Summary
Highlights
The video begins by introducing RA 1425, also known as the Rizal Law, which mandates the study of Rizal's life and works, particularly his two famous novels: Noli Me Tángere and El filibusterismo. It then covers Rizal's full name (Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado Y. Alonso Realonda), birth date (June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna), his baptism by Father Rufino Collantes, and his godfather, Father Pedro Casanas. His nickname was Pepe, and he was the seventh of eleven siblings. His parents were Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonso. Rizal chose to use 'Rizal' as his surname instead of 'Mercado' because the Mercado family was known for anti-government sentiments against the Spanish. His eldest sibling was Saturnina, and his eldest brother was Paciano. Rizal's dog was named Usman, who was black.
Rizal attended Ateneo Municipal for his elementary and secondary education, then studied at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) for college. He became an ophthalmologist, specializing in eye care, inspired by his desire to treat his mother's failing eyesight. He completed his medical studies in Madrid, Spain. Rizal was a polyglot, fluent in 22 languages, demonstrating his genius.
Rizal showed early signs of giftedness; he knew the alphabet by age three and could read, write, and count by age five. His first poem, 'Sa Aking Mga Kababata' (To My Fellow Youth), written at age eight, emphasized the importance of loving one's mother tongue. 'Mi Primera Inspiración' (My First Inspiration) was dedicated to his mother, Teodora Alonso. He also wrote 'To the Women of Malolos,' advocating for gender equality, a revolutionary idea during the Spanish colonial era when women faced significant discrimination. Rizal's winning poem, 'A La Juventud Filipina' (To the Filipino Youth), written at UST, famously declared that the youth are the hope of the fatherland.
Three significant women in Rizal's life were Segunda Katigbak, Leonor Rivera, and Josephine Bracken. Segunda Katigbak was his first love. Leonor Rivera was considered his greatest love. Josephine Bracken was his 'true love' because he married her. They had a son named Francisco, who unfortunately died.
Rizal's first novel, 'Noli Me Tángere' (Touch Me Not), was dedicated to the suffering of the Filipino people under Spanish rule, or the 'social cancer' of society. It was started in Madrid, Spain, and published in Berlin, Germany, with the help of Maximo Viola. The novel had 64 chapters, and Rizal was inspired by Harriet Beecher Stowe's 'Uncle Tom's Cabin.' Key characters include Crisostomo Ibarra (Rizal's representation), Sisa (the abused mother), Crispin and Basilio (her sons), and Maria Clara (epitome of Filipino women). His second novel, 'El filibusterismo' (The Reign of Greed), was inspired by the martyrdom of Gomburza (Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora). He started writing it in Calamba, Laguna, finished 38 chapters in Paris, France, and it was published in Ghent, Belgium, with the financial assistance of Valentin Ventura. He was inspired by Alexandre Dumas' 'The Count of Monte Cristo.' Rizal's best friend was Ferdinand Blumentritt. His unfinished third novel was titled 'Makamisa.'
Rizal founded 'La Liga Filipina' and used pen names like 'Laong-Laan' and 'Masalang' for 'La Solidaridad.' He was arrested and exiled to Dapitan by Governor-General Eulogio Despujol for anti-government sentiments. Governor-General Camilo Polavieja signed his death warrant, and he was executed by firing squad. His last poem was 'Mi Último Adiós' (My Last Farewell), an elegy. Rizal's execution took place on December 30, 1896, in Bagumbayan (now Luneta Park). His last words were 'Consummatum est!' (It is finished!).