SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

National Highway, Crossing Rubber, Tupi, South Cotabato

GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

___________________________________________________

LEARNING MODULE FOR GE 119: LIFE AND WORKS OF DR. JOSE RIZAL

_____________________________________________________

WEEK 13

COURSE OUTLINE

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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COURSE CODE : GE 119
TITLE : Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal
TARGET POPULATION : All First Year Student / Second Year
INSTRUCTOR : Kenny Fritz E. Paez, LPT

Overview:

This course deals with the life, works and writings of national hero Jose P. Rizal. It puts
emphasis on the impact of his martyrdom and to present a critical view of the social order
in which he lived, his opinions on nationalism, government, religion as well as his
philosophy of life through an analysis of his works and letters and relevance of these ideas
to contemporary Philippine scene.

Objectives:

General Objective

• Learn and understand the life of Dr. Jose P. Rizal from his birth to his martyrdom.
• Analyze the impact of Rizal’s life in relation to his contribution on the socio-political
situation of the Philippines then and the present time.
• Critically understand Rizal’s heroism and realize the significance of his ideas in the
present time
• Interpret the selected poem, essays and novels and its impact to socio-political situation
during the past and present time.

The following are the topics to be discussed

Week 13 RIZAL, THE ROMANTIC

Week 14 O-SEI-SAN: LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
Week 15 THE HERO: A POET
Week 16 A POEM ON EDUCATION
A POEM FOR THE YOUTH
POEMS FOR THE HERO’S BELOVED
A POEM OF THE HERO’S LAST REMINISCENCE
THE HERO’S ONE LAST GREAT POEM
Week 17 SELECTED NOVELS

Instruction to the Learners

Each chapter in this module contains a major lesson involving the Rizal’s life and works.The units
are characterized by continuity, and are arranged in such a manner that the present unit is related to the
next unit. For this reason, you are advised to read this module. After each unit, there are exercises to be
given. Submission of task will be given during your scheduled class hour.

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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 WEEK 13

RIZAL, the ROMANTIC

“GENIUS HAS NO COUNTRY. IT BLOOSOMS

EVERYWHERE. GENIUS IS LIKE THE LIGHT,
THE AIR. IT IS THE HERITAGE OF ALL.
-Dr. Jose P. Rizal

Before Jose Rizal claimed the hearts of Filipino by being the National Hero of the country, he
first claimed the hearts of many women. Being the natural charmer that he was, there were at
least nine women linked with him according to various accounts.

SEGUNDA KATIGBAK: RIZAL’S FIRST LOVE

Jose Rizal was only a young boy of sixteen

(16) when he first fell in love, an d it was with
Segunda Katigbak, a girl from Lipa, Batangas
and two years his junior. According to Rizal.

“She was rather short, with eyes that were

eloquent and ardent at times and languid at
others, rosy -cheeked, with and enchanting
and provocative smil e that revealed very
beautiful teeth, and the air of a sylph; her
entire self-diffused a mysterious charm”

STOLEN GLANCES

Rizal went to Trozo, Manila one day to visit his grandmother. His friend, Mariano
Katigbak, accompanied him. Mariano’s family were close with Rizal’s grandmother, upon arrival
at Lipa, Mariano’s sister Segunda was there at the old woman’s house along with other guest.
Rizal was drawn to hear instantly.

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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Some of the other guests knew that Rizal was a skilled painter and asked him to draw a portrait
of Segunda. He obliged and reluctantly work on a pencil sketch of the girl. “From time to time,
she looked at me, and I blushed.”

A BLOSSOMING LOVE

Rizal’s sister Olympia was a close friend of Segunda and a student at La Concordia College,
and Rizal went to visit her every week, during which he came to know Segunda more intimately.
Their affection for each other grew deeper with every meeting, one that began with “Love at First
Sigh.”

HOPELESS FROM THE BEGINNING

Unfortunately, Segunda was already engaged to be married to her town mate, Manuel

Luz, and although Rizal had gotten hints of the Lady’s affection for him, he timidly decided

to back away and did not propose. Years later Segunda returned to Lipa and wed her betrothed,
leaving a frustrated Rizal to the mercy of his nostalgic memories. Rizal said while recording his
first romance three years later, “Ended, at an early hour, my first love! My virgin heart will always
mourn the reckless step it took on the flower-decked abyss. My illusions will return, yes, but
indifferent, uncertain, ready for the first betrayal on the path of love.”

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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 LEONOR VALENZUELA: PRIVATE
LETTERS

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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 When Rizal was a sophomore at the
University of Santo Tomas and was b oarding
in the house of Doña Concha Leyva in
Intramuros he met Leonor “Orang” Valenzuela,
his next -door neighbour and daughter of
Capitan Juan and Capitana Sanday
Valenzuela. She was a tall girl who carried
herself with grace and elegance.

EXCHANGING LOVE NOTES

Rizal was always wel come at the Valenzuela home. He eventually courted Leonor
by sending her love notes. Which he wrote invisible ink made from a mixture of water
and table salt. He taught Leonor how to read his letter by heating them over a lamp or a
candle to allow the words surface.
Unfortunately, as with his first love, Jose failed to ask for the lady’s hand in
marriage.

LEONOR RIVERA: THE FIRST ENGAGEMENT

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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 Leonor Rivera was a young lady from
Camiling, and a cousin of Jose Rizal.
Leonor’s father had provided room and
board in Casa Tomasina, Intramuros for
Rizal when the youth was still starting his
third year at the university. The young girl
was then a stusent at La Concordia
College where Soledad, Rizal’s little sister
was also studying.

A SECRET RELATIONSHIP

Leonor was “tender as a budding flower with kindly, wistful eyes.” She and Rizal eventually
became engaged. In her letters, she signed her name as “Taimis” in order to hide their intimate
relationship from the girl’s parents.

A LADY’S INFIDELITY

In the autumn of 1890, however, Rizal received a letter from Leonor telling him of her coming
marriage to a man whom her mother chose to her mate – an Englishman – and begged for
his forgiveness. This broke Rizal’s heart deeply.

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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 CONSUELO ORTEGA Y PEREZ: A SACRIFICE FOR
FRIENDSHIP

In 1882, when Rizal was a student at

Universidad Central de Madrid, he
frequented the home of Don Pablo
Ortiga Y Reyes, the former city mayor of
Manila. He lived with his son Rafael and
his daughter Consuelo.

TAKEN BY CHARM

Rizal, though he wasn’t a handsome man, possessed a great deal of charisma and was
gifted with many talents and a deeplynoble character. For this reason, It is of no surprise
that Consuelo, the prettier of Don Pablo’s daughters, was very taken with him.

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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 AN ESCAPE FROM LONELINESS

Being lonely and somewhat isolated in a foreign country, Rizal found comfort in Consuelo’s
vivacious company. He wrote her a poem entitled A La Señorita C.O. y P. (To miss C.O.y
P.), in which he expressed his great admiration for the lady.

