LICEO DE MASBATE

QUEZON ST. MASBTE CITY

JERRY R. JOSON, JR.

BSED II
MR. FELIXBERTO V. GRANADO, JR.

INSTRUCTOR
Who will ever forget the name Dr. Jose P. Rizal? Well, none, especially in the hearts
of the Filipinos because he is Our National Hero. Studying the life of Dr. Jose P. Rizal
is very inspiring one. Because its story is not just an ordinary story of a Filipino but
a unique story of a multi-talented and genius Filipino who dreamed and aspired for
the freedom and peace to his native land no matter what the cost is.
He was a unique example of a many splendored genius endowed by many God
given talents. He was a man of many professions which are too many to mention.
But above and beyond these professions, he was a hero and a martyr for his
country, for his people. So as a sign of gratitude to Our National Hero, it is our

responsibility to study his life and works and get something valuable from him then
learn from it and live with it.
He even proved that pen is mightier than a sword. For his expertise in writings
enable him to convince his whole fellowmen to attain justice, thus destroying an
empire. For words flies wherever and ignites every mans feelings. Just like as a
saying says that word is powerful, there comes positive and negative in it. It could
heal ones heart but also harm another like a double edged sword.
Aside from these things, I gained many insights and learning on how to live life
accordingly.
First, Always let our parents feel our love and respect. Parents only wish for
happiness for their children notwithstanding the amount of sacrifice and hard work
that they have to go through. In return, children must show gratitude by giving
them love and respect. While true parents are oftentimes seen providing guidance
through countless preaching, this is only to show how they really care for their
childrens future. All these teachings are focused on molding a better person in
children. As children, in return, must live honorable lives and never taint the name.
Rizal demonstrated this Godly virtue in one of his many stories. In 1887, shortly
after his mothers cataract operation, he wanted to visit his fiance Leonor in
Pangasinan. His parents declined to Rizals wish since they knew that Leonors
mother opposed to the engagement. Raised in a family where absolute
unquestioning obedience to the word of parents was the practice, Rizal, although of
age, obeyed his parents as he followed everything to be his duty. He could have
easily reasoned with his parents as he was then already a doctor of medicine, an
accomplished and educated man, a man of age. But with all humility, he accepted
his parents decision. He showed the highest love and respect for his parents even if
it meant sacrificing his own happiness. Or in other words, listen to your Elders.
Second, Dream Big. Aim High. And make it Happen. Rizals greatest dream is
for his fellow countrymen to gain freedom. He worked hard in order for it to come
into realization. No matter what the consequences are, he readily accepted it even
he knows that somehow it will cost his own life.
Then, Never Give Up. One event in Rizals life that illustrates this was the
operation of the cataract of his mother which turned out to be successful one in the
second operation. (So since the second was the successful, we can infer that the
first one was a failure). Another is his story of the tortoise and the monkey. Despite
the slow feet of the tortoise he won the raise because he never gives up.
Third, Be Proud of Who You Are. Never forget to look back from where you come
from. Although Rizal mastered almost 22 languages, he never forgets that he is a

