Articles

About
Dr. Jose P. Rizal
(2014-2017)

Submitted to:

Mr. Jonathan Villaruz


Archbishop: Jesus, Rizal, Bonifacio
innocent victims of death penalty
By: Kristine AngeliSabillo - @KSabilloINQ
INQUIRER.net / 02:18 PM February 13, 2017
Lingayen Archbishop Socrates Villegas on
Monday illustrated the Catholic position on death
penalty by using examples of Jesus Christ and Filipino
heroes Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio.
“The Lord, Jesus Christ, died because of death
penalty. He was crucified,” Villegas said during an
Inquirer Multimedia forum in Makati.
“Jose Rizal died because of death penalty. Andres
Bonifacio died because of death penalty. All three
died [despite] being innocent,” he said.
“There are so many people who were killed by death
penalty despite being innocent,” Villegas said.
Villegas was initially asked to comment on
Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao’s position that
the Bible justifies the death penalty but the
archbishop pointed out that the boxer-turned-
politician is no longer Catholic.
“As a Catholic bishop I say I respect his opinion
coming from a different church. I cannot judge him
using Catholic standards,” he said.
However, the archbishop argued that “Jesus
died on the cross voluntarily accepting death, he
accepted death so there would no longer be deaths
like that… so there would be no more deaths from
injustice.”
Submitted by:
Johanna A. Tundag
BSA-II
“And yet the dying, the killings continue. It is not
because the crucifixion is impotent, it is because we
have not taken the lessons of Jesus to heart,” he
said. RAM/rga
SC: Construction of Torre de Manila
can resume
By: Yuji Vincent Gonzales - Reporter
/ @YGonzalesINQ
INQUIRER.net / 03:39 PM April 25, 2017
(Updated, 4:58 p.m.) The Supreme Court on
Tuesday gave the green light to resume the
construction of the controversial Torre de Manila
condominium, which mars the view of the Rizal
Monument in Luneta.
Voting 9-6, the high tribunal in a session in Baguio
City junked the petition by the Order of the Knights
of Rizal in September 2014 to stop the construction
of the 49-storey condominium by DMCI Project
Developer Inc., dubbed as the “national photo
bomber.”
In a media briefer, the SC Public Information
Office said the petition was dismissed because “the
Court has no jurisdiction over the subject matter,”
“the petitioners have no standing to sue,” and “they
stand to suffer no injury.”
“Furthermore, the Court also found that there
is now law that prohibits the construction of the
challenged Torre de Manila. As a consequence of the
judgment rendered today, the TRO (temporary
restraining order) issued by the Court is lifted,” it
added.
 Those who voted to allow the construction
were Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Justices
Antonio Carpio, Marvic Leonen, Presbitero Velasco
Jr., Bienvenido Reyes, Noel Tijam, Estela Perlas-
Bernabe, Mariano Del Castillo and Lucas Bersamin.
Carpio wrote the majority decision.
Those who voted against the construction
were Associate Justices Francis Jardeleza, Samuel
Martires, Teresita De Castro, Diosdado Peralta, Jose
Mendoza and Alfredo Caguioa.
The SC issued a TRO on June 16, 2015,
stopping the construction of the high-rise structure
on Taft Avenue. With reports from Marlon Ramos,
Philippine Daily Inquirer/IDL/rga
Rizal, the Literateur
By Mylah De Leon
Published: January 6, 2016 | No Comments
HIS country absorbed him as affectionately
as he absorbed it. His poems are easy to read, even
to sing, to take to heart and put meaning into its
ability to bring what is dearest to the human heart
and taste.
Through murmurs of pleasantness, pains
and wrongs, Rizal’s poetry sings of exceptional
passions, of humanities jogged escapades into
freedom. His poetry soothes and heals, excites and
haunts, and embraces the nation’s soul. It has a kind
of chemical solvent to social corruption, to an
“archipelagic nation wrought by centuries of abuse,
injustice and repression.”
Poetry often appears at night, wrapped in a
dark and sad mood. Rizal’s most renowned  “Mi
Ultimo Adios”— whose exquisite music of a darker
and sadder mood — speaks in authentic voices to
and for the country. It was written in a familiar style
of rhymed cadences about an amorphous subject
(himself) in a strange brew of confession, prophecy
and language of the soul.
He believed in using literature as an
instrument for improving the conditions of society,
to open the gates to social justice and benevolence.
He didn’t believe in didactic homilies at the end of
his poems, but rather, by teaching, reaching and
charming together that literature itself can be an
anodyne to profit, acquisition and utility. To push
away a culture of moral blindness and rampant
selfishness, he pointed out that the true greatness
of a nation is the greatness of the mind and the true
glory of its moral and intellectual predominance.
In these times of globalization, Dr. Jose P.
Rizal by all accounts was the first Filipino global
citizen. In an age when travel for Filipinos was rare
and arduous, Rizal was already leaving his imprint
on several continents.  He had been to Asia only for
a tour, but did a surgical job in Hong Kong. He had
reportedly been to the United States and Europe
where the gem of his visionary words were
developed and nurtured.
He immersed himself in European language
and literature. Through translation and more subtly
through an alembic process, he inferred his visions
of a new country outgrowing its touchy
backwardness and dependency in the familiar
bardic traditional singing of legends and poems. He
raised native themes and landscape into memorable
verses and mastery of delicate versifications,
constantly repeating the essence of his faith in the
Filipino.
Dr. Jose P. Rizal was executed in Manila on
December 30, 1896 by Spanish Court and died as a
martyr. His death galvanized the Filipinos to give
birth to a new nation on June 12, 1896.
Aside from his exemplary medical acumen,
he was also known for his linguistic skills, having
mastered 22 languages and his proficiency in about
45 different disciplines. His democratic ideals stirred
the republican yearnings of towering figures like
Gandhi, Sun Yat Sen, and even Rabindranath
Tagore. He was a hero as well to contemporary
Malaysian political leader, former Deputy Prime
Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Just like in many of our expatriates today,
Rizal returned to his country, to share his rare skills
and to serve his people. He chose an exile to
Dapitan instead of freedom in Cuba.
While there, he revealed more dimensions of
his genius—that of an educator, scientist and
engineer. In addition to his medical practice, he ran
a school for boys, discovered new species of plants
and animals and built an irrigation aqueduct that to
this day still helps irrigate the farms in Dapitan.
On Wednesday, Dec. 30, the Knights of Rizal
Historic Filipinotown (KOR-HFT) marked the 119th
Rizal Day at Kapistahan Grill in Los Angeles with a
simple luncheon and exaltation rites hosted by Dr.
Charlie Agatep for new members, and 2nd and 3rd-
degree knighthood for the elder members on its
fourth anniversary.
KOR Commander Arturo Garcia, assisted by
Dep. Knight Commander Dr. Orly Cagampan,
exalted new members, which was the highlight of
the event. Among the new Knights of Rizal are Atty.
Roman Mosqueda, Dr. Carlos Manlapaz, Fernandico
Gonong Jr., Ramon Inchong, Dr. Arturo Flores, Lino
Caringal and newsman Joe Cobilla. Sir Macky Fortu,
KOR Exchequer, was exalted into 2nd-degree
knight. Dr. Orly Cagampan, Deputy Knight
Commander of  KOR-HFT and Paul Julian, into 3rd
Degree Knights by Western Region’s Knights
Commander Sir Tony Berango. Berango also
launched a book,  “Jose Rizal’s Life in Poetry.”
It was a perfect time to remember Rizal in a
celebration of independence and heroism, honoring
his life as an educator, historian, sociologist, whose
nationalistic ideas and writings from the late 1800s
made him the Philippines’ national hero. It was his
views on political freedom, education and
independence that led to his martyrdom.
***
E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@aol.com
Remembering Dr. Jose P. Rizal
Manila Bulletin | 19 Jun 2016
The nation celebrates on June 19, 2016, the
155th birth anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose P.
Rizal, whose legacy of courage and patriotism is
known not only in the Philippines, but in many parts
of the world. His life and times as well as his
achievements are well-documented in Philippine
books and manuscripts and are taught in Philippine
schools. He wrote three popular masterpieces in
various staged of his life – Noli Me Tangere,
published in Berlin, Germany, in March, 1887; El
Filibusterismo, published in September, 1891; and Mi
Ultimo Adios while imprisoned in Fort Santiago in
November, 1986.
Today is a special nonworking holiday in his
home province of Laguna, where traditional rites –
flag-raising, floral offering, job fair, medical mission,
fireworks – are held, mostly in Calamba City, site of
the Rizal Shrine, the hero’s birthplace, now a tourist
attraction, which houses a library, an audio-visual
room, and a Rizaliana gallery. Also in Calamba is a
22-foot high Rizal monument, symbolizing the 22
languages Rizal spoke. The new Museoni Rizal
offers innovative exhibits, interactive technology,
and an e-learning facility narrating the childhood,
education and foreign travels of the hero. Rizal’s 26-
foot bronze monument, the world’s tallest, is inside
the Sta. Cruz, Laguna, sports complex, showing him
in fencing uniform.
The Rizal Monument in Manila, declared a
National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum
and a National Monument by the National Historical
Commission of the Philippines, is the focal point for
flag-raising ceremonies today, as well as a 21-gun
salute and wreath-laying. The base of the
monument holds the remains of the national hero.
Philippine embassies and consulates hold
programs to honor Rizal. The Knights of Rizal
Canada Region leads floral offerings in front of his
bust in Earl Bales Park in Toronto. Wreath-laying is 6. He was always ahead on his class.
held at a replica of Manila’s Rizal monument on
5. He was small for his age when he was young.
Avenida Las Islas Filipinas in Mexico. Monuments for
Rizal are found today in every city and town of the 4. He was gay.
Philippines and in many parts of the world. The first
Rizal monument was built in Daet, Camarines, in 3. He was against the revolution.

