LESSON 1

SHORT BIOGRAPHY OF JOSE RIZAL

José Rizal, whose full name is José Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda, was a Filipino
nationalist, physician, and author who was born in Calamba, Laguna (Bayan ng Calamba) on June
19, 1861, and died in Bagumbayan, Manila on December 30, 1896. Jose Protacio Rizal was baptized
by Father Rudolph Collantes on June 22, 1861.

Noli me Tangere (The Social Cancer), Rizal's debut book, which vehemently criticized Spanish
colonial rule in the Philippines, was published in 1887. El Filibusterismo (1891), a sequel that explores
the "reign of greed," solidified his position as the main voice of the Philippine reform movement. He
established the Liga Filipina, a nonviolent reform group, in Manila before being exiled to Dapitan in
northwest Mindanao. The following four years saw him continue in exile. A secret society of Filipino
nationalists called the Katipunan revolted against Spain in 1896. Rizal was detained and put on trial for
sedition by the military even though he had no ties to that group and had not participated in the uprising.

He was publicly executed by a firing squad in Manila after being found guilty. His martyrdom persuaded
the Filipinos that breaking away from Spain was their only option. While imprisoned in Fort Santiago on
the eve of his execution, Rizal composed "Mi Ultimo adiós," a masterpiece of 19th-century Spanish
verse, also known as "Last Farewell."

TRIVIA-MINUTE!

1. What does Jose Rizal's surname mean?

ANSWER: A market

Why is that?
Jose Rizal's full name is Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda. If it were to be rearranged to
the common naming system we use today, it is Jose Protacio Alonso Realonda Rizal Mercado.
Mercado, which is market in Spanish, was the surname adopted by his paternal great-great-
Grandfather Domingo Lamco, making it his family's legal surname (Angelfire, n.d.). Jose opted to use
the surname Rizal (which meant a green field of wheat that sprouts again after being cut down) as a
means of somehow distancing himself from his family, noting that it was given to them by a family friend,
who happened to be an alcalde-mayor.

2. What was the name of the organization Rizal worked with the other Ilustrados?
ANSWER: La Solidaridad

Why is that?
Founded by the Propagandists and headed by Rizal's cousin, Galiciano Apacible, the La Solidaridad
was a bi-weekly newspaper designed to spread awareness to the Spanish Crown about the social and
economic conditions of the Filipinos. It's the newspaper that called for reforms for seven (7) years until
it closed due to a lack of funding (La Solidaridad, 2015).

3. Which of these was Rizal's pen name when he was writing for a newspaper?
ANSWER: Dimasalang

Why is that?
The name Dimasalang was the name Jose Rizal chose as his Masonic name when he joined the
Freemasons, as urged by Miguel Morayta, a professor at the Universidad Central de Madrid, now
known as the Complutense University of Madrid. This name eventually was used by Rizal as his
pseudonym (or pen name) in his writings in the Propaganda Movement (Pearson, 1998). Additionally,
the oldest business establishment in Pasig, then part of the province of Rizal, is Panaderia Dimas-
alang, which began operations in 1919. The name itself is historical, as it was used by Rizal in his novel
“Noli Me Tangere.” (Di nyo yan alam no? hahahaha now alam nyo na. At saka masarap homemade
cake dito pramis)
4. What term is used by the historians to describe the period of Rizal's intermingling with the
other ilustrados in hopes of alleviating the social conditions of the Filipinos?
ANSWER: Propaganda

Why is that?
The Propaganda Movement was a socio-political movement led and comprised of Filipino ilustrados
who sought for reforms in the country. As an elitist society, it was composed of mestizos who actively
campaigned for equal rights between Spain and the Philippines but was ultimately ignored and failed.
Despite this failure, it generated a political consciousness that led to the Revolution and the struggle
for independence (Schumacher, 2000).

5. Which of these was NOT listed as an objective of the Propaganda Movement?

ANSWER: Total abolition of the Cortes Generales, the Spanish parliament

Why is that?
The Propaganda Movement sought representation in the Cortes Generales (Schumacher, 2000). As
part of their objectives, the Propaganda fought for social reforms in the country, which included equal
treatment and rights between the Spanish and the Filipinos. And being represented in the Cortes
Generales meant that the Filipinos were on equal ground with Spain.

6. Who was the author that drove Rizal to learn more about the history of the Philippines?
ANSWER: Antonio de Morga

Why is that?
Antonio de Morga was a bureaucrat from Spain who has written a first-hand account of the Spanish
colonial ventures in Asia, detailing his experiences about his stay in the Philippines. He also served as
the head of the Real Audiencia in the country (Cummins, 1969).

