biography of jose rizal essay

Jose Rizal Biography Essay : The Philippine National Hero

Jose Rizal, born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Philippines, is widely regarded as the national hero of the Filipino people. His life and works played a crucial role in shaping the country’s struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule. This essay delves into the extraordinary life of Jose Rizal, highlighting his significant contributions as a writer, reformist, and patriot.

Jose Rizal: The Philippine National Hero

Credit image Wikipedia

Essay on Early Life and Education

Rizal hailed from a middle-class family and received an excellent education. He studied in Manila and later pursued higher education in Europe, where he honed his intellectual and artistic talents. Rizal’s exposure to European ideals and his experiences abroad influenced his later writings and fueled his passion for social reform.

Literary and Artistic Achievements:

Rizal was a gifted writer and artist, leaving behind an extensive body of work. His novels, including “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo,” exposed the injustices and abuses suffered by the Filipino people under Spanish rule. Through his writings, Rizal sought to awaken national consciousness and inspire his fellow countrymen to fight for their rights and freedom.

Social and Political Activism:

Driven by a strong sense of justice and patriotism, Rizal actively participated in various reform movements. He advocated for equal rights, education, and fair treatment of Filipinos. Rizal’s peaceful approach to social change emphasized education, enlightenment, and the power of intellectual discourse. He co-founded the Liga Filipina, a civic organization that aimed to unite Filipinos and work towards political and social reforms.

Impact and Martyrdom: Rizal’s ideas and writings resonated deeply with the Filipino people, inspiring a wave of nationalism and resistance against Spanish oppression. Unfortunately, his relentless pursuit of reform led to his arrest and subsequent execution on December 30, 1896. Rizal’s martyrdom transformed him into a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and national identity, galvanizing the Filipino revolutionaries in their quest for independence.

Legacy : Despite his untimely death, Rizal’s legacy endures. He remains a revered figure in Philippine history, celebrated for his intellectual prowess, moral integrity, and unwavering commitment to his country. Rizal’s influence extends beyond his own time, continuing to inspire generations of Filipinos in their pursuit of justice, freedom, and a brighter future.

Conclusion: Jose Rizal’s life and works exemplify the indomitable spirit of the Filipino people in their fight against colonial oppression. Through his writings and activism, Rizal left an indelible mark on the Philippines, serving as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change. His legacy reminds us of the power of ideas, the importance of education, and the enduring pursuit of justice. Jose Rizal truly deserves the title of the Filipino National Hero .

Easy Writing

Essay writing, subscribe to get the new updates, related articles.

Lala Lajpat Rai: Biography -The Legacy of a Lion, Life , Essay, Facts

John F. Kennedy: President of the USA “John F. Kennedy Facts

Neeraj Chopra About Life Olympic, Medal, Gold

Thomas Jefferson Biography: Life ,Facts ,History

Biography of José Rizal, National Hero of the Philippines

Bettmann Archive / Getty Images

• Figures & Events
• Southeast Asia
• Middle East
• Central Asia
• Asian Wars and Battles
• American History
• African American History
• African History
• Ancient History and Culture
• European History
• Latin American History
• Medieval & Renaissance History
• Military History
• The 20th Century
• Women's History

Life in Europe

Novels and other writing, program of reforms, exile and courtship, trial and execution.

• Ph.D., History, Boston University
• J.D., University of Washington School of Law
• B.A., History, Western Washington University

José Rizal (June 19, 1861–December 30, 1896) was a man of intellectual power and artistic talent whom Filipinos honor as their national hero. He excelled at anything that he put his mind to: medicine, poetry, sketching, architecture, sociology, and more. Despite little evidence, he was martyred by Spanish colonial authorities on charges of conspiracy, sedition, and rebellion when he was only 35.

Fast Facts: José Rizal

• Known For : National hero of the Philippines for his key role inspiring the Philippine Revolution against colonial Spain
• Also Known As: José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda
• Born : June 19, 1861, at Calamba, Laguna
• Parents : Francisco Rizal Mercado and Teodora Alonzo y Quintos
• Died : December 30, 1896, in Manila, the Philippines
• Education : Ateneo Municipal de Manila; studied medicine at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila; medicine and philosophy at the Universidad Central de Madrid; ophthalmology at the University of Paris and the University of Heidelberg
• Published Works : Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo
• Spouse : Josephine Bracken (married two hours before his death)
• Notable Quote: "On this battlefield man has no better weapon than his intelligence, no other force but his heart."

José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda was born on June 19, 1861, at Calamba, Laguna, the seventh child of Francisco Rizal Mercado and Teodora Alonzo y Quintos. The family were wealthy farmers who rented land from the Dominican religious order. Descendants of a Chinese immigrant named Domingo Lam-co, they changed their name to Mercado ("market") under the pressure of anti-Chinese feeling among the Spanish colonizers.

From an early age, Rizal showed a precocious intellect. He learned the alphabet from his mother at the age of 3 and could read and write at age 5.

Rizal attended the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, graduating at age 16 with the highest honors. He took a post-graduate course there in land surveying.

Rizal completed his surveyor's training in 1877 and passed the licensing exam in May 1878, but he could not receive a license to practice because he was only 17. He was granted a license in 1881 when he reached the age of majority.

In 1878, the young man enrolled in the University of Santo Tomas as a medical student. He later quit the school, alleging discrimination against Filipino students by the Dominican professors.

