LIFE OF DR.

JOSE RIZAL

On June 19, 1861, José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda was born in Calamba in the
Philippines' Laguna Province. A brilliant student who became proficient in multiple languages, José
Rizal studied medicine in Manila. In 1882, he traveled to Spain to complete his medical degree.
Like many families in the Philippines, the Rizals were of mixed origin. José's patrilineal lineage could
be traced back to Fujian in China through his father's ancestor Lam-Co, a Chinese merchant who
immigrated to the Philippines in the late 17th century.[13][14][note 1][15] Lam-Co traveled to Manila
from Amoy, China, possibly to avoid the famine or plague in his home district, and more probably to
escape the Manchuinvasion. He finally decided to stay in the islands as a farmer. In 1697, to escape the
bitter anti-Chinese prejudice that existed in the Philippines, he converted to Catholicism, changed his
name to Domingo Mercado and married the daughter of Chinese friend Augustin Chin-co. On his
mother's side, Rizal's ancestry included Chinese, Japanese and Tagalog blood. His mother's lineage can
be traced to the affluent Florentina family of Chinese mestizo families originating in Baliuag,
Bulacan.[16] José Rizal also had Spanish ancestry. His grandfather was a half Spaniard engineer named
Lorenzo Alberto Alonzo.[17]
From an early age, José showed a precocious intellect. He learned the alphabet from his mother at 3, and
could read and write at age 5.[14] Upon enrolling at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, he dropped the last
three names that made up his full name, on the advice of his brother, Paciano and the Mercado family,
thus rendering his name as "José Protasio Rizal". Of this, he later wrote: "My family never paid much
attention [to our second surname Rizal], but now I had to use it, thus giving me the appearance of an
illegitimate child!"[18] This was to enable him to travel freely and disassociate him from his brother, who
had gained notoriety with his earlier links to Filipino priests Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos and Jacinto
Zamora(popularly known as Gomburza) who had been accused and executed for treason.
The life of Jose Rizal was a truly inspiring story. Not just as an ordinary story of a Filipino but a story of
a very intelligent and talented Filipino, who is ready to sacrifice his whole life just to give freedom and
peace to his family, and own nation.
Jose Rizal, for my own insights, tells me the value of certain things which is important for the success of
his life. That is God, Family, Country and Self. He could not reach as that far without God. The Lords is
the most important one who could determine our success, just like as Rizal feared God and in return, he
have been bless abundantly not by material things only but a spiritual one. That is intelligence, skills,
love, and compassion. Also the role of family is next important for Rizal had been blessed with a family
who could guide him to what he really aims. Even nowadays, family is one of the foundations of a
person’s character. Next one is country! For Rizal’s portray the love of the country as a means of loving
his fellow Filipino, thus helping them to attain justice from the evil and corrupt priest and Spaniards who
are mistreating them in their own land for God has created us to extend our help with our fellow as a
symbol of glorifying Him. And last is Self. I have learned from Rizal’s life that you should make
yourself fruitfully. He makes himself grow to wisdom and knowledge to use it in God’s purpose. He did
not say to himself that he is not worth enough and live blind for what is happening in his environment.
Thus, he is knows that he is a child of God.
Moreover, Rizal proved that pen is mightier than a sword. For his expertise in writings enable him to
convince his whole fellowmen to attain justice, thus destroying an empire. For words flies wherever and
ignites every man’s feelings. Just like as a saying says that word is powerful, there comes positive and
negative in it. It could heal one’s heart but also harm another like a double edged sword. Rizal have a
God fearing heart so that he have ignite change and peace and thus mean we Filipinos should have a
good conscience and God fearing heart to impose positive changes.
 WRITINGS OF DR. JOSE RIZAL

For Dr. José Rizal, the well-respected national hero of the Philippines, “the pen is mightier than the
sword.” Through his literary masterpieces, he voiced strong opposition to the abuse of Spaniards and
conveyed messages that he hoped would inspire his fellow countrymen. We round up his best works and
uncover the underlying meaning behind them.

To the Filipino Youth

Rizal wrote this literary poem when he was still studying at the University of Sto. Tomas (UST).
Originally written in Spanish (A la juventud filipina), Rizal submitted this piece for a poem contest
organized for Filipinos by the Manila Lyceum of Art and Literature. At the age of 18, this work is
beaming with strong messages to convince readers, the youth in particular, that they are the hope of the
nation. He also stresses the importance of education to one’s future. Rizal won the first prize and was
rewarded with a feather-shaped silver pen and a diploma.

Goodbye to Leonor

This literary piece gives an insight into the romantic relationship of Rizal and his beloved, Leonor
Rivera. The two met when in the province of Dagupan when Rivera was only 13-years-old. Rivera’s
parents were not in favor of their relationship and though distance separated them, the two kept in touch
by sending letters and photographs to each other. Rizal later found out that her lady love would soon tie
the knot with Henry Kipping, and the news definitely disheartened him. The lonely, heartbreaking
feelings he felt, resulted in this melancholic poem.

To the Young Women of Malolos

Addressed to the Filipino women, Rizal’s letter entitled To The Young Women of Malolos reflects his
inheritance and issues reminders to Filipino women. In his letter, he addresses all kinds of Filipino
women – mothers, wives, and even the single women. Throughout this literary piece, he highlights the
qualities that Filipino mothers should possess, the duties of wives to their husbands and children, and a
counsel on how young women should choose their lifetime partners. The idea behind this letter sparked
after he was impressed by the women of Malolos who won the battle they fought. Rizal advises women
to educate themselves, protect their dignity and honor, and live with good manners – setting up as a role
model.

