Module 2: the Death of a Hero

BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE

Did you know that Jose Rizal is not the Philippines’ national hero? According to National Commission for
Culture and Arts (NCAA 2011), there has been no official proclamation of any Filipino historical figure as
our national hero. The NCAA states, “Even Jose Rizal, considered as the greatest among Filipino heroes,
was not explicitly proclaimed as a national hero. The position he holds now in Philippine history is a
tribute to the continued veneration or acclamation of the people in recognition of his contribution to
the significant social transformations that took place in our country”.

The poem you are about to read is an imagined narrative by a priest of the Ateneo, Padre Fauna, on how
he feels about his old student, Jose Rizal.

Padre Fauna Witnesses the Execution of Rizal

By Danton Remoto

1 I stand on the roof 21 A blur

2 Of the Ateneo Municipal, 22 between the soldiers
3 Shivering 23 with their Mausers raised
4 On this December morning. 24 And the early morning’s

5 Months ago, 25 Star:

6 Pepe came to me 26 Still Shimmering
7 In the Observatory. 27 Even if millions of miles away,
8 I thought we would talk 28 The Star itself

9 About the stars 29 Is already dead.

10 That do not collide
Guide Questions:
11 In the sky:
12 Instead, he asked me about the purgatory. 1. Who is Pepe? Explain

13 (His cheeks still ruddy 2. Why does pepe ask about the purgatory?
14 From the sudden sun 3. The Poem talks about the nature of stars. Can you
15 After the bitter winters explain what he means, in terms of science?
16 In Europe.)
4. This discussion of a star is also a metaphor. What
17 And on this day is it a metaphor for?
18 With the year beginning to turn, 5. Why was Rizal executed? How is this similar to the
19 Salt stings my eyes. idea of a star? Relate this to Philippine history.
20 I see Pepe
5. Who do you consider as our national hero? Jose
Rizal or Andres Bonifacio? Why?