CHAPTER 9

Literary Masterpiece of Dr. Jose Rizal

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 he
Province of Laguna, he displayed great intelligence at an early age. He began to learn how to
read and how to write at age of two and grew up with a knowledge of 200 languages including
Latin, Greek, German, French, and Chinese. After several years of medical study at the
University of Santo Tomas, he went to Spain in 1882 to finish his studies at the University of
Madrid. During the decade, Dr. Rizal’s name soared and had been popular among small
communities of Filipino students in Madrid and the European cities, became a leader and
eloquent spokesman. On wider a scope, he had been geared in science and receive scholarship on
that field, particularly in Germany, where he formed close relations with prominent naturalist
and social scientists. As a brilliant individual with high respect to his country, in his last 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 rulers. The publicized two novels are
“Noli Me Tangere” (“Touch Me Not”) in 1886 and “El Filibusterismo” (“The Reign of Greed”)
in 1891. In his writings, Rizal drew on his personal experiences 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 longed 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 age of 30. 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 Leitmeritz,
considered to 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 appears only every other century”

Dr. Adolfo 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 Dr. Rizal is a “versatile genius”.

Every Filipino should know his absolute contribution to our country and dreamt that
every Filipino in his country has an equal playing field, a 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 uncovered the underlying meaning behind his
literatures, as follows:

1. To the Filipino Youth

Rizal wrote his literary poem when he was still studying at the University of Sto. 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 Lyseum 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 hope of the nation. He also stresses the importance of education
to once future. Rizal won the first price 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 favour of their relationship and though distance
separated them, the two kept in touch by sending letters and photographs to each other. Rizal
later found that her loved lady would soon tie the knot with Henry Kipping, and the news
definitely disheartened him. The lonely, heartbreaking feelings, resulted in his melancholic
poem.

3. To the Young Women of Malolos

Addressed to the Filipino women. It reflects the inheritance values and a reminders to all
Filipino women their role in the society. 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 Rizal advised the women to educate themselves, protect
their dignity and honor, and live with good manners – setting up as a role model.

4. Kundiman

A kundiman traditionally refers to a love song were 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 Pasig River, an English version of a play. In response to the Jesuits’
request, Rizal wrote this one-act play in the Spanish language for the “VELADA”, which is a
night gala variety program during the principal feast days. The story revolved to Leonido (a
young Filipino who has a strong faith in the Virgin) and the Diwata/Satan, who symbolize the
Spanish oppression towards the Filipinos. The theme gives highlight on the Christianity, good vs.
evil, and paganism. December 8, 1880, was the actual viewing of Velada and he dedicated it in
honor to our Lady of Peace and Voyage of the UST.
6. Noli Me Tangere

It is one of the most valuable literature in the 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 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 supress 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 Moli Me Tangere, where revolutionary protagonist
Crisostomo Ibarra is now under the guise of Simoun – 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 his 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.

Dr. Jose Rizal’s works made the Philippines known by the neighbouring countries,
remembered and looked upon with high regard for the contribution he made for his motherland.
Contemporary Literature in the Philippines: During and After Propagandist Era

The following are the proof of excellence in historical Filipino literature during Spanish
Era:

1. Antonio Abad (1894-1970) His writings were in the native language, Cebuano, and Spanish.
He was one of the leading contributors of Hispano-Filipino literature during his time, producing
novels and plays criticizing the occupation of the island by the Americans. His works would later
be known as part of the Golden Age of Fil-Hispanic Literature (1898-1941). Two of his novels
went on to win the Premio Zobel, the oldest literary award in the Philippines, in 1928 and 1929.
His listed works were follows:

a. El UltimoRomantico, 1928, PremioZobel

b. La Oveja de Nathan, 1929, PremioZobel
c. El Campeon, 1940, Philippine Commonwealth Literary Award
d. La Vida Secreta de Daniel Espena, 1960

One of his last works, a multilingual dictionary of Spanish, English, Cebuano, Ilocano and
Kapampangan, remained unfinished after his death in 20 April 1970.