Kundiman

A kundiman traditionally refers to a love song where a man serenades the woman he loves. For scholars,
this word was derived from the Tagalog phrase “Kung Hindi man” (if it should not be so) which
suggests that people put their faith in a Higher Being who decides whether or not something is meant for
them. But in Rizal’s literary work, he wrote a kundiman to profess his intense love for his motherland.
This piece reflects his high hopes that one day, the Philippines would be free from treachery and
injustice. At the time, the country faced great threats while he was in Europe. And, through this work, he
voices his hopeful thoughts despite being far away from the country.

Junto Al Pasig

When translated into English, the title of this work means Beside Pasig River. In response to the Jesuits’
request, Rizal wrote this one-act play in the Spanish language for the velada – a gala variety program
during the principal feast days. The play centers around Leonido (a young Filipino who has a strong
faith in the Virgin) and the Diwata/Satan, which symbolizes the Spanish oppression towards Filipinos.
Its theme highlights Christianity, good vs. evil, and paganism. The Philippines’ national hero wrote it in
honor of the Our Lady of Peace and Voyage of the UST, and the play was staged on December 8, 1880.
Noli Me Tángere

One of the most sought-after books in Philippine literature until today, is Rizal’s famous novel
titled Noli Me Tángere (Touch Me Not). Driven by his undying love for his country, Rizal wrote the
novel to expose the ills of Philippine society during the Spanish colonial era. At the time, the Spaniards
prohibited the Filipinos from reading the controversial book because of the unlawful acts depicted in the
novel. Yet they were not able to ban it completely and as more Filipinos read the book, it opened their
eyes to the truth that they were being manhandled by the friars. In this revolutionary book, you’ll learn
the story of Crisostomo Ibarra, how he dealt with Spanish authorities, and how he prepared for his
revenge, as told in Rizal’s second book, El Filibusterismo.

El Filibusterismo

This is Rizal’s sequel to his first book, Noli Me Tángere. In El Filibusterismo (The Reign of the Greed),
the novel exhibits a dark theme (as opposed to the hopeful atmosphere in the first novel) in which it
depicts the country’s issues and how the protagonist attempts a reform. The story takes place 13 years
after Noli Me Tángere, where revolutionary protagonist Crisostomo Ibarra is now under the guise of
Simoun – a wealthy jewelry tycoon. Because the novel also portrays the abuse, corruption, and
discrimination of the Spaniards towards Filipinos, it was also banned in the country at the time. Rizal
dedicated his second novel to the GOMBURZA – the Filipino priests named Mariano Gomez, Jose
Apolonio Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora who were executed on charges of subversion. The two novels of
Rizal, now considered as his literary masterpieces, both indirectly sparked the Philippine Revolution.

El Filibusterismo

This is Rizal’s sequel to his first book, Noli Me Tángere. In El Filibusterismo (The Reign of the Greed),
the novel exhibits a dark theme (as opposed to the hopeful atmosphere in the first novel) in which it
depicts the country’s issues and how the protagonist attempts a reform. The story takes place 13 years
after Noli Me Tángere, where revolutionary protagonist Crisostomo Ibarra is now under the guise of
Simoun – a wealthy jewelry tycoon. Because the novel also portrays the abuse, corruption, and
discrimination of the Spaniards towards Filipinos, it was also banned in the country at the time. Rizal
dedicated his second novel to the GOMBURZA – the Filipino priests named Mariano Gomez, Jose
Apolonio Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora who were executed on charges of subversion. The two novels of
Rizal, now considered as his literary masterpieces, both indirectly sparked the Philippine Revolution.
 REFLECTION
"I have always loved my poor country and I am sure that I shall love her until death”… this is one
influence that many people try to stand up against Spain, if someone is bigger than you and tries to hurt
you, stand up and get him to leave yourself or anyone alone. Jose faced the country’s enslavement by
Spain. Jose’s expressive ideas about the terror of the Spanish government in his novels and ask to gain
the Philippine government. It inspires many people by Rizal’s books and words as he wanted freedom.
Jose wrote two novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo to show people how the Philippines were
being bondaged by Spain. Jose made the Philippine League to get their first reform group and to get
their freedom from Spain. Jose Rizal an inspiration to Philippine history for making the first reform
group that is set up by the Philippines; his death brought out the people's strengths to fight back in the
name of Jose. This affected many who lived in the Philippines. If we didn’t have our freedom who
knows what would have happened. Remember the American Revolution when the Patriots (USA)
wanted to be free from England, it’s just like it. The Philippines are the Patriots and Spain as England.
Jose is the leader who started and inspired people to fight back to be free and equal as a country. Jose
Rizal is a true hero. He showed qualities of intelligence, courageousness, and determination to fight for
all men born equal and to rise up against obstacles that will come for you.

REFERENCES

Google: https://myhero.com/J_Rizal2_dnhs_US_2011_ul
https://studymoose.com/national-hero-dr-jose-rizal-

https://klon.org/jose-rizal-
 LIFE AND
WRITING OF
DR. JOSE RIZAL