Rizal: Philippine's Remarkable Hero

When we hear the name of Dr. Jose Rizal, the first thing that comes to our mind is that he is our national hero. A hero who fought for our country's independence by writing novels. These novels became the eye-openers for the Filipinos to fight for the country’s freedom that was robbed by the Spaniards. Rizal became an unforgettable figure in Philippine history. It is just rightful for us the young generation to know him better. Through this blog post, we will be able to look at the life, works, and writings of Jose Rizal.

Family and Early Childhood

Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda is more than the hero that we know he is. He is a linguist, genius, poet, novelist, farmer, sculptor, and ophthalmologist. We can say that Rizal is a jack of all trades. He got the intelligence, skills, and character that every people want to have. Rizal was born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna. He was baptized on June 22, 1861, by Fr. Rufino Collantes. Just like a normal christening, Rizal had his godfather named Fr. Pedro Casanas.

Rizal’s family is big and they are one of the most respected families in the country. His father is Francisco Mercado, a rich farmer, and trader who studied Latin and Philosophy. While his mother is the famous Teodora Alonso. She is the daughter of Lorenzo Alonso and Brijida de Quintos. Teodora is an educated woman and just like her son Rizal, she also excels in different fields. She is a mathematician, cook, interior decorator, and intelligent person. Based on the background of Rizal’s parents, we can trace where he got the intelligence and skills that he possesses. Imagine having all those kinds of skills and talents, what a great life would it be for us.

On the other hand, Rizal’s life has been a colorful one with his ten siblings. In today’s generation, we could say that Rizal’s family is really big compared to the kind of families that we have today. Saturnina is the eldest of Francisco and Teodora. She taught Rizal the basic education that every child should know. Rizal also has a brother named Paciano. He is the second child in Rizal’s family and we all know that he inspired young Rizal to be a patriot. He became a general in the Philippine revolution. Narcisa, Olimpia, Lucia, Maria, Concepcion, Josefa, Trinidad and Soledad are the other siblings of Rizal. A family is our home and they are people who know us better than anyone else. Rizal has a good relationship with his siblings. He loves to tease Olimpia, but when Concepcion died Rizal became very lonely. It was a tragedy that Rizal could never forget. Maria became a friend of Rizal also. He told her his plans about marrying Josephine Bracken. Other sisters of Rizal died at an old age.

Of course, just like us Rizal once experienced being a kid. Maybe it is somewhat different from our experiences. Today, we can see children playing with their mobile phones instead of going outside. Traditional Filipino games are slowly disappearing because of the advent of technology. Rizal’s childhood became his training ground to become a skillful man. He loves to sketch, paint, read, and write poems when he was young. People around Rizal helped him a lot in reading. His mother taught him how to read and write. He loves the Story of the Moth. I know we all do love that story back in our childhood. At a young age, Rizal was able to write his first-ever poem, “Sa Aking Mga Kabata” also known as “To My Fellow Children.” Rizal’s childhood is different from ours. We experienced playing for fun, while Rizal was already molding his genius character. Teodora also made sure that Rizal will become a religious person. Every night, they pray to Angelus together with other children. Today, we barely see a child pray. It is just saddening that technology conquered today’s generation.

Nonetheless, Rizal became a good student. He had tutors that helped him in his early education. Maestro Celestino was his first tutor while Maestro Lucas Padua was his second tutor. Rizal also learned Spanish and Latin through his father’s former classmate Leon Monroy. Juancho taught Rizal how to paint. Furthermore, Rizal experienced facing a terror teacher in the name of Maestro Justiniano Cruz. This Maestro used corporal punishment in teaching. This is somewhat similar to what I’ve experienced with my mother. I think we could all relate to the fear of failing grades and the scars that we would get from the sticks and hangers. Rizal also challenged someone when he was a child. This child was named Pedro. As we observed his life, we can conclude that Rizal is just like us. He knows how to be gentle, and naughty sometimes. Rizal also proves to us that having the will to learn is the key to being an educated person.

Higher Education

A student’s dream is to study at prestigious universities in the country. But for some students, because of their financial status, they won’t be able to do it. It is different from what Rizal experienced in his higher education. Rizal had the opportunity to study at prestigious universities in the country. However, he also had to face obstacles. At 11 years old, Rizal passed the examination at Ateneo Municipal. The college registrar refused Rizal’s admission because he was very thin and pale. He was also a late enrollee. Amidst all those reasons, Rizal was able to enroll at Ateneo Municipal with the help of Father Burgos. Moreover, Rizal was not registered in his real surname which is Mercado. His family name is on bad terms with the authorities. His brother, Paciano is a friend of Father Burgos who is involved with secularization issues. How frightening for a young child to hide his identity from the authorities? I couldn’t imagine myself hiding in another surname. I am amazed how Rizal handled all of that.

As expected of Philippine’s prominent hero, Rizal excelled in many areas. He was an emperor in his class. It’s the title given to the most intelligent student in the class. He also graduated with the highest academic honors. He became very participative in extracurricular activities. He joined different organizations such as the Academy of Natural Sciences and the Academy of Spanish Literature. He also became an officer of Marian Congregation. As a student, I admired how Rizal was able to balance his academics and extracurricular activities. This only proves how brilliant and good Rizal was back in his higher education.

