remarks: Epistolario Rizalino

SCULPTURES:

Title: Bust of his father

Material: Clay

Remarks: Made in Calamba, 1881

Title: Bust of Mirabeau
Material: Terra Cotta
Remarks: Made in Barcelona, intended for Valentin Ventura

Title: Head of Egyptian (candle holder)

Material: Plaster

Remarks: Made in Hong Kong in 1892

Title: Bust Presented in the Solon of Paris

Material: Clay

Remarks: Accepted by the Solon in 1889

Title: Josephine Sleeping

Material: Plaster

Remarks: Made in Dapitan, 1895 - 1896

PAINTINGS:

Title: Christ crucified

Material: Crayon

Remarks: 1875

Title: Christ crucified

Material: Crayon

Remarks: 1875

Title: Dapitan church curtains

Material: Oil

Remarks: Made in Dapitan, 1894

Title: Portrait of Morayta

Material: Crayon

Remarks: Made in Barcelona, 1885

Title: Spanish coat of arms
Material: Water color
Remarks: Done during a fiesta of San Rafael in Calamba in 1867

Rizal The Man of Science

Jose P. Rizal was a man of many talents and interests. For a man who lived only 35 years, his achievements are remarkable and numerous. The Rizal Centennial Commission listed 278 written works of Rizal, including his two major novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. 

Although Rizal is well-known for his literary prowess, perhaps his accomplishments as a scientist are not well publicized. At this age where science and technology play a major role in economic development, his scientific achievements are relevant and inspiring. To talk about Rizal as a scientist, it is difficult to separate Rizal the natural scientist (one who practiced the natural sciences) from Rizal the social scientist and political reformer because he believed that knowledge should be used for enlightenment and liberation and not for oppression. In his choice of medicine as a career and during his education in Europe, he never lost sight of his goal: to serve his people and liberate them from years of oppression and injustice by the Spaniards.

Here are some highlights of Rizal’s scientific accomplishments:

After five years in Europe, he went home to the Philippines in 1887. He operated on his mother’s eyes to remove her cataracts – the surgery was successful and was the first of its kind ever done in the Philippines. His fame as an eye doctor spread quickly and people began coming to him for treatment from all over the Philippines and even from as far away as China. He opened a clinic, sent away for equipment, charged moderate fees and treated the poor free. 

He established a large and well-known medical practice where his patients came from all over the Philippines and from Hong Kong and other Asian cities. 

He built a hospital. 

He built a small house for himself and a large one for his family and visiting friends. 

He bought lands and practiced scientific farming. 

He set up a water supply system based on gravity. 

He set up and taught a school for local children. 

He paid for the first street lighting system. 

He beautified the town plaza and made a giant relief map of the Philippines which is still preserved today. 

He obtained from Kalamba an improved type of fishing net that helped the Dapitan fishermen improve their catch. 

He imported farm machinery from the US for himself and local farmers. 

He subscribed to the magazine Scientific American and ordered medicines and pharmaceuticals from the US. 

He collaborated with foremost scientists from Europe at that time. With his students, he collected specimens of plants, animals and ethnographic materials from Mindanao and sent them to his colleagues in Europe. 

Some of the animal specimens were rare and named after him: A new species of frog named Rhacophorus rizali, a new species of beetle named Apogonia rizali, and a new species of lizard named Draconi rizali. 

Finally, Rizal shared with us his philosophy and thinking about education and science. Within the limits of the circumstances in Dapitan, Rizal gave his students the key elements of his educational goals: academic knowledge, industrial training, ethical instruction, and physical development. He believed that moral values were as important as knowledge itself; indeed, they were the only assurance that knowledge will be used to help and enlighten, rather than oppress men.