Brief Summary
This video explores the life and legacy of Jose Rizal, the renowned Filipino novelist and national hero. It examines his childhood, education, travels, relationships, and his eventual execution, shedding light on his personal struggles, intellectual development, and political awakening. The video uses Rizal's own writings, letters, and historical accounts to paint a comprehensive portrait of the man behind the monument.
- Early life and education shaped by his mother and experiences of injustice.
- Intellectual growth and political awakening during his studies in Manila and Europe.
- Romantic relationships and personal struggles amidst his dedication to Philippine reform.
- Literary contributions and involvement in the Propaganda Movement.
- Eventual execution and lasting legacy as a symbol of Filipino nationalism.
Introduction to Jose Rizal
The video introduces Jose Rizal as a multifaceted figure: the courageous novelist of "Noli Me Tangere" who awakened Filipino consciousness, the hero executed in Luneta, and the poet who emphasized the importance of one's native language. It poses questions about Rizal's true identity, the kind of Philippines he grew up in, the ideas he championed, and his real personality. The video aims to uncover the heart and soul of the great Filipino within the Luneta monument by examining original letters, photographs, and memories to understand the man named Jose Rizal.
Early Life and Education
Rizal's memoirs, titled "Memorias de un Estudiante de Manila," written at the age of 17 under the pseudonym P. Jacinto, reveal his early life. Born in Calamba on June 19, 1861, his birth almost cost his mother's life. His mother, Teodora Alonso, known as Lolay, was a lover of literature and more fluent in Spanish than Rizal himself. She was also a mathematician whose father was a former representative in the Cortes and his first teacher. Rizal's father, Francisco Mercado or Kikoy, was a quiet but sensitive man who provided an education fitting their means. Rizal's childhood in Calamba was filled with storytelling, painting, and sculpting. At the age of nine, he was sent to study in Biñan, where he experienced a strict and often harsh educational environment under Maestro Justignano Cruz.
Experiences and Education in Manila
At 11 years old, Rizal enrolled in Ateneo Municipal, initially facing skepticism from the priests due to his small stature and late enrollment. He struggled with Spanish and felt homesick, finding solace in the church and reading. He excelled academically, winning prizes and honing his writing skills under Padre Francisco de Paula Sanchez. Despite his academic success, Rizal felt sadness upon graduation. His mother initially wanted him to help his brother in the fields, fearing further education would endanger him, but his father insisted he study philosophy at the University of Santo Tomas. Rizal also took land surveying at Ateneo to appease his mother.
Love and Disappointments
After a year, Rizal decided to study medicine, driven by his mother's failing eyesight. During this time, he fell in love with Segunda Katigbak, a colegiala, but their romance was cut short. He later developed feelings for his cousin, Leonor Rivera. While on vacation in Calamba, Rizal was mistreated by a lieutenant of the Guardia Civil for failing to salute, leading him to seek justice, but his case was ignored. Despite winning a literary contest with "El Consejo de los Dioses," he faced discrimination as a Filipino. Realizing the limitations of his education in the Philippines, he decided to study in Spain.
Journey to Europe
Rizal accepted the encouragement of his friends and uncle to study in Spain, with his brother Paciano providing unwavering support. They kept the plan secret from their parents. Rizal left Manila on May 2 at the age of 20, documenting his journey in letters and journals. He described his impressions of the places he visited, from the cleanliness of the steamer to the sights of Aden and the Suez Canal. He arrived in Barcelona, Spain, during the summer break and found the city less appealing than he had imagined.
Life in Spain and Political Awakening
While waiting for universities to open, Rizal wrote articles for "Diyaryong Tagalog." He maintained correspondence with his family, who expressed their sadness and concern for his well-being. Leonor Rivera also conveyed her longing for him. Rizal moved to Madrid and enrolled in medicine and philosophy. He indulged in his passions for painting, writing, and learning languages, while living frugally. He joined the Circulo Hispano-Filipino, where Filipinos and Spaniards discussed Philippine-related issues. He courted Consuelo Ortega, but she chose another suitor. The Circulo dissolved due to lack of funds and political differences. Rizal's political consciousness grew through philosophical studies and discussions, leading to his speech honoring painters Juan Luna and Felix Resurrection Hidalgo.
The Impact of Rizal's Speech and Studies in Paris and Germany
Rizal's speech, praising Luna and Hidalgo, was misinterpreted in the Philippines, causing concern for his family. His mother fell ill due to the news and rumors that he could not return home. The family's financial situation worsened, delaying remittances to Rizal. Despite this, he was encouraged to continue his studies and practice ophthalmology in Paris. He worked at Dr. De Wecker's clinic and frequented the Pardo de Tavera family. He then moved to Heidelberg, Germany, to further his studies under Otto Becker, also improving his German language skills. Despite his progress, he longed for his family's warmth and sent gifts to his nieces and nephews.
