GEC 109: Life and Works of Rizal

BSA 2-A; BSCA 2-A; BSCA 2-B

BEED 3-A; BSED SS 3-A; BECED 3-A;
BSIT 1-A; BSIT 1-B
A.Y 2020-2021 Page |0

CYCLE 1
2nd Semester | A.Y. 2020-2021

MODULE 3:
Selected Writings of Rizal
March 1 – 6, 2021 (Week 3)

GEC 109
Life and Works of Rizal

Ruby B. Sicat
Instructor

IASTE / ICS / IBE

BSA 2-A
BSCA 2-A
BEED 3-A
BSED SS 3-A
BECED 3-A
BSIT 1-A
BSIT 1-B
BSCA 2-B
 GEC 109: Life and Works of Rizal
BSA 2-A; BSCA 2-A; BSCA 2-B
BEED 3-A; BSED SS 3-A; BECED 3-A;
BSIT 1-A; BSIT 1-B
A.Y 2020-2021 Page |1

Module 3:

Selected Writings of Rizal

I. Learning Objectives

At the end of the module, the students should be able to:

a. Familiarize the writings of Rizal by identifying the central idea;
b. Reflect on the moral of the writings of Rizal; and
c. Interpret and analyze the writings of Rizal.

II. Topic Outline

Selected Writings of Rizal

a. Mi Ultimo Adios
b. Sa Aking mga Kabata
c. Memories of my Town
d. Hymn to Labor
e. Education Gives Luster to Motherland

III. Content

1. The Last Poem of Rizal (Mi Ultimo Adios)

On the afternoon of Dec. 29, 1896, a day before his execution, Dr. José Rizal was visited by
his mother, Teodora Alonzo; sisters Lucia, Josefa, Trinidád, Maria and Narcisa; and two
nephews. When they took their leave, Rizal told Trinidád in English that there was something in
the small alcohol stove (cocinilla), as opposed to saying coconut oil (lamparilla), which was
intended provide cover for the transportation of the text. The stove was given to Narcisa by the
guard when the party was about to board their carriage in the courtyard. At home, the Rizal
ladies recovered a folded paper from the stove. On it was written an unsigned, untitled and
undated poem of 14 five-line stanzas. The Rizals reproduced copies of the poem and sent them to
Rizal's friends in the country and abroad. In 1897, Mariano Ponce in Hong Kong had the poem
printed with the title "Mí último pensamiento". Fr. Mariano Dacanay, who received a copy of the
poem while a prisoner in Bilibid (jail), published it in the first issue of La Independencia on
September 25, 1898 with the title 'Ultimo Adios' (Philippine Daily Inquirer, 2002).

The Last Poem of Rizal (MI ULTIMO ADIOS)

Farewell, my adored Land, region of the sun caressed, 

Pearl of the Orient Sea, our Eden lost,
With gladness I give you my Life, sad and repressed;
And were it more brilliant, more fresh and at its best,
I would still give it to you for your welfare at most.

On the fields of battle, in the fury of fight,

 GEC 109: Life and Works of Rizal
BSA 2-A; BSCA 2-A; BSCA 2-B
BEED 3-A; BSED SS 3-A; BECED 3-A;
BSIT 1-A; BSIT 1-B
A.Y 2020-2021 Page |2

Others give you their lives without pain or hesitancy,

The place does not matter: cypress laurel, lily white,
Scaffold, open field, conflict or martyrdom's site,
It is the same if asked by home and Country.

I die as I see tints on the sky b'gin to show

And at last announce the day, after a gloomy night;
If you need a hue to dye your matutinal glow,
Pour my blood and at the right moment spread it so,
And gild it with a reflection of your nascent light! 

My dreams, when scarcely a lad adolescent,

My dreams when already a youth, full of vigor to attain,
Were to see you, gem of the sea of the Orient,
Your dark eyes dry, smooth brow held to a high plane
Without frown, without wrinkles and of shame without stain.

