Reason’s for Teaching Rizal’s Course

1. To recognize Rizal’s ideals and teachings in relation to the present condition of our society
2. To encourage application of such ideals to current social and personal problems and issues
3. To develop an appreciation and deeper understanding of all that Rizal fought and died for.
4. To foster the development of the Filipino youth in all aspects of citizenship

Republic Act 1425 or the Rizal Law is the main reason why we study Rizal’s Life, works and writings
from elementary until college, authored by the Senator Claro M. Recto, sponsored into law by Sen.
Jose P. Laurel, Sr. Officially signed into law by President Ramon Magsaysay on June 12, 1956 and
effectivity of the law on August 16, 1956 to promote Filipino nationalism.

Goals of Rizal’s Law

1) To re-dedicate the lives of the youth to the ideals of freedom and nationalism for which our heroes lived
and died;
2) To pay tribute to our national hero for devoting his life and works in shaping the Filipino character;
and
3) To gain an inspiring source of patriotism through the study of Rizal’s life, works and writings.

Rizal: The Philippine National Hero. In 1901, US President McKinley established a commission that
sought to create a Philippine national hero. This commission was headed by William H. Taft to unite
the Philippines by showing a Filipino model. "Taft quickly decided that it would be useful for the
Filipinos to have a national hero of their revolution against the Spanish to channel their feelings and
resentment backward on Spain. Someone who was not revolutionary that his life if examined or his
works could not cause any trouble and Rizal as the man who fit this model."

Filipino Commissioners American Commissioners

1. Trinidad Pardo de Tavera 1. William H. Taft – chairman
2. Gregorio Araneta 2. Henry Clay Ide
3. Cayetano Arellano 3. Morgan Shuster
4. Jose Luzuriaga 4. Bernard Moses
5. Dean Warcester

There were six (6) choices as to who would best fit and these were: 1) Jose Rizal, 2) Andres Bonifacio,
3) Emilio Aguinaldo, 4) Antonio Luna, 5) Marcelo H. del Pilar and 6) Apolinario Mabini.

The criteria for judging are: 1) must be a Filipino 2) must be dead 3) must have a solid sense of
patriotism 4) must died dramatically 5) must displayed unconditional love for the country 6) must
be a low-temper or calm-thinking person and Rizal passed the criteria during the American period.

Rizal as Chosen National Hero: 1. unites the entire archipelago to fight against Spain; 2. a symbol
of peace; 3. enlighten the Filipinos through his writings to fight for freedom in a silent but powerful
way; 4. expressed love for the country through the use of pen rather than force or aggression; 5.
humble fighting for reforms and not through revolution; 6. a symbol of distinguished valor and honor;
7. showed unconditional love for the country; 8. magnitude of the positive social transformation not
by revolution but by his words; 9. man honored after death by public worship for his exceptional
service to mankind.

On November 15, 1995 the National Heroes Committee recommended the following nine individuals to be
recognized as national heroes:

1. Jose Rizal 6. Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat

2. Andres Bonifacio 7. Juan Luna
3. Emilio Aguinaldo 8. Melchora Aquino
4. Apolinario Mabini 9. Gabriela Silang
5. Marcelo H. del Pilar

Criteria for National Heroes (1993-1995) set by the Philippine National Heroes Committee

1) Heroes are those who have a concept of nation and thereafter aspire and struggle for the nation’s
freedom.
2) Heroes are those who define and contribute to a system or life of freedom and order for a nation.
3) Heroes are those who contribute to the quality of life and destiny of a nation.
4) A hero is part of the people’s expression.
5) A hero thinks of the future especially the future generations.
6) The choice of a hero involves not only the recounting of an episode or events in history, but of the entire
process that made this particular person a hero.
7) Never quit and tried to overcome perils though at the end he saw the sacrifice for martyrdom.