In May 1882, Rizal got on a ship to Spain without informing his parents. He enrolled at the Universidad Central de Madrid after arriving. In June 1884, he received his medical degree at the age of 23; the following year, he graduated from the Philosophy and Letters department.

Inspired by his mother's advancing blindness, Rizal next went to the University of Paris and then to the University of Heidelberg for further study in ophthalmology. At Heidelberg, he studied under the famed professor Otto Becker (1828–1890). Rizal finished his second doctorate at Heidelberg in 1887.

Rizal lived in Europe for 10 years and picked up a number of languages. He could converse in more than 10 different tongues. While in Europe, the young Filipino impressed everyone he met with his charm, intelligence, and mastery of a range of different fields of study. Rizal excelled at martial arts, fencing, sculpture, painting, teaching, anthropology , and journalism, among other areas.

During his European sojourn, he also began to write novels. Rizal finished his first book, " Noli Me Tangere " (Latin for "Touch Me Not"), while living in Wilhelmsfeld, Germany, with the Rev. Karl Ullmer.

Rizal wrote "Noli Me Tangere" in Spanish; it was published in 1887 in Berlin, Germany. The novel is a scathing indictment of the Catholic Church and Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines, and its publication cemented Rizal's position on the Spanish colonial government's list of troublemakers. When Rizal returned home for a visit, he received a summons from the governor-general and had to defend himself against charges of disseminating subversive ideas.

Although the Spanish governor accepted Rizal's explanations, the Catholic Church was less willing to forgive. In 1891, Rizal published a sequel, titled " El Filibusterismo ." When published in English, it was titled "The Reign of Greed."

In his novels and newspaper editorials, Rizal called for a number of reforms of the Spanish colonial system in the Philippines. He advocated freedom of speech and assembly, equal rights before the law for Filipinos, and Filipino priests in place of the often-corrupt Spanish churchmen. In addition, Rizal called for the Philippines to become a province of Spain, with representation in the Spanish legislature, the Cortes Generales .

Rizal never called for independence for the Philippines. Nonetheless, the colonial government considered him a dangerous radical and declared him an enemy of the state.

In 1892, Rizal returned to the Philippines. He was almost immediately accused of being involved in the brewing rebellion and was exiled to Dapitan City, on the island of Mindanao. Rizal would stay there for four years, teaching school and encouraging agricultural reforms.

During that period, the people of the Philippines grew more eager to revolt against the Spanish colonial presence. Inspired in part by Rizal's progressive organization La Liga , rebel leaders such as Andres Bonifacio (1863–1897) began to press for military action against the Spanish regime.

In Dapitan, Rizal met and fell in love with Josephine Bracken, who brought her stepfather to him for a cataract operation. The couple applied for a marriage license but were denied by the Church, which had excommunicated Rizal.

The Philippine Revolution broke out in 1896. Rizal denounced the violence and received permission to travel to Cuba to tend to victims of yellow fever in exchange for his freedom. Bonifacio and two associates sneaked aboard the ship to Cuba before it left the Philippines and tried to convince Rizal to escape with them, but Rizal refused.

He was arrested by the Spanish on the way, taken to Barcelona, and then extradited to Manila for trial. Rizal was tried by court-martial and charged with conspiracy, sedition, and rebellion. Despite a lack of evidence of his complicity in the Revolution, Rizal was convicted on all counts and given a death sentence.

He was allowed to marry Bracken two hours before his execution by firing squad in Manila on December 30, 1896. Rizal was just 35 years old.

José Rizal is remembered today throughout the Philippines for his brilliance, courage, peaceful resistance to tyranny, and compassion. Filipino schoolchildren study his final literary work, a poem called " Mi Ultimo Adios " ("My Last Goodbye"), and his two famous novels.

Spurred by Rizal's martyrdom, the Philippine Revolution continued until 1898. With assistance from the United States, the Philippine archipelago defeated the Spanish army. The Philippines declared independence from Spain on June 12, 1898, becoming the first democratic republic in Asia.

• de Ocampo, Estaban A. " Dr. Jose Rizal, Father of Filipino Nationalism ." Journal of Southeast Asian History .
• Rizal, José. "One Hundred Letters of José Rizal." Philippine National Historical Society.
• Valenzuela, Maria Theresa. " Constructing National Heroes: Postcolonial Philippine and Cuban Biographies of José Rizal and José Martí ." Biography .
• Biography of Antonio Luna, Hero of the Philippine-American War
• Biography of Apolinario Mabini, Philippines' First Prime Minister
• Biography of Andrés Bonifacio, Filipino Revolutionary Leader
• Revolutionary Heroes of the Philippines
• Profile of Emilio Jacinto of the Philippines
• Biography of Emilio Aguinaldo, Filipino Independence Leader
• Manuel Quezon of the Philippines
• The Philippines: Facts and History
• The Philippines: Geography and Fact Sheet
• Biography of Ninoy Aquino, Filipino Opposition Leader
• Spanish-American War: Battle of Manila Bay
• Philippine-American War: Causes and Consequences
• Spanish-American War: Commodore George Dewey
• Biography of Corazon Aquino, First Female President of the Philippines
• The Spanish-American War
• Biography of Ferdinand Marcos, Dictator of the Philippines

• Philippines
• The Life And Legacy Of...

