SANTOS, Gerard Jose C.

| 5AR3 | 2019124754
Reaction Paper
“Mi Ultimo Adios”

According to SCLMRose’s (2019) blog, "Mi Ultimo Adios," Spanish for "My Last
Farewell," stands as a poignant poem authored by the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal,
on the evening before his execution on December 30, 1896. This literary piece represents one
of his final writings; another note, discovered in his shoe, remains shrouded in mystery due to
illegibility. Interestingly, Rizal did not affix a title to the poem. Mariano Ponce, his comrade in
reformist endeavors, attempted to popularize the title "Mi Ultimo Pensamiento" (My Last
Thought) in the distributed copies, yet this did not gain widespread acceptance.
On December 29, 1896, a day preceding his execution, Dr. Jose Rizal received a visit
from his mother, Teodora Alonzo, sisters Lucia, Josefa, Trinidad, Maria, Narcisa, and two
nephews. Upon their departure, Rizal, speaking in English to Trinidad, revealed the presence of
something in the small alcohol stove (cocinilla), not an alcohol lamp (lamparilla). The stove,
given to Narcisa by a guard in the courtyard, yielded a folded paper when inspected at home.
This paper contained an unsigned, untitled, and undated poem of 14 five-line stanzas.
The Rizal family reproduced copies of the poem and distributed them to Rizal's friends
domestically and internationally. In 1897, Mariano Ponce, situated in Hong Kong, had the poem
printed with the title "Mi Ultimo Pensamiento." however it did not catch on. Fr. Mariano Dacanay,
who received a copy while incarcerated in Bilibid (jail), published it in the inaugural issue of La
Independencia on September 25, 1898, with the title "Ultimo Adios." The stove, crucial for
illuminating the room, was not delivered until after the execution. Jose Rizal's 14-stanza poem
revolves around his goodbyes to his beloved Fatherland, expressing love and dedication. He
composed it on the eve of his execution.
The constant thought running laps through my mind is how could even Jose Rizal still
think of conveying his thoughts creatively, eloquently, and calmly during his final hours, knowing
that his life will inevitably come to an end. He has consistently proven himself a true creative
even when standing in the face of death.
At first, the poem vividly describes Rizal’s vision of the Fatherland which is similar to
pre-Hispanic biblical Eden, a period of purity and innocence in the pre-Hispanic Philippines. The
imagery is powerful background for Rizal’s declaration of love and his readiness to die to
redeem the Philippines. His readiness to lay down his life at a time when it was still brighter and
more fortunate provides an illustration of the unselfish nature of his patriotic devotion.
In the second stanza, one is touched by the appreciation of these men who sacrificed
themselves for their country. Rizal’s recognition that every sacrifice including death is worth it
when it leads to national benefit demonstrates a high ethical standpoint for the efforts imposed
as a result of freedom quest. This forces readers to question what part they have played on the
path towards a free Philippines. Recurring images of nature like moon, dawn, wind, and bird
gives more symbolic meaning to it. Rizal’s craving to experience all this over his grave shows
that his soul yearns for liberty in his motherland, a country he could call homely without his
oppressive rulers around. It touches on a universal need for peace and freedom, transcending
nationality and culture.
Rizal’s acceptance of his own potential obscurity has an understated humility as he
contemplates his grave being forgotten with time. Remembrance also invokes thinking about
remembrance and its cost. Readers are provoked to think about how long will their footsteps
last or what legacy they will leave. In the last stanzas he says goodbye to his loved Fatherland,
parents, friends, and little children, accepting death peacefully. The word “In death there is rest!”
is repeated several times, highlighting a deep sense of inner satisfaction. The message is the
essence and Rizal’s parting words. This is about the peace with a belief that sacrifice is for the
collective good.
The poem "Mi Ultimo Adios" is a heartfelt goodbye from Jose Rizal to his beloved
Philippines, expressing his immense love and willingness to sacrifice for its freedom. Rizal
aspires of a fully liberated country, catalyzed by the sacrifices of past heroes like GOMBURZA.
He acknowledges the likelihood of fading into obscurity as the nation progresses but humbly
hopes to be remembered. The poem reveals Rizal's longing for a tranquil and liberated
homeland, beautifully depicted through nature. Ultimately, it's a touching farewell where Rizal
bids adieu to his cherished Fatherland, parents, friends, and the Filipino youth, embracing death
with peace and contentment.

Source/s used:
SCLMRose. (2019, December 29). Mi ultimo adios by Jose Rizal, the Philippine National
hero. Subli.
https://subliblog.com/2019/12/29/mi-ultimo-adios-by-jose-rizal-the-philippine-natio
nal-hero/