MI ULTIMO ADIOS

"Mi último adiós" (Spanish for "My Last Farewell") is a poem written by Philippine national
hero José Rizal on the eve of his execution on December 30, 1896. Although the poem was
untitled, this title served as an artifice useful as a quick reference. This poem was one of the last
notes he wrote before his execution.

After being associated with the Katipuneros, Rizal was arrested and later sentenced to death by
firing squad for acts of sedition and rebellion. During his final days in Fort Santiago of Manila,
Rizal bid farewell to his motherland and countrymen through letters. Mi último adiós or My Last
Farewell is one of the few last works that Rizal wrote.

Some historical accounts say he wrote it on the eve before his execution, while others claim that
he wrote the poem a few days before his death in Manila on December 30, 1896. But, because
there was no title ascribed to this poem, his good friend and fellow reformist Mariano Ponce
came up with the title.

Today, Rizal’s literary works, specifically his two novels, are alive and continuously being
analyzed by students and professionals. Colleges and universities in the Philippines even require
their students to take a subject which centers around the life and works of Rizal. Through his
work, the country’s national hero is always remembered and looked upon with high regard for
his contribution towards the Philippine independence.
 NOLI ME TANGERE

Noli Me Tángere (Latin for Touch me not) is an 1887 novel by José Rizal, one of the national
heroes of the Philippines during the colonization of the country by Spain, to describe perceived
inequities of the Spanish Catholic priests and the ruling government.
Originally written in Spanish, the book is more commonly published and read in
the Philippines in either Tagalog or English. Together with its sequel, El Filibusterismo, the
reading of Noli is obligatory for high school students throughout the country. The two novels are
widely considered the national epic of the Philippines and are adapted in many forms, such as
operas, musicals, plays, and other forms of art.

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

The second and last novel completed by José Rizal (though he left behind the unfinished
manuscript of a third one), El Filibusterismo is a sequel to Noli Me Tangere. A dark, brooding, at
times satirical novel of revenge, unfulfilled love, and tragedy, the Fili (as it is popularly referred
to) still has as its protagonist Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra. Thirteen years older, his idealism and
youthful dreams shattered, and taking advantage of the belief that he died at the end of Noli Me
Tangere, he is disguised as Simoun, an enormously wealthy and mysterious jeweler who has
gained the confidence of the colony’s governor-general.

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.
 TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH

A la juventud filipina (English Translation: To The Philippine Youth) is a poem written

in Spanish by Filipino writer and patriot José Rizal, first presented in 1879 in Manila, while he
was studying at the University of Santo Tomas.

"A la juventud filipina" was written by Rizal when he was only eighteen years old,[1] and was
dedicated to the Filipino youth which he describes as "the fair hope of my motherland."

At eighteen years of age, Rizal won first prize for his poem “To the Philippine Youth” in 1879 in
a poetry contest organized for Filipino poets by the Manila Lyceum of Art and Literature. This
poem is one of his most famous poems.

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.

In the poem Rizal praises the benefits that Spain had bestowed upon the Philippines. Rizal had
frequently depicted the renowned Spanish explorers, generals and kings in the most patriotic
manner. He had pictured education (brought to the Philippines by Spain) as "the breath of life
instilling charming virtue". He had written of one of his Spanish teachers as having brought "the
light of the eternal splendor".

In this poem, however, it is the Filipino youth who are the protagonists, whose "prodigious
genius" making use of that education to build the future, was the "bella esperanza de la patria
mia" (beautiful hope of the motherland). Spain, with "pious and wise hand" offered a "crown's
resplendent band, offers to the sons of this Indian land."
 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.

“Goodbye to Leonor” was written by Rizal for his

childhood sweetheart, Leonor Rivera — who was
only 13 years old when they met in Dagupan.
Despite the distance between them, they tried to
stay in touch by sending letters and photographs to
one another. But their love affair was strongly
disapproved by Leonor’s parents.

Later on, Leonor (who was Rizal’s sweetheart for

11 years) married Henry Kipping, a British railway
engineer, who helped build the Manila-Dagupan
Railway system in 1890. This deeply saddened
Rizal, thus this melancholic poem for Leonor.
 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.

On February 22, 1889, national hero Dr. Jose Rizal wrote a letter to a group of young women of
Malolos supporting their plan of putting up a night school.

The so-called Women of Malolos comprised of 20 women from prominent Chinese-Filipino

families in Malolos, Bulacan who signed and presented a letter to Governor- General Valeriano
Weyler on December 12, 1888, requesting permission to open a night school where they could
be taught the Spanish language.

The Spanish parish priest, Fr. Felipe Garcia, objected so that the Governor-General turned down
the petition. However, the young women, in defiance of the friar's wrath, bravely continued their
agitation for establishment of the school, a thing unheard of in the Philippines in those times.

