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Life and Works of Jose Rizal

RA 1425

“An act to include in the Curricula of All Public and Private schools, Colleges and Universities
courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly His Novel Noli Me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo, Authorizing the printing and Distribution Thereof, and For Other Purposes”.

Historical Background and context in the 1950’s

 The tension is brought about by the issues on the following:

o Political unrest between Communism and Democratic Ideology.
o The growth of Communism in East Asia.
o Hukbalahap rebellion in the Philippines.
o Magsaysay create a wide-scale propaganda program to educate the youth on the
evils of communism (Reyno, 2012)
o In support, Senator Claro M. Recto created Senate Bill 438 known as Rizal Bill.
1. Objectives of Rizal Bill
1. To rededicate the lives of the youth to the idea of freedom and
nationalism, for which our hero lived and died;
2. To pay tribute to our national hero for devoting his life and works in
shaping the Filipino character; and
3. To gain an inspiring source of patriotism through the study of Rizal’s life,
works and writings.
 The Issues and Debates of RA 1425 in the Context of 1950’s
o Sen. Claro M. Recto authored the Rizal Bill
o Sen. Jose P. Laurel sponsored the Rizal Bill
o It sparked the debate in senate that revolved around the separation of church and
state issues. This is primarily focused on the “unexpurgated edition” of novel.
o The Catholic Bishops Conference in the Philippines cited several violations of the novels
on the free exercise of religion that in turn would seriously injure the Catholic faith and its
believers. The arguments they presented:
1. They argued that the novels have passages that negate the teachings of the
Catholic Faith
2. These passages violate the freedom of the Church and the state.
3. They feel that it is their sacred duty to come to the conclusion that these works
fall under Canon Law 1399 which establishes books that are forbidden.
o With these contentions, Senator Recto and Laurel stood firm on their arguments:
1. Rizal novels should be read in every generation for the Filipinos to know the
sufferings, ideals and sacrifices of the Filipino people that led us to where we are
today and in the future.
2. Rizal novels would allow us to see ourselves; it is through the works of Rizal which
would show not only the strengths and virtues of the Filipinos but also our defects
and vices as well.
3. The only objective of the bill is to foster a better appreciation of our National
Hero’s role in fighting for freedom against the Spaniards, not to go against any
religion.

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A. Political Context
 Spain was suffering from frequent constitutional and governmental changes that led to
colonial instability
 Maladministration in the delivery of justice.
 No equality before the law.
 Spanish penal code imposed heavier penalties on Filipinos.
 Implementation of Polo Y Servicio and tribute.
 Racial prejudice against native Filipinos became prevalent.
 Existence of Frailocracy or the “government rule of the friar”.
 Lack of Representation in the Spanish Cortes. It was year 1811 that the Philippines were
represented by a 71-years old Filipino-Spanish merchant named Ventura De los Reyes.
His diligent representation was one reason why the galleon trade was abolished for its
reported abuses.
B. Economic Context
 The second half of 19th century was a period of rapid economic growth due to Industrial
Revolution.
 The opening of Suez Canal brought several advantages to the Philippines:
 The distance of travel between Europe and Philippines was significantly
shortened.
 It brought the country closer to Spain.
 Principalias were able to send their children to universities in Europe.
 The education gained by the ilustrados opened their minds to the opposing
conditions that are happening in the colony (Philippines) and the mother country
(Spain).
C. Social Context
 The rise of enlightenment period, where people began to rely on human reason rather
than faith and religion.
 Rise of Middle-Class (Principalias). With the increasing demand for Abaca and other
crops in Europe, there was a need for more Filipino to cultivate lands. Manila became
Free port in 1834 primarily to European traders.
 Spanish Government allowed Filipinos to rent and cultivate lands. To achieve this more
families had to engage in farming. Among those principalia families was the family of
Rizal.
 Despite of social development, agricultural unrest continued to grow. Friars who owned
the land exploited the tenants through flimsily increasing land rentals and taxes.