The Life and Legacy of José Rizal: National Hero of the Philippines

Dr. José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, is not only admired for possessing intellectual brilliance but also for taking a stand and resisting the Spanish colonial government. While his death sparked a revolution to overthrow the tyranny, Rizal will always be remembered for his compassion towards the Filipino people and the country.

Did you know you can now travel with Culture Trip? Book now and join one of our premium small-group tours to discover the world like never before.

Humble beginnings

José Protasio Rizal Mercado Y Alonso Realonda was born on June 19, 1861 to Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonzo in the town of Calamba in the province of Laguna. He had nine sisters and one brother. At the early age of three, the future political leader had already learned the English alphabet. And, by the age of five, José could already read and write.

Upon enrolling at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila (now referred to as Ateneo De Manila University ), he dropped the last three names in his full name, after his brother’s advice – hence, being known as José Protasio Rizal. His performance in school was outstanding – winning various poetry contests, impressing his professors with his familiarity of Castilian and other foreign languages, and crafting literary essays that were critical of the Spanish historical accounts of pre-colonial Philippine societies.

A man with multiple professions

While he originally obtained a land surveyor and assessor’s degree in Ateneo, Rizal also took up a preparatory course on law at the University of Santo Tomas (UST). But when he learned that his mother was going blind, he decided to switch to medicine school in UST and later on specialized in ophthalmology. In May 1882, he decided to travel to Madrid in Spain , and earned his Licentiate in Medicine at the Universidad Central de Madrid.

Apart from being known as an expert in the field of medicine, a poet, and an essayist, Rizal exhibited other amazing talents. He knew how to paint, sketch, and make sculptures. Because he lived in Europe for about 10 years, he also became a polyglot – conversant in 22 languages. Aside from poetry and creative writing, Rizal had varying degrees of expertise in architecture, sociology, anthropology, fencing, martial arts, and economics to name a few.

His novels awakened Philippine nationalism

Rizal had been very vocal against the Spanish government, but in a peaceful and progressive manner. For him, “the pen was mightier than the sword.” And through his writings, he exposed the corruption and wrongdoings of government officials as well as the Spanish friars.

While in Barcelona, Rizal contributed essays, poems, allegories, and editorials to the Spanish newspaper, La Solidaridad. Most of his writings, both in his essays and editorials, centered on individual rights and freedom, specifically for the Filipino people . As part of his reforms, he even called for the inclusion of the Philippines to become a province of Spain.

But, among his best works , two novels stood out from the rest – Noli Me Tángere (Touch Me Not) and El Filibusterismo ( The Reign of the Greed).

In both novels, Rizal harshly criticized the Spanish colonial rule in the country and exposed the ills of Philippine society at the time. And because he wrote about the injustices and brutalities of the Spaniards in the country, the authorities banned Filipinos from reading the controversial books. Yet they were not able to ban it completely. As more Filipinos read the books, their eyes opened to the truth that they were suffering unspeakable abuses at the hands of the friars. These two novels by Rizal, now considered his literary masterpieces, are said to have indirectly sparked the Philippine Revolution.

Rizal’s unfateful days

Upon his return to the Philippines, Rizal formed a progressive organization called the La Liga Filipina. This civic movement advocated social reforms through legal means. Now Rizal was considered even more of a threat by the Spanish authorities (alongside his novels and essays), which ultimately led to his exile in Dapitan in northern Mindanao .

This however did not stop him from continuing his plans for reform. While in Dapitan, Rizal built a school, hospital, and water system. He also taught farming and worked on agricultural projects such as using abaca to make ropes.

In 1896, Rizal was granted leave by then Governor-General Blanco, after volunteering to travel to Cuba to serve as doctor to yellow fever victims. But at that time, the Katipunan had a full-blown revolution and Rizal was accused of being associated with the secret militant society. On his way to Cuba, he was arrested in Barcelona and sent back to Manila to stand for trial before the court martial. Rizal was charged with sedition, conspiracy, and rebellion – and therefore, sentenced to death by firing squad.

Days before his execution, Rizal bid farewell to his motherland and countrymen through one of his final letters, entitled Mi último adiós or My Last Farewell. Dr. José Rizal was executed on the morning of December 30, 1896, in what was then called Bagumbayan (now referred to as Luneta). Upon hearing the command to shoot him, he faced the squad and uttered in his final breath: “ Consummatum est” (It is finished). According to historical accounts , only one bullet ended the life of the Filipino martyr and hero.

His legacy lives on

After his death, the Philippine Revolution continued until 1898. And with the assistance of the United States , the Philippines declared its independence from Spain on June 12, 1898. This was the time that the Philippine flag was waved at General Emilio Aguinaldo’s residence in Kawit, Cavite.

Today, Dr. Rizal’s brilliance, compassion, courage, and patriotism are greatly remembered and recognized by the Filipino people. His two novels are continuously being analyzed by students and professionals.

Colleges and universities in the Philippines even require their students to take a subject which centers around the life and works of Rizal. Every year, the Filipinos celebrate Rizal Day – December 30 each year – to commemorate his life and works. Filipinos look back at how his founding of La Liga Filipina and his two novels had an effect on the early beginnings of the Philippine Revolution. The people also recognize his advocacy to achieve liberty through peaceful means rather than violent revolution.