BACKING OUT

Rizal’s romance with Consuelo did not turn into a serious affair; he decided to take a step back
for two reasons: first, he was still engaged to Leonor Rivera at that time; and
second, he was aware of his friend’s (Eduardo de Lete) affection for the girl and he did not
want to ruin their friendship over her.

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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 ACTIVITY #1

Discussion Points and Exercise Questions

General Direction: Provide what is being asked. Use the Rubric below as your guide. Write your
answer in a long bond paper (Hand written) and attached to the last page of this module.

TASKS:
Write a reflection paper on the following romantic love life of Dr. Jose Rizal.

1. Segunda Katigbak (20 points)

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

2. Leonor Rivera (20 points)

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

3. Leonor Valenzuela (20 points)

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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Level Description
Outstanding Well written and very organized. Excellent grammar mechanics. Clear and
concise statements. Excellent effort and presentation with detail. Demonstrates a
thorough understanding of the topics.
Value: 18-20
Level Description
Good Writes fairly clear. Good grammar mechanics. Good presentation and
organization.
Sufficient effort and detail.
Value: 15-17
Level Description
Fair Minimal effort. Good grammar mechanics. Fair presentation. Few supporting
details.
Value: 10-14
Level: Description
Poor Somewhat unclear. Shows little effort. Poor grammar mechanics. Confusing and
incomplete sentences. No organization of thoughts.
Value: 5-9
Level: Description
Very Poor Lacking effort. Very poor grammar mechanic. Very unclear. Doesn’t address
topic. Limited attempt.
Value: 1-5

End of thirteenth week

--------------------------------------Nothing Follows--------------------------------------

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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 SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.
National Highway, Crossing Rubber, Tupi, South Cotabato

GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

___________________________________________________

LEARNING MODULE FOR GE 119: LIFE AND WORKS OF DR. JOSE RIZAL

_____________________________________________________

WEEK 14

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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 WEEK 14

RIZAL, the ROMANTIC

The first romance of Rizal was the painful experience which comes nearly to all
adolescents. Nevertheless, it illustrates that the he was truly a man who is capable to love
and to beloved. These are the women who captured the heart of Jose Rizal, our
national hero.

O-SEI-SAN:
LOVE AT FIRST
SIGHT

When Rizal was in Tokyo a few days

after he had moved to the Azabu district
in 1888, he spotted Japanese girl
walking past the legion gate. He was
captured by the lady’s regal air and
charisma and endeavoured to find ways
to meet her. And the girl’s name was
Sieko Usui. She lived with her parents
and often took afternoon walks by the
legation. Rizal waited by the gate one
afternoon and introduced himself.

AN EXPLORATION OF BEAUTY

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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 Rizal and O-Sei-San, as he fondly called her, met almost daily. They toured the beautiful
city spots, enjoyed the scenery, and visited the picturesque shrine. Rizal was then a lonely
young physician, disillusioned by his frustrated romance with Leonor Rivera and burdened
by soured hopes for justice in his country. O-Sei-San provided the beautiful escape that he
deeply needed, and he saw in her the qualities of his ideal woman. He was her first love.

41
SAYONARA

Because of his deep affection for her, Rizal was almost tempted to settle down in Japan.
Conveniently enough, he was also offered a good position at the Spanish Legation during
that time. Rizal, however, had set his sights on other matters. He decided to leave Japan
and forget his romance, which pained him gravely as attested by an entry in his diary. His
45-day sojourn in Japan was one of the happiest interludes in his life.

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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 GERTRUDE BECKETT: A CHISELLE
BEAUTY

In May 1888 Rizal visited London for a

short time, boarding the house of the Beckett
family: Mr. & Mrs. Beckett, their two sons,
and their four daughters. The eldest
daughter was named Gertrude.

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 THE ARTIST’S RIGHT HAND
Gertrude was a buxom young lady with blue eyes and brown hair. She fell in love with Rizal
and gave him all of her attention during the family picnics and gatherings. When Rizal stayed
indoors during rainy days painting and sculpting, she helped him mix his colors and prepare
his clay.
Rizal enjoyed her company. Eventually their flirtatious friendship drifted towards a blossoming
romance. He affectionately called her “Gettie,” and in return she called him
“Pettie.”

LEAVING FOR A HIGHER CAUSE

Rizal withdrew before his relationship with Gettie could become more serious, realizing that
he had a greater mission to fulfill and that in order to accomplish it he could not yield to the
option of marrying her. He suppressed the yearnings of his heart and decided to leave so
that the lady may forget him. Before he did, however, he finished a number of sculptural
works, one of which was a carving of the heads of the Beckett sisters.

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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 SUZANNE JACOBY: A LOVE
UNREQUITED

A BROKEN HEART

Suzanne fell in love with Rizal, and wept

when he left Madrid in July 1890. She wrote
to him in French:

“Where are you now? Do you think of

me once in a while? I am reminded of our
tender conversations, reading your letter,
although it is cold and indifferent. Here in
your letter I have something which makes up
for your absence. How pleased I would be
to follow you, to travel with you who are
always in my thoughts.

You wish me all kinds of luck, but forget

that in the absence of a beloved one a
tender heart cannot feel happy.

A thousand things serve to distract your

mind, my friend; but in my case, I am sad,
lonely, always alone with my thoughts –
nothing, absolutely nothing relieves my
sorrow. Are you coming back? That’s what I
want and desire most ardently – you cannot refuse me.

I do not despair and I limit myself to murmuring against time which runs so fast when it
carries us toward a separation but goes so slowly when it’s bringing us together again. I feel very
unhappy thinking that perhaps I might never see you again.

Goodbye! You know with one word you can make me very happy. Aren’t you going to write
to me?

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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 NELLIE BOUSTEAD: A FAILED
PROPOSAL

In 1891, Rizal took a vacation in

Biarritz in order to find reprieve from his
troubles in Madrid. He was a guest of the
Boustead family in their winter residence,
Villa Eliada. Mr. and Mrs. Boustead had
two beautiful daughters, Adelina and
Nellie.

AN EMOTIONAL REBOUNCE

After having lamented his frustrated romance with Leonor Rivera on account of the

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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lady’s engagement to another man, Rizal came to develop considerable affection for Nellie,
the prettier and younger daughter of Mr. Eduardo Boustead. He found her to be intelligent,
morally upright, and full of life. Rizal wrote to his closest friends about his intention to marry
her.

CONSENT FROM THE LADY’S PAST LOVE

Rizal’s friends were delighted to hear that he had found a suitable girl whom he at last
wished to settle down with. Even Antonio Luna, who had previously love Nellie, encouraged
Rizal to court her and ask for her hand in marriage. With all encouragement from the friends
he held dear, Rizal wooed Nellie (also called Nelly) who, in turn, returned his affection.