My life's fancy, my ardent, passionate desire,

Hail! Cries out the soul to you, that will soon part from thee;
Hail! How sweet 'tis to fall that fullness you may acquire;
To die to give you life, 'neath your skies to expire,
And in your mystic land to sleep through eternity!

If over my tomb some day, you would see blow,

A simple humble flow'r amidst thick grasses,
Bring it up to your lips and kiss my soul so,
And under the cold tomb, I may feel on my brow,
Warmth of your breath, a whiff of your tenderness.

Let the moon with soft, gentle light me descry,

Let the dawn send forth its fleeting, brilliant light,
In murmurs grave allow the wind to sigh,
And should a bird descend on my cross and alight,
Let the bird intone a song of peace o'er my site.

Let the burning sun the raindrops vaporize

And with my clamor behind return pure to the sky;
Let a friend shed tears over my early demise;
And on quiet afternoons when one prays for me on high,
Pray too, oh, my Motherland, that in God may rest I.

Pray thee for all the hapless who have died,

For all those who unequalled torments have undergone;
For our poor mothers who in bitterness have cried;
For orphans, widows and captives to tortures were shied,
And pray too that you may see your own redemption.

And when the dark night wraps the cemet'ry

And only the dead to vigil there are left alone,
Don't disturb their repose, don't disturb the mystery:
 GEC 109: Life and Works of Rizal
BSA 2-A; BSCA 2-A; BSCA 2-B
BEED 3-A; BSED SS 3-A; BECED 3-A;
BSIT 1-A; BSIT 1-B
A.Y 2020-2021 Page |3

If you hear the sounds of cittern or psaltery,

It is I, dear Country, who, a song t'you intone.

And when my grave by all is no more remembered,

With neither cross nor stone to mark its place,
Let it be plowed by man, with spade let it be scattered
And my ashes ere to nothingness are restored,
Let them turn to dust to cover your earthly space.

Then it doesn't matter that you should forget me:

Your atmosphere, your skies, your vales I'll sweep;
Vibrant and clear note to your ears I shall be:
Aroma, light, hues, murmur, song, moanings deep,
Constantly repeating the essence of the faith I keep.

My idolized Country, for whom I most gravely pine,

Dear Philippines, to my last goodbye, oh, harken
There I leave all: my parents, loves of mine,
I'll go where there are no slaves, tyrants or hangmen
Where faith does not kill and where God alone does reign.

Farewell, parents, brothers, beloved by me,

Friends of my childhood, in the home distressed;
Give thanks that now I rest from the wearisome day;
Farewell, sweet stranger, my friend, who brightened my way;
Farewell, to all I love. To die is to rest.

2. To My Fellow Children ( “Sa Aking mga Kababata”)

"Sa Aking Mga Kabatà" (English: To My Fellow Youth) is a poem about the love of one's native
language written in Tagalog. It is widely attributed to the Filipino national hero José Rizal, who
 GEC 109: Life and Works of Rizal
BSA 2-A; BSCA 2-A; BSCA 2-B
BEED 3-A; BSED SS 3-A; BECED 3-A;
BSIT 1-A; BSIT 1-B
A.Y 2020-2021 Page |4

supposedly wrote it in 1868 at the age of eight (Romero, 2006).

To My Fellow Children ( “Sa Aking mga Kababata”)

by Dr. José Rizal
Whenever people of a country truly love
The language which by heav’n they were taught to use
That country also surely liberty pursue
As does the bird which soars to freer space above.

For language is the final judge and referee

Upon the people in the land where it holds sway;
In truth our human race resembles in this way
The other living beings born in liberty.

Whoever knows not how to love his native tongue

Is worse than any best or evil smelling fish.
To make our language richer ought to be our wish
The same as any mother loves to feed her young.

Tagalog and the Latin language are the same

And English and Castilian and the angels’ tongue;
And God, whose watchful care o’er all is flung,
Has given us His blessing in the speech we calim,

Our mother tongue, like all the highest tht we know

Had alphabet and letters of its very own;
But these were lost – by furious waves were overthrown
Like bancas in the stormy sea, long years ago.