1898, two years after his death.

2. He was a playboy.
Rizal finished at age 16 his Bachelor of Arts
at Ateneo de Manila in 1877, and the same year, he 1. He was Adolf Hitler's father.
studied Philosophy and Letters at University of
Santo Tomas (UST). In 1878, he took up medicine in
UST, and in 1882, continued it at Universidad Central
de Madrid. In 1884. At 23, he was conferred his DID YOU KNOW: Rizal Day
Licentiate in Medicine. He attended the University of
Philippine Daily Inquirer / 12:17 AM December 30,
Paris and earned his doctorate at the University of
2016
Heidelberg.
He founded La Liga Filipina, which gave birth
to the Katipunan. After the publication of Noli and
Fili, he was charged with writing anti-friar articles. On Dec. 30, 1896, Jose Rizal was shot at

When the Philippine Revolution broke out on Bagumbayan. Two years later, on Dec. 20, 1898, Gen.

August 26, 1896, he was linked with the uprising. On Emilio Aguinaldo issued a decree declaring Dec. 30

November 3, 1896, he was again imprisoned in Fort as Rizal Day and a “national day of mourning.” The

Santiago, and convicted of rebellion, sedition and decree appeared in the government organ, El

illegal activity. He was executed at Bagumbayan on Heraldo de la Revolucion, issued on Dec. 25 in two

December 30, 1896, which we celebrate as Rizal languages, Tagalog and Spanish. The first celebration

Day. of Rizal Day was held on Dec. 30, 1898 in Club

Filipino. —Marielle Medina, Inquirer Research

10 of the Most Popular Stories

about Jose Rizal: “How well do you Follow Rizal’s lead, Filipinos told
know our national hero?”
By: Christine O. Avendaño, Jerome Aning -
BY MARA AGNER | DEC 30, 2016
@inquirerdotnet
Philippine Daily Inquirer / 12:57 AM December 30,
2016
Much has been said about our national
hero, Dr. Jose Rizal—from the brilliant to the
downright dumb—so in honor of Rizal Day, we Dr. Jose Rizal, whose martyrdom is being
listed 10 of the most popular trivia about him. commemorated today, is the perfect example of a
“magnificent” Filipino, Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno
10. He was never really a licensed doctor. said on Thursday.

