Re-reading Philippine History

Activity 2: “Sa Aking mga Kabata” by Jose Rizal genuine?

Who do you think was the author of the poem?

There are two poet suspects, Herminigildo Cruz and Gabriel Beato Francisco. As for me, I think
Herminigildo Cruz was the author of the poem since it’s in his published book, “Kun sino ang
kumatha ng ‘Florante: Kasaysayan ng Buhay ni Francisco Baltazar’ at pag-uulat nang kanyang
karununga’t kadakilaan” where the poem was mentioned. But when he said Francisco gave him
the poem, he must have needed Francisco's cooperation to at least keep silent.

What were his general qualifications as a writer of the poem?

Herminigildo Cruz was a Filipino writer and trade union organizer. He was a founding member of
Union Obrera Democratica Filipina. He was also a member of the Philippine Assembly. And a
director of bureau of labor in 1924 as well. He has enough background to tell that he possesses
the initiative to fuel the hearts of the Filipino with the use of his words.

What were his special qualifications and disqualifications as a writer of the poem?

Cruz’ qualifications are being literally skilled and having a deep understanding of our culture, and
because of the historical context during his time, he would have firsthand experienced the social
and political issues that influenced the theme of the poem. On the other hand, his
disqualifications stem from the lack of concrete evidence. There is no definite link to his
authorship, and the attribution to him was purely based on speculation.

When was the poem written?

It was the year 1906, a decade after Rizal’s death, when the poem was first published in
Herminigildo Cruz’ book. It was claimed that the poem was written by Rizal himself on 1869 at
the age of eight. However, due to the twice appearance of the word “kalayaan” in the poem, a
word that is yet encountered by Rizal until 1882 as he stated on his letter to his brother, and due
to his difficulties in expressing with Filipino language especially at the fact that he is at the age of
8, the time at which the poem was claimed to be written remains questionable.

How was the poem written?

The language of which the poem was written is Filipino, our native language. The poem has 5
stanzas, each having 4 verses containing 12 syllables per verse. Despite the words being deep, it
is written in a way wherein the message can still be interpreted.

For what purpose was the poem written?

The poem is intended to open up the eyes of the Filipinos to embrace their own language. It was
written to encourage solidarity, patriotism, and a sense of united duty among Filipinos,
particularly young people. The author hoped to foster a sense of national identity and pride in
his fellow youth by emphasizing the importance of conserving Filipino culture and heritage.