INTRODUCTION

Jose Rizal was a Filipino nationalist, and a writer who is widely regarded as a national
hero in the Philippines. He was born on June 19, 1861, in the town of Calamba, Laguna,
and died on December 30, 1896, in Manila.
As a skilled writer in the late 19th century, Rizal used his craft to highlight the
oppression and injustices of the Spanish colonial government. In "Noli Me Tangere" and
"El Filibusterismo," two influential books he produced, the Spanish government and the
Catholic Church were condemned for their abuses of authority and corruption.
Rizal was also an advocate for education and social reform, and he believed that the
key to freeing the Philippines from colonialism was through education and the
cultivation of national consciousness. He saw education as a powerful tool for
empowering the Filipino people and instilling in them a sense of pride and identity.
The Spanish colonial administration perceived Rizal as a subversive and a threat to their
power despite his moderate and reformist beliefs. In the end, he was detained,
prosecuted, and executed for his claimed participation in the Philippine Revolution,
which aimed to usurp Spanish colonial control.
Today, Rizal is remembered and celebrated as a national hero in the Philippines for his
contributions to the country's history and his advocacy for social justice, education, and
national identity. His legacy continues to inspire Filipinos to advocate for meaningful
change in their society through peaceful and legal means.
 JOSÉ PROTACIO RIZAL MERCADO Y ALONSO REALONDA

As a Reformist
Because he believed in using peaceful and legal means to address social, political, and
economic issues in the nation at the time, Jose Rizal is regarded as a reformist in the
Philippines. In order to effectively affect change in Philippine society, according to Rizal,
civic ideals like love of nation, observance of human rights, and the advancement of
social justice must be fostered via education.

As a Nationalist
Jose Rizal is considered a nationalist in the Philippines because of his strong advocacy
for the country's independence and his dedication to the welfare of the Filipino people.
He was deeply committed to promoting the welfare of the Filipino people. Rizal believed
that Filipinos deserved to be treated with respect and dignity, and he fought against the
injustices and abuses of the Spanish colonial regime.
Rizal was a strong advocate for national unity and identity. He believed in the
importance of cultivating a sense of pride and identity among Filipinos, and he
encouraged them to embrace their cultural heritage and traditions.

As a Hero
Dr. Jose Rizal is widely regarded as a national hero in the Philippines. He is known for
his significant contributions to the country's struggle for independence from Spanish
colonial rule during the late 19th century.
Rizal was an accomplished writer, artist, and intellectual who used his talents to expose
the injustices and oppression of the Spanish colonial regime. He wrote two influential
novels, "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," which criticized the Spanish
government and the Catholic Church for their abuses of power and corruption.
Rizal's legacy continues to inspire Filipinos to advocate for meaningful change in their
society through peaceful and legal means. He is celebrated in the Philippines as a
national hero and an exemplar of civic virtues, including the principles of reform, social
justice, and patriotism.
 JEREMIAH VILLAROMAN

Jeremiah, a descendant of Rizal's eldest sister Saturnina Rizal-Hidalgo, and his family
were asked to attend the inauguration of a new vessel in honor of the national hero on
his 159th birth anniversary.
He wrote in Instagram stories, as quoted by Esquiremag.ph, "The Philippine Navy is
inaugurating a new vessel in honor of Jose Rizal on the 19th [of June], which happens
to be his birthday. And calls were made to me and my cousins to attend, an effort for
the younger generation of Rizals to step in as per the palace."

To celebrate Rizal's death

anniversary in 2019, he
encouraged his generation via an
empowering post, “We're in a
position to create great change
not just for the country but for
our fellow Filipinos, to learn from
different perspectives, different
cultures, different ways of
thinking, and solutions to
problems to ultimately bring it
back here to the Philippines and
share what knowledge we have.”