In honor of Rizal, memorials and statues of the national hero can be found not only within the Philippines, but in selected cities around the world. A road in the Chanakyapuri area of New Delhi (India) and in Medan, Indonesia is named after him. The José Rizal Bridge and Rizal Park in the city of Seattle are also dedicated to the late hero.

Within the Philippines, there are streets, towns/cities, a university (Rizal University), and a province named after him. Three species have also been named after Rizal – the Draco rizali (a small lizard, known as a flying dragon), Apogania rizali (a very rare kind of beetle with five horns) and the Rhacophorus rizali (a peculiar frog species).

To commemorate what he did for the country, the Philippines built a memorial park for him – now referred to as Rizal Park, found in Manila . There lies a monument which contains a standing bronze sculpture of Rizal, an obelisk, and a stone base said to contain his remains. The monument stands near the place where he fell during his execution in Luneta.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Places to Stay

The best hotels to book in the philippines for every traveller.

Hip Holiday Apartments in the Philippines You'll Want to Call Home

The Best Hotels to Book in Palawan, the Philippines

The Most Budget-Friendly Hotels in Tagaytay

Bed & Breakfasts in the Philippines

The Best Hotels to Book In Tagaytay for Every Traveller

What Are the Best Resorts to Book in the Philippines?

Where to Stay in Tagaytay, the Philippines, for a Local Experience

See & Do

Exhilarating ways to experience the great outdoors in the philippines.

The Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Tagaytay, the Philippines

The Best Hotels to Book in Pasay, the Philippines

The Best Resorts in Palawan, the Philippines

Culture trip spring sale, save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips limited spots..

• Post ID: 1000117287
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

Search form

• ADVERTISE here!
• How To Contribute Articles
• How To Use This in Teaching
• To Post Lectures

Sponsored Links

You are here, our free e-learning automated reviewers.

• Mathematics
• Home Economics
• Physical Education
• Music and Arts
• Philippine Studies
• Language Studies
• Social Sciences
• Extracurricular
• Preschool Lessons
• Life Lessons
• AP (Social Studies)
• EsP (Values Education)

Jose Rizal’s Essays and Articles

Refer these to your siblings/children/younger friends:

HOMEPAGE of Free NAT Reviewers by OurHappySchool.com (Online e-Learning Automated Format)

HOMEPAGE of Free UPCAT & other College Entrance Exam Reviewers by OurHappySchool.com (Online e-Learning Automated Format)

Articles in Diariong Tagalog

“El Amor Patrio” (The Love of Country)

This was the first article Rizal wrote in the Spanish soil. Written in the summer of 1882, it was published in Diariong Tagalog in August. He used the pen name “Laong Laan” (ever prepared) as a byline for this article and he sent it to Marcelo H. Del Pilar for Tagalog translation.

Written during the Spanish colonization and reign over the Philippine islands, the article aimed to establish nationalism and patriotism among the natives. Rizal extended his call for the love of country to his fellow compatriots in Spain, for he believed that nationalism should be exercised anywhere a person is. 

“Revista De Madrid” (Review of Madrid)

This article written by Rizal on November 29, 1882 wasunfortunatelyreturned to him because Diariong Tagalog had ceased publications for lack of funds.

Articles in La Solidaridad

“Los Agricultores Filipinos” (The Filipino Farmers)

This essay dated March 25, 1889 was the first article of Rizal published in La Solidaridad. In this writing, he depicted the deplorable conditions of the Filipino farmers in the Philippines, hence the backwardness of the country.

“A La Defensa” (To La Defensa)

This was in response to the anti-Filipino writing by Patricio de la Escosura published by La Defensa on March 30, 1889 issue. Written on April 30, 1889, Rizal’s article refuted the views of Escosura, calling the readers’ attention to the insidious influences of the friars to the country.

“Los Viajes” (Travels)

Published in the La Solidaridad on May 15, 1889, this article tackled the rewards gained by the people who are well-traveled to many places in the world.

“La Verdad Para Todos” (The Truth for All)

This was Rizal’s counter to the Spanish charges that the natives were ignorant and depraved. On May 31, 1889, it was published in the La Solidaridad.  

"Vicente Barrantes’ Teatro Tagalo”

The first installment of Rizal’s “Vicente Barrantes” was published in the La Solidaridad on June 15, 1889. In this article, Rizal exposed Barrantes’ lack of knowledge on the Tagalog theatrical art.  

“Defensa Del Noli”

The manuscripts of the “Defensa del Noli” was written on June 18, 1889. Rizal sent the article to Marcelo H. Del Pilar, wanting it to be published by the end of that month in the La Solidaridad.

“Verdades  Nuevas”(New Facts/New Truths)

In this article dated July 31, 1889, Rizal replied to the letter of Vicente Belloc Sanchez which was published on July 4, 1889 in ‘La Patria’, a newspaper in Madrid. Rizal addressed Sanchez’s allegation that provision of reforms to the Philippines would devastate the diplomatic rule of the Catholic friars.

“Una Profanacion” (A Desecration/A Profanation)

Published on July 31, 1889, this article mockingly attacked the friars for refusing to give Christian burial to Mariano Herbosa, Rizal’s brother in law, who died of cholera in May 23, 1889. Being the husband of Lucia Rizal (Jose’s sister), Herbosa was denied of burial in the Catholic cemetery by the priests.