9. He was a well-traveled man.

Sueno said Filipinos should be motivated by

8. He mastered 22 languages. Rizal’s life, noting that aside from his political

7. He once won the lottery.

thoughts, his studies also covered medicine,
language, arts and other fields.
“With the might of his ideas and writings, Rizal
awakened and moved our ancestors towards
reclaiming Filipino freedom and dignity,” Sueno said.
“Rizal is a magnificent Filipino and I believe that
modern day Filipinos can take much inspiration from
him.”
The National Historical Commission of the
Philippines, which is in charge of this year’s national
Rizal Day commemoration, has adopted the theme
“Rizal: Bayaning Global, Aydolni Juan.”
“Rizal Day is a day of appreciating Rizal as a hero, an
icon and a perfect example on how to be a Filipino,”
Sueno said in the circular.
The secretary also called on the public to use
the long holiday weekend to read about Rizal.
“Rizal is a visionary, prolific Filipino yet he is just as
human as we are. He was able to hone his potentials
through perseverance and diligence. Any Filipino
can also be a global Pinoy and be worth emulating
by Juans and Juanas,” Sueno said.
“The values he espoused are still relevant up to our
time such as citizen participation and participatory
governance,” he added.
The secretary recalled that character
Crisostomo Ibarra in Rizal’s novel “Noli Me Tangere”
urged citizens to take part in matters that concern
them.
Federalism
Sueno noted that President Duterte believed
that Rizal was in favor of a federal form of
government.
In Rizal’s essay, “Filipinas Dentro
CienAños” (The Philippines a Century Hence)
published in the reformist paper La Solidaridad, the
hero predicted that the Philippines, once liberated,
would probably adopt a federal republic.
Many historians believe that Rizal was
influenced by his mentor, Francesco Pi y Margall,
President of the short-lived First Spanish Republic in
1873, who advocated autonomy and a federal setup
of government that would benefit his native region
of Catalonia.
The Duterte administration has been pushing
its allies in Congress for constitutional amendments
to transform the country’s system of government
from unitary to federal.
The President tasked the Interior Department
to undertake a nationwide information campaign on
federalism in partnership with various alliances and
with local government units, civil society, grassroots
and faith-based organizations.
Sen. Grace Poe said Rizal’s heroism “lies in
loving our country in thoughts, words and deeds.”
“There need not be bloodshed to show our love for
the motherland,” Poe said, but did not elaborate
when asked by the Inquirer whether she was
referring to the government’s antidrug war.
“Although Rizal made the ultimate sacrifice with his
life having been executed, it is his written works that
serve as a chronicle of history, patriotism and culture
that inspire generations of Filipinos long after his
death,” she said.
Jose Rizal: Jose Rizal Inspired Game
Character?
April 29, 2015 | Donato Valenti Leandro B. Amasa
Hailed as the greatest national hero of the
Philippines, Jose Rizal was a man of strong
De
convictions who sacrificed his life for the nationalist
cause. During his time Philippines was under
Spanish colonial rule and Rizal advocated for
peaceful reforms in his home country. Rizal was not
just a nationalist, he was a multifaceted personality
who was a qualified doctor, writer, and an artist who
could draw, paint, sculpt and carve. He was a prolific
writer and poet who through his eloquent writings
inspired the nationalists for peaceful reforms as well
as armed conflicts where the need arose. Born into
a family which valued education, he
encouraged to study well and gain knowledge
about a variety of subjects. Even as a youngster he
was known to harbor thoughts of political freedom
and individual rights which were considered radical
by the authorities who frowned upon him. A well-
traveled man, he became involved in
Propaganda Movement where he joined other
Filipinos who wanted reforms. He also wrote about
the dark aspects of Spanish rule in a book which
was banned in Philippines. Even though he was a
supporter of peaceful reforms, he was exiled from
his home country, and later on convicted of sedition
and sentenced to death. The execution of this
young nationalist fuelled the Filipinos’ desire for
independence further.
With all of these known historical and important
facts for our national hero, would you consider him
becoming a video game character that you would
soon control in battling different kind of nemesis?
Well at the time that Jose Rizal was born until today
has not only been making an honor and fame from
his majestic works but also through the different
things associated with him and one very interesting
thing that he is being related to is becoming a
game character in a very famous game called
Tekken.
Tekken which is Japanese for “iron fist” is a
fighting game franchise created, developed and
published by Namco (later Bandai Namco Games).
Beginning with the original Tekken in 1994, the
series has received several sequels as well as
updates and spin-off titles. The series has also been
adapted into three films and other media.
The series' official English name is always written
in all-capital letters (TEKKEN, abbreviated to TK).
There are 6 main installments to the series, one
installment having an updated version that also
made a home release, two non-canonical
installments, and a seventh mainline game in the
works.
The premise of each game in the main series
documents the events of the King of Iron Fist
was
Tournament, hosted by the Mishima Zaibatsu
Corporation. The prize is typically control of the
company, which then allows the winner to host the
following tournament. After beating the game with
each character, an ending cut scene is unlocked and
usually one of the endings from each game
the
becomes the continuation of the story into the
following installment. The story has largely revolved
around the Mishima clan curse.
Two of the games were considered
breakthroughs and among the greatest games of all
time, one of which also being the second best-
selling fighting game to date. The series itself is the
best-selling fighting game franchise in history.
Filipino Tekken 7 players are in for a treat as they
will have a chance to use a Filipino character in the
said game.
The character is named “Jose Rizal,” a play
on the name of the country’s national hero. She is a
kick boxer who is also adept with the Eskrima
technique.
In the trailer released on Sunday, Jose is
seen wearing a gold dress and a blue skirt with
gladiator sandals. She is also accessorized with gold
earrings, bracelets and a red headband. She also
spoke in English.
In a report by EventHubs.com, Jose’s
character design was made by Mari Shimazaki, who
is known for coming up with the character design
for Tekken 7’s Kazumi Mishima.
Mad Catz’s Mark “Markman” Julio was also
consulted for the character design of Jose. Tekken
project head Katsuhiro Harada said that Julio, who
has Filipino blood, told him about Filipino culture
and “offered advice that shaped many of the
character’s traits, including her name,” the report
said.
Jose was launched along with two other
Tekken 7 characters: Jin Kasama and Devil Jin. The
Filipino kick boxer is yet to have a release date on
when she will be launched in the game.
MANILA, Philippines—The National Commission for
Culture and the Arts (NCCA) on Thursday clarified
that they do not have an official stand on the issue
of a new Filipino character in the video game
Tekken 7.
In a statement, NCCA Chairman Felipe De
Leon Jr. said that while the issue of Tekken 7’s “Jose
Rizal” has reached their office, they have yet to form
an official stand on the matter.
The name of the said character, which is a
play on the name of the country’s national hero
Jose Rizal, has drawn flak from netizens.
“While the Commission is still studying what
actions it may take on the issue of the name and
image of Dr. Jose Rizal being dragged into this, we
may safely say that NCCA has not issued any
statement on the matter,” De Leon said. He also
denied that the stand of a previously quoted official
on the matter does not represent the stance of the
commission. NCCA will coordinate with the National
Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP)
before it releases its statement.
“The Commission shall issue an official
statement soon on what actions it will take upon
studying the legal aspect of this matter, in
coordination with the National Historical
Commission of the Philippines (NHCP),” he added.
Netizens were not happy with the statement
of the NCCA, saying that issuing an official
statement on a trivial matter is unnecessary.
Facebook user JonxIngeniero said: “there is no need
to study actions for it… you and your department
will be making a mountain out of a mole hill… there
is no legal aspect, no name being dragged, no
reputation being tarnished.”
Other users said that there are other
national issues that need to be addressed by the
government.
William Fann from Facebook said: “Gamers of
Tekken 7 will know that this is only a tribute to Dr.
Jose Rizal and does not portray any bad image to
our Philippine Hero. Instead of filing actions for this,
how about we act more on China’s bold acts on
taking our islands?
Facebook user Angee De Sierra added: “Before this
– Please work on removing the DMCI bldg, behind
Rizal’s Monument in Luneta okay?!”
The creator and game director of Tekken
has threatened to “delete” Jose Rizal, a new Filipino
character in the globally famous franchise, if the
government pushes for the name change.
In a tweet, Katsuhiro Harada said on
Thursday he would delete the character from the
game if the National Commission on Culture and
the Arts would issue a statement forcing him to
drop the character’s name. Responding to a tweet
by Chris O. Easley (@Ulect) which said: “NCCA is just
concerned about the name, the character should
not be deleted just change the name!” Harada said:
“No. If it happens, I’ll delete her.”
In an earlier statement, Harada said that Jose
is special for the Filipino gaming community and if
she does not get support from Filipinos, it is very
easy for the gaming company to delete her. “Jose
[is] for (the) fighting game community. But Jose is
very special for (the Philippine) gamer community.”
“If Jose can’t get supported in the Philippines, we
give her up anytime. Tekken 7 arcade board has a
network update system. We can change plan and
change characters anytime and quickly,” he said.
Harada added that he got 90 percent positive
feedback from fans and Filipino gamers on Jose
Rizal. Some netizens disapproved of the character’s
name, saying that it tarnished the reputation of
national hero Jose Rizal. The NCCA said on
Thursday that it had no official stand yet on the
issue and that it would release an official statement
after consulting with the National Historical Usually, in most fighting games, the
Commission of the Philippines. characters only speak either in English or Japanese.
In Tekken, however, that’s not the case. In the more
I should be excited to see my country
recent entries of the franchise, Namco took great
represented in an incredibly popular video game.
care in making the characters as “authentic” as
