Activity 1 BIOGRAPHICAL ESSAY OF DR. JOSE RIZAL Dr Jose Rizal as a poet, essayist, and novelist: If Jose Rizal is known well for something, every Filipino can’t deny him as a notoriously skilled writer, novelist and essayist. Having known that his two famous novels Noli Me Tangere (Touch me not) and El Filibusterismo (The Reign of the Greed) Noli Me Tangere started with “Juan Crisostomo Ibarra”, an intelligent man who came back to the Philippines after 7 Image 1: “Noli Me Tangere”, Image retrieved from wikipedia.com years of studying in Europe and a man who is in love with a beautiful woman named “Maria Clara”. The plot of the novel goes through a rough time with Padre Damaso and the other Spanish friars and government officials. After an alleged death claim of Ibarra after escaping with Elias from the grasp of the Spaniards, Maria Clara who was supposed to be engaged with Linares asked if she could be enlisted in a nunnery. The novel was continued with El Filibusterismo where Ibarra becomes “Simoun”, a new persona of Ibarra who wishes to seek revenge. These two novels became the spark to the flambeau towards the Philippine Revolution against the Spaniard regime in our motherland that latter became the first milestone towards achieving national freedom. Image 1: “El Filibusterismo” Image retrieved from pinterest.com Furthermore, he also wrote a couple of other essays and poems such us A La Juventud Filipina (To the Filipino Youth), which inspires the Filipino youth, the hope of the future generations to come, to surpass any challenges they may face. It also reminds them that they can do great things for our nation. His writing not only inspired a lot of Filipinos in the early times but has opened new opportunities for him through recognitions and awards from the Philippines and other counties. Moreover, at the time that he was discovered to be affiliated with the Katipuneros and upon receiving the sentence of death by firing squad at Bagumbayan, Dr. Rizal wrote his farewell to his fellow Filipinos and to our motherland through his poem Mi ultimo adios (My Last Farewell). ===================================================================================== Dr Jose Rizal as the National Hero of the Philippines and an instrument of change to the modern Filipino youth: Dr. Jose Rizal, being the national hero of our country has been admired by many and is seen in many aspects of everyday Filipino lives, from multiple instances in the Filipino Currency “Peso”, to a national monument dedicated to his heroism. This secures the thought to many Filipinos, young and old alike, that Jose Rizal is indeed a great part of our history and the first big step towards achieving freedom and great nationalism. Nonetheless, most Filipinos forget “Why” Jose Rizal is chosen as our national hero. It is taught to us that through law, Rizal is our national hero, but most of us forget the reason “why” he should be and has been the hero that represented our country. Here are some of the reasons why we should be proud that he is in that position, For Rizal: 1. Is the Catalyst in the nations hunger for freedom and revolution - His two novels were even more powerful than a shield and sword in combat, it sparked more than just the thought of revolting against the oppressor, it also awakened the minds of every “Indio” and Filipino that we are capable of doing greater things other than serving the selfish friars and government of the Spaniards. 2. Started a revolution using only his intellect, a pen and paper - Being an essayist, novelist and poet doesn’t mean you can’t start a revolution towards change. Jose Rizal was beyond the best example in this remark, he sparked the nationalistic spirit in every Filipino during the Spanish regime. 3. He showed what the Filipinos can do - From the past until the present, Filipinos are beyond talented and gifted in different forms of sciences and arts, but Jose Rizal inspired millions of Filipinos in his wits and capabilities, not only being a novelist, but being a scientist and doctor and a multilingual person. Jose Rizal not only shows how brave Filipinos can be in times of distress, but he also showcases what Filipinos have in common, a fighting spirit to stand up for what is right, just, and good for everyone. 4. Reminds us to be the change for others and the whole country - As said earlier, Jose Rizal wrote an entry for the past and modern Filipino youth to strive to achieve what’s best for them and their motherland. Jose Rizal wrote more than just words, he created a legacy that was not only instilled in the minds of the readers of his text and those who study his works and achievements, but also create that flame of inspiration to create a positive mindset, that no matter what struggle you face, even if it means your death, you only live once, so do what needs to be done and challenge yourself to keep doing the things that will create greater good. For Rizal, that mindset led to the creation of a revolution that united us as one, independent and democratic republic. For us, it will be another story, but let’s take the story and life of Rizal as an example of greatness towards change. Overall Summarization: - Knowing the life story of our national hero can be a source of motivation in our everyday lives. It reminds us that the freedom that we have acquired on this day is because of the intense, free flowing and changemaking words of Dr. Rizal and the bloodshed of the Katipuneros who launched the Philippine Revolution. - Rizal will always have a special place in every Filipinos lives, Rizal as a student with high hopes, a novelist with the vision to change a nation, a scientist with a great heart, and essayist and poet who wishes nothing more than to push his countrymen to aspire and transpire, and of course as our national hero, a symbol of the independence of the Pearl of the Orient Seas. References (2019, September 4). Retrieved from Chronology of The Life of José Rizal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYfpBNHaYCY Ben O. De Lumen, P. (2006, July 20). Rizal, the scientist. Retrieved from philstar.com: https://www.philstar.com/business/science-and-environment/2006/07/20/348367/rizalscientist Chua, X. (2018, June 18). youtube.com. Retrieved from KASAYSAYAN NG LAHI: Why is Jose Rizal a hero?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRwDHuICp-0 Valdeavilla, R. (2018, April 28). The 8 Most Important Literary Works by Jose Rizal. Retrieved from theculturetrip.com: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/the-8-most-importantliterary-works-by-jose-rizal/