2. Fr. Francisco Ignacio Alcina, S.J. (February 2, 1610 – July 30, 1674) was a Spanish
historian and a Jesuit missionary in the Philippines. He served as parish priest in the Visayan
island for 37 years. Most of those years were spent among the natives whom he used to call “My
beloved Bisayan”.

3. Rosauro Almario (1886-1933) was the editor of Pagkakaisa, a daily newspaper. He later
became the general manager of the La Opinion newspaper. Among his works as a writer was the
Tagalog-language essay, “Ano ang Ligaya sa Ibabaw ng Lupa?” (What is Happiness on the
Surface of the Earth?), written in 1907. The award-winning Spanish-language essay, “Que Es
Pueblo” (What is Town). His novels included the titles “Pinatatawad Kita” (You are Forgiven),
1910; Ang “Mananayaw” (The Dancer), 1910; Mga Anak-Bukid (Children of the Farmlands),
1911; “Mga Dahong Luksa” (Grieving Leaves), 1912; and “Nang Si Eba ay Likhain” (When Eve
was Created), 1913.
4. Uldarico A. Alviola (1883-1966) He was a Filipino Visayan novelist, one of the most
important Cebuano language writers. His pseudonyms included Artagnan, Sikatuna, and M.
Anabell. Also a distinguished lexicographer who made numerous claim on the origin of word.
He was the editor of Ang Suga Magazine in Cebu Normal University, and several other Spanish
language publications. In 1962 he received the LUDABI award for his contributions to Cebuano
culture. He was also once a Deputy Governor of Cebu, one of the provinces of the Philippines.
His writing were:

a. Felicitas, 1912
b. Ang Gugma sa Lalaki, 1921
c. Ang Gugma sa Babae, 1918
d. Gumaran sa Kinabuhi, 1934

5. Cecilio Apostol (November 22, 1877-September 8, 1938) He was a Filipino poet and poet
laureate. His pseudonym on his work at the La Independencia, under Antonio Luna, was Catulo.
His poems were once used to teach the Spanish language all universities and colleges in the
Philippines, under the Republic Act No. 1881. During the early years of American occupation he
worked as a journalist for the revolutionary newspaper: Independence, The Brotherhood, The
Union, Renaissance and Democracy. He later joined the Nacionalista Party which wanted the
independence of the Philippines from the United States. He was a member of the the Philippine
Academy from 1924 until his death. He wrote in English and Spanish, and composed poems that
demonstrated his mastery of Spanish. He composed the poem “AL Heroe Nacional” (To the
National Hero) which is dedicated to Jose Rizal.

6. Lourdes Castrillo Brillantes The was a prominent Filipino writer in the Spanish language,
professor, and a Premio Zobel awardee in 1998, entitled “81 Años del Premio Zobel” (81 Years
of the Premio Zobel). His work put legacy of Filipino Literature in the Spanish language and the
Tesoro Literario de Filipinas, a compilation of Filipino short stories written in the 20th century.
She was also a European Languages professor at the University of the Philippines and a
contributor to the Cronica of the Manila Chronicle.

7. Edmundo Farolan He received the highest literary honor in Spanish writing, 1982. As a
leading authority in Spanish literature and language, he is a senior correspondent for the Real
Academia de la Lengua Española in the Philippines. He has published several books of poetry,
anthologies, textbooks and translations. His writing are:
a. Lluvias Filipinas (1967)
b. The Rhythm of Despair (1974)
c. Gramatica y Practica (1979)
d. Don Segundo Sombra: traducciontagala (1979)
e. Literaturafilhispana: unaantologia (1980)
f. Español para universitariosfilipinos (1981)

8. Guillermo Gomez Rivera (b. 1936) He has been writing on the same theme, more thoroughly
about the decadence of the country’s “Hispanic soul”, but his style is often combative and tends
to lay blame for the near demise of the Spanish language, He identifies this strange hold as “the
cause of the moral and economic impoverishment of the Philippines, and the loss of the Spanish
language”. He was articulated in fiery essays, short stories and poems written in various Filipino
languages as well as in English and Spanish. Organizers of the Premio Zobel, in awarding him
the prize in 1975, cited “his efforts to preserve the Spanish language and culture in our country”.

