Herdy R.

Dimanlig
BSIT – 2A

I. REFLECTION PAPER

To The Philippines

Rizal builds a description of his motherland using simile and metaphor. He likens her to
an houri which, by definition, is one of the beautiful maidens that in Muslim belief live
with the blessed in paradise. The second and third lines of this first stanza comprise one
versified sentence, and when arranged in the more modern tongue, goes, "When the
clouds are tinted blue in the sky, peeps like the Morn, pure and full of grace." Here he
also likes his country to a sleeping goddess of the Indian land. One might ask why the
poet imagines his land to be in deep slumber; perhaps it is because he feels she has
yet to be acquainted with greatness and with equal respect as is given to other lands.

The Philippines as an archipelago is described in this stanza as being kissed by the

light foam of the sea. The "feet" might well refer to her shores, of which she has a great
multitude. Rizal manages to include the truth about the country being conquered by the
West, by saying that it "adores her smile." And the rich flora and fauna of the land, the
iced caps of the globe can only dream to match.

Here the poet takes a position of humility and stands in awe and adoration of his
motherland. This is evident through his use of the words "tenderness" and
"stammering." He calls upon undines and naiads - different types of water nymphs in
mythology - as well as all of nature, represented by the three flowers: myrtle, roses and
lilies, to "extol the Philippines."

II. MAIN IDEA OF THE POEM

Jose Rizal, our national hero, showed unselfish love for his country by laying his own
life in martyrdom and awakening people’s patriotic fervor so that Philippines would be
freed from Spanish tyranny.
The main idea of the poem simply tells the readers that Philippines is a very beautiful
country. Philippines is known internationally because of its pristine beaches and other
tourist spots. Kindness and respect towards others is part of the culture.

III. PURPOSE OF THE POEM

These poems by Rizal are intended to examine the Filipinos, especially young people to
develop intelligence and intensify their love of the country so that the spirit of Filipino
patriotism exists in everyone.
IV. LEARNINGS

Dr. Jose Rizal is both a Nationalist and a Patriot. Why? He is an advocate for great reforms
during Spanish era that shows his love for our country, the Philippines. He is an author of a
books that has shown his principles that up today, people are still learning from it. It shows love
for our country because he desires unity for his country without any violent actions or any
revolution act towards people who are making themselves as a superior to Filipinos but uses his
knowledge and virtues by writing novels. He emphasized the importance of the Tagalog
language, and that language will not be a basis to know their status in life. But at the end of it,
Dr. Rizal just want our country to be one and to let us be proud of being Filipinos because we
will be proud as Filipinos.