A BROKEN ENGAGEMENT

Rizal’s marriage proposal failed for two reasons: first, Nellie demanded that he give up his
Catholic faith and convert to Protestantism, which was her religion. Rizal did not like this idea.
Second, Nelly’s mother did not approve of Rizal, as she had no desire to entrust her daughter
to a man who was wanting in wealth and persecuted in his own country. In spite of the
circumstances, Rizal and Nellie parted as good friends.

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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 JOSEPHINE BRACKEN: TRUE LOVE
EXILE

Rizal’s exile in Dapitan was one of the most

lonesome and sorrowful of his life. He missed the
company of his friends and family, and the death
of Leonor Rivera on August 28, 1893 left in gaping
void his heart.

Josephine Bracken arrived at the shores of

Dapitan accompanying her blind adopted father,
Mr. George Taufer. No ophthalmologist in Hong
Kong, their home country, could cure the man’s
blindness and so they sought the services of the
famous Dr. Jose Rizal.

OVERCOMING BARRIERS

Rizal and Josephine fell in love at first sight. Their romantic interlude went on for about a
month, after which they decided to marry. The priest of Dapitan however, refused to conduct
the ceremony without consent from the Bishop of Cebu.

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 When Mr. Taufer heard of his daughter’s plan to marry he became so enraged at the thought
of losing Josephine that he attempted to kill himself with a razor to his throat, Rizal prevented
this tragedy by holding the man’s wrist back. Josephine left her father on the first available
steamer to Manila in order to avoid more trouble. Since Mr. Taufer’s blindness was venereal
in nature, it was incurable.

EXCHANGING VOWS
Mr. Taufer went back to Hong Kong alone, and Josephine stayed in Manila with Rizal’s family.
At length, she returned to Dapitan. Since no priest would marry them, Rizal and Josephine
held hands, exchanged vows and married themselves before God.

THE LOSS OF A CHILD

Rizal and Josephine live together in Dapitan as husband and wife, and in early 1896 they
were expecting a baby. Unfortunately, Josephine had to go into premature labor after Rizal
played a prank and frigh tened her. A little boy of eight months was born, who lived for only
three hours. Rizal named him Francisco in honor of his father, and buried the child in Dapitan.

PHILIPPINES: HIS TRUE LOVE

Rizal’s true love was no one else but his country. He couldn’t belong to any woman or any
family for he was meant for nobler things. As Ferdinand Blumentritt, one of Rizal’s closest
friends wrote in his letter consoling Rizal after losing Leonor, he said:

“I know your heart is aching; but you are one of those heroes who overcome the pain
of wounds caused by woman because they pursue higher ends. You have stout heart
and a nobler woman looks upon you with love: your native country. The Philippines
is like no one of those enchanted princesses in the German fairy tales who kept in
captivity by a foul dragon until she is rescued by a valiant knight.”

Rizal’s life was cut short at the age of 35. According to historian Ambeth Ocampo, in one of
Rizal’s love letters about our country he said:

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

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“I have always love my poor country and I am sure that I shall love her until my last
moment. Perhaps some people will be unjust to me; well, my future, my life, my
joys, everything, I have sacrificed for love of her. Whatever my fate will be, I shall
die blessings my country and wishing her the dawn of her redemption. Happen
what may I shall die blessing her and desiring the dawn of her redemption”.

ACTIVITY #2

Discussion Points and Exercise Questions

Direction: Compare and contrast the love life of Dr. Jose Rizal in different women.

O-SEI-SAN GERTRUDE BECKETT

SUZANNE JACOBY NELLIE BOUSTEAD

JOSEPHINE BRACKEN SEGUNDA KATIGBAK

Rubric:

Level Description
Outstanding Student uses 3 or more sentences in their own words to describe clearly what the
main points are about.
Value: 45-50
Level Description
Good Student uses 3 or less sentences to describe the main points, but not all is in
their own words.
Value: 35-44

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

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Level Description
Fair Student summarizes most of the main points accurately, but has some
misunderstanding and may need to reread or seek tutoring for understanding.
Value: 28-34
Level: Description
Poor Student has difficulty summarizing the main points and needs to see the teacher.
Value: 20-27

End of Fourteenth week

--------------------------------------Nothing Follows--------------------------------------

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

National Highway, Crossing Rubber, Tupi, South Cotabato

GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

___________________________________________________

LEARNING MODULE FOR

GE 112: READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

_____________________________________________________

WEEK 15

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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 WEEK 15

“ONE ONLY DIES ONCE, AND IF ONE DOES

NOT DIE WEEL, A GOOD OPPORTUNITY IS
LOST AND WILL NOT PRESENT ITSELF
AGAIN”
-JOSE P. RIZAL

THE HERO: A
POET
Rizal’s works and writings are source of pride and patriotism for the Filipinos. In spite that the
country celebrated Rizal’s 150th birthday in 2011 it is apparent that there are still insufficient
numbers of Filipinos who are aware of it or at least have the interest to care. We commemorate
each year our National Hero’s death anniversary yet we do not really adhere to it. For many,
such day is literally a legal holiday, that is to say, off from work to visit malls and other amusement
places or an opportune time to take complete rest the whole day. This careless norm hurts our
national ego for it nullifies the real purpose of the Rizal Day –to pay tribute to the sacrifices of the
man who ignited the Filipino hope for freedom from our first colonial masters.

Owing to lack of awareness on Rizal’s works and writing seem to affect our attitude towards
getting to know more our National Hero and giving him the acknowledgement her truly deserves.
Rizal did not really want people to honor his death, no anniversaries, and not even a monument
of him that stands today at the Luneta. Ambeth Ocampo (2012), through his renowned book “Rizal
without the Overcoat”, leaves us something to ponder: “So what did Rizal want us to remember
[about] him? What did he want us to celebrate? All that may be found in the largely unread 25
volumes of his writings.”

Therefore, if we are to honor Rizal once more, we must do it objectively reading his works
where we can find his ideals and values that he lived and died for –not to exclude what other
heroes did as well. We must not forget that his writings provide us an insight of who Rizal was
as a person and what he dreamt of for his countrymen. The following discussions focus on his
selected poems that reflecting foundation of nationalism, family-orientation, faith, education, and
youth empowerment. This chapter also reconciles relatively new argument or not so new but
often overlooked truth about some of his works.

A POEM RIZAL DIDRIT

NOT
W E
“SA AKING MGA KABATA”
(From the original text but without the accent marks 1906)

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

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 Sa Aking Mga Kabatà

Kapagka ang baya'y sadyáng umiibig Sa kanyáng salitáng

kaloob ng langit, Sanlang kalayaan nasa ring masapit Katulad
ng ibong nasa himpapawid.