“Crueldad” (Cruelty),

Dated August 15, 1889, this was Rizal’s witty defense of Blumentritt from the libelous attacks of his enemies.

“Diferencias” (Differences) 

Published on September 15, 1889, this article countered the biased article entitled “Old Truths” which was printed in La Patria on August 14, 1889. “Old Truths” ridiculed those Filipinos who asked for reforms.

“Inconsequencias” (Inconsequences)

The Spanish Pablo Mir Deas attacked Antonio Luna in the Barcelona newspaper “El Pueblo Soberano”. As Rizal’s defense of Luna, he wrote this article which was published on November 30, 1889.

“Llanto Y Risas” (Tears and Laughter)

Dated November 30, 1889, this article was a condemnation of the racial prejudice of the Spanish against the brown race. Rizal remembered that he earned first prize in a literary contest in 1880. He narrated nonetheless how the Spaniard and mestizo spectators stopped their applause upon noticing that the winner had a brown skin complexion.

“Filipinas Dentro De Cien Anos” (The Philippines within One Hundred Years)

This was serialized in La Solidaridad on September 30, October 31, December 15, 1889 and February 15, 1890. In the articles, Rizal estimated the future of the Philippines in the span of a hundred years and foretold the catastrophic end of Spanish rule in Asia. He ‘prophesied’ Filipinos’ revolution against Spain, winning their independence, but later the Americans would come as the new colonizer

The essay also talked about the glorious past of the Philippines, recounted the deterioration of the economy, and exposed the causes of natives’ sufferings under the cruel Spanish rule. In the essay, he cautioned the Spain as regards the imminent downfall of its domination. He awakened the minds and the hearts of the Filipinos concerning the oppression of the Spaniards and encouraged them to fight for their right.

Part of the essays reads, “History does not record in its annals any lasting domination by one people over another, of different races, of diverse usages and customs, of opposite and divergent ideas. One of the two had to yield and succumb.” The Philippines had regained its long-awaited democracy and liberty some years after Rizal’s death. This was the realization of what the hero envisioned in this essay.

Dated January 15, 1890, this article was the hero’s reply to Governor General Weyler who told the people in Calamba that they “should not allow themselves to be deceived by the vain promises of their ungrateful sons.” The statement was made as a reaction to Rizal’s project of relocating the oppressed and landless Calamba tenants to North Borneo.

“Sobre La Nueva Ortografia De La Lengua Tagala” (On The New Orthography of The Tagalog Language)

Rizal expressed here his advocacy of a new spelling in Tagalog. In this article dated April 15, 1890, he laid down the rules of the new Tagalog orthography and, with modesty and sincerity, gave the credit for the adoption of this new orthography to Dr. Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera, author of the celebrated work “El Sanscrito en la Lengua Tagala” (Sanskrit in the Tagalog Language) published in Paris, 1884.

“I put this on record,” wrote Rizal, “so that when the history of this orthography is traced, which is already being adopted by the enlightened Tagalists, that what is Caesar’s be given to Caesar. This innovation is due solely to Dr. Pardo de Tavera’s studies on Tagalismo. I was one of its most zealous propagandists.”

“Sobre La Indolencia De Los Filipinas” (The Indolence of the Filipinos) 

This logical essay is a proof of the national hero’s historical scholarship. The essay rationally countered the accusations by Spaniards that Filipinos were indolent (lazy) during the Spanish reign. It was published in La Solidaridad in five consecutive issues on July (15 and 31), August (1 and 31) and September  1, 1890.

Rizal argued that Filipinos are innately hardworking prior to the rule of the Spaniards. What brought the decrease in the productive activities of the natives was actually the Spanish colonization. Rizal explained the alleged Filipino indolence by pointing to these factors: 1) the Galleon Trade destroyed the previous links of the Philippines with other countries in Asia and the Middle East, thereby eradicating small local businesses and handicraft industries; 2) the Spanish forced labor compelled the Filipinos to work in shipyards, roads, and other public works, thus abandoning their agricultural farms and industries; 3) many Filipinos became landless and wanderers because Spain did not defend them against pirates and foreign invaders; 4) the system of education offered by the colonizers was impractical as it was mainly about repetitive prayers and had nothing to do with agricultural and industrial technology; 5) the Spaniards were a bad example as negligent officials would come in late and leave early in their offices and Spanish women were always followed by servants; 6) gambling like cockfights was established, promoted, and explicitly practiced by Spanish government officials and friars themselves especially during feast days; 7) the crooked system of religion discouraged the natives to work hard by teaching that it is easier for a poor man to enter heaven; and 8) the very high taxes were discouraging as big part of natives’ earnings would only go to the officials and friars.

Moreover, Rizal explained that Filipinos were just wise in their level of work under topical climate. He explained, “violent work is not a good thing in tropical countries as it is would be parallel to death, destruction, annihilation. Rizal concluded that natives’ supposed indolence was an end-product of the Spanish colonization.

Other Rizal’s articles which were also printed in La Solidaridad were “A La Patria” (November 15, 1889), “Sin Nobre”   (Without Name) (February 28, 1890), and “Cosas de Filipinas”   (Things about the Philippines)  (April 30, 1890).

Historical Commentaries Written in London

This historical commentary was written by Rizal in London on December 6, 1888.

