ACTIVITY 1. What are two interesting facts about Jose Rizal? Jose Rizal remains one of the most renowned Filipino heroes in history. Born on June 19, 1861, he grew up to become a multifaceted individual - a writer, an artist, a polymath, a doctor, a philosopher, and a revolutionary. The life story of Rizal has intrigued many, and in this essay, I will explore some of the interesting facts about him. Rizal was a multilingual. He spoke over ten languages, including Tagalog, Spanish, Latin, Italian and English. His proficiency in languages enabled him to travel, learn new cultures, and communicate effectively with people from different parts of the world. He was also a prolific writer who produced many literary works, including two novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Jose Rizal was a revolutionary who fought for the independence of his country. He only used his writing and speaking skills to spread awareness about the injustices and inequalities that the Filipino people faced under Spanish colonial rule which led our country to honor him as our national hero which was also been a hot topic on debates the past year. He also founded several organizations, such La Liga Filipina or The Philippine League, that aimed to promote national consciousness and unity among the Filipinos. In conclusion, Jose Rizal was a man of many talents and accomplishments. His life story is inspiring and continues to be studied by many scholars and students alike. From his multilingualism to his revolutionary spirit, Rizal remains a symbol of resilience and enlightenment for the Filipino people. 2. What is Rizal’s greatest weakness and attributes? Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines is known for his remarkable contributions to Philippine history. He is remembered for his intelligence, bravery, love for his people, and dedication to his country. However, he is not without weaknesses. Despite his greatness, he had flaws that made him human. Rizal was a highly intelligent and learned individual, with a vast knowledge of languages, literature, history, and the sciences. Rizal was a deeply patriotic individual who loved his country and sought to uplift his fellow Filipinos through education, enlightenment, and peaceful reforms. He was a member of several civic organizations, including La Liga Filipina, which aimed to unite Filipinos and seek reforms from the Spanish government. Rizal was a talented writer, poet, artist, and musician, with a passion for the arts and culture. His artistic talents allowed him to express his ideas and aspirations for his country and its people in a powerful and influential way. Despite the risks to his own safety, Rizal never wavered in his commitment to his country and his people. He willingly sacrificed his personal comfort and security, and ultimately his life, for the cause of Philippine independence and the liberation of his fellow Filipinos from colonial oppression. Issue that is often raised about Rizal is his contradictory stance in politics. While he is known for his fierce independence and advocacy for reforms, he is also criticized for his reluctance to join the revolution against the Spanish colonizers. Some see his stance as a betrayal of his own ideals, while others argue that he only wanted to achieve his goals through peaceful means. Whatever the reasons may be, this aspect of his life has caused debates and controversies among scholars and politicians up to this day. In conclusion, Jose Rizal was undoubtedly one of the greatest heroes of the Philippines. His contributions to the country's history are innumerable, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of Filipinos. Despite his flaws, he remains a symbol of hope, courage, and patriotism. His greatness and weaknesses are what make him a relatable and human figure whose memory continues to live on. Rizal's greatness may have been tempered by his weaknesses, but it is precisely these flaws that make him a more relatable figure and a hero for all times. 3. How did Rizal contribute to our country? Dr. Jose Rizal is a national hero of the Philippines who played a significant role in shaping the nation's history and identity. Rizal's writings and example inspired and led the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule, which ultimately led to the country's independence. Rizal's novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, exposed the injustices and abuses of the Spanish colonial regime in the Philippines. These novels sparked a revolution in the hearts and minds of Filipinos and played a crucial role in the Philippine Revolution against Spain. Rizal's emphasis on the importance of nationalism and love for one's country influenced many Filipinos to take pride in their cultural heritage and national identity. Rizal believed that education was the key to national progress and development. Rizal believed that education was the key to national development and progress. He founded La Liga Filipina, an organization that aimed to unite Filipinos and promote education. He also established a school in Dapitan, where he lived in exile, and taught his students various subjects, including agriculture, mathematics, and literature. Rizal's literary works, such as Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, exposed the injustices and abuses of the Spanish colonial regime and helped awaken the Filipino people to the need for change. Rizal's advocacy for human rights, including the right to freedom of speech and religion, helped lay the foundation for a more just and democratic society. Overall, Rizal's contributions to the Philippines were diverse and far-reaching, helping to shape the nation's identity and character as it transitioned from a colonial society to an independent nation. 4. What is the greatest contribution of Jose Rizal in the Philippines? Jose Rizal is a national hero in the Philippines and is widely recognized for his significant contributions to the country's independence movement against Spanish colonial rule. His greatest contribution is his role as an intellectual and a revolutionary who inspired the Filipinos to fight for their rights and freedom. One of Rizal's most significant contributions was his ability to awaken the patriotic spirit among the Filipino people. His two novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, exposed the corruption and oppression of the Spanish colonial government and the Catholic Church in the Philippines. These works helped to ignite the flames of revolution and served as a catalyst for the Philippine Revolution of 1896. Rizal's other contributions include his advocacy for education and his call for reforms in the country's political and social systems. He believed that education was the key to achieving progress and development in the Philippines. He also advocated for the recognition of Filipino identity and culture, as well as the promotion of equality and social justice. Rizal fought for the civil rights of Filipinos and advocated for reforms in the Spanish colonial government. He believed that Filipinos deserved equal treatment and protection under the law. Rizal’s love for his country and his willingness to sacrifice his life for the freedom of his people inspired generations of Filipinos to be patriotic and to fight for their independence. Overall, Jose Rizal's greatest contribution to the Philippines was his dedication and sacrifice to the country's freedom and independence. He inspired generations of Filipinos to fight for their rights and served as a symbol of hope and courage for the nation.