Rizal proved to the Spaniards that a Filipino can also top in the class. As we all know, Filipinos were seen as “Indios” by the Spaniards. They call Filipinos chongos. Rizal enrolled at Sta. Isabel College to take Spanish lessons. He wanted to develop his skills in poetry, painting, and sculpting. With his determination, Rizal was able to finish some poems about education, religion, and his experiences. If I was Rizal, I would be so proud of myself too. It is because he has accomplished so much compared to what the younger generation was doing right now. I believed that Rizal is really a good example to us Filipinos.

Rizal went to the University of Santo Tomas. At first, his mother was hesitant about it because of what happened to the GomBurZa. He was a Philosophy major. However, his performance at this university was not the same as when he was at Ateneo. He shifted to Medicine so that he could cure his mother’s eyes. Rizal was distracted by many factors and one of them is his interest in women. Several women made Rizal’s heart flutter. They are Segunda Katigbak, Leonor Valenzuela, and Leonor Rivera. It is refreshing to know that Rizal also had a normal college life. He fell in love with women and he also had his downsides. These things are relatable as a student. We sometimes become unhappy with what we are doing, especially if we do not like it in the first place.

Literary Works

I have always imagined that I would be an author someday, particularly a book author. However, I believed that my motivation is not enough to make it happen. I can relate to Rizal’s love for literature. I am so glad that Rizal had the chance to do his passion. We know that Rizal’s literary works inspired many people. His talent in writing enlightened us about the social issues that exist in our society. Aside from Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, Rizal was poet. He wrote poems that had different themes and ideas. First, is his poem for his mother on her birthday, it was called “Mi Primera Inspiracion.” He also remembered his hometown when he was in Manila. He wrote “Un Recuerdo de Mi Pueblo,” to appreciate the beauty of Calamba. He also wrote poems about religion and education. Some of them are “Al Niño Jesus,” “La Alianza Intima Entre Religion y La Buena Educacion,” and “and Por La Educacion Recibe Lustre la Patria La Buena Educacion.” With these poems, Rizal gave importance to the role of education in society. He believed that with education a country could thrive or progress. Rizal also wrote famous poems called “A La Juventud Filipina,” “El Consejo de los Dios,” “Juanto al Pasig,” and “A Filipinas.”

Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo will always be the best works of Rizal. These novels tell us how important education is and how sad the situation of our fellow Filipinos was at that time. Noli Me Tangere is powerful. It makes us see the ugly truth that we were used by Spaniards to be their slaves for a very long time. But Rizal wanted Ibarra to pursue reforms instead of a revolution. On the other hand, El Filibusterismo is a cruel and soul-awakening novel. In this novel, Simoun wants to have revenge on the Spaniards by means of revolting around them. It is not similar to Noli Me Tangere who only wants a change in the government. El Filibusterismo tells how Simoun was sick of the Spaniard’s colonization here in the country. Both novels show how patriotism and bravery. It is important for us the younger generation to be aware of these kinds of masterpieces. With these novels, our history will be still known and the effort of heroes will be not invalidated.

Life Abroad

Rizal also had the opportunity to travel abroad. At that time, not all Filipinos have the privilege to study and travel abroad. I always admired traveling around the globe, but I know it’s not meant for me. It is just amazing how Rizal caught up in the different cultures of the countries that he went to. His life abroad has been a colorful one. It gave him so much to study especially the culture of the European countries and how he will free the country from the tyranny of the Spanish friars.

Rizal arrived in Barcelona on June 16, 1882. On his journey to Barcelona, he learned how hospitable and courageous the people were. He was welcomed by his fellow Filipinos at Plaza de Cataluna. He did not forget to write letters to his family and friends in the Philippines. He wanted to share his writings with other people as well as his love for the Philippines. In this country, he was able to make his piece “El Amor Patrio” also known as “Love of Country.” He used the alias “Laong Laan”. The essay was published in Diariong Tagalog.

He moved to Madrid on September 2, 1882, to continue his studies. He was a student of Universidad Central de Madrid. He studied Philosophy and Letters in Medicine. He excelled in different areas such as painting, sculpture, and foreign languages. He studied it while he was enrolled at the Academy of San Carlos. In Madrid, Rizal was able to pass the medical examination. He earned his degree Licentiate in Medicine. He also decided to continue his doctorate degree in Medicine. He graduated with his course in Philosophy and Letters wherein he received the degree Licenciado en Filosofia y Letras. In this country, Rizal halfway finished his novel, Noli Me Tangere. He also met his love interest Consuelo but he held back because of his fiancée, Leonor Rivera. He wrote his poem for Consuelo entitled A La Senorita C.O. y R.

In Paris, Rizal specialized in Ophthalmology. He aimed to know more about Ophthalmology, especially in eye operation, eye ailments, and different techniques. He was also able to learn French with the help of his fellow Filipinos. He became friends with Juan Luna, Felix Hidalgo, and Pardo de Tavera. Juan Luna made him his model for his two notable paintings, The Blood Compact, and Death of Cleopatra.