Rizal as a Person

 Name: Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado Y Alonzo Realonda

 Birthdate: June 19, 1861
 Death: December 30, 1896
 Birthplace: Calamba, Laguna
 Height: 5’2
 Baptized by: Father Rufino Collantes
 Godfather: Rev. Pedro Casañas

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 Mga Sikat na Nobela:

 Noli Me Tangere
 El Filibuterismo
 Makamisa
 Mga hayop na ipinangalan kay Rizal:
 Draco Rizali - Lizard
 Apogonia Rizali - Beetle
 Rhacophorus Rizali – Frog

Family Members of Rizal

Father’s name: Francisco Engracio Rizal Mercado Y Alejandra II


 Born as the youngest of 13 children of Cirila Alejandro and Juan Mercado on
May 18, 1818 in Biñan, Laguna. He was from the fourth generation of Chinese
immigrant named Domingo Lamco.
 School attended: Colegio de San Jose in Manila.
 Degree: Philosophy and Latin
 He was elected in Calamba as Cabeza De Barangay
 Mother’s name: Teodora Alonso Realonda Y Quintos
 Born as the second child of Lorenzo Alonso and Brigida De quintos on November
9, 1827 in Manila.
 School attended: College of Sta. Rosa
 Rizal described her as “a woman of higher culture”
 She was married to Don Francisco on June 28, 1848.
 Siblings of Jose Rizal:
 Saturnina “Neneng”
 Oldest of the siblings
 Attended La Concordia College in Manila
 Married to Manuel Hidalgo of Tanuan Batangas
 In 1909, she published Pascual Poblete’s Tagalog translation of Noli Me
Tangere.
 She died on 1913, at the age of 63.
 Paciano “Ciano”
 Only brother
 Jose referred to him as “Uto”
 Attended Collegio de San Jose in Manila
 He sent a monthly allowance of 50 pesos to Jose Rizal
 He became a Military Commander of Katipunan.
 He married Severina Decena and they had 2 children.
 He died of Tuberculosis at the age of 79
 Narcisa “Sisa”
 She supported her Brother Jose’s studies abroad.
 She could narrate all of the poems of Jose Rizal
 Married to Antonio Lopez, a teacher and musician.
 She relentlessly searched for the grave of Rizal in Paco Cemetry and after
2 days she found it and marked the grave with the initials R.P.J.

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 Olimpia “Ypia”
 Married to Silvestro Ubaldo, a telegraph operator from Manila.
 Jose loved to tease her; he described Ypia as stout sister.
 Attended in La Concordia College.
 She was the schoolmate of Jose’s first love, Segunda Katigbak.
 Lucia “Lucia”
 Married to Mariano Herbosa and they had five children.
 Mariano died in 1889 Cholera Epidemic, but he was denied a Christian
burial. This was due to the fact that he was Jose Rizal’s brother-in-law.
 In response Jose Rizal wrote the Una Profanacion.
 She passed away in 1919.
 Maria “Biang”
 Married Daniel Faustino Cruz and they had 5 children
 One of Maria’s children, Mauricio Cruz, became one of the students of
Rizal in Dapitan.
 She was the recipient of many of Rizal’s letter.
 Maria passed away in 1945.
 Jose “Pepe”
 The seventh child of Don Kiko and Doña Lolay.
 Known on his pen name Laonglaan, Dimasalang at Agno
 Married to Josephine Bracken and had 1 child.
 Died on December 30, 1898 at the age of 35
 Pepe derived from Saint Joseph P.P. (pater putativus in latin) ‘P’ is
pronounced ‘peh’ in Spanish. That’s why Jose was called as Pepe.
 Concepcion “Concha”
 Died at the age of three (3)
 Cause of death: sickness
 Rizal’s first sorrow
 Jose played with her and from her he learned the sweetness of a sisterly
love.
 Josefa “Panggoy”
 She suffered in epilepsy
 She joined and was an active member of the Katipunan.
 Unmarried and lived with sister Trinidad until death.
 She died in 1945.
 Trinidad “Trining”
 Known as the custodian of Mi Ultimo Adios
 She also joined Katipunan when Jose died
 Remained single and share a home with her sister Josefa
 She died in 1951, having outlived all of her siblings