Friendship with Blumentritt and Publication of Noli Me Tangere
Rizal began a close friendship with Ferdinand Blumentritt, an Austrian scholar, through letters. Blumentritt introduced Rizal to prominent European scholars. Rizal finished "Noli Me Tangere" but struggled to find funding for its publication. Maximo Viola, a friend from Barcelona, provided financial assistance, covering the printing costs. Rizal sent a copy of the novel to Blumentritt, anticipating controversy from the government and friars.
Return to the Philippines and Second Departure
Despite warnings, Rizal returned to the Philippines to prove his intentions. He was warmly received by the common people, but the friars scrutinized his novel. He was summoned to Malacañang Palace due to complaints about "Noli Me Tangere" and assigned a military escort, Taviel de Andrade. Rizal faced accusations and restrictions, including being forbidden from seeing Leonor. When the censorship board recommended banning "Noli Me Tangere," the friars pressured the governor to imprison Rizal, leading him to leave the Philippines again.
Travels in Asia and America
Rizal traveled to Hong Kong, Macau, and Japan, where he was impressed by the order and cleanliness. He developed a relationship with a Japanese woman named Oseisan. He then traveled across America, from California to New York, acknowledging its greatness but also noting its flaws, such as racial discrimination.
Life in London and Paris
In London, Rizal befriended Dr. Reinhold Rost, who helped him access the British Museum's library. There, he discovered Antonio Morga's book on Philippine history, which he decided to republish with his annotations to counter Spanish claims of pre-colonial Filipino barbarism. When Antonio Maria Regidor failed to fulfill his promise to publish the book, Rizal moved to Paris to find cheaper printing options. He became active in La Solidaridad, writing articles defending Filipino culture and advocating for Filipino rights.
Challenges and Personal Struggles
Rizal faced financial problems and the persecution of his family in the Philippines, stemming from their involvement in a case against the friars who owned Hacienda de Calamba. His relatives were exiled and denied Christian burials. Rizal considered returning to the Philippines but was dissuaded by his family and friends. He experienced conflicts with Marcelo del Pilar over the direction of the Filipino movement in Madrid, leading to a painful election where he felt undermined.
Heartbreak and New Beginnings
Rizal received a devastating letter from Leonor Rivera, announcing her impending marriage to an Englishman. He then traveled to Biarritz, France, where he worked on his second novel and fell in love with Nelly Boustead, who was also courted by Antonio Luna. Luna eventually conceded, but Rizal could not marry due to his commitments. He moved to Belgium to publish his second novel, facing financial difficulties.
El Filibusterismo Publication and Return to Asia
Rizal struggled to finance the publication of his second novel, "El Filibusterismo," but received help from Valentin Ventura. He borrowed money from Jose Basa for his passage to Hong Kong, where he reunited with his family. The Spanish authorities persecuted Rizal's family, imprisoning Paciano and Doña Lola, but they eventually escaped to Hong Kong.
Life in Hong Kong and Return to the Philippines
In Hong Kong, Rizal opened a clinic and enjoyed a period of peace with his family. However, he felt compelled to continue his work for the Philippines. He wrote the constitution for Liga Filipina, an organization aimed at promoting progress in the Philippines. He also planned to establish a colony in North Borneo for exiled Filipinos. Despite the risks, he sought permission to return to the Philippines to address personal matters.
Exile in Dapitan
Rizal was exiled to Dapitan in Zamboanga del Norte. He lived with the military commander and his wife, with whom he became friendly. He won the lottery and used the money to buy land in Talisay, where he built a clinic and a school. He maintained correspondence with Blumentritt and other European scholars, studying various subjects and discovering new species. His mother and sisters eventually joined him in Dapitan.
Love and Loss in Dapitan
Josephine Bracken arrived in Dapitan with her stepfather, Mr. Taufer, and she and Rizal fell in love. They were denied marriage by the church. Despite this, they lived together, and Josephine cared for Rizal. Rizal rejected the Katipunan's plan to rescue him and make him a leader of the revolution. He volunteered as a doctor in Cuba to end his exile and return to Europe.
Trial and Execution
Rizal was arrested and sent back to the Philippines, accused of rebellion and forming illegal associations. He was imprisoned in Fort Santiago, tried, and sentenced to death. He bid farewell to his family, asking for forgiveness and offering his belongings. He wrote letters to his loved ones, including Blumentritt and his brother Paciano, expressing his love and gratitude.
