Rizal's Life and Works

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RODELYN S.D.

REFUGIO

BSBA-FM 2B

RIZAL’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS

1. How important was “time” during the last minute of Rizal’s life?
Discuss thoroughly & comprehensively.

Time was extremely important during Dr. Jose Rizal's final minute of life since
it represented the end of his hardships and the ultimate sacrifice he made for his beliefs
and the fight for Philippine independence. The Spanish colonial authority executed Dr.
Jose Rizal on December 30, 1896. "Time" was an important consideration in different
aspects of his life at that moment. The timing of his execution is greatly influenced by
time. Dr. Jose Rizal faced the firing squad early in the morning. The timing was
intentional on the part of the Spanish government in order to send a strong message to
the Filipino people and put down any potential rebellion. It was additionally assumed
that Dr. Jose Rizal was aware of the short amount of time he had before his execution.
He uses this time for reflection, collect his thoughts, and come to terms with the
situation he finds himself in. He then penned his final poem, "Mi Ultimo Adios," a
testimony to his love for his country and acceptance of his impending death. Time was
especially important as he was writing his final letters and sending them to his loved
ones and fellow revolutionaries, delivering his final thoughts and words of
encouragement. There was one letter he wrote to his family in which he laid out his
love and thanks while encouraging them to remain strong in the face of difficult
circumstances. In addition, Dr. Jose Rizal sent letters not just to his family but also to
his friend Ferdinand Blumentritt. Dr. Jose Rizal thanked him for their friendship and
expressed his hope that their efforts to bring about change and progress for the Filipino
people would continue after his death. His precious lover Josephine Bracken was at his
side in his last moments. She offered him comfort and support, highlighting the
importance of companionship and affection in his dying moments. Dr. Jose Rizal chose
to turn his back on the firing squad rather than face them head-on in the final seconds
of his life. This symbolic gesture represents Dr. Jose Rizal's defiance of rulers and
refusal to be frightened by them, even in his death moments. As the seconds ticked by,
each moment grew more valuable and meaningful.
RODELYN S.D. REFUGIO

BSBA-FM 2B

RIZAL’S LIFE, WORKS AND WRITINGS

2. How did Rizal spend moments of his life? Discuss.

Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippines' national hero, lived an unforgettable and
significant life from his childhood until his untimely death. Dr. Jose Rizal spent his
childhood in Calamba, Laguna, where he excelled as a student. He excelled in school
and received various academic achievements. During the time he lived in Manila, Dr.
Jose Rizal witnessed the injustices and brutality endured by the Filipino people as a
result of Spanish colonial control. He observed his countrymen's discrimination and
maltreatment, which fueled his desire for social reform and nationalism. He also
studied overseas for a while. He went to Spain to complete his medical studies and then
studied in France, Germany, and other European nations. Throughout his travels, Dr.
Jose Rizal immersed himself in the intellectual and cultural ambiance of Europe. He
spoke with important philosophers, joined reform organizations, and improved his
writing and speaking talents. Dr. Jose Rizal also used his time abroad to study about
other European countries' political and social systems, which he eventually used to his
fight for Filipino independence and social justice. When he returned to the Philippines,
he kept up his fight for social reform and to campaign for the Filipino people's rights.
He created numerous notable works, including novels such as "Noli Me Tangere" and
"El Filibusterismo," which highlighted the Spanish colonial government's and the
Catholic Church's corrupt practices and acts of violence in the Philippines. Dr. Jose
Rizal's works wanted to alert the Filipino people to the injustices they faced and urge
them to strive for a brighter future. He was also a founding member of La Liga Filipina,
a progressive organization dedicated to uniting Filipinos and gaining representation in
the Spanish government. His ideas and actions drew the attention of the Spanish
government, who considered him as a danger to their power as well. He was arrested
and charged with sedition and conspiracy. Dr. Jose Rizal continued to fight for his ideas
while imprisoned. He created a manifesto titled "Mi Ultimo Adios" in which he
emphasized his love for his nation and willingness to make sacrifices for its
independence. Dr. Jose Rizal spent his final moments imprisoned at Fort Santiago.
Despite his death sentence, he faced it with courage and dignity, refusing to abandon
his ideals or betray his nation. Dr. Jose Rizal spent his time in prison contemplating on
his life and the difficulties of his fellow Filipinos. He also expressed his affection and
thanks in letters to his family and friends. Even when his own life was nearing to an
end, he continued to inspire and impact others through his writings. The death of Dr.
Jose Rizal on December 30, 1896, caused anger and fueled the movement for Philippine
independence. In the Philippines, Dr. Jose Rizal's life and activities are still
commemorated and appreciated. His ideas and principles continue to inspire future
generations of Filipinos, reminding them of the need of fighting for their rights,
conserving their culture, and constructing a brighter future for the country.

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