7. Who among these is a literary critic who has written several books about Jose Rizal?
ANSWER: Ambeth Ocampo

Why is that?
Ambeth Ocampo is a Filipino historian, writer, and columnist who has written several books about Dr.
Jose Rizal, deconstructing the national hero as an ordinary man worthy of study and criticism. He is
currently teaching in Ateneo de Manila University as one of the faculty of their History Department
(Ateneo de Manila University, n.d.).

8. Which of these is the land given by the Spanish Crown to a colonist in the Philippines and to
certain Filipino dignitaries?
ANSWER: Encomienda

Why is that?
An encomienda was a tract of land given by the Spanish Crown to a Spanish colonist that settled in the
Philippine colony as a reward for their services. Some of the early Filipino royal families were also
entitled to own encomiendas, provided that the owners (called encomenderos) will give a percentage
of their harvest as tax to the Government. They could also exact tribute to the indentured indios in either
gold or labor in place of crops or other kinds (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2019a).

9. During Rizal's stay in Europe, what happened in Calamba in his absence?

ANSWER: There was a dispute among the townsfolk and the Dominican church regarding their
ever-changing debts despite the poor upkeep of Calamba that time.

Why is that?
Jose Rizal was already aware of this problem, where the taxes kept on changing values and the lands
being confiscated by the Dominicans. The situation worsened when the people of Calamba themselves
requested Rizal to investigate the matter. Since he was already infamous to the friars, the Dominicans
fought heavily with the people of Calamba, resulting in severe dispossession of land and people getting
exiled, including a few of Rizal's family members (Soquiño, 2017).

10. In our modern language, which of this best describes the ilustrados?
ANSWER: Overseas Filipino Workers

Why is that?
The ilustrados were a group of young Filipino mestizos from wealthy families who had the privilege to
study in Europe. Their goal was to elevate and correct the racist sentiments made by some Spanish
writers about the Philippines and the Filipinos (Teodoro, 1999). In this sense, they are like Overseas
Filipino Workers (OFWs) who spend their time abroad to help their families. In this sense, the ilustrados
saw their fellowmen as their family that needed help through reforms.

11. Which of these is the unnamed sequel of the El Filibusterismo?

ANSWER: Makamisa

Why is that?
Unknown to many, Jose Rizal had plans to prepare a third novel set in the same veins as the Noli me
tangere and El Filibusterismo. This novel was the unfinished Makamisa. This novel is written entirely in
Tagalog, to address Tagalog readers. As the propaganda shifted from its European audience to Filipino,
so did Rizal's intent to enrich the literary prowess of his countrymen. Makamisa is more of an artistic
novel rather than the political novels set up by its predecessors (Mojares, 2011).

12. Which of this best translates pacto de sangre?

ANSWER: Blood pact

Why is that?
The term pacto de sangre roughly translates to pact of blood, hence its more accepted translation of
blood pact. It has been an integral part of the pre-colonial Filipino history but was seldom tackled
because of the opposing views on the events that has transpired between Miguel Lopez de Legazpi
and Rajah Sikatuna (Aguilar, 2010). Generally, it signifies that the partakers -- or participants -- of the
ritual, once they've mixed their blood with wine, drink from the cup, symbolizing their brotherhood by
blood.

13. Which of these canals was opened in the 19th century to allow new ideas to spread toward
the Philippines?
ANSWER: Suez Canal

Why is that?
The Suez Canal is one of the man-made water channels built to ease transport of goods and people
between the Mediterranean and Red Seas without accessing the Indian-Atlantic route, shortening the
time required to deliver goods between Europe and its trade partners in the Indian and Pacific regions
(Encyclopedia Britannica, 2019b). This enabled radical ideas, knowledge, and other paraphernalia from
Europe to travel to the other parts of the world faster. This was because Spain used the Suez Canal
route more than the Acapulco route for their trade (Kahimyang, 2011).

14. During the establishment of the La Liga Filipina, who among these had a radical plan that
would drive Spain off the country?
ANSWER: Andres Bonifacio

Why is that?
Of all the members of the La Liga Filipina, only Andres Bonifacio saw revolution as the only path in
attaining unity and independence from Spain (La Liga Filipina, 2015). However, Bonifacio heeded
Rizal's warning about starting a revolution prematurely and thus kept the Katipunan's activities
discreetly as a secret society. When Rizal was arrested, both Bonifacio and Apolinario Mabini sought
to continue the La Liga but were shut down by the other members who gave up on doing their duties.
Since Bonifacio has already formed the Katipunan, many members of the La Liga had switched over
to the Katipunan.

