Rizal Course
Michael Vincent P. Caceres, PhD
Member, National Research Council of the Philippines
Rizal: Summary of Lecture
Sucesos de Las Islas Filipinas (8 CHAPTERS)
Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (English: Events in the Philippine Islands) is a book written and published by Antonio de
Morga considered one of the most important works on the early history of the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. [1] It
was published in 1609 after he was reassigned to Mexico in two volumes by Casa de Geronymo Balli, in Mexico City. The
first English translation was published in London in 1868 and another English translation by Blair and Robertson was
published in Cleveland in 1907.[2]
The work greatly impressed the Philippine national hero José Rizal and decided to annotate it and publish a new edition
and began working on it in London and completing it in Paris in 1890.[3][4]
History[edit]
Antonio de Morga's Sucesos De Las Islas Filipinas has been recognized as a first-hand account of Spanish colonial
venture in Asia during the 16th century. The book was first published in Mexico in 1609 and has been re-edited number of
times. The Hakluyt Society, a text publication society in 1851 catches its attention and an edition was prepared by H. E. J.
Stanley but was only published in 1868.[5]
Sucesos De Las Islas Filipinas is based on Antonio de Morga's personal experiences and other documentations from eyewitnesses of the events such as the survivors of Miguel López de Legazpi's Philippine expedition.[6]
Contents[edit]
The title literary means Events in the Philippine Islands and thus the books primary goal is a documentation of events
during the Spanish colonial period of the Philippines as observed by the author himself. The book also includes Filipino
customs, traditions, manners, and religion during the Spanish conquest. [7]
Considered the most valuable text on Philippine history written by a Spaniard, Antonio de Morga’s Sucesos de las
Islas Filipinas (“Events of the Philippine Islands”) is lauded for its truthful, straightforward, and fair account of the early
colonial period from the perspective of a Spanish colonist. A lawyer, lieutenant of the Governor-General of the Philippines
(second only to the Governor-General), and judge of the Audiencia (highest tribunal justice) in Manila, Morga the historian
achieved a comprehensive and balanced report and was even critical of his fellow colonists at times, the missionaries in
particular. The present book is one of only 25 copies of the 1609 original printed in Mexico.
Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas is composed of eight chapters: the first is on Magellan’s and Legazpi’s seminal expeditions,
the second to seventh is a chronological report on the government administration under several Governor-Generals, and
the final eighth provides a general “account of the Philippines Islands, the natives there, their antiquity, customs, and
government, both in the time of their paganism and after their conquest by the Spaniards; and other particulars.” The book
is based on Morga’s personal experience and documentary research in the many years that he lived in the Philippines. For
instance, Morga interviewed survivors of Legazpi’s expedition in Manila.
In his words, Morga’s main purpose for writing the book is to commemorate the “achievements of our fellow Spaniards in
these days, in their discovery, conquest and conversion of the Philippine Islands and the varied adventures they have had
at the same time in the great heathen kingdoms surrounding these islands.” (JM)
Women of Malolos
Reference: https://thelifeandworksofrizal.blogspot.com/2011/08/to-young-women-of-malolos-summary-and.html
Jose Rizal’s legacy to Filipino women is embodied in his famous essay entitled, “To the Young Women of Malolos,” where
he addresses all kinds of women – mothers, wives, the unmarried, etc. and expresses everything that he wishes them to
keep in mind.
SUMMARY
“To the Women of Malolos” was originally written in Tagalog. Rizal penned this writing when he was in London, in response
to the request of Marcelo H. del Pilar. The salient points contained in this letter are as follows:
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Rizal Course
Michael Vincent P. Caceres, PhD
Member, National Research Council of the Philippines
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The rejection of the spiritual authority of the friars – not all of the priests in the country that time embodied the true
spirit of Christ and His Church. Most of them were corrupted by worldly desires and used worldly methods to effect
change and force discipline among the people.
The defense of private judgment
Qualities Filipino mothers need to possess – as evidenced by this portion of his letter, Rizal is greatly concerned of
the welfare of the Filipino children and the homes they grow up in.
