Lesson 11

 Dr. Jose Rizal was a young doctor-writer and the most outstanding member of
the Propaganda movement. He was born in 1861 to a prosperous Chinese
mestizo family from the Province of Laguna, he displayed great intelligence at the
early age. After several years of medical study at the University of Santo Tomas,
he went to Spain in 1882 to finish is studies at University of Madrid. During the
decade, Dr. Rizal’s name soared and had been popular among small communities
of Filipino students in Madrid and other European cities, became a leader and
eloquent spokesman.

 On a wider scope, he had been geared in science and receive scholarship on that
field, particularly in Germany, where he formed close relation with prominent
naturalist and social scientists. As a brilliant individual with high respect to his
country, in his letter, “Mi Ultimo Adios”, he mentioned that the Philippines is a
“Pearl of the Orient Seas” as the described name of the Philippine Island which
was originated from the idea of the Spanish Jesuit missionary, Fr. Juan J. Delgado
in 1751.

 His love for his country gave him an edge to write and criticize the Spanish
government in his two novels, drummed up the sentiments of the oppressed, but
called for peaceful reform under colonial rules. The published two novels are Noli
Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) in 1886 and El Filibusterismo (The Reign of the
Greed) in 1891.

 In his writings, Rizal drew on his personal experience and depicted the conditions
of the entire citizenry under the Spanish rulers, particularly the abuses of the
friars. Even the novels were banned by the friars, but the eagerness of the
Filipinos never ceased and much long to possesses it, a piece were smuggled and
spread quietly among Filipino enthusiast or nationalist and rapidly gained a wide
audience and readers.
  Dr. Rizal was arrested and executed on December 30, 1896 at the of 35. The
death sprang awareness and brought to a revolt. After the life offering, the
neighboring countries recognized Dr. Rizal as the first nationalist that was hailed
in the Pearl of the Orient Seas.

Closes friend gave tribute to the national hero such as:

 Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt, a rector of the Imperial Atheneum of Leitmetritz,

considered a brother to Dr. Rizal, verbatim mentioned that, “Rizal was the
greatest product of the Philippines and his coming to the world was like the
appearance of a rare comet, whose rare brilliance occur only every other century”.

 Dr. Adolf B. Meyer, a German Director of the Dresden Museum, he remarkably

said that “Rizal’s many-sidedness was stupendous”.

 Moreover, our very own, a Resident Commissioner from the Commonwealth of

the Philippine Islands, Senator Camilo Osias pointed that Rizal is a “versatile
genius”.

 Every Filipino should know his absolute contribution to our country, and he
dreamt that every Filipino in his country has an equal playing field, master of his
own country and a cultivator of good deeds.

For Dr. Jose Rizal, according to the well-respected national hero of the Philippines, “the
pen is mightier than the sword”. Through his literary masterpieces, he voiced strong
opposition on the abuses of Spaniards and conveyed messages that he hoped would
inspire his fellow countrymen. We round up his best works and uncover the underlying
meaning behind his literature as follows:
1.      To the Filipino Youth

 Rizal wrote this literary poem when he was still studying at

the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Originally written in
Spanish “A la juventud Filipina” (To the Philippine Youth),
Rizal submitted this piece for a poem contest organized for
Filipinos by the Manila Lyceum of Art and Literature. At the
age of 18, his 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.

2.      Goodbye to Leonor

 This literary piece gives an insight into the romantic

relationship of Rizal and his beloved, Leonor Rivera. They
met in the province of Dagupan, Pangasinan 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 his loved lady would
soon tie the knot with Henry Kipping, and the news definitely
disheartened him. The lonely, heartbreaking feelings,
resulted in melancholic poem.

3.      To the Young Women of Malolos

 Addressed to the Filipino women. It reflects the inheritance

values and a reminder to all Filipino women - mothers, wives,
and even the single women. Throughout his 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 Rizal advised the women to educate themselves,
protect their dignity and honor, and live with good manners
- setting as a role model.
4.      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.

5.      Junto Al Pasig

 It means beside the Pasig River, an English version of a play.

In response to the Jesuit’s request, Rizal wrote this one act
play in Spanish language for the “VELADA”, which is a night
gala variety program during the principal feast days. The
story revolved to Leonardo (a young Filipino who has a
strong faith in Virgin), and the Diwata/Satan, who symbolize
the Spanish oppression towards the Filipinos. The theme
gives highlights on the Christianity, good vs evil, and
paganism. December 8,1880, was the actual viewing of
Velanda and he dedicated it in the honor to Our Lady of
Peace and Voyage of UST.