15. Which of these places did Rizal have an eye-opener toward cultural minorities during his
stay?
ANSWER: Dapitan

Why is that?
Dapitan is the place in Zamboanga del Norte where Rizal spent his four years in exile as one of the
sanctions given to him by the Spanish Government. Here, Rizal noted the conditions of the people
living in Dapitan and did his best to help however he could (Manebog, 2013a). His community service
endeared him to the Dapiteños.

16. Which of these would have made the El Filibusterismo ineligible for printing?
ANSWER: Insufficient funding

Why is that?
During Rizal's composition of the El Filibusterismo, he was hoping for a full-length novel like Noli me
Tangere but was ultimately cut short because he lacked funding to publish El Fill (Mañebog. 2013b).
Initially, Rizal had to pawn everything he owned to have his novel published, according to his letter to
Jose Basa, one of his friends, stating that he would cease production if he had no other things to pawn
off. Fortunately, his financial problem was partially solved by another friend, Valentin Ventura. (Si
Paciano na kuya nya pala ay hindi for sponsorship I corrected my mistake.)

17. Which of these was the reason Marcelo H. del Pilar attacked Jose Rizal in one of his
editorials?
ANSWER: According to Rizal, the reforms should be initiated in the personal values of the
members.

Why is that?
The said attack on Jose Rizal happened in the La Solidaridad, in one of the editorials managed by
Marcelo H. del Pilar. In it, the writer, who happened to be Eduardo Lete, accused Rizal of being a
coward because Rizal stepped down from his position as La Solidaridad's campaign leader in favor of
Marcelo (Mañebog, 2013c). During the election, Rizal won by two-thirds of the required vote, but he
turned down the position, believing that reforms -- and the election of their campaign leader -- should
be initiated in the personal values of the members. Rizal also left the La Solidaridad to focus on writing
his next novel, which happened to be El Filibusterismo.

18. What is the motto of the La Liga Filipina?

ANSWER: Unus instar omnium (One Like All)

Why is that?
The La Liga Filipina was another movement formed by Jose Rizal, this time aiming for total unity within
the archipelago while maintaining their battle for equal rights and protection of all Filipinos, including
improvements of education, agriculture, commerce, and government reform. Their motto was Unus
instar omnium, a Latin phrase which meant "one like all", "one for all" or "one like the others"
(ExpertsColumn, 2019).

19. When did Jose Rizal die?

ANSWER: December 30, 1896

Why is that?
The death of Jose Rizal can be simplified as a summary execution because the friars deliberately had
him face guilty charges for sedition, rebellion, and conspiracy (JoseRizal.com, n.d.). Since the court
performed a speedy trial without a thorough examination of the evidence laid against him, many
historians considered Rizal's trial a kangaroo court and faced execution within 24 hours, dying on 30
December 1896. His execution was met with festivities, never realizing the mistake they've made upon
his death.

20. Who among these was NOT one of the proponents of the now-proclaimed Republic Act
1425?
ANSWER: Mariano Jesus Cuenco

Why is that?
The late Sen. Mariano Jesus Cuenco was one of the opponents of the passing of the Rizal Bill, now
Republic Act 1425. Although he was a prolific senator, he was one of the senators who agreed with the
Roman Catholic church who tried to keep the bill from being passed (Schumacher, 2011).

Helpful Question for you to master the RIZAL LAW:

1. Who was the main proponent of the law?

2. What were his justifications for having this law be enacted?
3. Was the Rizal Bill warmly accepted during its development? Why or why not?
4. What was the stand of the Catholic Church during its development and why?
5. What were the imposed conditions on the Rizal Law so that it would be passed into law?

THE RIZAL LAW

Rizal Bill also known as Senatorial Bill no. 438

Original Author: Senator Claro M. Recto
Supported the bill: Former President and Senator Jose P. Laurel Sr.
Opposed by: Main opposition was Senator Mariano Jesus Cuenco, Francisco Rodrigo and Decoroso
Rosales (TRIPLE O para mas matandaan nyo o mas madaling maalala ay sila “CURORO.”)
Opposed supporters: Philippine Catholic Action Movement, Fr. Jesus Cavanna, two radio
commentators named Jesus Paredes and Narciso Pimentel and other Bishops.

REMEMBER: The main opponents of the Rizal bill were not the church itself BUT
THE PEOPLE BEHIND IT.

TIMELINE AND IMPORTANT DATE:

1. April 3, 1956 - Sen. Laurel & Sen. Recto filed a Senatorial Bill no. 438 to disseminate ideals of Rizal
in Tertiary education.