Duties and responsibilities of Filipino mothers to their children
Duties and responsibilities of a wife to her husband – Filipino women are known to be submissive, tender, and
loving. Rizal states in this portion of his letter how Filipino women ought to be as wives, in order to preserve the
identity of the race.
Counsel to young women on their choice of a lifetime partner
Rizal’s Message to Filipino Women
Jose Rizal was greatly impressed by the fighting spirit that the young women of Malolos had shown. In his letter, he
expresses great joy and satisfaction over the battle they had fought. In this portion of Rizal’s letter, it is obvious that his
ultimate desire was for women to be offered the same opportunities as those received by men in terms of education. During
those days young girls were not sent to school because of the universal notion that they would soon only be taken as wives
and stay at home with the children. Rizal, however, emphasizes on freedom of thought and the right to education, which
must be granted to both boys and girls alike.
The Responsibilities of Filipino Mothers to Their Children
Rizal stipulates a number of important points in this portion of his letter to the young women of Malolos. The central idea
here, however, is that whatever a mother shows to her children is what the children will become also. If the mother is always
kissing the hand of the friars in submission, then her children will grow up to be sycophants and mindless fools who do
nothing but do as they are told, even if the very nature of the task would violate their rights as individuals.
Qualities Mothers have to Possess
Rizal enumerates the qualities Filipino mothers have to possess:
1. Be a noble wife.
2. Rear her children in the service of the state – here Rizal gives reference to the women of Sparta who embody this
quality
3. Set standards of behavior for men around her.
Rizal’s Advice to Unmarried Men and Women
Jose Rizal points out to unmarried women that they should not be easily taken by appearances and looks, because these
can be very deceiving. Instead, they should take heed of men’s firmness of character and lofty ideas. Rizal further adds
that there are three things that a young woman must look for a man she intends to be her husband:
1. A noble and honored name
2. A manly heart
3. A high spirit incapable of being satisfied with engendering slaves.
ANALYSIS
“To the Women of Malolos” centers around five salient points (Zaide &Zaide, 1999):
1. Filipino mothers should teach their children love of God, country and fellowmen.
2. Filipino mothers should be glad and honored, like Spartan mothers, to offer their sons in defense of their country.
3. Filipino women should know how to protect their dignity and honor.
4. Filipino women should educate themselves aside from retaining their good racial values.
5. Faith is not merely reciting prayers and wearing religious pictures. It is living the real Christian way with good morals
and manners.
In recent times, it seems that these qualities are gradually lost in the way Filipino women conduct themselves. There are
oftentimes moments where mothers forget their roles in rearing their children because of the overriding idea of having to
earn for the family to supplement their husband’s income. Although there is nothing negative about working hard for the
welfare of the family, there must always be balance in the way people go through life. Failure in the home cannot be
compensated for by any amount of wealth or fame.
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Rizal Course
Michael Vincent P. Caceres, PhD
Member, National Research Council of the Philippines
Names of the 20 Women of Malolos
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Elisea Tantoco Reyes (1873-1969)
Juana Tantoco Reyes (1874-1900)
Leoncia Santos Reyes (1864-1948)
Olympia San Agustin Reyes (1876-1910)
Rufina T. Reyes (1869-1909)
Eugenia Mendoza Tanchangco (1871-1969)
Aurea Mendoza Tanchangco (1872-1958)
Basilia Villariño Tantoco (1865-1925)
Teresa Tiongson Tantoco (1867-1942)
Maria Tiongson Tantoco (1869-1912)
Anastacia Maclang Tiongson (1874-1940)
Basilia Reyes Tiongson (1860-1925)
Paz Reyes Tiongson (1862-1889)
Aleja Reyes Tiongson (ca 1864-ca 1900)
Mercedes Reyes Tiongson (1870-1928)
Agapita Reyes Tiongson (1872-1937)
Filomena Oliveros Tiongson (ca 1867-1934)
Cecilia Oliveros Tiongson (ca 1867-1934)
Feliciana Oliveros Tiongson (1869-1938)
Alberta Santos Uitangcoy (1865-1953)
Retraction letter
Source: https://varsitarian.net/news/20111004/rizals_retraction_truth_vs_myth
Since Rizal’s retraction letter was discovered by Father Manuel Garcia, C.M. in 1935, its content has become a
favorite subject of dispute among academicians and Catholics. The letter, dated December 29, 1896, was said to have been signed by
the National Hero himself.