To celebrate Independence Day in 2021, Jeremiah Villaroman asked the youth to get
involved, echoing the famous quote of Dr. Jose Rizal. He said to Manila Standard, "I
feel like [Dr. Jose Rizal] would tell the youth, tell my generation, to involve themselves,
to make sure that they have a say in the ins and outs of society, in what is going on in
the country."
 BEN VILLARUZ

A few days before the birth anniversary of Jose Rizal, Joel met with Rizal’s descendants
– Ponciano Rizal’s only surviving grandson, Jose Rizal Lopez, and great grandchildren,
Ester Azurin and Ben Villarruz. It was a meeting that connected strangers who had links
to Rizal – just to talk about the values that the national hero lived.
(Ponciano was Jose’s elder brother, who served as a revolutionary leader after
witnessing the injustices of Spanish friars.)
The rare meet-and-mingle rendezvous at the Rizal Shrine in Calamba City, Laguna,
recently produced insights on the life of Jose Rizal, and all parties agreed that the
revered Filipino was indeed one-of-a-kind.
In Villarruz’s words, his greatgrandfather was “exceptional,” even as all of the
descendants “were born with the same brain and the same capacity.”
“Jose Rizal had a great influence on me. He had imparted numerous bits of knowledge
and wisdom to me,” Torre said.
On the other hand, the national hero’s descendants’ commented on the need for
Filipinos to bring back discipline, which Rizal had exhibited in his life.
“To me, what is important is the family. Now, if we talk about [Jose] Rizal, it was the
breeding, how he was raised, how he was disciplined – those are what we want to
follow also,” Villarruz said.
“If Rizal were alive today, he would scratch his head,” Lopez said.
“Of course, he was nurtured by his mother, and was taught Spanish, because they were
speaking Tagalog in the house. And he excelled in Spanish… It was really Rizal’s talent
that made him great. And he had also that vision and passion to pursue what he
wanted,” Villarruz said.
To keep Rizal’s ideals alive, Azurin said that the family puts a value on caring for one
another. “Even for little things, we’re always available to each other, regardless of how
busy we are,” Azurin said.
Being frugal is another value that was very evident in Rizal’s family.
“Rizal went to Madrid to study…,” Villarruz said. “…With a limited budget,” Lopez
continued.
His friends there who were rich Filipinos would go there... more for leisure than
anything else. But [Jose] Rizal was not like that, Villarruz said.
“The family was not humorous, they were always serious. Every time you tell them
something, they give you a moral lesson, and you don’t expect them to be humorous
like other families. That’s the trait that we have.”
Lopez said that Rizal was considered a “killjoy” while in Spain, because he would advise
others not to get drunk, not to gamble, and not to go to nightclubs – proof of Rizal’s
modest lifestyle and advocacy for the truth.
“Rizal was there for a mission, he knew about it… He was pursuing that,” Torre shared.
“It sounds funny that sometimes people tried to avoid him because he was a killjoy,”
Lopez said.

RONALD “BATO” DELA ROSA

“Lahat naman tayong

Filipino very proud of our national
hero; lalung-lalo na nagkataon na
descendant siya ng isang Dela
Rosa kaya kineclaim ko na rin na
relative ko siya. I’m very proud of
that. Pinagmamayabang ko ‘yan,”
he said.
Asked what qualities he inherited from the national hero, Dela Rosa said it would be his
love for the country.
“I can proudly say ‘yung pagmamahal sa bayan. Mahal na mahal ko ang bayang
Pilipinas na I’m willing to die for this country. Siguro ‘yun ang namanana ko sa aking
ninuno,” he said.

COMMENTS/REACTIONS:
The news articles shown above and the descendants that were being interviewed
shared statements about Rizal but were more focused on their perspectives and what
they can say, and not on what they objectively know about Jose Rizal.
However, I still agree with what they have said about Jose Rizal and although the
information were limited, I still enjoyed reading it and learned things such as Rizal
being considered a killjoy and how dedicated he was with his mission.
It is good that even the descendants of Rizal are still being recognized up until today
because it will help the newer generations to know more about him that were mostly
not written or mentioned in the books but are still facts that are fun to know.
 ORDER OF THE KNIGHTS OF RIZAL

The Order of the Knights of Rizal is a civic and patriotic organization in the Philippines
that was founded in 1911 to honor and perpetuate the ideals of Dr. Jose Rizal. Its
members are called "Knights of Rizal" and are committed to upholding Rizal's principles
of patriotism, nationalism, and social justice.
The organization is composed of chapters or "commanderies" throughout the
Philippines and around the world, with membership open to men and women who share
the values and ideals of Dr. Jose Rizal. The Order of the Knights of Rizal is governed by
a Supreme Council, which is responsible for setting policies and implementing programs
and activities aimed at promoting the ideals of Rizal.
The primary objective of the organization is to promote and disseminate knowledge and
understanding of the life, works, and legacy of Jose Rizal. It does this through various
activities and programs such as lectures, symposia, publications, and cultural events.
The organization also aims to promote civic engagement and social justice, and it
provides support to communities and individuals in need through various philanthropic
programs.