2. April 23, 1956 - The First Debate happens. Supporter (To shed light) and Opposition (impairment of
Freedom of Expression and Religion)

3. April 19, 1956 - House Bill 5561 an identical bill proposed by Congressman Jacobo Z. Gonzales

4. May 17, 1956 - The third reading was approved.

5. June 12, 1956 – It was signed by 7th Former President of the Philippines, Ramon F. Magsaysay.

6. August 16, 1956 – It took effect on August 16, 1956, marking the compulsory teaching of the life of
Rizal in all colleges and universities.

THE QUOTATION: Lenses of Rizal Life’s and Works

1. “LOCAL LANGUAGES ARE CULTURAL RESOURCES FOR NATIONAL UNITY”- Jose Rizal and
the Invention of National Literature.

Rationalization: Remember that Language is a powerful tool not only in communication but also in
uniting people. If the people in one place gather and understand each other the language will serve
as their instrument in sharing one’s goals and mission to their nation.
2. “PEOPLE’S LITERATURE SHOULD BE GROUND IN THEIR HISTORY” - Jose Rizal and the
Invention of National Literature.

Rationalization: Literature is a device that can help one’s culture to serve and proof for the
development of social, psychological, and linguistic resources. It emphasizes the idea that literature
created by and for a particular group of people should reflect and be connected to their historical
experiences, culture, and identity. REMEMBER walang saysay ang literaturang umukit sa
pagkakakilanlan ng tao kung hindi ito magiging bahagi ng KASAYSAYAN.

3. “NOLI ME TANGERE IS A WINDOW TO HIS PRESENT TIME AND EL FILIBUSTERISMO IS A

GLIMPSE OF THE FUTURE” - Jose Rizal and the Invention of National Literature.

Rationalization: In essence, the statement suggests that "Noli Me Tangere" serves as a reflection of
the ills of Rizal's contemporary society under Spanish rule, while "El Filibusterismo" offers a vision of a
future where these issues could lead to more significant and potentially violent change, ultimately
hinting at the brewing movement for Philippine independence and the revolutionary spirit that would
eventually lead to the Philippine Revolution of 1896. Both of Rizal's novels are considered classics of
Philippine literature and played a pivotal role in awakening nationalistic sentiments and inspiring the
quest for independence among the Filipino people.

4. HORACIO DE LA COSTA PASSAGES WAS SUBJECT TO FABRICATION - The Rizal Bill of

1956: Horacio De La Corta and the Bishops.

Rationalization: Remember that Horacio stated that Rizal is a moral teacher. He is a national hero
even though his passages were fabricated and made many versions that made Rizal a foe of the
Church.

5. LEON MA. GUERRERO PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN TRANSLATING THE NOLI ME TANGERE
AND EL FILIBUSTERISMO INTO ENGLISH - Hard to Imagine

Rationalization: Guerrero was a Filipino diplomat, historian, and writer. He is best known for his English
translations of Rizal's novels, which are considered classics of Philippine literature. His translations are
highly regarded for their accuracy and fidelity to the original texts while effectively conveying the depth
and nuances of Rizal's storytelling and social commentary. These English translations helped introduce
Rizal's literary masterpieces to the English-speaking world, enabling a broader audience to understand
the themes and messages of the novels. Guerrero's efforts played a crucial role in promoting the legacy
of Jose Rizal and the Philippine struggle for independence against Spanish colonial rule. Leon Ma.
Guerrero's work as a translator and his contributions to Philippine literature and history have left a
lasting impact, ensuring that Rizal's writings continue to be appreciated and studied both in the
Philippines and internationally.

APPLY APPLY DIN!

Is the teaching of the Rizal course realistic given the dangers and sensitivity of its literature as
a means of communication in learning nationalism, patriotism, and volunteerism?
- In its current iteration of the law, the study of Rizal's Life and Works is not as dangerous and
sensitive compared to its status way back then. During its inception, the need to retain the
religious faith was so strong that the Catholic church openly opposed the government from
passing it. However, as the years went on, there had been no cases of students applying for the
exemption granted by RA 1425, deeming it safe for the students of any religion.

What is the difference between being nationalistic and being patriotic?

- Being nationalistic means loving the country, recognizing its flaws and exemplary qualities.
Patriotism focuses more on the good qualities of the country.

When do you say that Filipinos have a sense of volunteerism?