Filipino. In his famous saying he proves this. (Ang hindi magmahal sa sariling wika ,
ay higit pa ang amoy sa malansanag isda).
Fourth, Dont be afraid to stand Up for what is Right. If you know you are
correct, make a stand. Plant your feet on the ground. Thats what Rizal did. Despite
the threats coming from the Spanish officials, he continued and eventually
published their evils in his novels. I learned from his life is that he was not terrified
with the strong power of the Spaniards but instead he let himself shine and speak
up on the issue that he and his country is facing. This could be a strong passion and
determination to set free a country that deserves liberty. I also observed on my
readings that Rizal never craved for political power, but instead he served as a
catalyst that silently works great in his own ways. At the end of his life, he has
remained fighting for freedom, and until his last breath, he has fought a good fight
even though it caused him his life.
Fifth, I learned the value of education as a stepping stone towards gaining
success for myself and for my country. Since there is an enough motivation to
study and explore by wisdom, I made this an encouragement to myself that
education shall not only stop within the corners of classrooms but shall also extend
until the corners of the world.
Sixth, Skills and Talents can be Honed and Developed. We all know that Rizal
is a gifted man with different and many skills and talents. He was a well-known
figure in various endeavors. Among others, Rizal is a novelist, ophthalmic surgeon,
architect, educator, artist/painter, sculptor, historian, economist, journalist,
businessman, cartoonist, ethnologist, magician, traveler, propagandist, musician,
naturalist, sportsman, etc.
Seventh, Rizal too has weaknesses and downfalls. I learned that he turned his
back from the teachings of the friars (and of the Church) and became a member of
the called Masonry, which strikes the teachings of the friars. But it is said that he
joined this so called group for the sole purpose of fighting the freedom of the
country and to point out the injustices of the friars in the country.
These are some of the Key Masonic teachings our national hero lived by:
1) freedom to search knowledge and share it in any way you want
2) separation of Church and State
3) no to oppression of the individual's drive to excellence
4) freedom and tolerance of one's race and religion (no to religious and racial
discrimination)
5) no to being hoodwinked to the truth by the religious/friars (science can
offer a lot of explanations to the so called "miracles" propagated by the friars)
6) Religion, specifically in his time, suppresses the individual from discovering
the world out
there. He wrote with passion that he despises the friars because
they use religion to show that it is the only way to truth and salvation.

But he only published his writings for the masonry once unlike Del Pilar and other
Filipino Masons. This is one of the downfalls of our national hero which also proves
that he is not perfect. He is just a man who can have weaknesses despite the
greatness and achievements.
Eight, Traveling to different places widens the scope of thinking and
enriches the mind. Rizal proved that aside from being a recreation and leisure,
traveling to different places helps widens the thinking; understand more things than
just staying in one place. Because one can adopt something and learn some ideas
that would be helpful in ones place.
So these are the insights I learned from the life of Rizal. So what can I do to imitate
him?
So as a student and a youth, I will study hard and pursue my goals and become
successful to somehow be like a little bit of Rizal. I should emulate Rizal's
unquenchable thirst for learning and passion for education and advanced
development. Because of these characteristics, Rizal was not only a doctor and
writer but also a sculptor, a painter, a composer, and an architect. He was an
agriculturist and a teacher. He was many things to many people. He never got tired
writing and reading. He even copied encyclopedias and other documents in Madrid,
Spain and in Heidelberg, Germany in his own handwriting. There were no Xerox
machines then or computers. But Rizal's thirst for learning could not be quenched
by existing books. He wrote his own. His NOLIME TANGERE and EL FILIBUSTERISMO
still ring with truth today as the contents relate to contemporary socio-economic
realities.
Also I should develop the characters of Rizal like when he sets his mind on a dream,
he works really hard for it, sacrifices for it and stays focus on it until he achieves it.
He acts with a sense of commitment and purpose. He does everything at his best.
Similarly, whatever the goal or task I have on hand, I should and must really give
my 101% in the process of achieving the goal. The future will take its own course in
providing me rewards for a job well done.
It is said that Everyone can dream. Everyone can set goals. YOU can achieve
anything and everything by being like Rizal.
I will just follow the simple rules Rizal had left :
1.
2.
3.
4.

SET IT.
COMMIT TO IT.
WORK HARD BUT PATIENTLY FOR IT.
DO YOUR BEST

Another thing is, I will show my love for my country and fellowmen by helping my
fellow classmates who are unable to catch up our lessons. Because according to
Rizal, Education is a key to success. And in his examples, he persevered in his
studies in order to help his oppressed motherland. Specifically the Filipino youth,
his love was reflected through his writings. One of which is To The Philippine Youth.
He had high expectations and hope that the Filipino youth will follow his ways and

dedicate their energy, their passion, and their idealism for the betterment of the
country.
Rizals gift of FREEDOM, we enjoy today. He reminds us that every Filipino has a
responsibility to the country in maintaining this freedom using our individual talents
and abilities and for the betterment of our country. For them, we should always be
grateful to Dr. Jose Rizal. Honoring our national hero is one thing. What matters
most is that we learned from his greatness. And learning we become better --as a
nation and as individuals. I wish I could be like him in some areas of his life, but I
know that it is far from reality to happen. So, what I am doing is that I am
performing at my best, making every effort to become a productive individual in
different aspects of life.