It stated: “I declare myself a Catholic and in this religion in which I was born and educated I wish to live and die. I retract with all my
heart whatever in my words, writings, publications and conduct has been contrary to my character as son of the Catholic Church.”
The controversy whether the National Hero actually wrote a retraction document only lies in the judgment of its reader, as no amount
of proof can probably make the two opposing groups—the Masonic Rizalists (who firmly believe that Rizal did not withdraw) and the
Catholic Rizalists (who were convinced Rizal retracted)—agree with each other.
Proofs, documents
History books tell most people that the first draft of the retraction was sent by Archbishop Bernardino Nozaleda to Rizal’s cell in Fort
Santiago the night before his execution in Bagumbayan. But Rizal was said to have rejected the draft because it was lengthy.
According to a testimony by Father Vicente Balaguer, a Jesuit missionary who befriended the hero during his exile in Dapitan, Rizal
accepted a shorter retraction document prepared by the superior of the Jesuit Society in the Philippines, Father Pio Pi.
Rizal then wrote his retraction after making some modifications in the document. In his retraction, he disavowed Masonry and
religious thoughts that opposed Catholic belief.
“Personally, I did not believe he retracted, but some documents that was purchased by the Philippine government from Spain in the
mid-1990s, the Cuerpo de Vigilancia de Manila,” showed some interesting points about the retraction, said Jose Victor Torres,
professor at the History department of the De La Salle University.
Popularly known as the Katipunan and Rizal documents, the Cuerpo de Vigilancia de Manila is a body of documents on the Philippine
revolutions that contains confidential reports, transcripts, clippings, and photographs from Spanish and Philippine newspapers.
Despite this, Torres said his perception of the Filipino martyr would not change even if the controversies were true.
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Rizal Course
Michael Vincent P. Caceres, PhD
Member, National Research Council of the Philippines
“Even though it would be easy to say he retracted all that he wrote about the Church, it still did not change the fact that his writings
began the wheels of change in Philippine colonial society during the Spanish period—a change that led to our independence,” Torres
said. “The retraction is just one aspect of the life, works, and writings of Rizal.”
But then, Torres noted that the controversy is irrelevant today.
“The way Rizal is taught in schools today, the retraction means nothing,” he said.
‘Unadorned fact’
Filipino historian Nicolas Zafra considered the controversy as “a plain unadorned fact of history, having all the marks and indications
of historical certainty and reality” in his book The Historicity of Rizal’s Retraction.
Dr. Augusto De Viana, head of UST’s Department of History , also believes that Rizal retracted and said the National Hero just
renounced from the Free Masonry and not from his famous nationalistic works.
“He (Rizal) retracted. He died as a Catholic, and a proof that he died as a Catholic was he was buried inside the sacred grounds of
Paco Cemetery,” said De Viana, who compared the martyr with Apolinario Mabini, a revolutionary and free mason who was buried in
a Chinese cemetery.
De Viana said it is not possible that the retraction letter had been forged because witnesses were present while Rizal was signing it.
He added that the evidence speaks for itself and moves on to the question on Rizal’s character as some argue that the retraction is not
in line with Rizal’s mature beliefs and personality.
“Anti-retractionists ask, ‘What kind of hero is Jose Rizal?’ They say he was fickle-minded. Well, that may be true, but that is human
character. Rizal was not a perfect person,” De Viana said.
He also mentioned that just like any person, Rizal was prone to flip-flop. He believes that Rizal retracted because the national hero
wanted to be at peace when he dies.
But would Rizal’s works deem irrelevant and futile because of his retraction?
De Viana answered, “Rizal awakened our knowledge of nationalism. For me, that is enough. The issue will not invalidate his works in
any way.”