“Acerca de Tawalisi de Ibn Batuta”

This historical commentaryis believed to form part of ‘Notes’ (written incollaboration with A.B. Meyer and F. Blumentritt) on a Chinese code in the Middle Ages, translated from the German by Dr. Hirth. Written on January 7, 1889, the article was about the “Tawalisi” which refers to the northern part of Luzon or to any of the adjoining islands.

It was also in London where Rizal penned the following historical commentaries: “La Political Colonial On Filipinas” (Colonial Policy In The Philippines), “Manila En El Mes De Diciembre” (December , 1872), “Historia De La Familia Rizal De Calamba” (History Of The Rizal Family Of Calamba), and “Los Pueblos Del Archipelago Indico (The People’s Of The Indian Archipelago )

Other Writings in London

“La Vision Del Fray Rodriguez” (The Vision of Fray Rodriguez)

Jose Rizal, upon receipt of the news concerning Fray Rodriguez’ bitter attack on his novel Noli Me Tangere, wrote this defense under his pseudonym “Dimas Alang.” Published in Barcelona, it is a satire depicting a spirited dialogue between the Catholic saint Augustine and Rodriguez. Augustine, in the fiction, told Rodriguez that he (Augustine) was commissioned by God to tell him (Rodriguez) of his stupidity and his penance on earth that he (Rodriguez) shall continue to write more stupidity so that all men may laugh at him. In this pamphlet, Rizal demonstrated his profound knowledge in religion and his biting satire.

“To The Young Women of Malolos”

Originally written in Tagalog, this famous essay directly addressed to the women of Malolos, Bulacan was written by Rizal  as a response to Marcelo H. Del Pilar’s request.

Rizal was greatly impressed by the bravery of the 20 young women of Malolos who planned to establish a school where they could learn Spanish despite the opposition of Felipe Garcia, Spanish parish priest of Malolos. The letter expressed Rizal’s yearning that women be granted the same chances given to men in terms of education. In the olden days, young women were not educated because of the principle that they will soon be wives and their primary career would be to take care of the home and children. Rizal however advocated women’s right to education.

            Below are some of the points mentioned by Rizal in his letter to the young women of Malolos: 1) The priests in the country that time did not embody the true spirit of Christianity; 2) Private judgment should be used; 3) Mothers should be an epitome of an ideal woman who teaches her children to love God, country, and fellowmen; 4) Mothers should rear children in the service of the state and set standards of behavior for men around her;5) Filipino women must be noble, decent, and dignified and they should be submissive, tender, and loving to their respective husband; and 6) Young women must edify themselves, live the real Christian way with good morals and manners, and should be intelligent in their choice of a lifetime partner.

Writings in Hong Kong

“Ang Mga Karapatan Ng Tao” (The Rights Of Man)

This was Rizal’s Tagalog translation of “The Rights of Man” which was proclaimed by the French Revolution in 1789.

“A La Nacion Espanola”(To The Spanish Nation)

Written in 1891, this was Rizal’s appeal to Spain to rectify the wrongs which the Spanish government and clergy had done to the Calamba tenants.

“Sa Mga Kababayan” (To My Countrymen)

This writing written in December 1891 explained the Calamba agrarian situation .

“Una Visita A La Victoria Gaol” (A Visit To Victoria Gaol), March 2, 1892

On March 2, 1892,Rizal wrote this account of his visit to the colonial prison of Hong Kong. He contrasted in the article the harsh Spanish prison system with the modern and more humane British prison system.

“Colonisation Du British North Borneo, Par De Familles De Iles Philippines” (Colonization Of British North Borneo By Families From The Philippine Islands)

This was Rizal’s elucidation of his pet North Borneo colonization project.

“Proyecto De Colonization Del British North Borneo Por Los Filipinos” (Project Of The Colonization Of British North Borneo By The Filipinos)

In this writing, Rizal further discussed the ideas he presented in “Colonization of British North Borneo by Families from the Philippine Islands.”

“La Mano Roja” (The Red Hand)

This was a writing printed in sheet form. Written in Hong Kong, the article denounced the frequent outbreaks of fires in Manila.

“Constitution of The La Liga Filipina”

This was deemed the most important writing Rizal had made during his Hong Kong stay. Though it was Jose Ma. Basa who conceived the establishment of Liga Filipina (Philippine League), his friend and namesake Jose Rizal was the one who wrote its constitution and founded it.

Articles for Trubner’s Record

Due to the request of Rizal’s friend Dr. Reinhold Rost, the editor of Trubner’s Record (a journal devoted to Asian Studies), Rizal submitted two articles:

Specimens of Tagal Folklore

Published in May 1889, the article contained Filipino proverbs and puzzles.

Two Eastern Fables (June 1889)

It was a comparative study of the Japanese and Philippine folklore. In this essay, Jose Rizal compared the Filipino fable, “The Tortoise and the Monkey” to the Japanese fable “Saru Kani Kassen” (Battle of the Monkey and the Crab).

Citing many similarities in form and content, Rizal surmised that these two fables may have had the same roots in Malay folklore. This scholarly work received serious attention from other ethnologists, and became a topic at an ethnological conference.

Among other things, Rizal noticed that both versions of the fable tackled about morality as both involve the eternal battle between the weak and the powerful. The Filipino version however had more philosophy and plainness of form whereas the Japanese counterpart had more civilization and diplomacy.