Pagka't ang salita'y isang kahatulan

Sa bayan, sa nayo't mga kaharián, At ang isáng tao'y
katulad, kabagay
Ng alin mang likha noong kalayaán.

Ang hindi magmahal sa kanyang salitâ

Mahigit sa hayop at malansáng isdâ,
Kayâ ang marapat pagyamaning kusà Na tulad sa ináng
tunay na nagpalà.

Ang wikang Tagalog tulad din sa Latin

Sa Inglés, Kastilà at salitang anghel,
Sapagka't ang Poong maalam tumingín
Ang siyang naggawad, nagbigay sa atin.

Ang salita nati'y huwad din sa iba

Na may alfabeto at sariling letra,
Na kaya nawalá'y dinatnan ng sigwâ
Ang lunday sa lawà noóng dakong una.

This is Rizal’s first poem as customarily supposed by the people who have already
encountered Rizal course or have a very important guest delivering speech about the
significance of our National Language during “Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa” program. Rizal is
always quoted on after saying, “Ang hindi marunong mag mahal sa kanyang sariling salita, ay
mahigit pa sa hayop at malansang isda.” It is presumably written at the tender age of eight. In
this poem, he appeared to promote sense of respect and adoration to our mother tongue,
basically Tagalog. Rizal seemed to know the importance of language as a factor in the
development of national consciousness and identity. This belief is however confronted by the
contention that as, quoted from Dr. Virgilio Almario, National Artist for Literature, and chairperson
of Surian ng Wikang Filipino, “Hindi si Rizal ang sumulat ng “SA AKING MGA KABATA”. This
frank and bold claim is quite similar to the argument of Dr. Ambeth Ocampo, an established
historian and former chairperson of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, whose
researches largely tackle the life of Rizal. Through their distinct studies they found and revealed
evidences that defy the authenticity of the poem as the masterpiece of an eight-year old boy.

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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 A POEM FOR RHE HERO’S MOTHER
And from that
Mi Primera spring in the
grove now
Inspiracion turn to hear
(My First the first note
that from my
Inspiration) lute I emote
to the impulse
of my love.
Why falls so rich a
spray of fragrance
from the bowers of
the balmy flowers
upon this festive
day?

Why from woods and

vales do we hear sweet
measures ringing that
seem to be the singing
of a choir of
nightingales?

Why in the grass It was not surprising at all that

below do birds start at the first poem written by Rizal as
the wind's noises, an Atenean was about his beloved
unleashing their honeyed mother. Rizal gave this poem as a
voices gift to his mother on her birthday.
as they hop from bough to bough? His mother help the development
of his character not only because
Why should the spring that his mother was his first teacher
glows its crystalline during the critical period of his
murmur be tuning
child development but also
to the zephyr's mellow crooning
because of the enduring affection
as among the flowers it flows?
Doña Teodora had with her
Why seems to me more youngest son. In this later life,
endearing, more fair than Rizal recalled that the education
on other days, the dawn's he received from his infancy was
enchanting face perhaps what had shaped his
among red clouds habits. One of the underlying
appearing? reasons for him to take up
medicine was his desire to cure
The reason, dear the failing eyesight of his mother.
mother, is they feast Truly, Doña Teodaora inspired our
your day of bloom:
National Hero in every step of the
the rose with its
perfume,
way. The extent of his love for his
the bird with its mother proved to be exceptional
harmonies. when hour before his execution on
December 30, 1896, he wrote his
And the spring that rings with final letter, addressed to his
laughter upon this joyful day mother. No enough words were
with its murmur seems really needed to speak up what his
to say: heart felt. Only hearing her name
'Live happily ever the center of her grieving heart.
after!' Rizal reserved his final letter to

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express his last words of love to his very
first inspiration.

POEMS ON RELIGION

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 “AL NIÑO JESUS
(TO THE CHILD JESUS: translated by Nick Joaquin,
1976)

Why have you come to earth,

Child-God, in a poor manger?
Does Fortune find you a stranger
from the moment of your birth?

Alas, of heavenly stock

now turned an earthly resident!
Do you not wish to be president
but the shepherd of your flock?

“A LA VIRGEN MARIA”
(TO THE VIRGIN MARY: translated by Nick Joaquin,
1976)

Mary, sweet peace and dearest consolation

of suffering mortal: you are the fount whence springs
the current of solicitude that brings
unto our soil unceasing fecundation.

From your abode, enthroned on heaven’s height,

in mercy deign to hear my cry of woe
and to the radiance of your mantle draw
my voice that rises with so swift a flight.

You are my mother, Mary, and shall be

my life, my stronghold, my defense most thorough;
and you shall be my guide on this wild sea.

If vice pursues me madly on the morrow,

if death harasses me with agony:
come to my aid and dissipate my sorrow!

The preceding poems only show Rizal’s devotion to Jesus and Mary. He wrote these in
separate occasions when he was in Ateneo. Although Rizal was a mason, his rudiments as a
man were founded in Christian faith. His mother indoctrinated him the strong relations he had
with his Creator. Thus, betrayal to his faith would also connote betrayal to his dear mother. More

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so, Rizal joined masonry not to assault Christianity but to advance his war against abusing friars
who had been ill to his family and his people. While Rizal was in Dapitan, he had a series of
correspondence with Fr. Pablo Pastells. He antagonized the malpractices of the clergy in the
Philippines that put the live4s of many Filipinos into misery. Though Rizal and the priest had a
rather emotional debate over religion, he maintained his objectiveness and showed unwavering
respect to the Christian doctrines. Rizal condemned the blind obedience. In his letter to the young
women of Malolos, he was against the blind submission o0f the Filipinos. To the thoughts, unjust
order, and extreme self-satisfaction of the Spanish friars. He pointed out the women of Malolos
that God gave man individual reason and free will to differentiate the just from the unjust. His
religious poems in Ateneo only foretold that Rizal would be the man to defend the pained Filipinos
from the unscrupulous friars who capitalized o religion. But Rizal’s Catholicism was an inquisitive
form of religion –seeking for profound and acceptable explanations for any religious actions.

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 ACTIVITY #3

Discussion Points and Exercise Questions

Direction: Read and understand this module. Provide what is being asked. Use the Rubric
below as your guide. Write your answer in a long bond paper (Hand written) and attached to the
last page of this module.

TASK:
Discuss the following briefly in your own words. (200 words)

1.What are the lessons derived from the poem "Sa Aking mga Kabata" by Dr. Jose
Rizal"?