 Soledad “Choleng”
 Youngest of the Rizal’s siblings
 Married Pantaleon Quintero and had 5 children
 Most educated among rizal’s sister
 She was an Educator

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 She passed away in 1929

Surname of Rizal
 CLAVERIA DECREE OF 1849
 FRANCISCO MERCADO = RIZAL
 TEODORA ALONSO QUINTOS = REALONDA
 Originally “Ricial” which means “the green of young growth”

Rizal Birth

Rizal wrote in his diary, Memoirs of a Student in Manila," that his mother had a difficult time
giving birth to him. It is said that Dona Teodora made a pact with Antipolo's Patroness, Our Lady of
Peace and Good Voyage, that she would send the child she was carrying on a pilgrimage to her
shrine once she had passed through the difficult birthing process. The baby was saved. Dona
Teodora kept her promise. She sent her seven-year-old son on a journey from their hometown of
Calamba to Antipolo, which was then part of the province of Morong. Don Francisco Mercado, the
young Rizal's father, accompanied him.

Rizal’s Childhood

 Jose – Body was frail and sickly.

 At the age of 3 – Learned Alphabet
 At the age of 5 – Could read and write.
 In Memory of My Town – a poem about his love for his hometown.
 Animal Pet of Rizal
 Usman – Big black dog
 Alipato – Pony

The Story Of The Moth

 Amigo De los Nios – The Children’s Friend, a story book.

 Donya Lolay scolded Jose for drawing on the pages of the story book.
 She then read him a story in it to teach him the value of obedience to his parents.

Education of Rizal

 1. Calamba
 Doña Teodora – First Teacher
 Taught Jose Rizal the ABC’s
 Stimulated her son’s imagination by telling many stories
 Encouraged to write poems
 Uncle of Rizal – Influences
1. Tio Jose Alberto - cultivate his artistic ability
2. Tio Manuel - physical exercises
3. Tio Gregorio - intensified avidness to read good books
 The Private Tutors

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1. Maestro Celestino – was Jose’s first private tutor.

2. Maestro Lucas Padua - was the second private tutor.
3. Leon Monroy – Tutor in Spanish and Latin. He was a classmate of Don
Francisco.
 2. Biñan
 First formal Schooling
 June 1869
 Rizal was only 9 years old
 Maestro Justiniano Aquino Cruz – Strict disciplinarian.
 Pedro – the bully.
 Andres Salandanan – challenged him to arm-wrestling match.
o During Rizal’s early education, two disheartening events drew his attention and
disturbed him.
1. The imprisonment of Doña Teodora
 Arrested for alleged attempt to poison her sister-in-law.
 She was around 45 years old
 Walk 50 km around Laguna
 Imprisoned for 2 years without trial
2. The Death of GomBurZa
 200 workers staged a mutiny led by Fernando La Madrid
 Mariano Gomez – Bacoor Priest
 Jose Burgos – Manila Priest
 Jacinto Zamora – Marikina Priest
 3. Ateneo De Municipal
 Excellent School for boys
 Bachelor Of Art Degree - Sobresaliente
 Initially denied admission:
1. Was already late for registration
2. He was frail and sickly.
 He was admitted because of the intervention of Manuel Xeres Burgos.
 To encourage healthy competition, classes in Ateneo were divided into two
groups:
1. Roman empire
2. Carthaginian empire
 JOSE BECH - a man with mood swing. He was a bit of a lunatic with a sporadic
sense of humor.
 FRANCISCO DE PAULA SANCHEZ - best professor, a model of decency, solitude
and love for the student.
 Rizal also participate in the following:
o Gymnastics
o Fencing
o Sculpture – Romualdo de Jesus
o Drawing and painting – Don Agustin Saez
 Books encountered:
o The Count of Monte Cristo – first foreign book read by Rizal.