6.      Noli Me Tangere

 It is one of the most valuable literature in Philippine

literature until today, with the English version, Touch Me Not.
Driven by his undying love for his country. Rizal wrote the
novel to expose the sufferings of the Philippine society
during the Spanish colonial era. In his time, the Spaniards
prohibited the Filipinos from reading the controversial book
because of the unlawful acts depicted the cruelty of the
colonial rules. They attempted to suppress the spreading of
the novel but they were not able to ban it completely.

7.      El Filibusterismo
  This is Rizal’s sequel to his first book, Noli Me Tangere. In El
Filibusterismo (The Reign of the Greed), the novel exhibits a
dark theme in which it depicts the country’s issues and how
the protagonist attempts a reform. Rizal dedicated his
second novel to the GOMBURZA - the Filipino priests named
Mariano Gomez, Jose Apolonio Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora
who were executed on charges of subversion.

 The story takes place 13 years after Noli Me Tangere, where

revolutionary protagonist Chrisostomo Ibarra is now under
the guise of Simon - a wealthy jewelry tycoon. Because the
novel also portrays the abuse, corruption, and discrimination
of the Spaniards towards the Filipinos, it was also banned in
the country at the time. The two novels of Rizal, now
considered as his literary masterpieces, both indirectly
sparked the Philippine Revolution.

8.      Mi Ultimo Adios

 During the final days in Fort Santiago of Manila, Rizal bid

farewell to his motherland and countrymen through his
poems. Eventually, his co-reformist, Mariano Ponce titled Dr.
Rizal’s last poem, “Mi Ultimo Adios” or My Last Farewell.
Some historical accounts say he wrote it on the eve before
his execution, while others claim that he wrote the poem a
few days before his death in Manila on December 30,1896.

The influence of Dr. Jose Rizal in his literature gave way to our own brilliant writer to
learn to express themselves thru their writings rather than resisting the colonial rulers.
He believed that the power of the minds is very important in expressing one’s feeling.

SUCESOS DE LAS ISLAS FILIPINAS tackle the history of the island, Philippines. The
history covered 1493-1603, from the first datus of King of colonizers and the discovery
of the islands from 1565. 
Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (English: Events in the Philippine Islands) is a book
written and published by Antonio de Morga considered as one of the most important
works on the early history of the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. The work
greatly impressed the Philippine national hero Jose Rizal and decided to annotate it. The
book narrates the history of wars, intrigues, diplomacy and evangelization of the
Philippines. Morga’s purpose for writing Succesos was so he could chronicle “The deeds
achieved by our Spaniards I the discovery, conquest and conversion of the Philippine
Islands – as well as fortunes that they have from time to time in the great kingdoms and
among the pagan peoples surrounding the islands.

         The author consequently touches more on the practical affairs of the islands and
his narratives and described the strength and weakness of policies of the government.
Including the political, social and economic phases of life of both native’s aborigine and
the conquerors. He described the true historic spirit and the various event that occur in
described islands, respectively. The futility of the Spanish policy in making external
expeditions; the internal affairs were neglected; the growth of trade which the Chinese
introduced; Japanese intention in colonization; missionary movements from the islands
to neighboring countries; the jealous and envious opposition of the Portuguese; the
dangers of sea-voyages; all these are portrayed vividly, yet soberly.

         As being one of the first of published books regarding the history of the
Philippines. Morga’s position in the state allowed him to have access to many
documents. Having the access to all documents, it gives him the freedom to restudies
and benefited him in all aspects.

         In the latter, he declares his purpose to formalize his observances and comments
as mentioned, “the deeds achieved by the Spaniards in the discovery, conquest, and
conversion of the Filipinas Islands - as well as various features that they have had from
time to time in the great Kingdoms and among the pagans, the people surrounding the
islands’ may be known.

         The greatness of the monarchy of the Spanish kings is due to the care with which
they have defended within their hereditary kingdoms, the Holy catholic faith taught by
the Roman church, against all enemies who oppose it, or seek by various errors to
obscure its truth which the kings have disseminated throughout the world. Thus, by
mercy of God, they preserve their Kingdoms and subjects in purity of the Christian
religion, meriting thereby their glorious title and renown of “Defenders of the Faith”.

         Moreover, by the valor of their indomitable hearts, and at the expense of their
revenues and possessions, they have ploughed the seas with Spanish men and
discovered and conquered vast kingdoms in most remorse and unknown parts of the
world. They have led the inhabitants of these regions to a knowledge of true God, and
into the fold of Christian Church, in which those peoples now live, governed with civil
and political matters with peace and justice, under the shelter and protection of the
royal arm and power, which were wanting to them when weighed down by blind
tyrannies and barbarous cruelness on which the enemy of the human race had so long
reared them for himself.

         For this reason, the crown and scepter of Spain had extended themselves
whenever the sun sheds its light, from its rising to its setting, with the glory and
splendor of their power and majesty, and the Spanish monarchy have excelled the other
princes of the earth by having gained innumerable souls or heaven, which has been
Spain’s principal intention and its wealth.