He views cultural dissemination as a tool to accomplish his advocacy, particularly

through dance. His research on Philippine songs and dances, especially those Hispanic influence
which was used by the internationally acclaimed Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance
Company, to choreograph some of its performances with him acting as adviser for the group.

9. Fernando Maria Guerrero (1873 – June 12, 1929) He began writing literature at a young
age. He excelled in the facility of language and obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the
Ateneo Municipal de Manila and the Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Santo Tomas
and wrote journals during the years 1898 to 1900.

Apart from Spanish, Guerrero spoke Latin and Greek and he was an editor of the
following papers: El Renacimiento (The Renaissance), La Vanguardia (The Outer works) ang La
Opinion (The Opinion). His poetry book Crisalidas was published in 1914. Subsequently he
published another verse compilation called Aves y Flores. Guerrero died on June 12, 1929. He
left this poem with high appraise for the Spaniards.
10. Graciano Lopez Jaena (1856-1896)

11. Apolinario Mabini (1864-1903)

12. Jose Palma (1876-1903)

13. Marcelo H. del Pilar (1850-1896)

14. Claro M. Recto (1890-1960)

15. Jose Rizal (1861-1896)

The evolution of the literatures had been flourish and continued to spread all over the
Philippines. Among the most and famous Filipino contributors are follows:

1. BOB ONG – It is the pseudonym of an anonymous Filipino contemporary author known for
using conversational Filipino to create humorous and reflective depictions of life as a Filipino.
The six (6) books have an element of comedy that replicate Filipino culture and traditions and it
surpassed million of copies. The works were considered as true Filipino classics and the wisdom
was truly a reflection of a real Filipino cultures.

2. FRANCISCO BALAGTAS – was a prominent Filipino poet under the pen named Francisco
Balagtas y de la Cruz. He is widely considered as the Tagalog contemporary of William
Shakespeare in Filipino literature. He is famous in Balagtasan, a debate in extemporaneous
verses. He learned to write poetry from Jose de la Cruz (Huseng Sisiw), one of the most famous
poets of Tondo. It was de la Cruz himself who personally challenged Balagtas to improve his
writing. In 1835, Balagtas moved to Pandacan, where he met Maria Asuncion Rivera, who would
effectively serve as the muse for his future works. The famous epic, “Florante at Laura”, depict
his real life. The Florante at Laura is a Filipino variation on the Romeo and Juliet theme. The
poems was written in Filipino ven if all communications are predominantly written in Spanish.
He finally published Florante at Laura upon his release in 1838. He moved to Balanga, Bataan in
1840, where he served as the assistant to the Justice of peace and later, in 1856, as the Major
Lieutenant. He was also appointed as the translator of the court. He was labelled as the “Prince
of Tagalog Poets”.

3. FRANCISCO SIONIL JOSE – was one of the most widely read Filipino writers in the
English language. His novels and short stories depict the social underpinnings of class struggles
and colonialism in Filipino society. His works are written in English and have been translated
into 22 languages, including Korean, Indonesian, Russian, Latvian, Ukrainian and Dutch. He was
best known for his epic work, The Rosales Saga. It has six (6) sequel that were encompassing a
hundred years of Philippine history, painting a vivid documentary of Filipino life. The six
volumes Rosales Saga, in particular, described the personality and characters depicted from
Rizal’s work. Throughout his career, his writings espoused social justice and he envisioned

that all Filipino families have better lives. In spite of his underrated works because of his
authentic Filipino English and his anti-elite views, he was critically acclaimed as a Filipino
author and internationally garnered a Ramon Magsaysay Award (Asia’s Nobel Prize) for
Literature, 1980.

