LIFE, WORKS, and WRITINGS of RIZAL PRELIMS: FIRST SEMESTER
RIZAL 100 LECTURE
JOSE RIZAL 7. Racial Prejudice and Preference for Spaniards
- best known for his political writings; inspired the - white Spaniards were given preference in all things;
Philippines revolution which led to his execution indios and mestizos were inferior
- considered as the greatest son of the Philippines 8. Forced Labor
- work for 40-60 days
Republic Act 1425
- 18-60 yrs. old; required to do labor once annually
- Rizal Law; mandates teaching his works and writings - 5 centavos, < 2 pesos
- sponsored by Jose P. Laurel
Polo – mandatory labor
Policy Statements of the Rizal Law in 1956: Polistas - workers
• To rededicate the lives of the youth 9. Union of State and Church
- Spanish priests mixed religion and government
• To pay tribute to our national hero
10.Haciendas were Owned by the Bad Friars
• To gain an inspiring source of patriotism
- landholdings were reduced because of: land reform,
Patriotic goals set by the board of National Education on
donation to church, inheritance, revolt, and misfortune
teaching Rizal course:
- Rizal’s father was the tenant of his own farm
- to recognize the relevance of Rizal’s ideals
11. Abusive Guardia Civil
- to apply Rizal’s ideas in day-to-day situations
- local police
- to develop an understanding and appreciation of Jose
- second most hated; second to the friars
Rizal
- police brutalities
- to foster the development of moral character
- raping helpless women
Renato Constantino (1969)
- the Americans were responsible for endorsing him
- Taft Commission in 1901
Teodoro Agoncillo (1986)
- Rizal was already dead during the aggression in the
Philippines
Rizal Day – December 30
The Rizal Monument in Daet, Camarines Norte
CHAPTER 1: THE EVILS OF COLONIAL RULE
1. Instability of the Government (1835 – 1897)
- after Spain lost its richest colonies in 1821
- 4 governor generals; each w/ 1 year and 3 months term
2. Corrupt Officials
- colonial government composed of Spanish civilian
- garrison troops
3. No Representation in Spanish Cortes
Parliament – Prime Minister as leader (chosen by a
group of people)
Ventura de los Reyes – first Philippine delegate
Graciano Lopez Jaena: “We want representation in the
legislative chamber…”
4. Human Rights were Denied to Filipinos
- in 1821 onwards, Spain passed democratic
constitutions
- rights were denied in overseas colonies
5. No Equality Before the Law
Legal Equality – no one is favored/disfavored because of
religion, race, sex, etc.
Spanish Penal Code – imposed heavier penalties
6. Maladministration of Justice
- The Spanish officials were dishonest
- court cases were costly and unfair
- a suspect was proven guilty unless proven innocent
LIFE, WORKS, and WRITINGS of RIZAL PRELIMS: FIRST SEMESTER
RIZAL 100 LECTURE
CHAPTER 2: CHILDHOOD IN CALAMBA Francisco Rizal Mercado II (1818-1889)
- Born in Binan, Laguna
Calamba – “Kalan banga” (clay storage jars) was a - Education: Latin and Philosophy at Letran College of
hacienda town which belonged to the Dominican order Manila
- lies in the east of Laguna Lake (Laguna de bae), the
largest lake in Luzon, the heartland of the Philippines, A Good Ilustrado Family
about 50 km of Manila - Ilustrados were the new native aristocracy of the 19th
century.
Jose Rizal – was born at home on a moonlight night of - they were the bourgeoisie who accumulated new
Wednesday, June 19, 1861, at his family’s ancestral wealth due to operating of the Philippines to world trade.
house - Rizal's were part of the ilustrados family, the new
- his mother died during labor because of his large head middle class who were respected for their wealth, honest
- what made his unusual were 2 factors: dealings, hard work and simple living.
(1) the records of his life, (2) the time and place is history - the Rizal Mercado participated prominently in all the
surrounding his birth social and religious affairs of the town. They offered
• When he was two years old, the Great Earthquake of gracious hospitality to guest and visitors.
July 1863 destroyed the three major buildings Spanish
power in the Philippines. The Reputation
• Rizal was baptized at Calamba Catholic Church on June - The Rizal family belonged to the principalia, the native
22, 1861, two Filipino priests performed the baptism. principalia in Spanish Philippines.