2. How do you paraphrase the poem Sa Aking mga Kabata by Jose Rizal?

20 points rubric
Level Description
Outstanding Well written and very organized. Excellent grammar mechanics. Clear and
concise statements. Excellent effort and presentation with detail. Demonstrates a
thorough understanding of the topics.
Value: 18-20
Level Description
Good Writes fairly clear. Good grammar mechanics. Good presentation and
organization.
Sufficient effort and detail.
Value: 15-17
Level Description
Fair Minimal effort. Good grammar mechanics. Fair presentation. Few supporting
details.
Value: 10-14

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Level: Description
Poor Somewhat unclear. Shows little effort. Poor grammar mechanics. Confusing and
incomplete sentences. No organization of thoughts.
Value: 5-9
Level: Description
Very Poor Lacking effort. Very poor grammar mechanic. Very unclear. Doesn’t address topic.
Limited attempt.
Value: 1-5

End of fifteenth week

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National Highway, Crossing Rubber, Tupi, South Cotabato

GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

___________________________________________________

LEARNING MODULE FOR

GE 112: READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

_____________________________________________________

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SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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 WEEK 16
WEEK 16
A POEM ON EDUCATION
Education Gives Luster to Motherland
(From “Jose Rizal: Life, Works, and Writings” by Gregorio and Sonia Zaide, 2008)
Wise education, vital breath
Inspires an enchanting virtue;
She puts the Country in the lofty seat
Of endless glory, of dazzling glow,
And just as
the gentle aura's puff
Do brighten the perfumed flower's hue:
So education with a wise, guiding hand, A
benefactress, exalts the human band.
Man's placid repose and earthly life To
education he dedicates
Because of her, art and science are born
Man; and as from the high mount above
The pure rivulet flows, undulates,
So education beyond measure
Gives the Country tranquility secure.
Where wise education raises a throne
Sprightly youth are invigorated,
Who with firm stand error they subdue
And with noble ideas are exalted;
It breaks immortality's neck,
Contemptible crime before it is halted:
It humbles barbarous nations And it
makes of savages champions.
And like the spring that nourishes
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The plants, the bushes of the meads,
She goes on spilling her placid wealth,
And with kind eagerness she constantly
feeds, The river banks through which she
slips,
And to beautiful nature all she
concedes, So whoever procures
education wise Until the height
of honor may rise.
This poem reflects Rizal’s high
regard for education. He believed in
the significant role which education
plays in the progress and welfare of
the nation. One of the most vital
contributions of Rizal to the cause of
human rights is his defense of the right
of the Filipinos to accessible quality
education. Rizal wished the education
for the indios. In defense of
From her lips the waters crystalline
Gush forth without end, of divine virtue,
And prudent doctrines of her faith
The forces weak of evil subdue, That
break apart like the whitish waves That
lash upon the motionless shoreline:
And to climb the heavenly ways the people
Do learn with her noble example.
In the wretched human beings' breast
The living flame of good she lights
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 The hands of criminal fierce she ties, The Country pays him a thousand honors;
And fill the faithful hearts with delights, For in the noble breasts of her sons
Which seeks her secrets beneficent Virtue transplanted luxuriant flow'rs;
And in the love for the good her breast she incites, And in the love of good e'er disposed
And it's th' education noble and pure Of human Will see the lords and governors
life the balsam sure. The noble people with loyal venture
Christian education always procure.
And like a rock that rises with pride
In the middle of the turbulent waves And like the golden sun of the morn
When hurricane and fierce Notus roar Whose rays resplendent shedding gold,
She disregards their fury and raves, That weary And like fair aurora of gold and red
of the horror great She overspreads her colors bold;
So frightened calmly off they stave; Such is one Such true education proudly gives
by wise education steered He holds the Country's The pleasure of virtue to young and old
reins unconquered. And she enlightens out Motherland dear
His achievements on sapphires are engraved; As she offers endless glow and luster.
such right, Rizal pleaded the Spanish authorities not to resent the education of the Filipinos. He
believed that education is a gift and not as a spoil of war. When Rizal put up his school in Dapitan,
he visualized a course of study beyond any usual wisdom. He designed a curriculum that would
teach students to “behave like men.” Rizal advocated education as an important instrument in a
free society, important in the quest for liberty. He was confident in the effectively of education as
a light to the dim social, political, and economic order in the country.

POEMS FOR THE HERO’S BELOVED

“GOODBYE TO LEONOR”
(Translation from the Spanish by Nick Joaquin, 1976)

And so it has arrived — the fatal instant,

the dismal injunction of my cruel fate;
so it has come at last — the moment, the date,
when I must separate myself from you.

Goodbye, Leonor, goodbye! I take my leave,

leaving behind with you my lover’s heart!
Goodbye, Leonor: from here I now depart.
O Melancholy absence! Ah, what pain!

“A JOSEFINA”

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47
 (JOSEPHINE: from “Jose Rizal: Life, works, and Writings” by Gregorio and Sonia
Zaide, 2008)

Josephine, Josephine
Who to these shores have come
Looking for a nest, a home,
Like a wandering swallow;
If your fate is taking you
To Japan, China or Shanghai,
Don't forget that on these shores A
heart for you beats high.

Leonor Rivera could have been Mrs. Rizal if not due to her mother, Doña Silvestra, who
postponed their love affairs by preventing their letters to reach each other’s end while Rizal was
in Europe. Rizal could endure the attacks of the malign Spanish friars and the corrupt colonial
government officials but not the blow of Leonor’s break up with him to marry the Englishman
Henry Kipping. Rizal cried, felt he was going crazy, and was deeply sad for several months upon
receiving, in December 1890, his Leonor’s last letter. She was to marry someone else despite
of her deep affection for Rizal. This sudden and sorrowful episode made the heartbroken Rizal
turn to nelly Boustead for a marriage proposal but it fell short. He was building up on himself all
over again. But when he was having his life’s most productive four years in the far away town of
Dapitan, his heart was caressed by his so called dulceestrangera (sweet foreigner), Josephine
Bracken. She love and served sincerely and untiringly. Till his final moment before his execution
in Bagumbayan, Rizal treated Josephine as his wife.