4. LUALHATI BAUTISTA – was one of the foremost Filipino female novelists in the history
of contemporary Philippine Literature. Her novels include, “Dekada ’70 (Decade ’70)”, “Bata,
Bata, Pa’no Ka Ginawa? (Child, Child… How were you made?), ang “GAPO” (short name for
Olongapo, Philippines). In addition of being a novelist she is also a movie and television
screenwriter and a short story writer. Her first screenplay was Sakada (Seasonal Sugarcane
Workers), a story written in 1975 that exposed the plight of Filipino peasants. She has received
recognition from the Philippines’ Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature and the
Surian ng Wikang Pambansa in 1987. Her award-winning screenplays included Bulaklak sa City
Jail (A Flower in City Jail) (1984), Kung Mahawi Man ang Ulap (If Clouds are Parted) (1984),
Sex Object (1985). For screenplay writing, she received recognition from the Metro Manila Film
Festival (best story-best screenplay), Film Academy Awards (best story-best screenplay), Star
Awards (best screenplay), FAMAS (finalist for best screenplay), and URIAN awards. Two of her
short stories have also won the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, Tatlong
Kuwento ng Buhay ni Julian Candelabra (Three Stories in the Life on Julian Candelabra), first
prize, 1983. Bautista also authored the television dramas Daga sa Timba ng Tubig (The Mouse in
the Bucket of Water) (1975) ang Isang Kabanata sa Libro ng Buhay ni Leilani Cruzaldo (A
Chapter in the Book of Life of Leilani Cruzaldo) (1987). The latter won best drama story for
television from the Catholic Mass Media Awards.

She was honoured and recognized by the Ateneo Library of Women’s Writings during
the 8th Annual Lecture of the Vernacular Literature, March 10, 2004. In 2005, the Feminist
Centennial Film Festival presented her with a recognition award for her outstanding achievement
in screenplay writing. In 2006, she was a recipient of the Diwata Award for best writer by the
16th International Women’s Film Festival of the UP Film Center. She was also the ONLY
Filipino included in a book on foremost International Women Writers published in Japan, 1991.

5. NICK JOAQUIN – His father, was Colonel Leocadio under the supervision of Gen. Emilio
Aguinaldo during 1896 Revolution and his mother, was a teacher Salome Marquez, who taught
English and Spanish. He hailed in Paco, Manila. He was allowed to read poems and stories by
his mother. His father enjoyed reading with him in the National Library of the Philippines and
after the revolution his father was successfully practicing as a lawyer. He then developed interest
in writings.

In the beginning, he worked as a proof reader. At the age of 17, he wrote and published a
section of the Pre-World War II Tribune under the supervision of Seraffin Lanot, a writer and
editor. Joaquin deeply admired Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines. He translated
the hero’s valedictory poem, in the original Spanish “Mi Ultimo Adios”, as “Land That I Love,
Farewell!” As a proof of his admiration, he paid tribute in honor of Dr. Rizal, on the following:

1. The Storyteller’s New Medium – Rizal in Saga

2. The Complete Poems and Plays of Jose Rizal
3. A Question of Heroes: Essays in Critisism on Ten Key Figures of Philippine History

6. GILDA OLVIDADO – was as popular Filipino novelist and writer, known for her
extraordinary love stories. She became famous during the 1970’s with her remarkable novels
“Sinasamba Kita (I Worship You)”, “Babangon ako’t Dudurugin Kita (Sweet Revenge)”. She
also wrote screenplays that later turned into blockbuster such as “Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig?
(Where is Love Hiding?)” which made her rise into popularity after the Filipino Academy of
Movie Arts and Sciences recognized it as the best story.