But I actually have mixed feelings on Jose Rizal.
possible. And that included making sure most of the
Before I delve into my thoughts on Jose Rizal, I do
characters in the Tekken roster actually speak using
have to mention that she isn’t the first character to
their native tongues and accents! Granted this kind
represent the Philippines in a fighting game. My
of thing only happened after Tekken 5 and not all
fellow countrymen keep on forgetting about Talim
characters do this; Eddy and Christie technically
from Soul Calibur 2. Talim actually beats out Jose
should speak Portuguese and Lili only started
Reyes as the first “Pinoy” fighting game character by
speaking in French in Tekken Tag Tournament 2.
a decade! Oh, and, according to the official
But I was honestly expecting Jose Rizal to say a few
European Tekken website, the enigmatic Mokujin
Filipino words at the least! Still, we did only get a
comes from the “Filipinos.” But I don’t take that
quick glimpse of the character so maybe they’ll add
much stock into that story.
a few phrases/words in her mother language in the
Anyway, let’s go back to the topic at hand. future.
Jose Rizal. The first thing that struck me about the
For me, her overall look and character
character wasn’t her design, her fighting style or her
design… well, it’s weird! The skin tone/colour is
voice actress (buy I will get to that); the thing that I
pretty much on point; Jose Rizal is dark skinned like
immediately noticed was her name. Jose Rizal? That
most “pinays.” So, they got that right. The outfit,
sounds incredibly like Jose Rizal, the name of the
however, is kinda out there! It’s the most “patriotic”
Philippines’ most popular National Hero!
yet very patronizing at the same time.
For some weird reason, the fact that her
I guess I have to break things down a bit to
name sounds like “Jose Rizal” kind of turns me offs a
get my point across. First, look at the colour scheme
bit. Oh, I’m not a huge history buff and I’m not
she has on. Yellow top. Blue mini-skirt. A big red
demanding they change the name or anything like
bow on her head. Gold gladiator sandals. It’s
that. It’s actually an okay name in my book. I just
certainly colorful and bright. But these colors were
feel like Namco and Tekken head honcho, Katsuhiro
chosen for a reason: these are the exact same colors
Harada, is just laying the Filipino thing a little too
of the Filipino flag! Also, most of the jewelry and
thick by making the character’s name sound like
trinkets she has on are symbols you can see on the
Jose Rizal’s name. It’s probably something I’ll get
Philippine flag. Her necklace, earrings and belt
used to in the future.
buckle are actually good facsimiles of the “sun”
I also noticed that, in the character reveal that’s on the flag. The stitching patterns on her
video, Jose Rizal speaks fluent English. Maybe it’s a yellow blouse and blue miniskirt look like the same
testament to the character’s educational kind of embroidery you’d see on the “baro’tsaya,”
background, upbringing and what not but I feel it is the native female formal attire of the country.
kind of lazy. I’ve always been impressed with the
I really appreciate all of the attention to
level of detail Tekken characters get. Not with their
detail Namco put into her outfit by making it
looks and overall design. Rather, I’m really
distinctively Filipino. But all of those patriotic
impressed with the level of detail Namco goes
symbolisms do come at a price for Jose Rizal: her
through when Tekken characters have to speak.
personality. Usually, the outfits/costumes a
character wears in video games is also
representative of their attitude and personality. So,
right now, all I do know about Jose Rizal is she’s
really, really, really patriotic as she went to all the
trouble of making her outfit a pastiche of the
Filipino flag. Besides that… I guess she’s extremely
emotional because she cries after she wins a fight?
If it seems I’m being overly-critical about
Jose Rizal, that’s because I am! This is me just
nitpicking on the character. I actually like her overall
design! She doesn’t look too much like a typical
Filipino female but she didn’t need to be, anyway.
All she had to be is a really good fighter and, from
what I’ve seen in her introductory video, Jose’s
going to kick some serious butt! I’m really excited to
see her in playable form and check out what other
tricks she has up her yellow embroidered sleeves!
On a side note, Mark “Markman” Julio,
MadCatz’s Community and Sponsorship Manager,
helped with Jose Rizal’s conceptualization. The guy
has some Filipino blood in him so I don’t think there
was one iota of malice when he developed her. And
I don’t think I could’ve done a better job in actually
getting a Filipino, much less a female Filipino, into
Namco’s flagship fighter! So, from the Filipino
gaming community: Thanks, MarkMan!
Rizalista: A Closer Look
April 29, 2015 | Vina T. Vinas
What is Rizalista?
Rizalista is a new religious movement which
is adopted by numerous ethnic religious groups in
the Philippines that believe in the divinity of Jose
Rizal. Members of this religious movement honours
Rizal as a divine being, as the power of the Holy
Spirit, as a second Christ, or as a new messiah who
will return. There are different groups of people that
worships Rizal and they have different views on Jose
Rizal’s divinity. Some believe that Rizal, as I’ve
mentioned earlier, is the second Christ, the second
son of God, the God of the pre-Spanish Malay
religion, and some believe that he is God himself.
Some, however, only see Rizal as a spiritual guide.
It may seem strange that some people, in
this modern era, still believe that a simple human
being such as Jose Rizal can be thought as a divine
being. Many people, of course, believe that this is
insanity but when it comes to religion, no argument
is wrong. What needs to be done is to respect one
another about his or her beliefs in order to avoid
future conflicts especially because, for me, a debate
about religion does not make any sense.
Who are they?
Rizalista are composed of different groups
of people having different beliefs but focuses on
one faith. Their faith to Jose Rizal, our national hero,
binds them together. Generally, these groups view
Jose Rizal as a divine being.
They worship Jose Rizal, just like Christian
worships Jesus Christ and other saints.
The Rizalist religious groups ranged from
colorums which were prevalent during the 1920s up
to the 1930s to Philippine Benevolent Missionary
Association, which was led by Ruben Ecleo.
Rizalistas have different sects depending on their
beliefs with different founders and founding dates.
Each group has contrasting views about the persona
of Jose Rizal. Some of the registered groups are
Samahan ng Tatlong Persona Solo Dios, Ciudad
Mistica de Dios, Universal One Faith House of Prayer
for all Nations and Humanity, Inc., Espiritual Pilipino
Catholic Church, and many others. Originally, there
was only one Rizalista group in Lecheria,, it was the
Iglesia Watawat ng Lahi. However, the sect was
wracked by schism among its members and then
later divided into factions. They are scattered all
over the archipelago but most of them are based in
Calamba, Laguna and at the foot of Mt. Banahaw in
Quezon Province. There are even chapters abroad.
Samahan ng Tatlong Persona Solo Dios
 The Samahan ng Tatlong Persona Solo Dios
(STPSD) is a religion that believes only in one God in
three persons—Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. The
guiding forces of the group are the “Voice” and the
“Voices” of nature’s spirit. The goal of this group is a
complete dedication to spiritual liberation which is
expected to bring about the unification of all
Filipinos into one nation. Jose Rizal is their most
important saint. The second image in the next page
has a message that says, “Ang nasa larawang ito ng
ating Panginoong Jesucristo– Bilang isang
baliktanaw;. Noong unang panahon, mag
pahanggang ngayon bilang CRISTIANISMONG
PANANAMPALATAYA... (skip parts) ... ANG AMA
GAT MAITAN DR. JOSE RIZAL po naman; Nang
siya’y ipinatapon o ikinulong sa Talisay, Dapitan,
Zamboanga del Norte, Mindanao, ng apat na taon,
limang buwan at labingtatlong araw (July 17 1892—
July 31, 1896). Sa kanyang pag-iisa’t pagtitiis sa tuwi-
tuwi na’t taimtim na panalangin, nagpakita sa kanya
ang PANGINOONG JESUCRISTO, at siya’y kinausap
at inutusan….”. The other parts were blurry so I was
not able to get the whole message. It was stated
that Jesus Christ has talked and commanded Jose
Rizal while he was in jail. This belief, however, for
me, is a conflict in the truth that Jose Rizal didn't
believe in Jesus Christ as a God. So if he ever prayed
during his exile in Dapitan, then, maybe he must
have prayed directly to God, and not to Jesus Christ.
Ciudad Mistica de Dios
Suprema de la Iglesiadel Ciudad Mistica de
Dios, Inc. (Ciudad Mistica de Dios for short) is
another group of religious people that believes in
Jose Rizal as a divine being. This group was founded
by Maria Bernarda Balitaan. Since her death, this
group was always been led by women. This group
can be seen at the foot of the sacred Mt. Banahaw
that uses the Bible and Christian prayers as the basis
of their rituals. Sad to say, the images for this group
is not available due to copyrights reason.
Universal One Faith House of Prayer for all Nations
and Humanity, Inc.
The Universal One Faith House of Prayer for
all Nations and Humanity, Inc. is a relatively new
church founded on June 2007 by Artemio Espiritu
Ugali in Barangay Sta. Lucia. The members of this
group worship Rizal as the personification of the
God UA.
Bathala was the Supreme Being and the
omnipotent creator of the universe. Bathala is a
tagalog word for God. In the Universal One Faith
House of Prayer for all Nations and Humanity, Inc.,
Bathalang UA as seen in the image (below) is
represented as a woman who symbolizes the Divine
Mother Nature.
These images are there 7 Bathalas including
the bird- Bathala “AEIOU” (isip), Bathalang
“ELOHEIM” (mata), Bathalang “IAOUE” (taynga),
Bathalang “AEI” (ilong), Bathalang “IEOUA” (bibig),
Bathalang “UA” (puso), and Bathalang “AUAEI”
(kamay at paa).
According to Mr. Ugali, the founder of this
group, Bathalang UA is the Divine Mother Nature
and the Divine Mother Nature is equals to Jose Rizal
and also “UA” is the first cry of every baby. The
followers of this group meet two times a month to
pray.
Spiritual Pilipino Catholic Church
The Spiritual Pilipino Catholic Church was
founded by Dr. Winceslao Santoyo in 1952. Their
church is located in Barangay Sta. Lucia at the foot
of Mt. Banahaw. In this group, they worship Rizal as
a Christ. Rizal is worshipped for his apparent
parallelism with Jesus Christ. The members of the
Spiritual Pilipino Church believe that Mt. Banahaw is
the New Jerusalem. It is said that “Long time ago,
God became discontented with the Middle Eastern
people and he instructed four angels to transfer
Jerusalem to another place. When the angels
reached Luzon in the Philippines they thought it was
the ideal place to transfer the Holy City because the
Philippines were the only Catholic country in Asia.
Alas Jerusalem landed by accident upside down.
Thus Jerusalem became a mountain, which has comment thread in Facebok and this is what I’ve
since been known as Mount Banahaw.” got.

