PLT7 – Jose Rizal's Brindis Speech: A Toast Honoring Juan Luna and Felix

Resurreccion Hidalgo

Name: Balmores, Ednalyn D. Program & Yr. ABPS 2-B

The English translation of the full text of Rizal’s brindis or toast speech delivered at a
banquet in the Restaurant Inglés, Madrid, on the evening of June 25, 1884 in honor of
Juan Luna, winner of the gold medal for his painting, “El Spoliarium,” and Felix
Resurrección Hidalgo, winner of a silver medal, for his painting “Virgenes Cristianas
Expuestas al Populacho” at a Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes de Madrid.

Upon reading the English translation of rizals brindis or toast speech there are three
important points that I believe that the author made. First, it emphasize the importance
of freedom and liberty. Second, to promote patriotism and love for the country. Last,
everyone can give honor and be a genius, for genius has no country, genius bursts forth
everywhere like light and air.

I believe that this document was created to acknowledged the achievements of the two
great people which names belong to Luna and HHidalgo. They are the pride of Spain as
if the Philippines- though born in the Philippines.

Rizal states that change may take place through a figure of speech such as the
“illustrious achievements of Philippines “ also praises the Filipino youth who brought
laurel to the country. When he talks about Spolarium itself, Rizal takes us on the deep
realization that the canvas "is not mute" despite all the darkness and shadow laid the
mystery and horror of the slaves, orphans and the sobs of the oppressed and
apparently the friars at the time persecute anyone who threatens them with no legal
action. He also acknowledges that the Philippines owes Spain in some way saying
"Spain as a mother also teaches her language to the Filipinos" but then frowns bitter on
the "midgets who secure their position".

Apparently he is making a jab at the elite who does everything that they can in their
power to stop the education of Filipinos in fears that they may learn to defeat
themselves. This attitude backfired against them big time. In conclusion, the innuendos
in between line spoke so deep that you are taken into a roller coaster ride of emotions
starting from joy, anger, grief and all ending up with inspired.