7. LOUIE MAR GANGCUANCO – He published his debut novel entitled “Orosa-Nakpil,

Malate” at the age of 18. The novel illustrates the pink culture in the streets of Orosa and Nakpil,
which is known as the haven of gay Filipino culture. The novel became an instant hit, becoming
a bestseller months after it was released. In August 2006, Louie Mar was awarded the Y Idol
Award (Youth Idol Award) by Studio 23’s. A month after, the Sentro ng Wikang Filipino
conferred a Sertipiko ng Pagpapahalaga for Orosa-Nakpil, Malate. His phenomenal novel was
endorsed by prominent people and institutions including the multi-awarded director, Jose Javier
“Joey” Reyes, Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan (former DOH secretary) and Dr. Raul Destura of the
National Institutes of Health Philippines.

8. MARS RAVELO – was also a comic strip creator and writer who became phenomenal in the
Philippines for his created super heroes such as “Darna” (a Filipino version of Wonder Woman),
Dyesabel (name of the Filipino mermaid/heroine), and many others. During his time, the
“Golden Age of Comics” flourished. Like Carlo J. Caparas, Mars Ravelo’s creations and
writings were turned into films and became box-office hit during 1960’s to the 1980’s. Ravelo
was also the highest paid comic writer during his time. Until now, his creations is still influential
to Philippine contemporary literature.

9. CARLO J. CAPARAS – was a comic strip creator, writer, director and producer who became
sensationally known for his created local superheroes and comic book characters that are still
popular to the Filipinos until now. Some of his creations turned Filipino icons such as “Panday”
(a Blacksmith hero) and many others. As a producer and director, Carlo J. Caparas produced
box-office movies based on comics and true-to-life stories and crimes. In 2009, he received
National Artist Award granted by the President of the Philippines.

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 hat resisting the colonial rulers. He believed
that the power of the mind 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 to king of colonizers and the discovery of the
islands from 1565.

The author consequently touches more on the practical affairs of the islands and in his
narrative and described the strength and weakness of policies of the government. Including the
political, social, and economical phases of life of both natives aborigine and their conquerors. He
described the true historic spirit and the various event that occurs 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 neighbouring 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 and
benefitted him in all aspects.

In the latter, he declares his purpose to formalized his observation and comments, as
mention “the deeds achieved by the Spaniards in the discovery, conquest, and conservation of the
Filipinas islands – as well as various fortunes that they have had from time to time in the great
kingdoms and among the pagan peoples surrounding thy lands” may be known.

The greatness of the monarchy of the Spanish kings is due to the zeal and care with
which they have defended, within their own hereditary kingdoms, he 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 the mercy of God, they
preserve their kingdoms an subjects in the 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 fleets and men, and discovered and
conquered vast kingdoms in the most remote and unknown parts of the world. They have led the
inhabitants of this regions to a knowledge of the true God, and into the fold of the Christian
church, in which those peoples now live, govern in civil and political matters with peace and
justice, under the shelter and protection of the royal arm and power, which were one thing to
them when weighed down by blind tyrannies and barbarous cruelties, on which the enemy of the
human race had so long reared them for himself.

For this reason the crown and sceptre of Spain have extended themselves wherever the
sun sheds its light, from its rising to its setting, with the glory and splendour of their power and
majesty, and the Spanish monarchs have excelled the other princess of the Earth by having
gained enumerable souls for heaven, which has been Spain’s principal intentions and its wealth.
 These, together with the great riches and treasures which Spain enjoys and the famous
deeds and victories which it has own, whose the whole world to magnify and extol its lofty name
and the energy and valor of its subjects, who in accomplishing this 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 many islands in the
Eastern ocean, adjacent to farther Asia, inhabited by various peoples, and abounding in rich
metals, precious stones, and pearls, and all manner of fruit. Their 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 Cadiz Sea, which were afterward cast
down by the strong arm of Carlos V, our sovereign, who surpassed Hercules in great deeds and
enterprises.

This is Morga’s interpretation and observation on the event and experiences of the
natives in the islands when the Spaniard had conquered the entire country and government. And
the other conquest, the American, won the battle and gain the power, eventually the Filipino
people had this chance to have democracy.