Parallelism of Jesus Christ and Jose Rizal And this last comment that I will put here is
a message for people who do not believe in
Some Rizalista groups believe that Rizal has
Rizalista as posted by the same person who believes
apparent parallelism to Jesus Christ. Some of the
in Rizal in the comment thread earlier.
things they share in common are as follows:
Based on the comment thread, most
 Both were morally upright and exemplary in
Rizalistas believe that Jose Rizal is not yet dead and
their own rights.
that only his duplicate was shot in Bagumbayan.
 Both were pious.
Also, they believe that according to the prophecy
 Both were Asians.
Jose Rizal will come back to the Philippines in the
 Both of them originated from countries
right time, just like what the Christians believe of the
which were under foreign rule during their
second coming of Jesus Christ.
time.
 Both were advocates of solidarity, equality On the other hand, here are some opinions
and peaceful coexistence in spite of of the non-believers in an online forum I visited in
differences in social status, ethnicity and the internet.
creed.
 Both possess extraordinary character and
have the purest intention in pursuing their
missions. A walk through Rizal Park on the
 Both of them were healers. National Hero’s 154th birthday
 Both were great visionaries.
Published June 19, 2015 11:06am
 Both were advocates of reform and peaceful
means to carry out their missions.
 Both strongly denounced prejudice, apathy,
immorality and cruelty. On June 19, 1861, Teodora Alonso gave birth