Reasons for Heroism: 1. nobility and dignity 2. showing the Filipino potential 3. fighting for freedom
4. a reformist 5. dying for the country

Definition of a Hero: a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble
qualities. He works beyond the scope of his or her job, respond to social needs, doing something
beyond his comfort zone. A man who have gained enormous identity among others. They are role
models, well-respected, nationalistic and have contributed to society causing national unity resulting to
something, really big like freedom. Meet/feels strongly about some injustice in the world, brought
innovations to his field, help the less fortunate, developed program directed at those in need, raised
funds for a specific caused or rescued someone whose life was in jeopardy. Comes from the heart and
the ability to be proud of dying for the benefits of others more than himself. From the bottom of the
heart lies the strong desire to serve the people up to his very last breath. “ Pen is mightier than the
sword, the blood of academic scholars are better than the blood of warriors, wars are not won in the
battlefield, its pure politics. What matters death if one dies for what one loves, for native land and
cherished one”.

Spanish Period (1565-1898)

Significance: 1. 3 G’s - God (spread christianity), Gold (get rich, accumulation of wealth), Glory (Spain
supremacy over Portugal) 2. Coming of Ferdinand Magellan (March 16, 1521) - with a cross (right
hand) and a sword (left hand) 3. 1 st circumnavigation of the earth proving that it is round 4.
Exploration of the Orient Sea’s 5. Philippine existence to the awareness of Europe 6. Changes -
Social, Political, Economic, Spiritual 7. Evils of Spanish Colonization- Polo/force labor, racial
discrimination, frailocracy, encomienda system, guardia civil, galleon trade, tributo (tax), tobacco
monopoly, cedula 8. Filipino revolts against Spain
Friar’s Powers: 1. Preacher 2. Confessor 3. law enforcer 4.tax collector 5. election inspector 6.registrar
of deeds, births, marriages and deaths
Religious Orders of Christianity: 1. Jesuits, 2. Dominicans, 3. Franciscans, 4. Augustinians, 5.
Recollects
Rizal’s Journey
1. Calamba, Laguna (1861-1870) 12. visit to United States (1888)
2. Biñan, Laguna (1870-1872) 13. London (1888-1889)
3. Ateneo de Manila (1872-1877) 14. 2nd Sojourn to Paris (1889)
4. UST (1877-1882) 15. Brussels, Belgium (1890)
5. Madrid, Spain (1882-1885) 16. Madrid, Spain (1890-1891)
6. Paris to Berlin (1885-1887)
7. Noli published in Berlin (1887)
8. Grand Tour of Europe with Maximo Viola (1887)
9. 1st Homecoming (1887-1888)
10. Hongkong and Macao (1888)
11. Japan (1888)
17. El Fili in Ghent (1891))
18. Hongkong (1891-1892)
19. 2nd Homecoming & the La Liga Filipina (1892)
20. Exile in Dapitan (1892-1896)
21. Fort Santiago for Trial (1896)
22. Execution at Bagumbayan (now Luneta 1896)