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o Travels in the Philippines – book which had greatest influence upon the
young man’s career.

 4. University of Sto. Tomas

 Enrolled on April 1877
 Nearly 16 y/o
 Study Philosophy and Letters
 He enrolled for 2 reasons:
 His father like it
 He is unsure of what career to pursue
 After his first year, he enrolled to medicine.
 He pursued medicine for the following reasons:
 To cure his mother’s failing eyesight
 Fr. Pablo Ramon recommended medicine
 Land Surveyor and Assessors Degree – Ateneo.
 In 1879, he joined in Artistico-Literario and submitted his poem A La Juventud
Filipina. He won First Place and received feathered shaped and gold-ribbon-
decorated silver pen.
 His allegorical drama, El Consejo De Los Dioses, won for First Place.
 He received gold ring engraved with a bust of Cervantes.
 Cervantes, Spanish author of Don Quixote.
 The book had a major influence on the literary community, as evidenced by
direct references in Alexandre Dumas' The Three Musketeers (1844), Mark
Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884), and Edmond Rostand's Cyrano
de Bergerac (1897),
 Other works published by Rizal:
 Abd-el-Azis y Mahoma (1879)
 Junto al Pasig (1880) Zarzuela performed by Ateneans.
 A Filipinas (1880) – a sonnet
 Al M.R.P. Pablo Ramon (1881) – a poem in tribute to Ateneo’s rector.
 RIZAL STOP ATTENDING CLASS on 1882
 Reasons:
 The Dominican Professor were hostile to him
 The Spaniards discriminated Filipinos based on their race.
 The teaching method was antiquated and oppressive
 He did not received high scholastic honors as a result of his
professors’ attitude.
 5. Universidad Central de Madrid
 On Nov 3, 1882, he enrolled in coursed:
 Medicine - Fair
 Philosophy and Letters – with honours.
 On June 1884 he was awarded with the Degree of Licentiate in Medicine -
 Dr. Miguel Morayta – “freedom of Science and the teacher should be
protected”

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The Loves of Rizal

1. Segunda Katigbak Puppy Love. From Lipa, Batanggas. First Love. Engaged to Manuel Luz.
Rizal referred to her as “Miss L” “Fair with seductive and attractive eyes”
2. Leonor Valenzuela Tall girl from Pagsanjan. Known as “Orang”. He wrote love letters in
invisible ink.
3. Leonor Rivera “Taimis”, Cousin from Camiling, Tarlac. Antonio Rivera’s “Casa
Tomasina”. Longest love of Rizal. Inspiration for Maria Clara.
She was married to Henry Kipping
4. Consuelo Ortiga Daughter of Civil Governor. Had a short affair with Rizal
Engaged pa si Rizal kay Leonor Rivera at that time
Type siya ni Eduardo De Lete, friend ni Rizal.
5. Seiko Usui Rizal called her as “O-Sei-San”. They shared passion on Arts
Anak ng Samurai, improved Nihonggo of Rizal. Help Rizal on Japanese
Painting and Rizal 45 days in Japan was one of the happiest periods of
his life.
6. Gertrude Beckett “Gettie” Daughter of Landlord in London. She has blue eyes and brown
hair. They had Short relationship.
7. Nellie Boustead An emotional rebound. Reason for failed marriage proposal:
Nellie demanded that he give up his Catholic faith and convert to
Protestantism and Nelly's mother did not approve of Rizal.
8. Josephine Bracken “Common-Law-Wife”
18 years old petite Irish girl
Adopted daughter of George Taufer from Hong Kong
Give birth prematurely to a stillborn baby.
They had son named “Francisco”, only lived for 3 hours.

