A.

Recollections
I. The characters involved in this chapter are Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra y Magsalin (Ibarra),
María Clara, Father Dámaso, Elías, Father Salvi, Captain Tiago (Don Santiago de los
Santos, The Ensign, Old Tasio (Don Anastasio)

II. 200 Words Summary

Ibarra leaves Captain Tiago's home and travels to the town of San Diego after having a touching
talk with Maria Clara. Ibarra's carriage travels through Manila's busiest neighborhood, and he is
disturbed by what he sees. He notes that the nation is still in the same state as when he left it
seven years prior.
He discovers that the government has not made any progress or instituted any reforms. He
observes that the Puente de Barcas has been neglectedly demolished and that the roadways have
not been pavered. After that, seeing the Bagumbayan, the Botanical Garden, and the Arroceros
Cigar factory brought back pleasant memories. Ibarra notices changes in streets that used to be
unpaved and full of potholes, which prisoners used to fill while receiving lashes from a whip as
people rushed by in coaches without noticing.
Now Ibarra sees magnificent carriages drawn by magnificent ponies and even thinks he sees
Father Dámaso riding in a particularly opulent Victoria. He walks by a tobacco factory, whose
offensive odors remind him of his childhood. A new botanical garden, on the other hand, brings
him back to the present, reminding him of his time in Europe.

III. My Personal Reflection about Chapter 8 in Noli Me Tangere

Fragrance that awakes me and other Filipinos.
My reflection in this chapter is Fragrance which symbolizes a pleasant and sweet smell of one
specific thing, air etc. The reason I relate this theme in this chapter where the recollection
happens. When I was a kid, I also used to miss the fragrance of something that reminds me of
things that already happened in the past that cannot be back at that time anymore, but memories
do so I also take pictures of it. Also, when I saw things that makes me remind of my childhood
moments example: (when I saw a can in the goods, then I miss the moments where when we are
playing in the hood of tumbang preso) that is what I want to connect with the given or chosen
topic of us. The fragrance of the past that will never happen again and the difference between my
childhood and the kids playing outside now. Some people, especially those who truly
sympathized with and valued the recollections, will claim that it has a significant impact on our
culture. Or scholars or those who have a strong interest in history will claim that Noli Me
Tangere is a crucial piece of historical evidence demonstrating how the Filipinos have changed
over time while maintaining some of their traditions and culture. This chapter leaves me with the
impression that Filipinos were fascinated by and sympathized with the characters in this book.
This chapter gives me a lot of strength and makes me want to be free and independent because
knowledge is the only defense against ignorance. Our ability to obtain the necessities of life, as
Filipinos before the current generation, is influenced by our independence and rights. This
chapter has helped me recognize the importance of considering the substance and history of our
country. Success in life should inspire us to work for the progress of our own country and our
objectives. While we share Ibarra's drive to support and advance her country, we are now unable
to do more for our own. However, we may still make a difference in tiny ways by assisting one
another, taking part in charitable activities, and working to improve our interpersonal
communication skills so that we can better understand one another.

It indirectly ignited the embers of revolution by serving as a wake-up call for all Filipinos to shed
their illusion of a cordial relationship with the Spaniards. It was the seed that motivated us to
learn and sparked our desire for independence and freedom. The goal of Rizal's works was to
promote the nationalism that was emerging and would set the Filipinos free from oppressive
constraints. The Filipinos of today are aware of the different kinds of people the government
deals with on a daily basis, thus we are no longer haughty toward those around us. As a Filipino,
I was also made aware of how important the country is and what we have actually done for it in
terms of our government and society, thus this was my reflection on what I had really noticed
and learned about the chapter we had chosen. I believe that my opinions fit in this chapter.