- They were one of the most distingueshed people in
A Moderate Revolution Calamba, through honest and hard work and frugal
Mid-1860 living. Rizal's parents were able to live well.
- Philippine Churches were taken over by Filipino - However, the anti government activities of Paciano and
Secular Priest Jose led to their family misfortunes. The authorities
Dominant Political and Financial Power persecuted the as ingrato (ungrateful) and filibustero
- Augustinian, Recollect, Franciscan and Dominican (traitor).
1861 (Archbishop Palaez) - They were shunned, disrespected and Jose was
- Began to assign Filipino Priest to some parishes. executed as a traitor.
- Spanish friar orders lost power.
• Filipino priest shared the same background as the Close Family Ties
natives understood them better and defended their - Asian societies value close family ties and collective
rights in the midst of growing abuses by the all- loyalty rather than individualism.
powerful Spanish friars. - Hence, a Filipino obtains the feeling of security and
greatest happiness from the family, rather than from
Physical Appearance and Manners wealth and friends.
- He had dark brown Malay skin, a flat nose, and - Blood is truly thicker than water to the Filipino, this
Chinese eyes. clannishness was certainly true for the Rizal family.
- 160 centimeters (5"3") tall, he was really "small but
terrible" Siblings and Special Relationship with Paciano
- He was soft-spoken, gentlemanly, with impeccable - Rizal had a typical verbal squabbles with siblings and
manners and carried himself with dignity. played pranks on his sisters.
- He had disproportionately large head, a high and - he enjoyed a special relationship with his only brother
prominent forehead long ears, strong jaw and teeth. Paciano and immortalized him as "pilosopong Tasio" in
- In today's world, he would be called a "nerd" for he was his first novel Noli me tangere.
an introverted intellectual. - Paciano was a young law student in Manila at that time
- In adult life, he grew a European moustache, he always Rizal was growing up in Calamba, he participated in the
took care dress well and smell good Liberty Movement and anti-government demonstrations.
Parents The Spanish Revolution of 1868
Teodora Alberto y Alonso Realonda (1828-1911) - The Filipinos actually got their first taste of Liberty from
- Born in Manila Spain.
- Education: Colegio De Santa Rosa -In 1868-1871, a military revolution in Spain overthrew
- Extraordinary women, possessing culture literary talent, the corrupt monarchy and installed a liberal republic.
business ability and great fortitued like a spartan woman
LIFE, WORKS, and WRITINGS of RIZAL PRELIMS: FIRST SEMESTER
RIZAL 100 LECTURE
- A new liberal Spanish governoe came and brought the - One of their sons, Juan Mercado (Rizal's grandfather),
first signs of demoracy to the colony, the Filipinos married Cirila Alejandro, a Chinese-Filipino mestiza.
experienced limited freedom and reforms. - Juan and Cirila had thirteen children. Their youngest,
- In June 1869, Carlos de la Torre, a new liberal Spanish Fransisco II (Rizal's father) married Teodora and settled
governor came and let the Filipinos to speak out, in Calamba.
conduct public meetings and petition the government - Thus, the Rizal's had roots in Binondo (Manila), Binan,
reforms. and Calamba.
The Liberty Movement of 1869 A Special Relationship with Mother
- July 12, 1869 prominent Filipinos, secular priests and - Teodora descended from Lakan Dula. Her great-
student leaders staged a "harana" (serenade) at the grandfather was a Japanese named Eugenio Ursua who
Malacanan to show their appreciation for liberal policies. married a native named Benigna.
- the sereneders were: Fr. Jose Burgos, Maximino - Regina, their daughter, married a Filipino -Chinese
Paterno, Joaquin Pardo de Travera, Jacobo Zobel and lawyer, Manuel de Quintos.
young student leader Paciano Rizal. - Manuel and Regina's daughter, Brigida, married
- the "liberty serenade" shocked the friars and Lorenzo Alberto y Alonso, a Spanish mestizo.
conservative Spainiards who were loyal monarchists. - Their children were Narcisa, Teodora (Rizal's mother),
Gregorio, Manuel and Jose.