Membership in Organization

Organization Country Description

Comapañerismo Philippines Secret society of Filipino students in UST
(Companions of Jehu)
Acacia Masonic Lodge Spain He joined for assistance of free-masonry in his
fight against friars. Rizal used the penname
Dimasalang
Berlin Ethnological Society Germany Under the patronage of the famous
and the Berlin pathologist Rudolf Virchow he was inducted
Anthropological Society in Berlin as a member of the Berlin
Ethnological Society and the Berlin
Anthropological Society
Circulo Hispano-Filipino Spain Founded by Filipino and Spaniards who are
pushing for government reform
Kidlat Club France The Kidlat Club was purely a social club of
temporary nature.
Indios Bravos France The members pledged to excel in intellectual
and physical prowess in order to win the
admiration of the Spaniards.
Sociedad R.D.L.M France (Redencion de los Malayos) Aim was the
propagation of all useful knowledge in the
Philippines

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International Association of France Though a self-recognized convention, it was

Filipinologists never accredited and recognized by the
French government leading to its dissolution
in August 1889.
Propaganda Movement Spain Peaceful crusade for reform, notable
members are Graciano Lopez Jaena,
Marcelo H. Del Pilar and Rizal
La Liga Filipina Philippines It was a civic organization founded on July 3,
1892 in Manila, Philippines. It was conceived
in Hong Kong.

Comparative Analysis of Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo

Noli Me Tangere El Filibusterismo

 Published date: March 21, 1887  Published date: Sept 18, 1891
 Berlin, Germany  Gent, Belgium
 SOCIAL CANCER  REIGN OF THE GREED
 Touch Me Not (John 20:13-17)
 Dedicated to Fatherland  Dedicated to GOMBURZA
 Inspired on Uncle Tom’s Cabin  Inspired on The Count of Monte
By Harriet Beecher Stowe Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
 MAXIMO VIOLA - SAVIOUR OF NOLI  VALENTIN VENTURA - SAVIOUR OF
 64 Chapters EL FILI
 38 Chapters
 Romantic Novel
 “Work of the Heart”  Political Novel
 Book of Feeling  “Work of the Head”
 It has:  Book of thought
 Freshness  Contains:
 Color  Bitterness
 Humor  Hatred
 Lightness  Pain
 Wit  Violence
 Sorrow

Noli Me Tangere

Characters Description
Crisostomo Ibarra He is a Filipino who studied in Europe for 7 years and the son of Don
Rafael Ibarra. He is Maria Clara’s sweetheart and love interest.
Elias He is Ibarra’s mysterious friend. He is a master boater who helps Ibarra to
escape; he is also a fugitive.
Maria Clara He is Ibarra’s sweetheart and the beautiful daughter of Capitan Tiago.
She is the illegitimate daughter of Father Damaso and Pia Alba.
Father Damaso Full name as Damaso Vedolagas; the Franciscan friars and Maria Clara’s
biological father
Padre Salvi Full name: Bernardo Salvi, He is in love with Maria Clara.
Capitan Tiago Full name: Don Santiago De los Santos
Captain General Most powerful official in the Philippines, a hater of secular priests and
corrupt officials; and a friend of Ibarra.

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El Filibusterismo

Characters Description
Simoun He is Crisostomo Ibarra who reincarnated as a wealthy jeweler.
Isagana He is poet and Basilio’s bestfriend; portrayed as emotional and reactive;
Paulita Gomez boyfriend before being dumped for student Juanito
Pelaez.
Tiburcio De Henpecked husband of Dona Victoria
Espadaña
Ben Zayb Spanish journalist who wrote only articles about the Filipinos
Padre Camorra Parish Priest of Tiani
Basilio Medical student in the novel famous for his successful cures and extra
ordinary treatment.
Padre Florentino Priest with sad and serious features perhaps tried by deep moral
suffering