Rizal’s Family:
Jose Rizal like many Filipino boys had many beautiful memories of childhood. He belonged to a big
family (principalia) rich in Spain, had a happy home, filled with parental affection, joys and prayers. He
spent his early years of childhood and grew up in the first stone house in Calamba (Kalan and Banga, big
native jar), Laguna (the Hero’s hometown located at the foot of mystical Mt. Makiling with Mariang
Makiling as the protector and guardian, covered with irrigated rice-fields and sugar-lands.
Francisco Mercado (1818-1898) – tiniente Kiko, born in Biñan Laguna, studied Latin and Philosophy
at the College of San Jose in Manila. His father after moving to Calamba prior to his parents’
death became a tenant-farmer at the Dominican–owned hacienda, independent-minded “free
soul” tiniente gobernadorcillo (lieutenant governor) of Calamba.
Doña Teodora Alonso (1826-1911) – Lolay, born in Manila and educated at the College of Sta. Rosa.
She was a remarkable woman, possessing refined culture, literary talent, business ability and
fortitude of a Spartan woman. She ran sugar, flourmills and a small store in their home, selling
home-made ham, sausages, jams, jellies, and others to help the family financially.
Saturnina (1850-1913) – Neneng, married Manuel Hidalgo of Tanauan, Batangas, The Hero’s Second
Mother, who published Pascual Poblete’s translation in Tagalog language of the Noli Me
Tangere in 1909.
Paciano (1851-1930) – Señor Paciano, had a relationship with Severina Decena, older/big brother,
caring guardian and second father of Jose Rizal. A farmer, katipunan revolutionary general
appointed by General Aguinaldo, his model for Pilosopong Tasio and died of tuberculosis.
Narcisa (1852-1939) – Sisa, married Antonino Lopez, a teacher and musician from Morong, Rizal. The
Hospitable Sister, when the parents were driven out of their house, she took them in her house
and let Josephine Bracken stayed in her, when the rest of Rizal's family were suspicious spy/
enemies of the Spanish friars and searched for the place where the authorities secretly buried
Rizal’s body found at the Paco cemetery with no identification on the grave, very close to Rizal
and helped in financing his studies in Europe even pawning her jewelry.
Olimpia (1855-1887) – Ypia, married Silvestre Ubaldo, a telegraph operator from Manila. The Sister
whom the Hero Loves to Tease, describing her as his fat and heavy-build sister and died of
hemorrhage while giving birth.
Lucia (1857-1919) – Lucia, married Mariano Herbosa of Calamba, Laguna. Partaker of the Hero's
Sufferings, as Mariano died of cholera epidemic of 1889, denied of Christian burial for not
going to confession since his marriage to Lucia and “brother-in-law of Rizal”.
Maria (1859-1945) - Biang, married Daniel Faustino Cruz of Biñan, Laguna. The Hero's Confidant,
whom he discussed about marrying Josephine Bracken when the majority of the family
disapproved on her. Maria’s children were nice-looking whom one of the five children Mauricio,
married Conception Arguelles, had a son named Ismael Arguelles Cruz, the father of Gemma
Cruz Araneta, the first Filipina and first Southeast Asia to win the Miss International beauty
pageant title.
Jose (1861-1896) – Pepe, married Josephine Bracken the night before his execution. The Philippine
National Hero, spark the Philippine revolution against Spain and died of firing squad for a
crime of: 1. Rebellion - the founding of La Liga Filipina, an “illegal organization” that
perpetrates the crime of rebellion, 2. Sedition – punishable in one’s writing and publication of
 “Noli me Tangere”, the Annotations to Morga’s History of the Philippines, “El Filibusterismo”
dedicated to the three martyr priests who were executed as traitors to the fatherland , and the
various articles which criticized the friars and suggested their expulsion in order to win
independence and 3. Illegal Association – or conspiracy implicating as the mastermind of the
revolution against Spain and charged as a traitor. .
Concepcion (1862-1865) – Concha, who followed Jose, died of sickness when Rizal was four. The Hero's
First Grief/Sorrow.
Josefa (1865-1945) – Panggoy, The Epileptic Sister; died unmarried and
Trinidad (1868-1951) – Trining, lived together with Panggoy until their deaths. Both became members of
the Katipunan. The Custodian of Hero’s Great Poem, “Mi Ultimo Adios” and the last
member of the family who died.
Soledad (1870-1929) - Choleng, married Pantaleon Quintero of Calamba, Laguna. The Hero's
Controversial Sister, a teacher and said to have been “the best educated” among Rizal’s
sisters.

His sisters’ families also became very much involved in Rizal’s life. Saturnina, Narcisa and Lucia,
along with their parents and Manuel Hidalgo and Mariano Herbosa were ordered to be deported, charged
with rousing the people to refuse to pay land rent and with causing the unrest in Calamba. Hidalgo was
first exiled “as a conspirator and representative of Jose Rizal,” without any accusation, without his
knowing any crime of which he was accused, excepting that he was my brother-in-law.” Rizal’s nephews
were also known to have traveled with Rizal to Dapitan in 1893. All of Rizal’s sisters wrote to him about
their parents and their own families as well as local occurrences such as the outbreak of cholera or the
land taxes being imposed by the friars. They also visited him when he was exiled in Dapitan and right
before his execution in 1896 (Trinidad had planned Rizal’s escape from Dapitan beforehand).