3. Memories of My Town

In “Memories of My Town”, Jose Rizal spoke of his childhood days in Calamba, Laguna
 GEC 109: Life and Works of Rizal
BSA 2-A; BSCA 2-A; BSCA 2-B
BEED 3-A; BSED SS 3-A; BECED 3-A;
BSIT 1-A; BSIT 1-B
A.Y 2020-2021 Page |5

recalling his happiest memories of the place and the people. In this nostalgic poem, Jose Rizal
remembers his childhood days in Calamba, Laguna. Rizal had the happiest and most beautiful
memories of the place, the hospitality and friendliness as well as the industry of the people of
Calamba. Those memories were influential in molding his character and his values.

Memories of My Town
When I recall the days
That saw my childhood of yore
Beside the verdant shore
Of a murmuring lagoon;
When I remember the sighs
Of the breeze that on my brow
Sweet and caressing did blow
With coolness full of delight;

When I look at the lily white

Fills up with air violent
And the stormy element
On the sand doth meekly sleep;
When sweet 'toxicating scent
From the flowers I inhale
Which at the dawn they exhale
When at us it begins to peep;

I sadly recall your face,

Oh precious infancy,
That a mother lovingly
Did succeed to embellish.
I remember a simple town;
My cradle, joy and boon,
Beside the cool lagoon
The seat of all my wish.

Oh, yes! With uncertain pace

I trod your forest lands,
And on your river banks
A pleasant fun I found;
At your rustic temple I prayed
With a little boy's simple faith
And your aura's flawless breath
Filled my heart with joy profound.
Saw I God in the grandeur
Of your woods which for centuries stand;
Never did I understand
In your bosom what sorrows were;
While I gazed on your azure sky
 GEC 109: Life and Works of Rizal
BSA 2-A; BSCA 2-A; BSCA 2-B
BEED 3-A; BSED SS 3-A; BECED 3-A;
BSIT 1-A; BSIT 1-B
A.Y 2020-2021 Page |6

Neither love nor tenderness

Failed me, 'cause my happiness
In the heart of nature rests there.

Tender childhood, beautiful town,

Rich fountain of happiness,
Of harmonious melodies,
That drive away my sorrow!
Return thee to my heart,
Bring back my gentle hours
As do the birds when the flow'rs
Would again begin to blow!
But, alas, adieu! E'er watch
For your peace, joy and repose,
Genius of good who kindly dispose
Of his blessings with amour;
It's for thee my fervent pray'rs,
It's for thee my constant desire
Knowledge ever to acquire
And may God keep your candour!

4. Hymn to Labor

Himno al trabajo (Filipino: Dalit sa Paggawa; English: "Hymn to Labor") is a poem written by
Dr. José Rizal. The poem was requested by his friends from Lipa, Batangas, in January 1888 in
reaction to the Becerra Law, and to address the hardships of Lipenos. The hymn was a poem
 GEC 109: Life and Works of Rizal
BSA 2-A; BSCA 2-A; BSCA 2-B
BEED 3-A; BSED SS 3-A; BECED 3-A;
BSIT 1-A; BSIT 1-B
A.Y 2020-2021 Page |7

praising Lipenos, who were working hard for the country. The poem is composed of
conversations by men, women and children in praise of men who making a living in agriculture.
The song also states that agriculture is the solution to poverty and the road to progress.

Hymn to Labor
For the Motherland in war,
For the Motherland in peace,
Will the Filipino keep watch,
He will live until life will cease!

MEN:

Now the East is glowing with light,

Go! To the field to till the land,
For the labour of man sustains
Fam'ly, home and Motherland.
Hard the land may turn to be,
Scorching the rays of the sun above...
For the country, wife and children
All will be easy to our love.