 Both were messianic in their own rights. to a National Hero. José Protacio Mercado Rizal y

 Both were victims of trial by mockery. Alonzo Realonda grew up to become a scholar, an

 Both were executed by their enemies. author, a poet, a correspondent, a polyglot and a

 Both died for a noble cause. doctor. He was also a nationalist, a man of courage

 Both their teachings have enduring influence and vision who hoped to secure political and social

to many people around the world. reforms in his beloved homeland—and who wrote
two masterpieces that criticized Spanish rule and
More about Rizalista in social media
shone a light on the oppression of his people. He

Since I didn't have the chance to interview a was executed by firing squad on December 30,

member of Rizalista, I have gathered some of the 1896. Bagumbayan, the site where Rizal uttered his

views and opinions of people in social media—both last words—"consummatum est"—was renamed in

the believers and the non-believers. I have searched his honor in 1913.

for people, mainly in Facebook and other sites, who

For Rizal's 154th birth anniversary on Friday,
believe in Rizalista. I sent a friend request to one of
June 19, GMA News Online presents facts Filipinos
them, hoping they'll accept it and maybe interview
should know about the historic Rizal Park.
them through Facebook, but unfortunately they did
not accept my request. However, I have read a
Rizal Park fast facts
Location: Roxas Boulevard, Manila
Borders: Taft Avenue, T.M.Kalaw, Roxas Boulevard,
and Padre Burgos; the Relief Map of the Philippines
and Quirino Grandstand
Area: 58 hectares
Maintained by: National Parks Development
Committee (NPDC)
Estimated tourist arrival per year: 8.2 million
Recognition: First urban park in Asia
From Bagumbayan to Luneta
Bagumbayan was mentioned in the records
of the Supreme Court of Spain under the Spanish
appellation Nuevo Barrio in 1601. The name was
later change to Luneta, which in Spanish means a
"detached, crescent-shaped fort."
Its marshy grounds remained a "no man's
land" until 1820, when the Paseo de Luneta was built
adjacent to the beach. It became the place to be for
Manila's elite. It also became the execution ground
for the "rebels and mutineers" against Spanish rule.
Between 1823 and 1897, 158 patriots and
martyrs were felled on the square by Spanish
infantrymen, including Fathers Gomez, Burgos, and
Zamora as well as Rizal himself.
According to the National Historical
Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), there were
some 880 people martyred at the
Bagumbayan during the Spanish period.
The rise of the Rizal Monument
On September 28, 1901, the United States
Philippine Commission approved Act No. 243, which
would erect a monument in Luneta
commemorate the memory of Rizal. A committee,
which included Rizal's brother Paciano Rizal, was
tasked to raise funds for the monument. The
estimated cost of the monument was P100,000 ,
including prizes for the winners of the design
contest.
When the campaign closed in August 1912,
the amount collected had reached P135, 195.61,
including P30,000 donated by the insular
government. An international design competition
was held from 1905 to 1907, during which sculptors
from Europe and the United States were invited to
submit entries. The committee received a total of 40
entries.
Italian artist Carlo Nicoli won the grand prize
of P5,000 for its design, "Al Martir de Bagumbayan."
Its design was neo-classical, and the plans described
an 18-meter-tall monument with a base of gray
Italian marble and a pedestal of white Italian marble.
However, Nicoli was not able to post a
construction bond, so the honor of designing the
monument went instead to the second prize winner,
Swiss sculptor Richard Kissling. His design, "Motto
Stella"—"guiding star" in Latin—was said to be
opposite of the grand prize winner's elaborate
design. The monument, measuring 14 meters high
from the platform, features a bronze Rizal facing the
sea while holding books that are said to his novels
"Noli me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo." The
obelisk rising from the center of the monument is
surrounded by the allegorical figures of a mother
rearing a child and two boys reading books, also
bronze. The three gold-plated stars on top of the
obelisk represent Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
old
A plaque in front of the pedestal reads, "To
the memory of José Rizal, patriot and martyr,
executed on Bagumbayan Field December Thirtieth
1896. This monument is dedicated by the people of
the Philippine Islands."
The park would not only bear a statue of the
to hero, but would also house his remains. Rizal had
been buried in the Paco Park cemetery, but his
sister Narcisa had him exhumed in 1898. She kept
his remains in an urn in the family home in Binondo
until they were re-buried in Luneta.
 During the cornerstone laying on December
30, 1912, the Rizal's remains were interred beneath
the monument. The shrine was finally unveiled and
Luneta was renamed Rizal Park on December 30,
1913, Rizal’s 17th death anniversary.
Present and future
In November 2014, the International Council
on Monuments and Sites(ICOMOS)declared the
Rizal Monument one of the world's threatened
heritage sites "in danger and in urgent need of
government attention and necessitating protection."
The resolution from ICOMOS was sought in light of
the construction of the Torre de Manila, a residential
condominium project that is seen to mar the vista
or visual corridors of the Rizal Monument. Last
Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a temporary
restraining order stopping the construction of the
46-storey building.
Far from being a sterile monument to a man
long dead, Rizal is a pulsing part of the city and of
national life. It is one of Metro Manila's few green
spaces remaining, a vital lung in an increasingly
clogged urban sprawl. It is also where people gather
to see Popes, to protest government corruption or
celebrate milestones, or simply to be with each
other. This is one way we honor Jose Rizal—by
having his park, and his monument, be an
important part of our lives.
— Trisha Macas/BM, GMA News
Dr. Jose Rizal, the symbol of ideal
leadership today
A POINT OF AWARENESS By: Preciosa S.
Soliven (The Philippine Star) | Updated January 30,
2014 - 12:00am
One time, Professor Jose David Lapuz, an
international lecturer, a noted foreign policy expert,
and Rizalista la Vanguardia, was invited to give a
speech on the life of Dr. Jose Rizal for our O.B.
Montessori Professional High School and college
students. The professor stood tall and elegantly
poised in his lavender blue linen suit with the
Rizalista emblem.
We record here how Professor Lapuz
captured the full attention of the young students.
Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Filipinos
From 1896, the year of the death of Dr. Jose
Rizal up to now, the third millennium, we have not
yet produced a Filipino who can equal the
extraordinary greatness, as well as the spectacular
eminence of Rizal. That is why I am as pleased as I
passed by the statue of our great national hero in
your quadrangle.
I also noted Benigno Aquino’s bust which
had the inscription – “The Filipino is worth dying
for.” Ninoy is probably one of the greatest Filipinos
of his generation – a noble man, a martyr, and an
eminent Filipino.
Of course, the whole life of Rizal is a
monument to education. I consider Rizal one of the
most highly educated heroes in Philippine History.
Rizal is number one in education, number one in
eminence. It is only right that he be called
“Pambansang bayani ng sambayanang Pilipino” (the
national hero of the Filipinos).
Jose Rizal, ‘UnaPerla Del Ombre’ (Pearl of a Man)
Jose Rizal’s friend, Don Trinidad
Herminigildo Pardo de Tavera, Doctor of Medicine
and scholar of the 19th century said, “Rizal cultivated
all his qualities in order not to perfect them, but he
practiced them in order to bring about the moral
betterment of the race. Rizal possessed a great
mental caliber and he, therefore, demonstrated that
the Filipino race was able to give birth to individuals
endowed with the highest attributes, who could be
considered an honor to the human race. Remember
that during this time, the Filipinos were considered
second-class citizens. They were widely
discriminated by the oppressive friars and were
called Las Indias or Los Indios!”
Rizal proved that although he was not white,
he was of the brown race, did not have an aquiline
nose, and his parents were not Spaniards – he
excelled! He surpassed all students of Ateneo de
Manila high school, where he took the course
Bachelier in Artes. He graduated summa cum laude.
From his first year until he finished, his grades were
all flat one or 100 percent. A Filipino Indio, Rizal was
not tall, was not extraordinary, nor was he physically
well built. But from the shoulder up, he was
extraordinary, even until he studied at Universidad
de Santo Tomas.
Before, Filipinos were always considered
stupid, lazy, and lacked dignity. Well, Jose Rizal
proved the opposite of all these qualities. He
showed the finest characteristics of the race, and
was called “Una Perla del Ombre” or Pearl of a Man.
The true meaning of valor
Rafael Palma was 11 or 12 years old when he
witnessed the execution of Dr. Jose Rizal. This
inspired him to write “Biografia de Rizal.” Later,
Rafael Palma became the president of the University
of the Philippines and later founded the Partido
Nationalista. Don Rafael Palma was also considered
one of our great Filipinos.
Palma said, “Finding his country inert,
disunited, voiceless and unconscious of its own
miseries, Rizal galvanized it, united it and inspired in
it sentiments of solidarity, self-respect and dignity.”
Thus, Rizal did not only excel in his studies, his
mental accomplishments, but he used this to inspire
the Filipino nation to grow in dignity and self-
respect.
Rizal lived loving the Philippines virtuously,
disinterestedly and with profound religiosity.
Virtuously, meaning with virtues of character.
Disinterestedly or unselfishly means thinking of
others before himself.
His life became his best poem, better than
“Ultimo Adios,” which is climaxed by the
epigrammatic dramatic act of fearlessly facing the
firing squad. With very great honor and with very
great dignity, he faced the firing squad. He acted
with courage, in spite of his fear – this is the true
meaning of valor. In spite of your fear, you do your
duty because foremost in your thoughts is the
honor of the country not the “self.”
Poverty is also the basis of terrorism
Rizal has been dead for a long time now, 117
years to be exact. Still, we see the injustice in our
country, as well as the widespread poverty. Because
of that poverty, there is injustice and oppression.
When you go to Mindanao, you see the
most poverty stricken areas in our country. It is sad
since Mindanao is a “paradise.” If this is fully
developed, this could feed another 60 more million
Filipinos. That is how rich Mindanao is.
But what do we see in Mindanao? Poverty
and deprivation. So, what Rizal said still applies.
During Jose Rizal’s time, the oppression came from
the political structure. Now, we have a constitutional
and liberal democracy, but we still have poverty
because of economic misplanning. This poverty will
produce oppression, injustice and a great amount
of unhappiness. Thus, Rizal’s dream has not yet
materialized.
When we look at the miserable conditions of
the great majority of our country, we feel self
conscious. If you have so much and see the rest of
your countrymen have so little, you feel guilty.
I quote from the Bible, “Those to whom
much is given, much is expected.” Thus if you have
a social conscience, you start asking, why is this
happening to our Mother Filipinas? What have I not
done that I can do? This should be asked by all
Filipinos.
The youth is the hope of the Fatherland
 As Filipinos, we should do a lot more. This
may seem unfair to tell you since you are still young
and still studying, but let me tell you, when you
study very well, you do not waste your time and you
live up to the dreams of your parents and your
teachers – you are also doing a lot for your country.
You cannot be soldiers or public officials yet, but
your serious dedication to your studies is an act for
the good of the country since you become the
educated youth.
Rizal said, “The youth is the hope of the
fatherland.” What he actually wanted to say is, “The
educated youth is the hope of the fatherland.” With
education, you can equip yourself with solid
knowledge that will elevate you to accomplish your
noble purpose. Therefore, without education, the
youth is not the hope, but becomes the curse of the
nation.
Sambayanang Filipino
We need the Concept of a Nation – This is
where the word Nationalism comes from, “the
advocacy of the interest of a nation.” Nationalism is
“the advocacy, the promotion, the persevering
pursuit of what is good for the nation.”
First, we should relate ourselves to a nation
advancing the interests, the good, and the welfare
of our nation, which we call Nationalism. Then, we
relate that nation to other nations, which we call
internationalism. So, step by step – the Self, the
Family the Nation and then the Family of Nations
under the auspices of an Almighty God.
Today, nation destroys another nation. You
destroy a civilization so your country will win. If you
win, you become a super power but you destroy the
concept of “International Brotherhood”. We won’t
be considered a “Family of Nations” since in a
Family of Nations, we are EQUAL – nation-states
possessing sovereignty and national jurisdiction. We
may be a poor, developing country, but we are the
equal of the United States as far as the International
Law is concerned.
Rizal is a great Internationalist as well as a
Nationalist. Being a nationalist does not mean Rizal
is anti-foreigner or he won’t go to other countries.
The more he traveled abroad, the more he became
profoundly a Filipino by interrelating with other
nations and cultures. We should not become a
closed nationalist, so that we become a Fascistic
nationalist. We should be open to a larger world so
that we become Cosmopolitan Internationalist even
as we are nationalistic. This is the life of Jose Rizal.
The desperate search for true leaders today
What is a true leader? A leader originates
and does not imitate. A leader keeps his eyes on the
distant horizon and sees what an ordinary person
does not. This is the evidence of his leadership. He
does not accept the status quo, but instead
challenges it. They follow their genius not just the
party line.
Jose Rizal set the pattern of an extraordinary
leader. He possessed a great mental caliber that
prodded him to enhance his education all over
Europe. This, combined with a high sense morality
and unselfishness, he found the Filipinos disunited,
voiceless, and not ever aware of their miseries.
Especially eloquent in Spanish, although familiar
with German and French, he wrote and spoke
profusely, exhorting the Filipinos to fight peacefully
for justice.
He was neither fair skinned nor mestizo, like
our actor politicians, yet he had a great following
among the foreign and local intellectuals as well as
the down trodden.
The Kingdom of God is like a merchant who
searches for a precious pearl. When he found one
of great value, he sells everything that he has to buy
it (Matthew 13:45-16). In the same way a true leader
will have to sacrifice much to bring God’s Kingdom
to us.
(For feedback email at precioussoliven@yahoo.com)