- Filipinos have a sense of volunteerism in our everyday life. There are the ones who openly give
food to strangers during fiestas. There are also people who participate in blood drives and
volunteer work-basically, anything that can be classified as bayanihan.
 LESSON 2

ITS ME, HI, IM THE NATIONALISM, PATRIOTISM AND VOLUNTEERISM

NATIONALISM:
Nationalism is generally defined as the strong belief that the interests of a particular place are of
primary importance, which covers the independence of a place whose people have common language,
history, and culture. Nationalism is driven by the people's devotion to the interests and/or culture of their
place, such as the independence of Hong Kong and Macau from mainland China, or from Monaco from
France.

Now, is our country nationalistic?

The Philippines was, and still is, a nationalistic country. We already have formed civilizations long before
Spain set foot on our country's soil. Due to the continuous occupations of several foreign countries and
our trade connections with nearby countries, our national identity is that of a mixed heritage. As a
melting pot of various races, our culture reflects the cultures of our forefathers, as well as of our
oppressors and trade partners.

PATRIOTISM:
Patriotism is defined as the devotion of a person to his/her country for no other reason than being a
citizen of that country. Simply put, it is the love for one's country--as stated by the saying, "My country,
right or wrong."

Now, what is the meaning of "My country, right or wrong."?

That quote states that true patriots do everything in their power to make sure that their country does.
the right thing, not just follow it blindly.

VOLUNTEERISM:
Volunteerism is defined as the involvement in labor or action done in one's own free will. Simply put,
volunteerism describes the people's action done out of volition. Those who practice it are called
volunteers. Those who do it because they are obliged to do so are not true volunteers.

POPULAR NATIONALISM
Popular nationalism refers to a form of nationalism that is primarily driven by the common people or the
masses within a nation. It is in each one of us, being exemplified by our actions, our words and it doesn't
need the approval or show of the government to demonstrate our love for our country.

Example: Showing respect to our elders. Doing pagmamano to our loved ones. Camaraderie during
calamity in our country.

UNDERSIDE
refers to the darker or less positive aspects and consequences associated with nationalist movements
and ideologies. While nationalism can often be a unifying force that fosters a sense of identity, pride,
and solidarity among a nation's citizens, it can also have negative dimensions and consequences.

Example: Mañana Habit is is the regular tendency or practice of putting off until tomorrow what can be
done today. It tends to occur subconsciously, like most of our procrastination problems. It is a way of
thinking and doing acquired through previous repetition of task-avoidance experiences.
 NATION VS STATE

1. Nation:
• A nation refers to a group of people who share common cultural, historical, linguistic, or
ethnic characteristics. These commonalities may include a shared language, religion,
traditions, customs, and a sense of shared identity and history.
• Nations are often defined by a sense of belonging and loyalty among their members.
People within a nation may identify with a particular national identity and may have a
sense of unity and solidarity.
• Nations can exist within the borders of a single state or across multiple states. For
example, the Kurdish nation spans several countries in the Middle East, including Iraq,
Turkey, Iran, and Syria, while the French nation is primarily associated with the state of
France.
2. State:
• A state is a political entity with defined geographical borders, a permanent population, a
government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. States are the
primary actors in the international system.
• States have sovereignty, which means they have the authority to govern themselves
without interference from external actors. They can make laws, collect taxes, maintain an
army, and conduct foreign relations.
• States are often associated with formal institutions of governance, such as governments,
constitutions, and legal systems.
• States can be made up of one or more nations. For example, the United States is a state
made up of a diverse population with various cultural backgrounds, but it is not considered
a single nation.

To summarize, a nation is a group of people who share common cultural or ethnic characteristics and
a sense of identity, while a state is a political entity with defined borders and governing institutions.
While some states consist of a single nation, others are composed of multiple nations, and there are
also nations that do not have their own independent state. The relationship between nations and states
can be complex and varies from one country to another.

PN IS THE KEY: NATIONALISM VERSUS PATRIOTISM

NATIONALISM PATRIOTISM
Consists in showing interest in the unification of a consists in developing love for nation based on
nation based on cultural and linguistic equanimity values and beliefs
Gives a feeling that one's country is superior to it’s does not pave the way for enmity towards
another in every aspect and hence it is often other nations but on the other hand strengthen
described as the worst enemy of peace according the admiration towards one's own country
to the great thinker George Orwell
It rooted in rivalry and hatred Rooted in affection
It works from the base of enmity It works from the base of peace
Nationalist believes that his country is better than Believes that his country is one of the best and
any other country that it can advance in many fields with effort and
hard work
Considers that the people belonging to his own Considered a common property and is construed
country alone are important equal all over the world
Aggressive in its concept expresses the love of an individual towards his
country in a passive way

Online Video Website that can help you gain more knowledge about Rizal:
Seach: Sir Marvin Cabanero’s Rizal’s Life and Work.