When Rizal arrived in Germany, he became an assistant to Dr. Otto Becker. He mastered how to diagnose different eye ailments at University Eye Hospital. He was able to connect with different German law students. He learned to play chess and to drink with German students. He wrote the poem “A Las Flores de Heidelberg” also known as “To the Flowers of Heidelberg.” It tells how he missed his home country so much. He also began connecting with Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt. They started exchanging letters and communicating with each other. In Berlin, Germany, Rizal published his first novel “Noli Me Tangere” on March 21, 1887. He dedicated it to the Philippines.

In Hong Kong, Rizal was able to know more about the culture of Chinese people. He met several fellow Filipinos who were also exiled in Hong Kong. He studied the language of Chinese, their drama and theater, culture, and values. He also became friends with some Spaniards.

He lived in a Spanish legation in Japan together with Juan Perez Caballero. He was able to study the culture of Japan, its theaters, language, martial arts, and provinces. Rizal loved the cleanliness, courteousness, and industry of Japan. He also met O Sei–San. They became lovers however Rizal still left Japan for his country. He said goodbye to his lover and left Japan.

On his trip to the United States of America, Rizal learned different harsh realities in life. In this country, he saw how the Japanese and Chinese people offered Americans cheap labor. He was amazed by the high standard of living in the USA. However, he also saw that there was racial discrimination ongoing in the USA. He also noticed how Americans valued money more than human life and how biased the justice system was toward white Americans.

Rizal went next to London to study the English language. He met Dr. Reinhold Rost who inspired him to write articles in Asian Studies Journal Trubner’s Records. He was also able to research at British Museum with the help of Dr. Rost. He wrote “Specimens of Tagal Folklore” and “Two Eastern Fables.” He also met another love interest which is named Gertrude Beckett. He became also more participative in the propaganda movement. He wrote articles for La Solidaridad and founded also Kidlat Club and the Indios Bravos. Rizal continued writing many articles and essays for La Solidaridad.

In Belgium, Rizal was financially deprived. He was distracted by the social life in Paris. He was not able to finish his second novel because of that. However, he was still able to contribute to La Solidaridad and wrote 11 articles. He also began treating patients as a surgeon to earn more money. Rizal also received bad news from the Philippines. It is because of the land problem in Calamba, Laguna. The Dominicans pressed high payments for the rents of the land. Rizal was disappointed by what happened to his family. He wrote another poem “A Mi Musa” also known as “To My Muse”, in regards to the land problem in Calamba. He also met another love interest which is named Nellie Boustead. He also finished his second novel El Filibusterismo on March 29, 1891.

Exile, Trial, and Death

Rizal’s presence became a nuisance for the Spaniards. He was arrested because of his anti-friar works, the dedication of El Filibusterismo to the GomBurZa, and criticizing the Catholic Church. He was exiled to Dapitan wherein he still had a normal life. He built a school in Dapitan and he accepted students even though they don’t have money. This shows how education is important for Rizal. He wants the Filipinos to be educated so that they won’t be clueless about the social issues that are happening in the country. Rizal had the chance to go to Cuba as a doctor. Governor-General Blanco granted his request. After that, he was transferred to Isla De Panay.

The Archbishop of Manila claimed that Rizal is the brain of the revolutions that had aroused in the country. Despujol interviewed Rizal about it and he was taken to Fort Santiago. Three crimes were charged against Rizal: rebellion, sedition, and formation of illegal associations which pertain to La Liga Filipina. Rizal wanted to prove his innocence by writing his twelve points. However, he was found guilty by the court, and on December 29, 1896, he was sentenced to execution. His family visited him and he gave them his belongings including a lamp that has the longest poem that Rizal ever wrote. It is the “Mi Ultimo Adios.”

On December 30, 1896, Rizal faced his death. Before that, he requested the authorities for him to face the firing squad. He believed that he is not a traitor. Rizal tried to face the firing squad when he was shot. He yelled “Consummatum est!” It means “it is finished!” The authority still shot Rizal in the head. He was also given the “tira de gracia” to make sure that he is dead. The Spaniards celebrated his death and it was a sign to them that the revolution will end soon.

However, Rizal’s death was a major shock to the revolutionaries. They were filled with rage and they chose to continue fighting. Several battles were won by the Katipuneros and after two years of Rizal’s death, Malolos Congress was established. The Philippines had finally attained its freedom back. Although, there were many sacrifices the fight for independence succeeded. It is just saddening that Rizal could not witness any of this.

Today, we commemorate his death and celebrate his birthday. Rizal’s huge contribution to our country shall never be forgotten. Through his words and novels, our country was given another chance to be independent. He inspired many revolutionaries and educated many Filipinos. As Filipino citizens, we should be always grateful for Rizal’s effort in our sovereignty. It cost him his life, but for us, we were able to live up to the fullest. We should always remember that being educated will free us all. Rizal will always be a remarkable hero in Philippine history. His legacy will never be forgotten and thus shall always be appreciated.