RIZALISTAS

The Rizalistas is a religious organization in the Philippines that was established in the
early 20th century. The organization is named after Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippine
national hero, and follows a syncretic religious belief that combines elements of
Catholicism, Islam, and indigenous Filipino beliefs.
The Rizalistas believe that Rizal was not only a national hero but also a spiritual leader
who had a divine mission to bring about social and spiritual transformation in the
Philippines. They view Rizal as a prophet and a messiah who was sent by God to lead
the Filipino people towards enlightenment and salvation.
The Rizalistas hold several beliefs that are unique to their organization, such as the
belief in reincarnation and the concept of "bathala", which refers to the supreme being
in their belief system. They also practice certain rituals and traditions, such as the use
of prayer beads and the wearing of white clothing during religious ceremonies.
The Rizalistas have faced some controversies over the years, with some critics accusing
them of being a cult and of promoting beliefs that are contrary to Catholic teachings.
However, the organization continues to have a significant following in the Philippines,
with many members hailing from the rural areas and marginalized communities.
COMMENTS/REACTIONS:
The two organizations mentioned above are centered on maintaining the ideals of Jose
Rizal, of which are important for several reasons. Firstly, Rizal's ideals of patriotism,
nationalism, and social justice are still relevant today and serve as a guide for Filipinos
in their pursuit of a better future. By upholding these values, individuals and
communities can work towards building a more just and prosperous society.
Secondly, Rizal's ideas and beliefs serve as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices
that earlier Filipino generations had to make in the struggle for freedom and
independence. Filipinos can respect the sacrifices made by their predecessors and build
on their legacy by remembering Rizal and his efforts, which will help the nation
continue to advance.
Thirdly, Rizal's ideals promote a sense of national pride and unity among Filipinos. By
promoting these values, Filipinos can come together as a people and work towards a
shared vision of a better future for the country.
Although I believe that the second aforementioned organization is already too much, I
still agree that Rizal needs to be recognized and acknowledged as he sacrificed his life
for the people and gave us the liberty we have today.
 Rizal and the Revolution: An Examination of His Role in the Philippine
Revolution against Spain" by Floro C. Quibuyen
The book explores Jose Rizal's political activism and his role in the Philippine Revolution
against Spanish colonial rule. The book was published in 1999 and has since become a
widely cited and influential work in the field of Philippine history.
Rizal, according to Quibuyen, was a revolutionary leader who made a substantial
contribution to the fight for Philippine independence in addition to being a well-known
writer. To demonstrate how Rizal championed social transformation and the vision of a
united and independent Philippines, he looks at Rizal's political writings, speeches, and
deeds.
The book also explores the complex relationship between Rizal and the Katipunan, a
revolutionary organization that was formed to overthrow Spanish colonial rule.
Quibuyen argues that while Rizal did not directly participate in the armed struggle, he
was sympathetic to the goals of the revolutionaries and provided them with support and
inspiration through his writings and speeches.
SIGNIFICANCE:
Gives readers a fresh and deeper understanding of Jose Rizal's political views and
contributions to the Philippine Revolution through the book. It demonstrates that Rizal
was a revolutionary and political activist who made a substantial contribution to the
fight for Philippine independence in addition to being a well-known writer.
The book also offers a thorough analysis of the social, economic, and political
circumstances that sparked the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial power,
shedding light on the larger historical background of the uprising. It provides
information on the various influences that created the revolution as well as the various
organizations and people that were involved in it.
 Rizal's Poetics: Tracing the Origins of His Thought" by E. San Juan Jr.
The book examines the literary and intellectual influences that shaped Jose Rizal's
thought and poetic sensibility. Published in 1988, the book has become a significant
work in Philippine literary and cultural studies.
San Juan contends that a number of factors, including Rizal's own life experiences, the
European Romantic tradition, and the indigenous Philippine cultural legacy, contributed
to the development of his poetic and philosophical worldview. Including his novels "Noli
Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," as well as his essays and other writings, the book
offers a thorough analysis of Rizal's most important literary works.
Three sections make up the book. The first section looks at the different literary and
