Group 7: White Team October 29, 2023

Section A60 RZL110 – Life and Works of Rizal

Integration Project Essay: Immortalizing Rizal in Films

One of the most admired people in Philippine history is Jose Rizal. He is a revolutionary, a doctor,

a poet, and a national hero. But how can we engage young Filipinos, especially college students, with Rizal

in a compelling way? One approach is to emphasize his idealistic and energetic youth. Rizal excelled in

school and had a constant desire to learn new things. He was a fierce supporter of social justice. College

students might identify with Rizal's passion for improving the world. Rizal can also be made more

accessible to college students by emphasizing his contemporary sensibility. Rizal was a well-traveled

thinker who spent much time in Asia and Europe. In addition, he wrote for improvement and translated

widely. Hence, how do we present Rizal in many ways, especially for the Filipino youth? Create a cultural

event for Rizal. This might be a play, a concert, a movie showing, or a lecture. The gathering might take

place on a college campus, in a community center, or even in a park. He is creating a video or film about

Rizal's life and works. Reaching out to young people who quickly absorb information in digital media

would be a terrific idea. The show or podcast could concentrate on various facets of Rizal's life, including

his political engagement, writings, travels, and education. It's critical to convey Rizal in a way that's both

educational and interesting. Being busy, college students are more likely to be interested in learning about

Rizal if the information is presented engagingly.

The focus of this paper is to present significant information about Jose Rizal's life and the events

preceding Philippine independence. Additionally, it will discuss the impact of Rizal's literature on

motivating many Filipinos to strive for their independence.

The Life of Rizal and Its Significance: Turning Back the Clock

In the beginning of his early life. Born in June 1861 in Calamba, Laguna, a location situated in the

Philippines, was Jose Rizal. The titles Jose Protasio Rizal Mercado and Alonso Realonda were bestowed
upon him. A Chinese individual migrated to the Dominican Republic, where his family originates, and they

leased land from a religious organization. The family's wealth stemmed from their successful farming. The

Mercado surname was adopted by Rizal's family to conceal their Chinese ancestry due to societal

discrimination against people of Chinese descent during that era. Jose Rizal had an exceptional intellect,

displaying remarkable thinking abilities and abundant creative talent. The Ateneo Municipal de Manila was

the educational institution that José Rizal attended. By turning 16, he had concluded his studies with

impressive marks. Afterward, he expressed a desire to expand his knowledge in surveying, which led him

to enroll in a postgraduate course and finish his training by 1877. In 1878, he successfully completed an

examination and passed it. Due to his age of 17, he could not obtain a license for surveying, resulting in his

inability to work in that profession. He began his studies in medicine at the University of Santo Tomás in

1878. Eventually, he decided to drop out of school due to his feelings about the unfair treatment Filipino

students received from Dominican instructors. Despite not finishing his studies at the University of Santo

Tomás, he managed to obtain a license as a land surveyor. In May 1882, he made the decision to pursue a

medical degree at the Central University of Madrid in Spain. Following his medical degree, he pursued a

second degree in Philosophy and Letters within a year. While studying in Europe, he managed to write and

publish his first book, known as Noli me Tangere. The book's publication took place in Berlin in 1887. On

July 3, 1887, the author made the decision to return to the Philippines, leaving behind Marseilles, France.

Due to the Spanish priests finding his first novel, Noli me Tangere, offensive, disrespectful, and shocking,

he was compelled to leave the Philippines on February 3, 1888. After visiting various destinations, such as

Hong Kong and Yokohama, he went ahead to San Francisco. He then boarded a train, transporting him to

New York before embarking on a journey across the Atlantic Ocean to return to London. In 1891, his second

book, El Filibusterismo, was published during his time in Europe. After his book's publication, he traveled

to Hong Kong in 1891. His intention was to begin his medical profession there and reunite with his parents

and siblings, actively celebrating Christmas. Despujol requested Jose Rizal return to Manila in 1892 to

discuss the letter he had penned. His invitation was strongly discouraged by his friends and family.