Poems of Rizal

Poem Description

TO MY FELLOW CHILDREN (Sa Aking Mga Kababata, 1869) It was believed to be the national
hero’s first written Tagalog poem at the age of eight.
MY FIRST INSPIRATION (Mi Jose Rizal’s poetic verses show his eternal love and appreciation
Primera Inspiracion, 1874) for his mother. This is somehow his way of paying tribute to all the
efforts of her dear mother.
FELICITATION The 14 year old Rizal wrote this poem to congratulate his brother-
(Felicitacion, 1875) in-law, Antonio Lopez (husband of his sister Narcisa), on Saint’s
day.
IN MEMORY OF MY TOWN (Un Recuerdo A Mi Pueblo, 1876) The poem was written to express
his love and appreciation for the place where he grew up.
TO THE PHILIPPINE YOUTH It is said to be a classical piece of Philippine literature for reasons
(A la Juventud Filipina, that (1) Spanish literary authorities recognize it as an impressive
November 1879) poem written in Spanish by a Filipino and (2) it was the foremost
literary piece to display the nationalistic belief that Filipinos were
the “fair hope of the Fatherland”
THE FLOWERS OF Expresses prayer for the wellbeing of his native land.
HEIDELBERG April 1886)
MY RETREAT (Mi Retiro, In the poem, he gave a narrative account of his peaceful life
1895) while exiled in Dapitan--where he lived a well-rounded life as a
farmer, teacher, and a merchant.

Essays of Rizal

 “El Amor Patrio” (The Love of Country)

 “A La Defensa” (To La Defensa)
 “Una Profanacion” (A Desecration/A Profanation)
 “Llanto Y Risas” (Tears and Laughter)

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 “Filipinas Dentro De Cien Anos” (The Philippines within One Hundred Years)
 Sobre La Nueva Ortografia De La Lengua Tagala” (On The New Orthography of
The Tagalog Language)
 “Sobre La Indolencia De Los Filipinas” (The Indolence of the Filipinos)
 To The Young Women of Malolos”

Rizal in Dapitan

 From July 17, 1892 to July 31, 1896

 a period of four years and 13 days –Jose Rizal lived the life of a political exile in Dapitan,
the northern Mindanao which today is part of the province of Zamboanga del Norte,
near Dipolog
 An accomplished young life. Jose Rizal was 31 years by the time he was put by the
Spanish colonial authorities into exile. At that age, he had essentially accomplished
most of the works for which he would be martyred as a hero.
 Achievements of Rizal in Dapitan
 Established community school for boys
 Invented wooden machine for making bricks
 Engaged in farming and commerce
 Practice medicine
 Created a large relief map of Mindanao
 Created a water system
 Gather specimen of flowers, insects, shell and reptiles
 Conducted scientific research
 Established Cooperative Association of Dapitan Farmers
 Invented Sulpukan – wooden cigarette lighter

Trial and Execution

 Lt. Luis Taviel De Andrade – Rizals’ Lawyer

 He was imprisoned in Fort Santiago.
 Military Court – trial took place on Dec 26, 1898
 Gov. Gen Camilo De Polavieja –signed the decision of the court martial to execute
Rizal on 7:00 AM, Dec 30, 1898 at Bagumbayan.
 On the charged of Rebellion.
 Buried in Paco, Cemetery.

Affiliations of Rizal Places

- La Solidaridad (Jaena-Del Pilar-Ponce) - Birthplace: Calamba, Laguna

- Propaganda Movement (Rizal dakilang - Nakulong: Fort Santiago

manunulat – Jaena dakilang orador – Del Pilar
- Exile: Dapitan
dakilang political analyst

- La Liga Filipina (unites Filipino; HongKong; - Binaril: Bagumbayan

Jose Maria Basa) - Nilibing: Paco Cemetery

- Remains: Luneta Park

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