A POEM OF THE HERO’S LAST

REMINISCENCE

“MI RETIRO”
(MY RETREAT: translated by Nick Joaquin, 1976)
its beams and posts are rough as rough-hewn
wood can be;
of no worth, it is certain, is my rustic
cabin; but on the lap of the eternal
Beside a spacious beach of fine and delicate mount it slumbers
sand and night and day is lulled by the
and at the foot of a mountain greener than a crooning of the sea.
leaf, The overflowing brook, that from the shadowy
I planted my humble hut beneath a pleasant jungle
orchard, descends between huge bolders, washes it with
seeking in the still serenity of the woods its spray,
repose to my intellect and silence to my grief. donating a current of water through makeshift
Its roof is fragile nipa; its floor is brittle bamboo pipes
bamboo; that in the silent night is melody and music

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 and crystalline nectar in the noon heat of the
day.
If the sky is serene, meekly flows the spring,
strumming on its invisible zither unceasingly;
but come the time of the rains, and an
impetuous torrent
spills over rocks and chasms—hoarse, foaming
and a boil—
to hurl itself with a frenzied roaring toward the
sea.
The barking of the dog, the twittering of the
birds,
the hoarse voice of the kalaw are all that I hear;
there is no boastful man, no nuisance of a
neighbor
to impose himself on my mind or to disturb my
passage;
only the forests and the sea do I have near The
sea, the sea is everything! Its sovereign mass
brings to me atoms of a myriad faraway
lands; its bright smile animates me in the
limpid mornings;
and when at the end of day my faith has proven
futile,
my heart echoes the sound of its sorrow on the
sands. At night it is a mystery! … Its
diaphanous element
is carpeted with thousands and thousands of lights
that climb;
the wandering breeze is cool, the firmament is
brilliant,
the waves narrate with many a sigh to the mild
wind
histories that were lost in the dark night of
time. ‘Tis said they tell of the first morning on
the earth, of the first kiss with which the sun
inflamed her breast,
when multitudes of beings materialized from
nothing
to populate the abyss and the overhanging
summits and all the places where that
quickening kiss was pressed.
But when the winds rage in the darkness of the
night
and the unquiet waves commence their agony,
across the air move cries that terrify the spirit,
a chorus of voices praying, a lamentation that
seems
to come from those who, long ago, drowned in the
sea.
Then do the mountain ranges on high
reverberate;
the trees stir far and wide, by a fit of
trembling seized;
the cattle moan; the dark depths of the
forest resound;
their spirits say that they are on their way
to the plain, summoned by the dead to a
mortuary feast. The wild night hisses, hisses,
confused and terrifying;
one sees the sea afire with flames of green
and blue;
but calm is re-established with the
approach of dawning
and forthwith an intrepid little fishing
vessel begins to navigate the weary
waves anew. So pass the days of my life in
my obscure retreat; cast out of the
world where once I dwelt: such is my
rare
good fortune; and Providence be praised
for my condition:
a disregarded pebble that craves nothing
but moss
to hide from all the treasure that in myself I
bear.
I live with the remembrance of those that I
have loved
and hear their names still spoken, who
haunt my memory;
some already are dead, others have long
forgotten—
but what does it matter? I live remembering
the past
and no one can ever take the past away from
me.
It is my faithful friend that never turns
against me,
that cheers my spirit when my spirit’s a
lonesome wraith,
that in my sleepless nights keeps watch with
me and prays
with me, and shares with me my exile and
my cabin
,
and, when all doubt, alone infuses me with faith.
Faith do I have, and I believe the day will
shine when the Idea shall defeat brute
force as well; and after the struggle and
the lingering agony

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 a voice more eloquent and happier than my own
will then know how to utter victory’s canticle.
I see the heavens shining, as flawless and
refulgent
as in the days that saw my first illusions start;
I feel the same breeze kissing my autumnal brow,
the same that once enkindled my fervent
enthusiasm and
turned the blood ebullient within
my youthful heart.
Across the fields and rivers of my native town
perhaps has traveled the breeze that now I
breathe by chance;
perhaps it will give back to me what once I gave
it:
the sighs and kisses of a person idolized
and the sweet secrets of a virginal romance.
On seeing the same moon, as silvery as
before, I feel within me the ancient
melancholy revive; a thousand memories of
love and vows awaken:
a patio, an azotea, a beach, a leafy bower;
silences and sighs, and blushes of delight …
A butterfly a thirst for radiances and colors,
dreaming of other skies and of a larger strife,
I left, scarcely a youth, my land and my
affections,
and vagrant everywhere, with no qualms, with no
terrors,
squandered in foreign lands the April of my life.
And afterwards, when I desired, a weary
swallow, to go back to the nest of those for
whom I care, suddenly fiercely roared a violent
hurricane
and I found my wings broken, my dwelling place
demolished,
faith now sold to others, and ruins everywhere.
Hurled upon a rock of the country I adore;
the future ruined; no home, no health to bring
me cheer;
you come to me anew, dreams of rose and gold, of my
entire existence the solitary treasure, convictions of a
youth that was healthy and sincere.
you come to reawaken the years of
youthful mirth; hurricane, I thank you;
winds of heaven, I thank you
that in good hour suspended by uncertain
flight to bring me down to the bosom of
my native earth.
Beside a spacious beach of fine and
delicate sand and at the foot of a mountain
greener than a leaf,
I found in my land a refuge under a
pleasant orchard, and in its shadowy
forests, serene tranquility,
repose to my intellect and silence to my
grief.
This poem is the spectrum of Riza’ls final
recollection about his serene life as a Dapitan
exile. He wrote this out of gratitude to the
request of her aging mother. In this poem he
rested his heart in peace upon saying: “I live
with the remembrance of those that I have
loved… I live remembering the past and no
one can ever take the past away from me.”
The poem seems to remind its readers that
Rizal had lived enough. He had his time.
Thus, with the beautiful shades and colors of
Dapitan in his mind would decently give him
the kind or rest he truly deserved.

No more are you, like once, full of fire and life,

offering a thousand crowns to immortality;
somewhat serious I find you; and yet your face
beloved,
if now no longer as merry, if now no longer as
vivid, now bear the superscription of fidelity.
You offer me, O illusions, the cup of consolation;

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THE HERO’S ONE LAST GREAT
POEM
“MI ULTIMO
ADIOS”
(MY LAST FAREWELL: translated by Nick Joaquin, 1976)
Land that I love: farewell: O land the sun loves:
Pearl of the sea of the Orient: Eden lost to your brood!
Gaily go I to present you this hapless hopeless life:
Were it more brilliant: had it more freshness, more
bloom:
Still for you would I give it: would give it for your
good!
In barricades embattled, fighting in delirium,
Others give you their lives without doubts, without
gloom.
The site naught matters: cypress, laurel or lily:
Gibbet or open field: combat or cruel
martyrdom Are equal if demanded by country
and home. I am to die when I see the heavens go
vivid, announcing the day at last behind the
dead night. If you need color—color to stain
that dawn with, Let spill my blood: scatter it in
good hour:
And drench in its gold one beam of the newborn light.
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My dream when a lad, when scarcely
adolescent: My dreams when a young man,
now with vigor inflamed:
Were to behold you one day: Jewel of eastern
waters:
Griefless the dusky eyes: lofty the upright brow:
Unclouded, unfrowned, unblemished and
unashamed!
Enchantment of my life: my ardent avid
obsession: To your health! Cries the soul, so
soon to take the last leap:
To your health! O lovely: how lovely: to fall that
you may rise!
To perish that you may live! To die beneath
your skies!
And upon your enchanted ground the eternities
to sleep!
Should you find some day somewhere on my
gravemound, fluttering
Among tall grasses, a flower of simple fame:
Caress it with your lips and you kiss my soul:
I shall feel on my face across the cold
tombstone:
Of your tenderness, the breath; of your breath,
the flame.
Suffer the moon to keep watch, tranquil and
suave, over me:
Suffer the dawn its flying lights to release:
Suffer the wind to lament in murmurous and
grave manner:
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And should a b ird drift down and alight on my Across your air, your space, your valleys
cross, shall pass my wraith!
A pure chord, strong and resonant, shall I be
Suffer the bird to intone its canticle of peace.
in your ears:
Suffer the rains to dissolve in the fiery sunlight Fragrance, light and color: whispers, lyric
And purified reascending heavenward bear my and sigh:
cause: Constantly repeating the essence of my faith!
Suffer a friend to grieve I perished so soon:
And on fine evenings, when prays in my
memory,
Pray also—O my land!—that in God I repose. Pray