Rizal’s First: Doña Teodora Alonso, Concha’s Death, Story of a Moth, imprison in Sta. Cruz jail for 2 and
a half years and force to walk on foot 50 km. from Calamba to Sta.Cruz Laguna (no food nor water),
Maestro Celestino/Lucas Padua@Leon Monroy (father’s classmates in Biñan), Uncle’s (mother’s
brother) Jose Alberto (art)/Manuel (sports)@Gregorio(reading), execution of Gomburza, To My
Fellow Children, Justiniano Aquino Cruz and Pedro in Biñan, Laguna, Fr. Jose Bech, Segunda
Katigbak, Leonor Rivera, Madrid, Spain, Consuelo Ortega y Rey, Noli Me Tangere, Josephine
Bracken

Propaganda Movement Objectives La Liga Filipina Objectives

1. Recognition of the Philippines as a province of Spain 1. Unite the whole archipelago into one homogenous body
2. Equal status for both Filipinos and Spaniards 2. Mutual protection in every want and necessity
3. Philippine representation in the Spanish Cortes 3. Defense against all violence and injustice
4. Secularization of Philippine parishes. 4. Encouragement of instruction, agriculture and commerce
5. Recognition of human rights 5. Study the application of reforms
6. Abolition of the polo (labor service) and bandala (forced sale of local products to the government)
7. Equal opportunity for Filipinos and Spanish to enter government service
Katipunan Objectives
1. Political - for freedom from the yoke of Spain, to be achieved through armed struggle
2. Moral - personal responsibility to help the poor and the oppressed
3. Civic - teach them good manners, hygiene and morality

Katipunan’s Sustaining Duties and Responsibilities:

1) love of God, country and fellowmen; 3) necessity for compassion and hardwork; and
2) primacy of honor and virtue; 4) civic, political and moral