         These, together with great riches and treasures which Spain enjoys, and the
famous deeds and victories which it has won cause the whole world to magnify and
extol its lofty name and the energy and valor of its subjects, who in accomplishing these
deeds have lavished their blood.

         Having won America, the fourth part of the earth, of which the ancients knew
naught, they sailed in the course of the sun until they discovered an archipelago of may
islands in the eastern ocean, adjacent to father Asia, inhabitants by various peoples, an
abounding in rich metals, precious stones, and pearls and all kind of fruit. There raising
the standard of the Faith, they freed those peoples from the yoke and power of the
demon, and placed them under the command and government of the Faith.

         Consequently, they may justly raise in those islands the pillars and trophies of Non
plus ultra which the famous Hercules left on the shore of the Cadle Sea, which were
afterward cast doen by the strong arm of Carlos V, our sovereign, who surpassed
Hercules in great deeds and enterprises.

DR. JOSE RIZAL’S ANNOTATIONS TO MORGA’S 1609 PHILIPPINE HISTORY

This era and almost all of us, brought up in ignorance of our country’s past history. It is
deemed necessary to quote the testimony of an illustrious Spaniard who in the
beginning of the new era controlled the destinies of the Philippines and had personal
knowledge of our ancient nationality in its last days.

Governor Antonio de Morga was not only the first to write but also the first to publish
Philippine history. This statement has regard to the concise and concrete in which our
author has treated the matter. Father Chirino’s work printed in Rome in 1604, is rather a
chronicle of the Missions than a history of the Philippines, still it contains a great deal of
valuable material on usages and customs. The worthy result in fact admits that the
abandoned writing political history because Morga had already done, so one must infer
that he had seen the work in manuscript before leaving the islands.

Dr. Jose Rizal, make clarification on the observation made by the Dr. Morga in his
manuscript:

 Christian religion, Doctor Morga appears to commented on the Roman Catholic

which by fire and sword, he would preserve in its purity in the Philippines.
Nevertheless, in other lands, notably Flanders, these means were ineffective to
keep the church unchanged or to maintain its supremacy, or even to hold its
subjects.

  Kingdoms were indeed discovered and conquered in the remote and unknown
parts of the world by Spanish ships, but to spanish who sailed in them, we may
add Portuguese, Italians, French, Greeks, and even Africans and Polynesians. The
expedition captained by Columbus and Magellan, one a Genoese Italian and the
other a Portuguese, as well as those that came after them. Although Spanish
fleets, wtill were manned by many nationalities and in them went negroes,
Moluccans, and even men from the Philippines and Marianes Islands.

 Three centuries ago, it was the custom to write as intolerantly as Morga does, but
nowadays it would be called a bit presumptuous. No one has monopoly of the
true God nor is there any nation or religion that can claim, or at any rate prove,
that to it has been given the exclusive right to the creator of all things or sole
knowledge of His real being.
  The conversion by the Spaniards were not as general as their historians claim.
The missionaries only succeeded in converting a part of the people of the
Philippines. Still there are Mahometans, the Moros, in the southern …

 Malate, better Maalat, was where the Tagalog aristocracy lived after they were
dispossessed by the Spaniards of their old homes in what is now the walled city
of Manila. Among the Malate residents were the families of Raja Matanda and
Raja Soliman. The men had various positions in Manila and some were employed
in the government work nearby. “They were very courteous and well-mannered”,
says San Agustin. “The women were very expert in lacemaking, so much so that
they were not at all behind the women of Flanders”.

 Morga’s statement that there was not a province or town of the Filipinos that
resisted conversion or did not want it may have been true of the civilized natives.
But the contrary was the fact among the mountain tribes. We have the testimony
of several Dominican and Agustinian missionaries that it was impossible to go
anywhere to make conversions without other Filipinos along and a guard of
soldiers. Otherwise, says Gaspar de san Agustin, there would have been no fruit
of the Evangelic Doctrine gathered, for the infidels wanted to kill the Friars who
came to preach to them. An example of this method of conversion given by the
same writer was a trip to te mountains by two Friars who had numerous escorts
of Pampangans. The escort’s leader was Don Agustin Sonson who had a
reputation for daring and carried fire and sword into the country, killing many,
including the chief, Kabadi.

 “The Spaniards, say Morga, were accustomed to hold as slaves such natives as
they bought and others that they took in the forays in the conquest or
pacification of the islands”. Consequently, in this respect the “pacifiers”
introduced no moral improvement. We even do not know if their wars the
Filipinos used to make slaves of each other, though that would not have been
strange, for the chronicles tell of captives returned to their own people. The
 practice of the Southern pirates almost proves this, although in these piratical
wars the Spaniards were the first aggressors and gave them their character.