Name: SURAT, GRACIELA F.

Course: GE8 – Life and Works of Rizal

Student Number: 18-UR-0063 Section and Batch: BS Architecture 3A

Batch 1

Reflection Memo: Midterm Requirement

An Undying Hero’s Plea

A Reflection Memo

Just like all kinds of books, from which contains novels to short stories to poems, they
represent something may it be fictional or not – it depicts what is happening in one’s life or a
symbolism of the past to today’s society. Beyond the writer’s meanings are what the reader could
decipher, the code breaking part. Undoubtedly, most people are wondering why is it significant to
study the life and works of our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, when almost all he did was write
literature. And some might even say, “Why consider him as our national hero when he didn’t fight
using swords and weapons? All he did was write.” All of his sacrifices and writings are to make
opposition against cruel treatment and give awareness to the Filipino mind. Not only because it
is mandated by law but because we can learn a bunch from Rizal’s life as to his masterpieces,
too, given the course itself. It may be hard to understand at certain times because of the profound
construction of sentences and creative use of words but when given time to comprehend, the
grasp of knowledge is surely immeasurable.

For the past months, I’ve learned a lot of things I don’t know about. Teachings within a
virtual classroom, learnings in front of a monitor talking through a mic piece or life lessons beyond
those discussions that would teach us to become more human. There goes the beauty of
enlightenment, the knowledge goes around in the most creative and relatable way. I’ve been
reading books most of my life but lessons are learned through experiences, that’s when history
would take place. An account of a mere individual and his society.

Every generation needs someone as dauntless and gutsy as Dr. Jose Rizal. He who
traveled outside the country just to do and complete his mission, utilize the learnings and
experiences he grasped from great people he met along the way. As we approach the future
walking slowly on the career path we want, Rizal is truly an inspiration – to strive more and make
use of what he had. The will to fight for what is right and being unafraid to travel the unknown,
without familiarity of the place and what will happen next. Here comes my frustration out of
nowhere. Architecture, well-known to be tough course, was a childhood dream. But now, I’m
getting nightmares while I’m widely awake - while I’m drawing, drafting, formulating design
concepts and doing innumerable computations. I don’t know if I’m still right on track, I even lost
track of myself – my anxiety is on its peak specially as this new normal arises. Virtual classrooms,
learning all by yourself. I’m so confused, am I teaching myself the right lessons? Am I doing this
the right way, am I drafting with enough knowledge? I really don’t know, until now I can say,
“Nangangapa pa rin ako.” I feel like everything is against me in pursuing what I want. Do I still
have the passion to do and complete my tasks or am I just pressured by the approaching due
dates? I really don’t know. I’m tired, the kind of tired that sleep couldn’t fix, staying up all day all
night here in this boarding house just to complete so-called responsibilities which some are not
taught by instructors, some are even giving unclear directions. Another is unheard-of ideas with
a requirement to be passed an hour later. Learning is pushed further, but there are really a lot of
disadvantages; is there learning to begin with? Learnings are rushed, knowledge is hurried – is
this for the better, or are we just continuing to not be called incompetent? Not all of us are granted
with the courage to keep up with what our society wants. We grapple and soon the tightness of
our grasps will go loose. That argument and complaints aside, I know we are all suffering, we’re
on the same ocean but never on the same boat.

Looking at the brighter side and letting my optimistic self speak, there is this beauty of
going through something you are not used to, something unbeknownst. A sudden outburst of
dedication and self-motivation to continue despite all hindrances in your way – “Ay, kaya ko pala.
Kaya ko naman pala.” I don’t know what awaits me in the future, countless times of the use of ‘I
don’t know” but till now I’m still here thriving to meet the deadlines of every requirements even in
the most crucial hours of my life. I know that better days are out of sight so here am I challenging
my luck and trying my best just to survive, even if I’m just barely hanging. And in connection with
Rizal’s life and works, we have the obligation to make ourselves better even if things are
drastically changing at an unknown pace, the responsibility given to make our country a better
one is within our hands and what better inspiration do we have than Jose Rizal?