Nevertheless, he ultimately opts to go back and arrives in Manila on June 26th. He met Despujol at
Malacañang Palace in 1892. Following several meetings, Rizal was apprehended and confined in Fort

Santiago. His luggage had leaflets that criticized friars, but it was later revealed that they had placed them

there. Despujol commanded the soldiers to imprison Rizal in Fort Santiago, as he accused him of trying to

diminish Catholicism in the Philippines. Afterward, he was exiled to Dapitan in Zamboanga. The year 1896

saw the occurrence of a revolution in the Philippines. Despite being stranded on the island of Dapitan, the

friars still blamed Rizal for causing it. Rizal was subjected to an unjust trial and ultimately sentenced to

death. His execution took place on December 30, 1896. As Rizal faced the firing squad in Luneta, his

thoughts likely revolved around the achievements of the Calamba tenant farmers in British North Borneo.

Despite facing many challenges, José Rizal consistently triumphed in his endeavors, ranging from medicine

and poetry to drawing and sociology. As a result of this, he has become renowned in Philippine history. At

a tender age, Rizal was imprisoned and executed by the Spanish colonial rulers towards the conclusion of

his significant life. Both the Philippines and the rest of the world were deeply affected by this unfortunate

incident.

With his silent, non-violent battles and immense sacrifice, the young doctor made his everlasting

mark on the history of the motherland he so perseveringly fought for its liberty. His great efforts were not

in vain, as he continued to be heavily credited for sparking the Filipino revolution. Rizal’s existence, words,

and actions are ultimately significant and vital to Philippine history, with his novels inspiring the battle cry

of the revolutionaries who physically fought for independence. He ignited the dormant, arduous spirit of

the helpless and blindsided Filipinos, made them realize their inherent, rightful, and irrefutable autonomy

over their country, and fight for that right back in arms and words; thus, without him and his bravery, the

revolution might have happened later or never. Ultimately, he gave his country hope for a better future, an

irreplaceable thing that the Philippines is grateful and honored to have for many generations that have gone,

have come, and are coming.

Film in Honoring and Legendizing Rizal

live to see those movies that define the time they portray. The concept of a groundbreaking movie to change

prevailing views on Rizal was carefully crafted, considering various aspects to make it engaging and

informative. Recognizing the power of visual storytelling and its ability to captivate audiences, the group

proposed a movie highlighting Rizal's life and legacy, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of

his contributions to Filipino history and culture. Understanding the contemporary preferences of the

audience, the group decided that a movie would be more effective than a book in conveying Rizal's story

to a broader audience. Acknowledging the immersive power of films, they aimed to utilize this medium to

transport viewers back in time and make them emotionally invested in Rizal's journey. Drawing inspiration

from successful contemporary adaptations, the group proposed incorporating a modern character who time-

travels to Rizal's era. This addition aimed to bridge the generational gap and help modern audiences relate

to Rizal's struggles and aspirations for Philippine independence.

By portraying the character's transformation and realization of Rizal's significance, the group aimed

to evoke empathy and understanding among viewers. The group's decision to promote Rizal's works to the

youth reflects a forward-looking approach to ensuring that Rizal's legacy remains relevant and impactful

for future generations. By encouraging young people to delve into Rizal's writings and comprehend his

socio-political concerns, the group aimed to foster a sense of responsibility and active citizenship among

the youth. Additionally, the group emphasized the importance of maintaining historical accuracy while

incorporating fictional elements to enhance the viewers' understanding of Rizal's character and struggles.

This careful balance was intended to make Rizal more relatable and human rather than just a distant

historical figure. Supported by data highlighting Rizal's enduring influence and the significance of his role

in igniting Filipino patriotism, the group aimed to create a movie that would pay homage to Rizal's life,

contributions, and sacrifices. By infusing the project with a compelling narrative and a deep appreciation

for Rizal's ideals, the group hoped to inspire viewers to reflect on their own roles in shaping the future of

their country, thus ensuring Rizal's enduring legacy for generations to come.
References

Biography (2021, May 4). Jose Rizal. Biography: Famous Political Figures.

https://www.biography.com/political-figures/jos%C3%A9-rizal

Britannica, (2023, August 6). José Rizal. Encyclopedia Britannica.

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jose-Rizal

Del Rosario, M. (2023, October 27). Short Biography of Jose Rizal, National Hero of the Philippines.

Owlcation. https://owlcation.com/humanities/jose-rizal

Szczepanski, K. (2019, November 15). Biography of José Rizal, National Hero of the Philippines.

ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/jose-rizal-hero-of-the-philippines-195677