fate:
For all who braved the bearing of torments all
bearing past: Land
To our poor mothers piteously breathing in bitterness: that I
For widows and orphans: for those in tortured captivity
And yourself: pray to behold your redemption at last.

for all who have fallen befriended by not And when in idolized: prime sorrow among my sorrows:
dark night shrouded obscurely the graveyard lies Beloved Filipinas, hear me the farewell word:
I bequeath you everything—my family, my
And only, only the dead keep vigil the night
affections:
through:
I go where no slaves are—nor butchers: nor
Keep holy the place: keep holy the mystery.
oppressors:
Strains, perhaps, you will hear—of zither, or of
Where faith cannot kill: where God’s the
psalter:
sovereign lord!
It is I—O land I love!—it is I, singing to you!
And when my grave is wholly unremembered And
Farewell, my parents, my brothers—
unlocated (no cross upon it, no stone there plain):
fragments of my soul: Friends of old and
Let the site be wracked by the plow and
playmates in childhood’s vanished house:
cracked by the spade And let my ashes,
Offer thanks that I rest from the restless day!
before they vanish to nothing,
Farewell, sweet foreigner—my darling, my
As dust be formed a part of your carpet again.
delight!
Nothing then will it matter to place me in
Creatures I love, farewell! To die is to repose.
oblivion!
The poem is conclusively one of Rizal’s greatest contributions to the world literature, the
other two being his novels Noli and Fili. This is the last and most inspirational literary
expression of his love and devotion to his country. Rizal wrote this for four reasons: First, as a
farewell to all of his beloved ones; second, as his last will and testament; third, as sort of an
autobiography; and fourth, a manifesto to the Filipinos to remember his ideals and values that
he lived and died for Rizal entrusted this poem to his sister Trinidad when she and Doña
Teodora visited him in Fort Santiago. It was contained in a small piece of paper, untitled and
unsigned. Over their tears they read one of the [most] touching poems ever written in any
language. The perfect finesse indicated that Rizal must have been writing it all during his
imprisonment in Fort Santiago. His sisters immediately made copies of the poem and
distributed them to their friends. The poem is known by its title today as “Ultimo Adios” and has

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been translated in different languages. Its earliest transition in Tagalog was the “Pahimakas”
peened by none other than Rizal’s greatest follower, Andres Bonifacio.

ACTIVITY #4

Discussion Points and Exercise Questions

Direction: Read and understand this module. Provide what is being asked. Use the Rubric
below as your guide. Write your answer in a long bond paper (Hand written) and attached to the
last page of this module.

TASK:
1. Make a poster using one of the poem of Dr. Jose Rizal.

60 points rubric

Theme---------- 10%
Creativity------ 25%
Originality----- 15%
Harmony--------5%
Cleanliness----5%

End of sixteenth week

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 SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.
National Highway, Crossing Rubber, Tupi, South Cotabato

GENERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

___________________________________________________

LEARNING MODULE FOR

GE 112: READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

_____________________________________________________

WEEK 17

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 WEEK
17

SELECTED NOVELS
‘‘He who does not know where
he came from will never get to
his destination.”
-Dr. Jose P. Rizal

NOLI ME TANGERE AND EL FILIBUSTERISM

Noli Me Tangere (Touch me Not/ Don’t touch me) is a novel written by Dr. Jose Rizal, the
national hero of the Philippines, during the colonization of the country by Spain to expose the
inequities of the Spanish Catholic priests and the ruling government. The tile, in Latin meaning
Touch me not, refers to John 20:17 in the Bible (King James Version) as Mary Magdalene tried
to touch the newly risen Jesus, he Said “Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father.”
Early English translation of the novel used titles like An Eagle Flight (1900) and The social
Cancer (1912), disregarding the symbolism of the title, but the more recent translations were
published using the original Latin title. It has also been noted by French writer D. Blumentritt that
“Noli me Tangere” was a name used by ophthalmologists for cancer of the eyelids. That as an
ophthalmologist himself Rizal was influenced by this fact is suggested in his dedication, “To My
Country”.

Originally written in Spanish, the book is more commonly published and read in the Philippines
in either Filipino or English. Together with its sequel, El Filibusterismo, the reading of Noli is
obligatory for high school students throughout the archipelago. Reference for the novel.

Jose Rizal, a Filipino nationalist and medical doctor, conceived the idea or writing a novel that
would expose the ill of the Philippines society after reading Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle
Tom’s Cabin. He preferred that the prospective novel express the way Filipino culture was
backward, anti-progress, anti-intellectual, and not conducive to the ideals of the Age of
Enlightenment. He was then a student of medicine in the Universidad Central de Madrid.

In a reunion of Filipinos at the house of his friend Pedro A. Paterno in Madrid on 2 January 1884,
Rizal proposed the writing of a novel about the Philippines written by a group of Filipinos.
His proposal was unanimously approved by the Filipinos present at the party, among whom were
Pedro, Maximo and Antonio, Paterno, Graciano Lopez Jaena, Evaristo Aguirre, Eduardo
de Lete, Julio Llorente and Valentin Ventura. However, this project did not materialized. The
people who agreed to help Rizal with the novel did not write anything. Initially, the novel was
planned to cover and describe all phases of Filipino life, but almost everybody wanted to write
about women. Rizal even saw his companions spend more time gambling and flirting with
Spanish women. Because of this, he pulled out of the plan of co-writing with others and decided
to draft the novel alone.

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 Publication history. Rizal finished the novel in December 1886. At first, according to one’s of
Rizal’s biographers, Rizal feared the novel might not be printed, and that it would remain unread.
He was struggling with financial constraints at the time and thought it would be hard to pursue
printing the novel. A Financial aid came from a named Maximo Viola which help him print his
book at a fine print media in Berlin name Berliner Buchdruckerie-Aktiengensellschaft. Rizal at
first, however, hesitated but Viola insisted and ended up lending Rizal Ᵽ300 for 2,000 copies;
Noli was eventually printed in berlin, Germany. The printing was finished earlier than the
estimated five months. Viola arrived in Berlin in December 1886, and by March 21, 1887, Rizal
had sent a copy of the novel to his friend Blumentritt.