Jose Rizal’s Essays and Articles
Posted Tue, 05/13/2014 - 10:49 by admin
© 2013 by Jensen DG. Mañebog
THE NATIONAL HERO Dr. Jose Rizal
composed several brilliant writings in his lifetime.
These writings awakened the Filipino patriotism and
paved the way for Philippine Revolution. Moreover,
his writings were living proofs that “The pen is
mightier than the sword.” The following are some of
his timeless articles:
 Articles in Diariong Tagalog
“El Amor Patrio” (The Love of Country)
This was the first article Rizal wrote in the
Spanish soil. Written in the summer of 1882, it was
published in Diariong Tagalog in August. He used
the pen name “LaongLaan” (ever prepared) as a
byline for this article and he sent it to Marcelo H.
Del Pilar for Tagalog translation.
Written during the Spanish colonization and
reign over the Philippine islands, the article aimed to
establish nationalism and patriotism among the
natives. Rizal extended his call for the love of
country to his fellow compatriots in Spain, for he
believed that nationalism should be exercised
anywhere a person is.
“Revista De Madrid” (Review of Madrid)
This article written by Rizal on November 29,
1882 was unfortunately returned to him because
Diariong Tagalog had ceased publications for lack
of funds.
 Articles in La Solidaridad
“Los Agricultores Filipinos” (The Filipino Farmers)
This essay dated March 25, 1889 was the first
article of Rizal published in La Solidaridad. In this
writing, he depicted the deplorable conditions of
the Filipino farmers in the Philippines, hence the
backwardness of the country.
“A La Defensa” (To La Defensa)
This was in response to the anti-Filipino
writing by Patricio de la Escosura published by La
Defensa on March 30, 1889 issue. Written on April
30, 1889, Rizal’s article refuted the views of Escosura,
calling the readers’ attention to the insidious
influences of the friars to the country.
“Los Viajes” (Travels)
Published in the La Solidaridad on May 15,
1889, this article tackled the rewards gained by the
people who are well-traveled to many places in the
world.
“La Verdad Para Todos” (The Truth for All)
This was Rizal’s counter to the Spanish
charges that the natives were ignorant and
depraved. On May 31, 1889, it was published in the
La Solidaridad.
"Vicente Barrantes’ TeatroTagalo”
The first installment of Rizal’s “Vicente
Barrantes” was published in the La Solidaridad on
June 15, 1889. In this article, Rizal exposed Barrantes’
lack of knowledge on the Tagalog theatrical art.
“Defensa Del Noli”
The manuscripts of the “Defensa del Noli”
was written on June 18, 1889. Rizal sent the article to
Marcelo H. Del Pilar, wanting it to be published by
the end of that month in the La Solidaridad.
“Verdades Nuevas”(New Facts/New Truths)
In this article dated July 31, 1889, Rizal
replied to the letter of Vicente Belloc Sanchez which
was published on July 4, 1889 in ‘La Patria’, a
newspaper in Madrid. Rizal addressed Sanchez’s
allegation that provision of reforms to the
Philippines would devastate the diplomatic rule of
the Catholic friars.
“UnaProfanacion” (A Desecration/a Profanation)
Published on July 31, 1889, this article
mockingly attacked the friars for refusing to give
Christian burial to Mariano Herbosa, Rizal’s brother
in law, who died of cholera in May 23, 1889. Being
the husband of Lucia Rizal (Jose’s sister), Herbosa
was denied of burial in the Catholic cemetery by the
priests.
“Crueldad” (Cruelty),
Dated August 15, 1889, this was Rizal’s witty
defense of Blumentritt from the libelous attacks of
his enemies.
“Diferencias” (Differences)
Published on September 15, 1889, this article
countered the biased article entitled “Old Truths”
which was printed in La Patria on August 14, 1889.
“Old Truths” ridiculed those Filipinos who asked for
reforms.
“Inconsequencias” (Inconsequences)
The Spanish Pablo Mir Deas attacked
Antonio Luna in the Barcelona newspaper “El
Pueblo Soberano”. As Rizal’s defense of Luna, he
wrote this article which was published on November
30, 1889.
“Llanto Y Risas” (Tears and Laughter)
Dated November 30, 1889, this article was a
condemnation of the racial prejudice of the Spanish
against the brown race. Rizal remembered that he
earned first prize in a literary contest in 1880. He
narrated nonetheless how the Spaniard and mestizo
spectators stopped their applause upon noticing
that the winner had a brown skin complexion.
“Filipinas Dentro De CienAnos” (The Philippines
within One Hundred Years)
This was serialized in La Solidaridad on
September 30, October 31, December 15, 1889 and
February 15, 1890. In the articles, Rizal estimated the
future of the Philippines in the span of a hundred
years and foretold the catastrophic end of Spanish
rule in Asia. He ‘prophesied’ Filipinos’ revolution
against Spain, winning their independence, but later
the Americans would come as the new colonizer
The essay also talked about the glorious past
of the Philippines, recounted the deterioration of
the economy, and exposed the causes of natives’
sufferings under the cruel Spanish rule. In the essay,
he cautioned the Spain as regards the imminent
downfall of its domination. He awakened the minds
and the hearts of the Filipinos concerning the
oppression of the Spaniards and encouraged them
to fight for their right.
Part of the essays reads, “History does not
record in its annals any lasting domination by one
people over another, of different races, of diverse
usages and customs, of opposite and divergent
ideas. One of the two had to yield and succumb.”
The Philippines had regained its long-awaited
democracy and liberty some years after Rizal’s
death. This was the realization of what the hero
envisioned in this essay.
“Ingratitudes” (Ingratitude)
Dated January 15, 1890, this article was the
hero’s reply to Governor General Weyler who told
the people in Calamba that they “should not allow
themselves to be deceived by the vain promises of
their ungrateful sons.” The statement was made as a
reaction to Rizal’s project of relocating the
oppressed and landless Calamba tenants to North
Borneo.
“Sobre La Nueva Ortografia De La LenguaTagala”
(On The New Orthography of The Tagalog
Language)
Rizal expressed here his advocacy of a new
spelling in Tagalog. In this article dated April 15,
1890, he laid down the rules of the new Tagalog
orthography and, with modesty and sincerity, gave
the credit for the adoption of this new orthography
to Dr. Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera, author of the
celebrated work “El Sanscrito en la LenguaTagala”
(Sanskrit in the Tagalog Language) published in crooked system of religion discouraged the natives
Paris, 1884. to work hard by teaching that it is easier for a poor
man to enter heaven; and 8) the very high taxes
“I put this on record,” wrote Rizal, “so that
were discouraging as big part of natives’ earnings
when the history of this orthography is traced,
would only go to the officials and friars.
which is already being adopted by the enlightened
Tagalists, that what is Caesar’s be given to Caesar. Moreover, Rizal explained that Filipinos were
This innovation is due solely to Dr. Pardo de just wise in their level of work under topical climate.
Tavera’s studies on Tagalismo. I was one of its most He explained, “Violent work is not a good thing in
zealous propagandists.” tropical countries as it is would be parallel to death,
destruction, and annihilation. Rizal concluded that
“Sobre La Indolencia De Los Filipinas” (The
natives’ supposed indolence was an end-product of
Indolence of the Filipinos)
the Spanish colonization.
This logical essay is a proof of the national
Other Rizal’s articles which were also printed
hero’s historical scholarship. The essay rationally
in La Solidaridad were “A La Patria”(November 15,
countered the accusations by Spaniards that
1889), “Sin Nobre” (Without Name) (February 28,
Filipinos were indolent (lazy) during the Spanish
1890), and“Cosas de Filipinas” (Things about the
reign. It was published in La Solidaridad in five
Philippines) (April 30, 1890).
consecutive issues on July (15 and 31), August (1 and
31) and September 1, 1890.