(Chorus)
WIVES:

Go to work with spirits high,

For the wife keeps home faithfully,
Inculcates love in her children
For virtue, knowledge and country.
When the evening brings repose,
On returning joy awaits you,
And if fate is adverse, the wife,
Shall know the task to continue.

(Chorus)
MAIDENS :

Hail! Hail! Praise to labour,

Of the country wealth and vigor!
For it brow serene's exalted,
It's her blood, life, and ardor.
If some youth would show his love
Labor his faith will sustain :
Only a man who struggles and works
Will his offspring know to maintain.
(Chorus)

CHILDREN:

Teach, us ye the laborious work

 GEC 109: Life and Works of Rizal
BSA 2-A; BSCA 2-A; BSCA 2-B
BEED 3-A; BSED SS 3-A; BECED 3-A;
BSIT 1-A; BSIT 1-B
A.Y 2020-2021 Page |8

To pursue your footsteps we wish,

For tomorrow when country calls us
We may be able your task to finish.
And on seeing us the elders will say :
"Look, they're worthy 'f their sires of yore!"
Incense does not honor the dead
As does a son with glory and valor.

5. Education Gives Luster to Motherland

In this poem “Education Gives Luster to Motherland”, Jose Rizal extols the citizenry to strive
towards education in order to give glory to the country. Jose Rizal loved his Motherland. Even at
a very young age, he cultivated an intense affection towards his country and his people. In this
English translation of the Spanish original Por La Educación (Recibe Lustre La Patria), Rizal
extols the citizenry to strive towards education in order to give glory to the country.

Education Gives Luster to Motherland

Wise education, vital breath
Inspires an enchanting virtue;
She puts the Country in the lofty seat
Of endless glory, of dazzling glow,
And just as the gentle aura's puff
Do brighten the perfumed flower's hue:
So education with a wise, guiding hand,
A benefactress, exalts the human band.

Man's placid repose and earthly life

To education he dedicates
Because of her, art and science are born
Man; and as from the high mount above
The pure rivulet flows, undulates,
So education beyond measure
Gives the Country tranquility secure.

Where wise education raises a throne

Sprightly youth are invigorated,
Who with firm stand error they subdue
And with noble ideas are exalted;
It breaks immortality's neck,
Contemptible crime before it is halted:
It humbles barbarous nations
And it makes of savages champions.
And like the spring that nourishes
The plants, the bushes of the meads,
She goes on spilling her placid wealth,
And with kind eagerness she constantly feeds,
The river banks through which she slips,
And to beautiful nature all she concedes,
So whoever procures education wise
 GEC 109: Life and Works of Rizal
BSA 2-A; BSCA 2-A; BSCA 2-B
BEED 3-A; BSED SS 3-A; BECED 3-A;
BSIT 1-A; BSIT 1-B
A.Y 2020-2021 Page |9

Until the height of honor may rise.

From her lips the waters crystalline

Gush forth without end, of divine virtue,
And prudent doctrines of her faith
The forces weak of evil subdue,
That break apart like the whitish waves
That lash upon the motionless shoreline:
And to climb the heavenly ways the people
Do learn with her noble example.

In the wretched human beings' breast

The living flame of good she lights
The hands of criminal fierce she ties,
And fill the faithful hearts with delights,
Which seeks her secrets beneficent
And in the love for the good her breast she incites,
And it's th' education noble and pure
Of human life the balsam sure.

And like a rock that rises with pride

In the middle of the turbulent waves
When hurricane and fierce Notus roar
She disregards their fury and raves,
That weary of the horror great
So frightened calmly off they stave;
Such is one by wise education steered
He holds the Country's reins unconquered.
His achievements on sapphires are engraved;
The Country pays him a thousand honors;
For in the noble breasts of her sons
Virtue transplanted luxuriant flow'rs;
And in the love of good e'er disposed
Will see the lords and governors
The noble people with loyal venture
Christian education always procure.