On August 21,2007, a 480-page then-latest English version of Noli Me Tangerewas realesesd

to major Australian book stores. The Australian edition of the novel was published by Penguin
books classics, to represent the publication’s “commitment to publish the major literary classics
of the world.” American writer Harold Augenbraum, who first read the Noli in 1992 translated the
novel. A writer well acquainted with translating other hispanophone literary works, Augenbraum
proposed to translate the novel after being asked for his next assignment in the publishing
company. Intrigued by the novel and knowing more about it, Penguin nixed their plan of adopting
existing English version and instead translated it on their own.

Reaction and legacy. This novel and its sequel, El Filibusterismo (nicknamed El Fili), were
banned in some part of the Philippines because of their portrayal of corruption and abuse by the
countries Spanish government and clergy. Copies of the book were smuggled in nevertheless,
and when Rizal return to the Philippines after completing medical studies he quickly run afoul of
local government. A few days after his arrival, Governor General Emilio Torrero summoned Rizal
To the Malacañan Palace aqnd told him of the charge that Noli Me Tangere contained subversive
statements. After a discussion, the Governor General was appeased but still unable to offer
resistance against the pressure of the church against the book. The persecution can be
discerned from Rizal’s letter to Leitmeritz:

“My book made a lot of noise; everywhere, I am asked about it. They wanted to anathematize
me [to excommunicate me] because of it… I am considered a German soy, an agent of Bismarck,
they say I am a protestant, a freemason, a sorcerer, a damned soul and evil. It is whispered that
I want to draw plans, that I have a foreign passport and that I wander through the streets by
night….

Rizal was exiled to Dapitan, then later arrested for “inciting rebellion” based largely on his
writings. Rizal was executed in Manila on December 30, 1896 at the age of 35. Rizal depicted
nationality by emphasizing the qualities of Filipinos: The devotion of Filipina and her influence
on a man’s life, the deep sense of gratitude, and solid common sense of the Filipinos under the
Spanish regime.

The works was instrumental in creating a unified Filipino national identity and consciousness,
as many natives previously identified with their respective regions. It lampooned, caricatured
and exposed various element in colonial society. Two characters in particular become classics
in Filipino culture: Maria Clara who was become a personification of the ideal of Filipino woman
loving and unwavering in her loyalty to her spouse and the priest Father Damaso, whom reflects
the covert fathering of the legitimate children by member of Spanish clergy.

Ehe book indirectly influence a revolution, eventhough the author actually advocated direct
representation to the Spanish government and a larger role for the Philippines within Spain’s
political affairs. In 1956, the congress of the Philippines the Republic Act 1445, more popularly
known as Rizal law, which requires all levels of Philippines schools to teach the novel as part of
their curriculum. Noli Me Tangere is being thought to third year secondary school students,
while its sequel El Filibusterismo is being thought for Fourth year secondary school students.

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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The novels are incorporated to their study and survey of Philippine literature.

MAKAMISA: UNFINISHED NOVEL

Makamisa ( After mass) is an unfinished novel written by Filipino patriot and writer José
Rizal. The original manuscript was found by historian Ambeth Ocampo in 1987 while he was
going through a 245-page collection of papers. This draft is written in pure, vernacular Lagueño
Tagalog and has no written direct signature or date of inscription.

Rizal later restarted work on Makisama, using Spanish. The Spanish –language version of the
first manuscript mistaking Rizal’s novel Noli Me Tangere and this manuscript was called Borrador
de Noli Me Tangere by national library of the Philippines. However the novel remain unfinished.
The draft in Spanish was later translated to Filipino (under the name Etikang Tagalog: Ang
Ikatlong Nobela ni Rizal) by Nilo S. Ocampo.

Controversy. Several studies were performed to determine whether that is considered the third
novel by Jose Rizal. Based on the evidence gathered by Ocampo who identified the Makisama
the third novel of Rizal. The so called “evidence” is the three letter Rizal’s friend Ferdinand
Blumentritt in, and the contents of it are as follows:

Letter dated 22 September 1891 –with Blumentritt Rizal cited his desire to write the third novel
in an innovative way. According to him, it would subject the customs and tradition of the Filipino,
and the story is just barely about political issues. Only two of its Spanish staff, the parish priest
and civil lieutenant of guardiya.

Letter dated January 31, 1892 –Rizal Spoke again with Blumentritt writing his third novel
contains customary Tagalog. It was written in Tagalog him to read his countrymen scarce
knowledge of Spanish, and to draw close in the Tagalog which is subject of his novel. He also
told friends to be easy to him to write in Tagalog because he scare proper knowledge and
experience in the

Letter dated April 20,1892 – in correspondence with Blumentritt Rizal said that he surrender
writing the third novel in Tagalog and he will continue to be trained only in a language over him
in Spanish. According to Rizal, it was hard to write a novel in Tagalog because some parts
requires Spanish to be more realistic.

The novel has only one character. It runs for only ten pages and his hand written. Although
written in a different language, its style, characterization and setting mirror those of Rizal’s to
previous works Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo which he wrote in Spanish. The chapter
ends with a short unfinished sentence: “Sapagkat nabalitang na sampal si aling Anday ay wala
man din silang” which in English equivalent to: “although it was rumored that aunt Anday received
slaps on her face they still do not [have] which therefore satisfies the theory of being unfinished.
The novel explores the mysterious ill temperament of the town curate Padre Agaton.

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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 ACTIVITY #5

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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 Discussion Points and Exercise Questions

Direction: Read and understand this module. Provide what is being asked. Write your answer
in a long bond paper (Hand written) and attached to the last page of this module.

TASKS:

Graphic organizer: Compare and contrast and show continuities and /or changes in Rizal’s ideas
expressed in Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

20 points Rubric
Level Description
Outstanding Well written and very organized. Excellent grammar mechanics. Clear and
concise statements. Excellent effort and presentation with detail. Demonstrates a
thorough understanding of the topics.
Value: 18-20
Level Description
Good Writes fairly clear. Good grammar mechanics. Good presentation and
organization.
Sufficient effort and detail.
Value: 15-17
Level Description
Fair Minimal effort. Good grammar mechanics. Fair presentation. Few supporting
details.
Value: 10-14
Level: Description
Poor Somewhat unclear. Shows little effort. Poor grammar mechanics. Confusing and
incomplete sentences. No organization of thoughts.
Value: 5-9
Level: Description
Very Poor Lacking effort. Very poor grammar mechanic. Very unclear. Doesn’t address topic.
Limited attempt.
Value: 1-5

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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 End of seventeenth week
-------------------------------------Nothing Follows--------------------------------------

GE 119: Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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