Other Writings

“Pensamientos De Un Filipino” (Reflections of A Filipino)

Jose Rizal wrote this in Madrid, Spain from 1883-1885. It spoke of a liberal minded and anti-friar Filipino who bears penalties such as an exile.

“Por Telefono”

This was a witty satire authored by “Dimas Alang” (one of the hero’s pen names) ridiculing the Catholic monk Font, one of the priests who masterminded the banning of the “Noli”. Published in booklet form in Barcelona, Spain, it narrated in a funny way the telephone conversation between Font and the provincial friar of the San Agustin Convent in Manila. 

This pamphlet showed not only Rizal’s cleverness but also his futuristic vision. Amazingly, Rizal had envisaged that overseas telephonic conversations could be carried on—something which was not yet done during that time (Fall of 1889). It was only in 1901, twelve years after Rizal wrote the “Por Telefono,” when the first radio-telegraph signals were received by Marconi across the Atlantic.

“La Instruccion” (The Town Schools In The Philippines)

Using his penname “Laong Laan”, Rizal assessed in this essay the elementary educational system in the Philippines during his time. Having observed the educational systems in Europe, Rizal found the Spanish-administered education in his country poor and futile. The hero thus proposed reforms and suggeted a more significant and engaging system.

Rizal for instance pointed out that there was a problem in the mandated medium of instruction—the colonizers’ language (Spanish) which was not perfectly understood by the natives. Rizal thus favored Philippine languages for workbooks and instructions.

The visionary (if not prophetic) thinking of Rizal might have been working (again) when he wrote the essay. Interestingly, his call for educational reforms, especially his stand on the use of the local languages for instruction, is part of the battle cry and features of today’s K to 12 program in the Philippines ... continue reading  (© 2013 by  Jensen DG. Mañebog )

Jensen DG. Mañebog , the contributor, is a book author and professorial lecturer in the graduate school of a state university in Metro Manila. His unique textbooks and e-books on Rizal (available online)  comprehensively tackle, among others, the respective life of Rizal’s parents, siblings, co-heroes, and girlfriends. (e-mail:   [email protected] )

Tag:  Jose Rizal’s Essays and Articles

For STUDENTS' ASSIGNMENT, use the COMMENT SECTION here: Bonifacio Sends Valenzuela to Rizal in Dapitan

Ourhappyschool recommends.

Biography of José Rizal

José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda, known as José Rizal, lived from 1861 to 1896. He was a Filipino nationalist and writer who is now often regarded as the national hero of the Philippines. An ophthalmologist, or eye doctor, by trade, he was a key advocate for Filipino freedom from Spain. At only 35, he was executed by the Spanish government for the crime of rebellion after the breakout of the Philippine Revolution, which was partially inspired by his works.

Rizal was born in 1861 in Calamba, Philippines and was one of eleven children. He came from a wealthy family of diverse origins, with Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and indigenous Filipino heritage. Rizal initially planned to study law, but decided to study ophthalmology after learning that his mother was going blind. Without his parents’ knowledge, he traveled to Europe during his college years, where he wrote the novel Noli Me Tángere . In 1887, he returned to the Philippines, but he was targeted by the police there and returned to Europe, writing El Filibusterismo , the novel’s sequel, which was released in 1891. The next year, he returned to the Philippines again, convinced he needed to be in the country to truly effect change. Though he supported nonviolent action, he was exiled to another island in the Philippines. In 1896, Rizal was convicted of treason, despite having no ties to more violent groups, and executed on December 30. His killing created further opposition to Spanish rule in the Philippines.

Despite his short life, Rizal is one of the most famous Filipinos of all time. Early experiences witnessing his mother and Filipino priests being unfairly accused of crimes, as well as the discrimination he faced in school, convinced him of the need for change in the Philippines. Undeterred by the backlash to his politically charged books, Rizal continued to advocate for change throughout his life. His novels were highly influential in raising consciousness in the country. Andres Bonifacio, the leader of a revolutionary group in the Philippines, used Rizal’s novels as a foundation for the revolution and even shouted Rizal’s name as a battlecry. Although Rizal advocated for peaceful change, being associated with more militant groups led to his arrest and execution. Rizal’s life and work continues to have a powerful legacy. In 1956, the Filipino government passed a law requiring his novels, Noli Me Tángere and El Filibusterismo to be taught in all schools across the country.

Study Guides on Works by José Rizal

El filibusterismo josé rizal.

El Filibusterismo was the second novel written by Filipino writer and nationalist José Rizal. He published the book in 1891 as the sequel to his first novel, Noli Me Tangere or The Social Cancer. El Filibusterismo , known in English as The Reign of...

• Study Guide

Noli Me Tangere José Rizal

Noli Me Tángere , known in English as Touch Me Not (a literal translation of the Latin title) or The Social Cancer , is often considered the greatest novel of the Philippines, along with its sequel, El filibusterismo . It was originally written in...

• No category

Rizal - Biographical Essay - Rizal

Related documents

Add this document to collection(s)

You can add this document to your study collection(s)

Add this document to saved

You can add this document to your saved list

Suggest us how to improve StudyLib

(For complaints, use another form )

Input it if you want to receive answer

Jose Rizal: The First Filipino

F OR this term, I have been tasked anew to teach a course on the Life, Works and Writings of Jose Rizal. This column will serve as one of their introductory reading materials.