They finally succeeded in obtaining government approval for their project on condition that
Señorita Guadalupe Reyes should be their teacher, and that the classes be held in the day-time
and not at night. The incident caused a great stir in the Philippines and in far-away Spain.
Marcelo H. Del Pilar, writing in Barcelona on February 17, 1889, requested Dr. Rizal to send a
letter in Tagalog to the brave women of Malolos.

Although busy in London annotating Morga's book, penned his famous very long letter and sent
it to Del Pilar on February 22, 1889 for transmittal to Malolos.
 CHILDHOOD YEARS IN CALAMBA

 Jose Rizal had many beautiful memories of his childhood in his native town Calamba. It’s scenic
beauties and it’s industrious, hospitable, and friendly folks profoundly affected his mind and
character. The happiest period of Rizal’s life was spent in this lakeshore town.
 The first memory of Rizal, in his infancy, was in the family garden when he was 3yrs. old.
Because he was a frail, sickly and undersized, he was given the tenderest care by his parents. His
father built a Nipa cottage for him to play in the daytime.
 Another childhood memory was the daily Angelus prayer. By nightfall, his mother gathered all
the children at the house to pray the Angelus.
 He also remembered the aya (nurse maid) related to the Rizal children amy stories about the
fairies; tales of buried treasure and trees blooming with diamonds, and other fabulous stories.
 Of his sisters, Jose loved most the little Concha ( Concepcion), who was a year younger than him.
He played with her and from her he learned the sweetness of sisterly love.
 Unfortunately, Concha died of sickness in 1865 when she was only 3yrs. old. Jose cried bitterly at
losing her. The death of Concha brought him his first sorrow.
 Rizal grew up a good catholic. At age of 3, he would take part in the family prayers. When he
was 5yrs. old, he was able to read the Spanish family bible.
 He loved to go to church, to pray, to take part in novenas, and to join religious processions.
 One of the men he esteemed and respect in Calamba was the scholarly Father Leoncio Lopez, the
town priest. He used to visit him and listen to his stimulating opinions on current events and
sound philosophy of life.
 On June 6, 1868, Jose and his father left Calamba to go on a pilgrimage to Antipolo, in order to
fulfill his mother’s vow, which was made when Jose was born. After praying at the shrine of the
Virgin of Antipolo, Jose and his father went to Manila to visit Saturnina, who was a boarding
student in La Concordia College in Santa Ana.
 Of the stories told by Dona Teodora, Jose remembered the Story of the Moth. The tragic fate of
the young moth, which “died a martyr to it’s illusions”, left a deep impress on Rizal’s mind. He
justified such noble death, asserting that “to sacrifice one’s life for it”, meaning for an ideal, is
“worthwile”. And, like that young moth, he was fated to die as a martyr for a noble ideal.
 At age of 5, he began to make sketches with his pencil and to mould in his clay and wax objects.
Jose had the soul of a genuine artist. He also loved to ride the pony that which his father gave him
and take long walks in the meadows and lakeshore with his black dog named Usman.
 Aside from his sketching and sculpturing talent, Rizal possessed a God-given gift for literature.
At age of 8, Rizal wrote his first poem in the native language entitled Sa Aking Mga
Kababata (To My Fellow Children).
 After writing his first poem, Rizal who was then 8yrs. old, wrote his first dramatic work which
was a Tagalog comedy.

 Rizal was also interested in magic. He learned various tricks, such as making a coin disappear and
making a handkerchief vanish in thin air. He read many books on magic and attended
performances of the famous magicians in the world.
 THE MANSONIC LIFE OF RIZAL