Final Poem
My Last Farewell (Mi Ultimo Adios in Spanish) was the last poem that Jose Rizal wrote. It had no title when Rizal finished writing it. It
was Mariano Ponce, his friend, who gave the title to this poem. Mi Ultimo Adios is a poem that tells us how beautiful the
Philippines is and how Rizal wants us to learn from our past and to see the truth about how the world view us.
Fort Santiago, Rizal wrote “Último adiós” (“Last Farewell”), a masterpiece of 19th-century Spanish verse.
Source: https://www.joserizal.com/my-last-farewell/
Farewell, my adored Land, region of the sun caressed,
Pearl of the Orient Sea, our Eden lost,
With gladness I give you my Life, sad and repressed;
And were it more brilliant, more fresh and at its best,
I would still give it to you for your welfare at most.
On the fields of battle, in the fury of fight,
Others give you their lives without pain or hesitancy,
The place does not matter: cypress laurel, lily white,
Scaffold, open field, conflict or martyrdom’s site,
It is the same if asked by home and Country.
I die as I see tints on the sky b’gin to show
And at last announce the day, after a gloomy night;
If you need a hue to dye your matutinal glow,
Pour my blood and at the right moment spread it so,
And gild it with a reflection of your nascent light!
My dreams, when scarcely a lad adolescent,
My dreams when already a youth, full of vigor to attain,
Were to see you, gem of the sea of the Orient,
Your dark eyes dry, smooth brow held to a high plane
Without frown, without wrinkles and of shame without stain.
My life’s fancy, my ardent, passionate desire,
Hail! Cries out the soul to you, that will soon part from thee;
Hail! How sweet ’tis to fall that fullness you may acquire;
To die to give you life, ‘neath your skies to expire,
And in your mystic land to sleep through eternity!
If over my tomb some day, you would see blow,
A simple humble flow’r amidst thick grasses,
Bring it up to your lips and kiss my soul so,
And under the cold tomb, I may feel on my brow,
Warmth of your breath, a whiff of your tenderness.
Let the moon with soft, gentle light me descry,
Let the dawn send forth its fleeting, brilliant light,
In murmurs grave allow the wind to sigh,
And should a bird descend on my cross and alight,
Let the bird intone a song of peace o’er my site.
Let the burning sun the raindrops vaporize
And with my clamor behind return pure to the sky;
Let a friend shed tears over my early demise;
And on quiet afternoons when one prays for me on high,
Pray too, oh, my Motherland, that in God may rest I.
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Rizal Course
Michael Vincent P. Caceres, PhD
Member, National Research Council of the Philippines
Pray thee for all the hapless who have died,
For all those who unequalled torments have undergone;
For our poor mothers who in bitterness have cried;
For orphans, widows and captives to tortures were shied,
And pray too that you may see your own redemption.
And when the dark night wraps the cemet’ry
And only the dead to vigil there are left alone,
Don’t disturb their repose, don’t disturb the mystery:
If you hear the sounds of cittern or psaltery,
It is I, dear Country, who, a song t’you intone.
And when my grave by all is no more remembered,
With neither cross nor stone to mark its place,
Let it be plowed by man, with spade let it be scattered
And my ashes ere to nothingness are restored,
Let them turn to dust to cover your earthly space.
Then it doesn’t matter that you should forget me:
Your atmosphere, your skies, your vales I’ll sweep;
Vibrant and clear note to your ears I shall be:
Aroma, light, hues, murmur, song, moanings deep,
Constantly repeating the essence of the faith I keep.
My idolized Country, for whom I most gravely pine,
Dear Philippines, to my last goodbye, oh, harken
There I leave all: my parents, loves of mine,
I’ll go where there are no slaves, tyrants or hangmen
Where faith does not kill and where God alone does reign.
Farewell, parents, brothers, beloved by me,
Friends of my childhood, in the home distressed;
Give thanks that now I rest from the wearisome day;
Farewell, sweet stranger, my friend, who brightened my way;
Farewell, to all I love. To die is to rest.
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