President Ramon Magsaysay issued Executive Order (EO) 52, series of 1954 on Aug. 10, 1954, creating the Jose Rizal National Centennial Commission (JRNCC) to, among other duties and functions, "edit and publish all the works of Jose Rizal and such works of others about him as are considered necessary in the proper understanding of the meaning of his life and labors."

On June 14, 1956, Republic Act 1427 was enacted into law, appropriating P2 million — a sizable sum in those days — to carry out the objectives set forth in EO 52. Two months before he met his untimely death, Magsaysay issued EO 226 on Jan. 2, 1957, creating a national committee tasked to raise funds in relation to the planned celebration of Rizal's birth centenary in 1961. Noteworthy in EO 226 was a provision for the sponsorship of a national contest "to select a popular but simple biography of Rizal in English and National Language, and the translation thereof into other major dialects (sic) of the Philippines."

"The First Filipino" is the prize-winning biography of Jose Rizal written by journalist and diplomat Leon Ma. Guerrero in the contest sponsored by the JRNCC in 1961. National Artist for Historical Literature Carlos Quirino judged Guerrero's work to be "undoubtedly the best biography of the national hero of the Philippines."

Guerrero considered Rizal the main architect of the Filipino nation-building project during the 19th century. Essential to this nation-building project is the forging of a sense of national consciousness and identity, independent of colonial consciousness and identity, themselves the foundation of the revolutionary and independence movements of the same period.

Scholars agree that this authentic national consciousness and identity, as well as the reform/propaganda/revolutionary/independence movement, all drew strength from the revisionist history and historiography initiated by Rizal and other Filipino expatriates during the late 19th century in Europe.

The great historian Zeus Salazar, in particular, explains that this revisionist history/historiography sought to counteract the dominant bipartite Spanish colonial history/historiography depicting Philippine pre-colonial history in a negative light ("dilim") and the colonial era in the most positive ("liwanag") sense.

To wit, the Spaniards claim that Filipinos were uncivilized prior to the arrival of Catholicism and Spanish colonialism in the 16th century. Moreover, civilization enveloped the Philippines only after Filipinos embraced Catholicism and subjected themselves to Spanish colonial rule.

The tripartite revisionist history/historiography portrayed the pre-colonial era positively ("liwanag") and the colonial era negatively ("dilim"), with projections for the post-colonial future also in optimistic ("liwanag") terms. This kind of revisionist history/historiography is particularly evident in Rizal's influential essay, "Filipinas dentro de cien años" (The Philippines A Century Hence).

In "Filipinas dentro de cien años," Rizal combined the findings of Antonio de Morga's seminal work Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas proving the existence of a flourishing civilization in the archipelago before the advent of Spanish colonization and the subsequent moral decay — the social cancer — of the Philippines under colonial rule presented in "Noli Me Tangere" to arrive at the revisionist tripartite history of the country.

Historian and diplomat Prof. Ferdinand Philip Victoria — now based in Jakarta, Indonesia — explains how Rizal is considered the "first Filipino" nowadays in a different sense. Rizal is held as the foremost Filipino by the country in its interactions with the outside world. Victoria emphasizes that Rizal is often viewed as the primary connection the country has with the rest of Asia through his advocacy of Pan-Malayanism (with archipelagic Southeast Asia) and Pan-Asianism. Our national hero continues to be an important figure among nationalists in Indonesia, in particular, where "Rizal" is a fairly common Indonesian name until now.

In the West, on the other hand, Rizal is viewed as the country's most important link to the literary, intellectual and political/nationalistic traditions of 19th century Europe. Historian Benedict Anderson's highly influential book, "Imagined Communities," uses Rizal's novel "Noli Me Tangere" as evidence of the intimate connection between the manifestation of nationalism as "imagined communities" and the rise of "print capitalism" in the 19th century.

For most Filipinos projecting the country to the rest of the world, and for the rest of the world seeking to understand the Philippines, Rizal serves as an important link both ways: Rizal represents the very best of the Filipinos. Rizal highlights the intrepidity, intellect, labor and ambition of the Filipinos on the global stage. He is an image that the Philippines is proud of and seeks to emulate, particularly for the large number of expatriate Filipinos seeking to carve space for themselves overseas.

Thus, it is unsurprising that Rizal's memory is utilized by expatriate Filipinos every opportunity they can get, and not only during Rizal Day celebrations.

Rizal represents the brightness of our history and our ambitions for the future.

Home / Essay Samples / Life / Biography / Explanation of Why Jose Rizal is Our National Hero

Explanation of Why Jose Rizal is Our National Hero

• Category: Life
• Topic: Biography , Influential Person , Leader

Pages: 2 (863 words)

Views: 2582

• Downloads: -->

--> ⚠️ Remember: This essay was written and uploaded by an--> click here.

Found a great essay sample but want a unique one?

are ready to help you with your essay

You won’t be charged yet!

Humanity Essays

Adversity Essays

Hope Essays

Empathy Essays

Inspiration Essays

Related Essays

We are glad that you like it, but you cannot copy from our website. Just insert your email and this sample will be sent to you.

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service  and  Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Your essay sample has been sent.

In fact, there is a way to get an original essay! Turn to our writers and order a plagiarism-free paper.

samplius.com uses cookies to offer you the best service possible.By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .--> -->