One of the least known facets of the life of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was his being a member of a
worldwide fraternity called Freemasonry. According to Filipino historian Reynold Fajardo, in his
book “Dimasalang: The Masonic Life of Dr. Jose Rizal,” Rizal was not only a mason, he was the
only one among the leaders of the revolutionary movement during the Spanish era who “deserved to
be called an international Mason since he was a member of various Masonic lodges in Spain,
Germany, France and possibly, England.” Born to educated and middle-class parents— Francisco
Mercado and Teodora Alonso Realonda—in June 19, 1861 in Calamba, Laguna, Rizal was seventh
of 11 children. He started his schooling in the neighboring town of Biñan. He later went to Manila
and attended the Ateneo Municipal de Manila where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1877,
after which he enrolled in the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Faculty of Medicine and Surgery
and then in the university’s Faculty of Philosophy and Letters until 1882. Rizal then traveled alone to
Madrid, Spain where he studied Medicine at the Universidad Central de Madrid, earning the degree
of Licentiate in Medicine. He also studied at the University of Paris and earned a second doctorate at
the University of Heidelberg. According to Fajardo, at the time Rizal was studying in Biñan and
Manila, Masonry was relatively unknown in the Philippines. Masonic lodges were very few and most
of their members were Spaniards. However, Rizal’s half-uncle, Jose Alberto Alonzo was a Mason
and lived in Spain. Alonzo was made a Knight of the Order of Carlos III and later King Amadeo, also
a Mason, made him to Knight Commander of the Order of Isabel the Catholic. Rizal’s elder brother,
Paciano, also has several links with Spanish Masons in the Philippines during the latter’s student
days in Manila. The first documented exposure of Rizal to Masonry was in 1882, Fajardo said. Rizal
was made a Master Mason on November 15, 1890 at Logia Solidaridad 53 in Madrid, Spain. He
affiliated with a lodge under the jurisdiction of Grand Orient of France on October 14, 1891, and was
made honorary Worshipful Master of Nilad Lodge No. 144 in 1892. There he delivered a lecture
entitled “La Masoneria”. A many-faceted and multi-talented genius, his God given talents for
freedom and for the welfare of his people through peaceful reforms was an obsession that has guided
him all his life. A dedicated nationalist, physician, poet, novelist, historian, painter, sculptor, linguist,
educator, anthropologist, ethnologist, sportsman, traveler and a prophet, his talents appear
inexhaustible. His famous novels, “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” exposed the abuses of
the Spanish authorities and inspired the 1896 Revolution. His martyrdom fanned the patriotic spirit of
Filipinos and solidified their craving for nationhood. Considered the pride of the Malay race and the
greatest of the Filipino heroes ever born, he ranks equal to most of the great men of all races and of
all times. Rizal was made a Master Mason on November 15, 1890 at Logia Solidaridad 53 in Madrid,
Spain. He affiliated with a lodge under the jurisdiction of Grand Orient of France on October 14,
1891, and was made honorary Worshipful Master of Nilad Lodge No. 144 in 1892. There he
delivered a lecture entitled “La Masoneria”. A many-faceted and multi-talented genius, his God
given talents for freedom and for the welfare of his people through peaceful reforms was an
obsession that has guided him all his life. A dedicated nationalist, physician, poet, novelist, historian,
painter, sculptor, linguist, educator, anthropologist, ethnologist, sportsman, traveler and a prophet, his
talents appear inexhaustible. His famous novels, “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” exposed
the abuses of the Spanish authorities and inspired the 1896 Revolution. His martyrdom fanned the
patriotic spirit of Filipinos and solidified their craving for nationhood. Considered the pride of the
Malay race and the greatest of the Filipino heroes ever born, he ranks equal to most of the great men
of all races and of all times.
 JUNTO AL PASIG

Junto al Pasig (Beside the Pasig), a one-act zarzuela in Spanish written by the Philippine national
hero, Jose Rizal, was staged by the Academy of Spanish Literature members on December 8,
1880. Rizal wrote it to honor Nuestra Senora dela Paz y Buenviaje de Antipolo (Our Lady of
Peace and Good Voyage).

Represented for the first time on December 8, 1880, at six in the afternoon, with music by DON
BLÁS ECHEGOYEN, in the Assembly Hall of the Municipal Athenaeum, of Manila, by the
students of the Academy of Spanish Literature of said teaching center , of which the Egyptian
Apostle of the Philippine liberties was President.

Represented for the second time, with music by MANUEL VELEZ, on the occasion of the
LITERARY, LYRIC AND MUSICAL VELADA organized by the annual illustrated newspaper
DIA FILIPINO, which was held on June 19, 1915, at the Grand Opera House, Avenida Rizal,
Manila, in commemoration of the 54th anniversary of the birth of the immortal MARTIR DE
BAGUMBAYAN.
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.
 TRIAL OF RIZAL

On December 6, 1896, the trial of Dr. Jose Rizal by a Spanish military court for sedition,
rebellion and conspiracy, began. This leads to his execution and martyrdom.

Rizal, who was imprisoned first in Barcelona and later in Fort Santiago, was implicated in the
revolution which was launched in August 1896 by the Katipunan led by Andres Bonifacio,
whose aim was to liberate the country from Spanish colonization.

At the time of his arrest, Rizal was supposed to leave for Cuba after he was allowed by Spanish
Governor-General Ramon Blanco, who was sympathetic to him, to serve as a military surgeon in
Cuba, where there was also a revolution against Spain.

Before he left from his exile in Dapitan for Manila and then for Spain, Rizal had issued a
manifesto disavowing the revolution and declaring that the education of Filipinos and their
achievement of a national identity were prerequisites to freedom.

Rizal was arrested while en route to Spain, imprisoned in Barcelona and sent back later to
Manila to stand trial. He was charged with being a traitor to Spain and the mastermind of the
revolution.

He pleaded his innocence but he was still convicted on all three charges of rebellion, sedition and
conspiracy and sentenced to death.

Earlier, Rizal was already considered as an enemy of the state by the Spanish authorities with the
publication of his two great novels -- Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

Thus, Rizal was executed on December 30, 1896 in Bagumbayan (Luneta), which has been
renamed Rizal Park in his memory.