Liberty Parade and Party - Prominent families used long names hence, Teodora's
- Two days later, September 21, 1869, Manilenos held a full name was Teodora Rizal Mercado Alonso y
fiesta to celebrate the new liberal Spanish Constitution. Realonda
- they wore red-colored ribbons, the emblem of freedom
from monarchy introduced by Sr. Sanchiz. The Surname of Rizal
- Governor de la Torre entertained the Filipino patriots, Full name: José Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso
this time at a grand reception in Malacanang. Realonda.
- There were many Mercados back then that in 1842,
Liberalism and The Filipino Patriots they added a second surname, Rizal.
- De la Torre's brief liberal regime encouraged the - It was given by their family friend, the Spanish alcalde-
Filipinos to openly discuss public issues and aspire for mayor (provincial governor) of Laguna.
reforms. - Paciano suggested to drop Mercado and use Rizal
- Students at Santo Tomas University (UST) organized a instead
reform movement called Young Liberals Students, where - Biographer Leon Ma. Guerrero noted that the choice
Paciano Rizal, a former law student at UST, was among was prophetic.
the leaders. - Rizal in Spanish means a harvested field where the
- The monarchy in Spain was restored and Governor de green wheat, after being cut, sprouts again.
la Torre was replaced by Governor Rafael Izquierdo.
- Governor Izquierdo restored all the old order of things.
He revived strict censorship, restricted all the rights and
appointments of Filipino priests and persecuted those
who had supported his predecessor's liberal policies.
Rizal's Chinese Ancestry
- Rizal, on his father side, had Chinese-Malay blood On
his mother side, he had Japanese, Chinese, Spanish
and royal Malay blood
- His great-great grandfather (father's side), Domingo
Lamco, was a Chinese immigrant and married Ines de
la Rosa, a Chinese Christian girl who lived in Binondo,
Manila. Lamco took the Spanish name "mercado"
because he traded goods in the Parian. In Spanish
mercado mean "market".
- On of their sons, Fransisco Mercado I (Rizal's great
grandfather) moved to Binan, Laguna and married
Bernanda Vargas Monicha, a Chinese- Filipino mestiza.
LIFE, WORKS, and WRITINGS of RIZAL PRELIMS: FIRST SEMESTER
RIZAL 100 LECTURE
CHAPTER 3: GOMBURZA MARTYRDOM Cavite Mutiny (1872)
- January 20, 1872 at Cavite “Spark of Fire” came on
Filipino Priest Reformers Saturday evening.
- Filipinos are deeply religious people - Around 200 native soldiers and ship workers at the
- Catholic families consider it an honor to have at least 1 Cavite naval base rose in mutiny under the leadership of
child to enter the priesthood. a native sergeant named Lamadrid.
- Usually, the wealthiest and most distinguished families - the disgruntled Cavitenos resented the cancellation of
do this. their previous privileges under former Governor de la
Lakan Dula Torre, for they had to pay tribute and do forced labor
- One of the 3 native kings who met Legazpi, requested again.
that his son become a priest. - They mistook fireworks at a fiesta in Manila as the
- Secular Filipino priest who began the moderate signal of their allies in to begin revolt and the mutineers
revolution in the mid-1800s took control of Cavite.
- Represented the best and brightest young native men - They were not enough to hold the fort, and the mutiny
of the colony was put down after a bloody fight in which Lamadrid and
many others were killed.
Fr. Pedro Pelaez (1812-1863) - Survivors were arrested and taken to Manila to be
- a famous Filipino orator and scholar from Pagsanjan, tortured and executed at Fort Santiago.
Laguna
- He led the “Secularization Movement”. Aftermath of the Cavite Munity
- In 1862, he became the acting archbishop after the - Many liberals were arrested and punished cruelly
death of the Spanish archbishop. including Filipino priests, the former militia of Governor
- He preached against colonial abuses and racial de la Torre and the new Filipino Masons for their anti-
inequality. government sentiments.
- He died in the Great Earthquake of 1863. - Thos who were not imprisoned were exiled abroad.
Exiles include Toribio del Pilar, oldest brother of Marcelo
Fr. Jose Burgos del Pilar, Joaquin de Tavera, Antonio Ma. Regidor, the
- student of Fr. Pedro Pelaez Basa brothers; Maximo Paterno, and many other
- He led the crusade for reforms. prominent ilustrados.
- In 1864, he published an anonymous pamphlet to - Spanish authorities exaggerated it into full blown
expose the injustice of racial discrimination against “revolution” in order to get rid of their critics.