Rizal argued that Filipinos are innately  Historical Commentaries Written in London
hardworking prior to the rule of the Spaniards. What
“Ma-yi”
brought the decrease in the productive activities of
the natives was actually the Spanish colonization. This historical commentary was written by
Rizal explained the alleged Filipino indolence by Rizal in London on December 6, 1888.
pointing to these factors: 1) the Galleon Trade
“Acerca de Tawalisi de Ibn Batuta”
destroyed the previous links of the Philippines with
other countries in Asia and the Middle East, thereby This historical commentary’s believed to
eradicating small local businesses and handicraft form part of ‘Notes’ (written in collaboration with
industries; 2) the Spanish forced labor compelled A.B. Meyer and F. Blumentritt) on a Chinese code in
the Filipinos to work in shipyards, roads, and other the Middle Ages, translated from the German by Dr.
public works, thus abandoning their agricultural Hirth. Written on January 7, 1889, the article was
farms and industries; 3) many Filipinos became about the “Tawalisi” which refers to the northern
landless and wanderers because Spain did not part of Luzon or to any of the adjoining islands.
defend them against pirates and foreign invaders; 4)
It was also in London where Rizal penned
the system of education offered by the colonizers
the following historical commentaries:“La Political
was impractical as it was mainly about repetitive
Colonial On Filipinas” (Colonial Policy In The
prayers and had nothing to do with agricultural and
Philippines),“Manila En El Mes De Diciembre”
industrial technology; 5) the Spaniards were a bad
(December , 1872), “Historia De La Familia Rizal De
example as negligent officials would come in late
Calamba” (History Of The Rizal Family Of
and leave early in their offices and Spanish women
Calamba),and“Los Pueblos Del Archipelago Indico
were always followed by servants; 6) gambling like
(The People’s Of The Indian Archipelago)
cockfights was established, promoted, and explicitly
practiced by Spanish government officials and friars
themselves especially during feast days; 7) the
  Other Writings in London women must be noble, decent, and dignified and
they should be submissive, tender, and loving to
“La Vision Del Fray Rodriguez” (The Vision of Fray
their respective husband; and 6) Young women
Rodriguez)
must edify themselves, live the real Christian way
Jose Rizal, upon receipt of the news with good morals and manners, and should be
concerning Fray Rodriguez’ bitter attack on his intelligent in their choice of a lifetime partner.
novel Noli Me Tangere, wrote this defense under his
pseudonym “Dimas Alang.” Published in Barcelona,
it is a satire depicting a spirited dialogue between  Writings in Hong Kong
the Catholic saint Augustine and Rodriguez.
“AngMgaKarapatan Ng Tao” (The Rights Of Man)
Augustine, in the fiction, told Rodriguez that he
(Augustine) was commissioned by God to tell him This was Rizal’s Tagalog translation of “The
(Rodriguez) of his stupidity and his penance on Rights of Man” which was proclaimed by the French
earth that he (Rodriguez) shall continue to write Revolution in 1789.
more stupidity so that all men may laugh at him. In
“A La Nacion Espanola” (To The Spanish Nation)
this pamphlet, Rizal demonstrated his profound
knowledge in religion and his biting satire. Written in 1891, this was Rizal’s appeal to
Spain to rectify the wrongs which the Spanish
“To The Young Women of Malolos”
government and clergy had done to the Calamba
Originally written in Tagalog, this famous tenants.
essay directly addressed to the women of Malolos,
“Sa MgaKababayan” (To My Countrymen)
Bulacan was written by Rizal as a response to
Marcelo H. Del Pilar’s request. This writing written in December 1891
explained the Calamba agrarian situation.
Rizal was greatly impressed by the bravery
of the 20 young women of Malolos who planned to
establish a school where they could learn Spanish
despite the opposition of Felipe Garcia, Spanish
parish priest of Malolos. The letter expressed Rizal’s “UnaVisita A La Victoria Gaol” (A Visit To Victoria
yearning that women be granted the same chances Gaol), March 2, 1892
given to men in terms of education. In the olden
On March 2, 1892,Rizal wrote this account of
days, young women were not educated because of
his visit to the colonial prison of Hong Kong. He
the principle that they will soon be wives and their
contrasted in the article the harsh Spanish prison
primary career would be to take care of the home
system with the modern and more humane British
and children. Rizal however advocated women’s
prison system.
right to education.
“Colonisation Du British North Borneo, Par De Familles
Below are some of the points mentioned by De Iles Philippines” (Colonization Of British North
Rizal in his letter to the young women of Malolos: 1) Borneo By Families From The Philippine Islands)
The priests in the country that time did not embody
This was Rizal’s elucidation of his pet North
the true spirit of Christianity; 2) Private judgment
Borneo colonization project.
should be used; 3) Mothers should be an epitome
of an ideal woman who teaches her children to love “Proyecto De Colonization Del British North Borneo
God, country, and fellowmen; 4) Mothers should Por Los Filipinos” (Project Of The Colonization Of
rear children in the service of the state and set British North Borneo By The Filipinos)
standards of behavior for men around her;5) Filipino
 In this writing, Rizal further discussed the ideas
he presented in “Colonization of British North Borneo
by Families from the Philippine Islands.”
“La Mano Roja” (The Red Hand)
This was a writing printed in sheet form.
Written in Hong Kong, the article denounced the
frequent outbreaks of fires in Manila.
“Constitution of The La Liga Filipina”
This was deemed the most important writing
Rizal had made during his Hong Kong stay. Though it
was Jose Ma. Basa who conceived the establishment of
Liga Filipina (Philippine League), his friend and
namesake Jose Rizal was the one who wrote its
constitution and founded it.
 Articles for Trubner’s Record
Due to the request of Rizal’s friend Dr. Reinhold
Rost, the editor of Trubner’s Record (a journal
devoted to Asian Studies), Rizal submitted two
articles:
Specimens of Tagal Folklore
Published in May 1889, the article contained
Filipino proverbs and puzzles.
Two Eastern Fables (June 1889)
It was a comparative study of the Japanese and
Philippine folklore. In this essay, Jose Rizal
compared the Filipino fable, “The Tortoise and the
Monkey” to the Japanese fable “Saru Kani Kassen”
(Battle of the Monkey and the Crab).
Citing many similarities in form and content,
Rizal surmised that these two fables may have had
the same roots in Malay folklore. This scholarly work
received serious attention from other ethnologists,
and became a topic at an ethnological conference.
Among other things, Rizal noticed that both
versions of the fable tackled about morality as both
involve the eternal battle between the weak and the
powerful. The Filipino version however had more
philosophy and plainness of form whereas the
Japanese counterpart had more civilization and
diplomacy.
 Other Writings
“Pensamientos De Un Filipino” (Reflections of A
Filipino)
Jose Rizal wrote this in Madrid, Spain from
1883-1885. It spoke of a liberal minded and anti-friar
Filipino who bears penalties such as an exile.
“Por Telefono”
This was a witty satire authored by “Dimas
Alang” (one of the hero’s pen names) ridiculing the
Catholic monk Font, one of the priests who
masterminded the banning of the “Noli”. Published
in booklet form in Barcelona, Spain, it narrated in a
funny way the telephone conversation between
Font and the provincial friar of the San Agustin
Convent in Manila.
This pamphlet showed not only Rizal’s
cleverness but also his futuristic vision. Amazingly,
Rizal had envisaged that overseas telephonic
conversations could be carried on—something
which was not yet done during that time (Fall of
1889). It was only in 1901, twelve years after Rizal
wrote the “Por Telefono,” when the first radio-
telegraph signals were received by Marconi across
the Atlantic.
“La Instruccion” (The Town Schools In The
Philippines)
Using his penname “Laong Laan”, Rizal
assessed in this essay the elementary educational
system in the Philippines during his time. Having
observed the educational systems in Europe, Rizal
found the Spanish-administered education in his
country poor and futile. The hero thus proposed
reforms and suggested a more significant and
engaging system.
Rizal for instance pointed out that there was
a problem in the mandated medium of
instruction—the colonizers’ language (Spanish)
which was not perfectly understood by the natives.
Rizal thus favored Philippine languages for
workbooks and instructions.