Propagandists:
1. Dr. José Rizal (Laong Laan/Dimasalang) - opthalmologist, journalist and novelist, Calamba, Laguna
2. Marcelo H. del Pilar (Plaridel) – lawyer and journalist, Bulacan, Bulacan
3. Graciano Lopez Jaena (Fray Botod/Diego Laura) – great orator, Jaro, Iloilo City
4. Antonio Luna (Taga-ilog) – pharmacist and essayist, Badoc, Ilocos Norte
5. Juan Luna – painter, Badoc, Ilocos Norte
6. Mariano Ponce (Tikbalang, Kalipulako, Naning) – physician and writer, Baliuag, Bulacan
7. Jose Maria Panganiban (Jomapa) – linguist and essayist, Mambulao, Camarines Norte
8. Pedro Paterno (Justo Desiderio Magalang) – lawyer and essayist, Sta. Cruz, Manila
9. Antonio Maria Regidor – Lawyer and diplomat, Manila
10. Felix Ressureccion Hidalgo (Philip Deleon, Kulangot) – painter, Manila
11. Isabelo de los Reyes – folklorist, newspaperman and a scholar, Vigan, Ilocos Sur
12. José Alejandrino – engineer, political writer, poet and novelist, Pampanga
13. Pedro Serrano Laktaw – educator, teacher and lexicographer, Cupang, Bulacan
14. Fernando Canon – engineer and musician, Manila
15. Dominador Gomez – physician and orator, Binondo, Manila
Great Triumvirate of the Propaganda Movement arrived in Spain in the following order: Graciano
Lopez Jaena was the first in 1880; Dr. Jose Rizal second in 1882 and Marcelo H. del Pilar last in 1889.
Katipunan Founders:
1) Andres Bonifacio (Supremo/Comptroller)
2) Valentin Diaz (Treasurer)
3) Deodato Arellano (President
4) Ladislao Diwa (Fiscal)
5) Teodoro Plata (Secretary)
Katipunan’s Great Triumvirate: 1. Andres Bonifacio (Agapito, May Pag-asa), 2. Emilio Jacinto
(Dimas-ilaw, Pingkian), and 3. Dr. Pio Valenzuela (Madlang-Awa)
1872-1892 – campaign for reforms and period of Filipino unrest
Propaganda Movement. The Execution of Gomburza by the Spanish colonizers on charges of
subversion awakened strong feelings of anger and resentment among the Filipinos. They
questioned Spanish authorities and demanded reforms. The martyrdom of the three priests
apparently helped to inspire the organization of the Propaganda Movement which aimed to seek
reforms and inform Spain of the abuses of its colonial government with its main headquarter in
Madrid, Spain.
The Propaganda Movement Failed. The movement fails in its pursuit of reforms, the colonial
government did not agree to any of its demands. Spain itself was having a lot of internal problems
which could explain why the mother country failed the Filipino’s petitions. The friars displayed
arrogance in their influence and power. Reformists showed a deep love for their country, though
they failed to maintain a united front. For lack of funds, La Solidaridad (its official newspaper)
 died after its last issue on November 15, 1895. The Propaganda Movement failed but the ideas of
freedom and justice gave ground for the founding of the La Liga Filipina.
La Liga Filipina founded by Rizal on July 3, 1892 at the residence of Doroteo Ongjunco in Ilaya, Tondo,
Manila. They had no intention of rising up in arms against the government but the Spanish
officials still felt threatened. On July 6, 1892, three days after its establishment, Rizal was secretly
arrested. The next day, Governor General Eulogio Despujol ordered Rizal’s deportation to
Dapitan. The La Liga Filipina’s membership was active in the beginning but later began to drift
apart. The rich members wanted to continue supporting the Propaganda Movement but others
lost all hope that reforms could still be granted. As the Spanish government leaders propagated
Christianity in this country, strong anger and resentment over what Rizal’s novels “Noli Me
Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” moved the Spanish friars to instigate his trial and execution.
Katipunan. Andres Bonifacio founded the Katipunan on the very night of July 7, 1892 after knowing the
news of Rizal (symbol of freedom) deportation to Dapitan. Unlike the members of the middle
class, Bonifacio and his plebeian associates did not dream of mere reforms. They were interested
in liberating the country from the tyranny of the Spaniards, and the only way, to their minds, to
accomplish their end was to prepare the people for an armed conflict to achieve meaningful
change. The men gathered around a flickering table lamp, performed the ancient blood compact,
and signed their membership papers with their own blood. Bloody revolution began in the hills of
Balintawak in August 1896.
Kangaroo Court. A self-appointed mob-operated tribunal or mock court that disregards or ignores the
recognized legal and ethical principles and obligations of human rights, law and justice especially
one so controlled among criminals in prison to render impossible fair trial as implicated
revolutionary society “Katipunan” was tried before a court-martial.
Filipino Revolts Failed. Most of these revolts failed because of: Spanish superior weapons, lack of
manpower, unity and commitment, warm spirit of nationalism among the Filipinos, lack of
military tactics and inadequate training and preparation for warfare.
Rizal’s Last Day and Execution. He was pre-judged and considered guilty before the start of the trial
of all three crimes pleading the military court by unanimous vote of sentenced to death by a firing
squad (public execution) signed by Governor-General Camilo de Polavieja on December 28, 1896
as the decision of the court-martial ordering Rizal to be shot in Bagumbayan Field now Rizal Park
though Teodora Alonzo wrote the Governor-General asking for clemency for her son.
He spent his 24 hours in his death cell of December 29, 1896 where he received members of his
family and writes his letter, the first one to his “second brother” Ferdinand Blumentritt. Rizal’s
sisters were allowed to pay him visits. He gave them his worldly possessions: 1) Narcisa – Wicker
Chair; 2) Angelica (daughter of Narcisa), niece – Handkerchief; 3) Mauricio “Moris” Cruz,
favorite nephew (son of Maria) – Belt, watch and chain; and 4) Trinidad – Alcohol Burner
with Mi Ultimo Adios (My Last Farewell) and whispered to her in English that there is something
inside the lamp. Rizal was said to have married Josephine Bracken according to Catholic rites in
the last hours of his life, after living with her in Dapitan.
Manila at 6:30 am. He wore a black woolen suit and a derby hat and his arms were tied behind him.
During the walked from Fort Santiago heavily guarded, he recalled his youth and his student days
at the Ateneo. His brother Paciano who had discouraged the revolutionary forces groups who
might want to save Rizal since they would not be able to match Spanish firepower.
At exactly 7:03 am RIZAL shouted “Consummatum Est” before the shot run out which means
“it’s Done/Finished”. Rizal had wanted to be simply buried at Paang Bundok, the cemetery North
 of Manila, now known as North Cemetery. His remains was first buried at the Paco Cemetery in
an unmarked grave.

Concepts: Mason, Intramuros, Polo, Rizal, illustrados, Peninsulares, Insulares, Staunch, Cavite El Viejo