Filipino priests. - Exiles (and their younger brothers and relatives) later
- In 1870, the clamor of the Filipino clergy for the equal founded the Propaganda Movement abroad.
treatment had reached its height.
- The clamor to empower more Filipino priests found an Martyrdom of Gom-Bur-Za
ally in the successor to Pelaez, Spanish Archbishop - the most tragic victims of the Cavite Mutiny Trials, the 3
Gregorio Meliton Martinez (1861-1875). secular Filipino priests: Jose Burgos, Mariano Gomez,
and Jacinto Zamora, known as “GomBurZa”
Archbishop Martinez - popular among the people because they were typical of
- He was a liberal Spaniard and arrived during the liberal the moderate revolution
revolution in Spain.
- He had limited freedom of movement because the new Fr. Jose Burgos - 35, youngest, and most brilliant of
governor was a conservative. them, was from Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
- One of the first Spanish officials who warned of a - a brilliant scholar and popular adviser of former
bloody revolution if people continued to be unhappy. Governor de la Torre; a friend of Paciano Rizal
- He wrote in a confidential letter to Spanish government Fr. Mariano Gomez – the oldest priest, 73, was born in
in Madrid in 1870: Santa Cruz, Manila, and was a parish priest of Bacolor,
“It is necessary to provide at one a remedy for the Cavite. In 1869, he had been the main mediator who
discontent and exasperation (of the natives), for it their peacefully solved the Cavite agrarian problem of
unrest should continue, the resentment of the Filipino Governor de la Torre.
priests would extend also to their parents, relatives, and Fr. Jacinto Zamora – 37, came from Pandacan, Manila.
the whole Filipino people, with whom they are in closer He was the Parish priest of Pasig. He had been vocal
contact than the regulars. The result would be that the about the injustices of Philippine society. He also
danger would assume a grave character (and create) a incurred the hatred of the conservative friars.
spark of fire which may grow into vast conflagration.”
LIFE, WORKS, and WRITINGS of RIZAL PRELIMS: FIRST SEMESTER
RIZAL 100 LECTURE
• Execution report claims that Fr. Zamora “babbled
incoherently because he had lost his mind”.
• However, he was praying in tongues because he
became a Christian due to reading a smuggled Bible.
His grandnephew, Nicholas Zamora, became the first
Filipino Methodist bishop and the founder of the
IEMELIF (Iglesia Evangelica Metodistaen las islas
Filipinas) Church in the newly established Protestant
Church in the Philippines during the American era in
the 1900s.
- The 3 Filipino priests were accused of treason and
humiliated in an unfair trial. All were found guilty based
on false evidence and they were sentenced to death.
- They were executed painfully through strangulation by Greatest Tribute to the 3 Priests
the garrote at the Luneta on February 17, 1872. - Rizal then gave the greatest tribute ever paid to the
- The last to die, Fr. Burgos resisted going to the garrote priests, a unique tribute from 1 hero-martyr to another.
but after the confessor reminded him that Jesus Christ - Year 1891, he dedicated his immortal second novel El
also died in innocent death, Burgos went with dignity. Filibusterismo (The Treason) to GomBurZa and wrote
eloquently.
GomBurZa Accelerated Nationalism
- The dictorial government officials thought that the 3
priests ended the threat to them. The governor and
conservative friars celebrated their apparent success.
Thought that they silenced the opposition.
Death of the 3 Priests
- Spanish Archbishop Martinez, sympathized with
GomBurZa and didn’t unfrock the priests.
- The killed 3 priests were given a Christian burial at
Paco Cemetery, Manila, which was usually denied to
convicted traitors.
- At this time, 792 parishes were present in the colony.
- Only 181 parishes were administered by Filipino
priests. In these minority parishes, they rang the death
toll and announced the GomBurZa martyrdom to their
parishioners.
- The death of the 3 priests was relayed by word of
mouth. The people were saddened and shocked.
- Father Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora were executed as
traitors to the government, but the Filipino people, they
were heroes. Their death awakened the spirit of
nationalism in a new breed of patriots.
Reaction of Jose Rizal
- Rizal by that time was just 10 years old, he got the
news from his brother Paciano about the cruel injustice
done to the 3 priests.
- He himself couldn’t go to witness the execution, but he
never forgot them.