And like the golden sun of the morn

Whose rays resplendent shedding gold,
And like fair aurora of gold and red
She overspreads her colors bold;
Such true education proudly gives
The pleasure of virtue to young and old
And she enlightens out Motherland dear
As she offers endless glow and luster.

***End of Lecture for Module 3

Worksheet 3:
Selected Writings of Rizal
 GEC 109: Life and Works of Rizal
BSA 2-A; BSCA 2-A; BSCA 2-B
BEED 3-A; BSED SS 3-A; BECED 3-A;
BSIT 1-A; BSIT 1-B
A . Y 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 1 P a g e | 10

For students with internet connection at home:

Answer the worksheet via our official online learning platform, Edmodo, in your respective
classes at its scheduled time. Details of the test are as follows:
 Download the posted file of the worksheet.
 Answer the worksheet by editing the file. Spaces are already provided for your
answers/responses.
 Submit the worksheet by uploading it following this format:
File name: Worksheet No. – Last name, First name Middle initial.
Sample: 1 – Sicat, Ruby B.
Document type: PDF
 Scores will be posted on your gradebook progress.

For students without internet connection at home:

 Once you already have the copy of the module and worksheet (retrieved from our
respective digi hubs), answer it directly on the worksheets. Please, write legibly.
 Keep the lecture pages and submit only the answer sheet together with this page as cover
to your digi hubs.

Tentative due date: March 6, 2021

For any question or concern, feel free to send a message via email or messenger**
from 8am to 5pm ONLY! Questions and queries beyond the given time will not be
acknowledged nor answered.

Ruby Baylon Sicat**

Instructor

____________________________________
Student’s Name

____________________________________
Course, Year, and Section

Acknowledgement and all credits to Ms. Jaira Hipolito for the content and activities used in this module.

IV. Worksheet (Essay) – 50 points

 Read the following questions comprehensively.
 Answer the questions concisely (5-10 sentences only).
 Use the provided spaces for your responses. You may use extra pages if needed.
 GEC 109: Life and Works of Rizal
BSA 2-A; BSCA 2-A; BSCA 2-B
BEED 3-A; BSED SS 3-A; BECED 3-A;
BSIT 1-A; BSIT 1-B
A . Y 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 1 P a g e | 11

Analyze the discussed selected writings of Rizal by considering the following

indicators:

1. Mi Ultimo Adios
a. Central Idea:
b. Moral:
c. Interpretation:

2. Sa Aking Mga Kabata

a. Central Idea:
b. Moral:
‘
c. Interpretation:

3. Memories of Town
a. Central Idea:
b. Moral:
c. Interpretation:

4. Hymn to Labor
a. Central Idea:
b. Moral:
c. Interpretation:

5. Education Gives Luster to Motherland

a. Central Idea:
b. Moral:
c. Interpretation:

V. References

 na, 2020. Everything about the Philippines' Literature. KapitBisig.com. Retrieved on 01-
09-2020. Retrieved from https://www.kapitbisig.com/philippines
 GEC 109: Life and Works of Rizal
BSA 2-A; BSCA 2-A; BSCA 2-B
BEED 3-A; BSED SS 3-A; BECED 3-A;
BSIT 1-A; BSIT 1-B
A . Y 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 1 P a g e | 12

 na, 2021. Rizal’s works. Joserizal.com. Retrieved on 01-09-2020. Retrieved from:

https://www.joserizal.com/education.
 GEC 109: Life and Works of Rizal
BSA 2-A; BSCA 2-A; BSCA 2-B
BEED 3-A; BSED SS 3-A; BECED 3-A;
BSIT 1-A; BSIT 1-B
A . Y 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 1 P a g e | 13

VI. Official MCC Disclaimer:

It is not the intention of the author/s nor the publisher of this module to have monetary

gain in using the textual information, imageries, and other references used in its production.

This module is only for the exclusive use of a bona fide student of Mabalacat City College.

In addition, this module or no part of it thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval

system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,

and/or otherwise, without the prior permission of Mabalacat City College.