cultural influences that molded Rizal's poetic sensibility. The second section focuses on
the Romantic movement and how it affected Rizal's writing and way of thinking. The
third section investigates the indigenous cultural heritage of the Philippines and how
Rizal's understanding of his own identity as a Filipino was influenced by it.
SIGNIFICANCE:
The book is a significant work in Philippine literary and cultural studies, and it adds to
the study of Philippine literature and culture. In addition to providing insights into the
historical, cultural, and political environment in which Rizal's main literary works were
produced, it offers a thorough examination of each one.
Secondly, the book emphasizes the enduring importance of Rizal's views and their
relevance to current discussions about Philippine identity, culture, and nationalism. It
offers a framework for comprehending how colonialism, culture, and identity interact in
a complicated way to construct Philippine society today.
It highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to understanding literature
and culture: The book draws on a range of theoretical frameworks, including
postcolonial theory, cultural studies, and Marxist literary criticism, to provide a rich and
nuanced analysis of Rizal's thought and writing. It shows the importance of
interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the complex interplay between literature,
culture, and society.
COMMENT ABOUT THE STUDIES:
Studying books about Rizal is important because it enables us to comprehend his life
and works more thoroughly, gain knowledge of Philippine history and culture, improve
our critical thinking abilities, be motivated by his principles, and add to the ongoing
discussion about Philippine identity and nationhood.
The books shed light on Philippine history and culture. Rizal played a significant role in
the fight against Spanish rule in the Philippines, and his works and ideas still have an
impact on Philippine politics and society today. Reading literature about Rizal gives us
new perspectives on Philippine history and culture and clarifies the current fight for
social justice and national liberation
Both of the studies mentioned above focused on different perspectives about Rizal that
were probably not have studied before. Both of the researches/books opened our eyes
and deepened our understanding about the life of Rizal and the ways he partook to be
able to help us become the country that we are right now.
Rizal was a multifaceted individual who made important contributions to a number of
industries, including politics, education, and literature. We can learn more about Rizal's
life and works, as well as the historical and cultural setting in which he lived, by reading
literature about him.
We can learn more about Philippine history and culture through studying Rizal. As a
national hero who was instrumental in the nation's war for independence, Rizal
continues to influence and inspire modern Filipinos with his ideals on nationalism,
democracy, education, and social justice. We may learn about the intricate interactions
of history, culture, and politics that have molded the Philippines by studying Rizal's life
and works, and we can obtain a deeper understanding of both our nation and its
people.
The life of Rizal is indeed a source of pride and identity for the country. As a national
hero of the Philippines, Rizal's life and contributions to Philippine culture and history are
significant. His principles and beliefs are still motivating. Being a patriotic and a
visionary, Rizal battled for his people's freedom and independence. People all across the
world, not only in the Philippines, continue to be inspired by his views on nationalism,
democracy, education, and social justice. Filipinos can better understand and value their
own identity and culture by studying Rizal's life.
Additionally, Rizal is an example of bravery and integrity. At a time when it was risky to
do so, Rizal spoke out against the injustice and oppression of colonialism. His life serves
as an example of bravery, honesty, and the ability of one person to make a difference.
On the other hand, as a supporter of enlightenment, Rizal's writings are notable for
their critical analysis of social, political, and cultural issues. We are prompted to exercise
critical thinking, challenge presumptions, and form our own opinions as a result of
studying Rizal's works. This is especially crucial now because fake news and
disinformation are pervasive, and it takes critical thinking to successfully navigate the
intricacies of the modern world.
The legacy of Rizal serves as a reminder of the value of history and heritage: Analyzing
Rizal's life and works serves as a reminder of the significance of knowing our history
and heritage. It enables us to recognize and benefit from the hardships and sacrifices
made by those who came before us.
Studying Rizal is still vital and relevant presently because it helps us comprehend
Philippine history and culture better, improve our critical thinking abilities, support
Rizal's principles, and foster a sense of unity and national identity. The study of Rizal is
crucial in this effort because it helps us as Filipinos understand our past, cherish our
heritage, and work for a better future for ourselves and our country.