As young adults, we are obliged here in the present and in preparation to be future leaders
to govern our country the way Rizal stated that we are the hope of our nation, we are expected to
act and do actions with great cognizance of the critical issues happening nowadays. Not just for
the improvement of one’s self but for the betterment of our country. The teaching of Jose Rizal is
relevant to the Filipino youth to give them inspiration and make their passion burning, dedicate
their lives to our Mother Land, not be a puppet of anyone especially those who are in power, in
position called ‘thrones’. The idea of freedom and nationalism, which our heroes had lived and
died for. By studying his life and works, we are paying tribute and giving importance to what Dr.
Jose Rizal has dedicated his life for. His works which shaped our culture and now is the path we
are following. There may be circumstances that things in our modern society doesn’t go the way
he wanted if ever he’s alive today; and even not the way we wanted, too. It doesn’t go for the
benefit of the general public, but still – the youth aims to always take part and speak out their
voices, their plans for the development of our country. Just like what Rizal did in the past.

Where do we go when we read? We go deeper into something that shapes our Filipino
character. The application of the ideals which heroes devoted their life to. Rizal’s influence is truly
noteworthy over the movement on independence and revolution, his works are substantial for
such events to take place. It was symbolic and essential for these momentous and historic
changes to happen. All his contribution is priceless, just like every other hero who fought and died
for the love of their country. No one should be a slave in their own land.

Rizal is a representation of bravery and intelligence during the Spanish Colonial Era and
until now is an undead hero. The utilization of his resources and all he sacrificed to eradicate
brutality and corruption in the Philippines is truly remarkable. His novels are undying and until
now is a reflection of our society. Both novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, aim to
enlighten the Filipinos on what is happening in the country, still with the burning unmasking of the
cruelty of Spaniards in the Philippines, which is still depicted and now, it’s the fight between
Filipinos. It’s through his writings that revealed how brute and abusive the Spaniards throughout
their treatment of the Filipino people for more than three-hundred years.

Through those fictional works, not just the characters illustrate socio-political symbolism
and issues but also the scenes that depict corruption, greed and lust for power. Rizal used these
characters who represent certain individuals in the Philippine Setting. One way or another, even
if it caused the death of our National Hero, it made everyone felt different and changed the way
they think. Rizal’s creative skill to use these literary devices to appraise Filipino freedom and pride
is really commendable. It’s because of his passion and will to fight he was imprisoned but that
didn’t falter him or even budged him a little from his mission, to continue writing and inspire his
countrymen. Piques our senses, heightened our emotions.

“Paalam na mutyang tinubuang-lupang minahal ng araw,

Ligayang naglaho at Perlas ng Dagat sa Kasilanganan,
Masayang sa iyo’y dulot ko ang aking aba’t lantang buhay,
Gano man kaningning, Gano man kaganda at kasariwaan,
Idudulot ko rin kung dahil sa iyong ikatitiwasay.”
(“Mi Ultimo Adios” by Dr. Jose Rizal, translated by Julian C. Balmaceda)

A stanza from the translated poem “Mi Ultimo Adios” of Dr. Jose Rizal, “Ang Huling
Pahimakas”, which was written in Fort Santiago and given to his brother Trinidad before he was
shot. The first stanza was beautifully written, an expression of love for his Fatherland, with clear
description of purity and innocence. These lines caught my attention the most for it expresses
love, death and unfathomable grief given the situation, a message worth sharing for. A product of
circumstances and a feeling of knowing that maybe later or tomorrow, you’ll die. Rizal was brave
enough to accept his fate. He gave the Philippines - his beloved nation, all he has, even if it would
cost his life. With no regret and hesitations, he offered his intellectual gift and services to make
progress and revolution. His patriotic heart wishes that the youth today would continue all the
changes and plans he started for the Independence of our country, the commitment for something
even if it would charge you harm or put you in danger.

Even before, until today and in the future, we couldn’t just agree to take what happens in
and out of our country, being passive and idle. We aren’t slaves nor puppets. Awareness should
always be equipped wherever we go, knowing our rights and opposing when seized. Injustices
are seen everywhere, whether big time people or just mere individuals we meet every day. As
Rizal said, “The Filipinos are worth dying for”, his greatest gift – his life, given with gladness as it
was taken away from him. The best way he knows for us to convey his last message but after all
of these sacrifices by our beloved national hero and looking at what happens in our society now
− are we really worth his life?