Reminiscing Rizal Subject During My College Days

I am a simple senior college student way back year 2002. In our syllabus one of our subject is about  " THE LIFE & WORKS OF RIZAL".

If you are Filipino ofcourse you should know Rizal. He is our National Hero.

My course is BS Hotel and Restaurant Management, why in the world includes Rizal's life in our syllbus as minor subject?

Before, I don't know the significance of this subject. But, by reading several books and watching movies about his life, I get to know him better.

What I want to share with you some funny and worry situation during this semester.

Some of my classmate seems not interested in this subject.

I saw them set on the chair just to have attendance, but their presence is not there. 

The good thing that makes us focus is that we have a terror teacher.

You won't believe that some of my classmate repeat this subject twice or thrice.

During our long quiz, questions like how many girls Rizal courted?  

Who is his first girlfriend? How many language he can speak? Schools he attended, his first teacher?

Semi Finals is more headache some questions are:

 lists down the names of Rizal's fiancee or girlfriend and indicated which country he met those girls.

Anyway, this subject is not about Rizal's being a womanizer.

Because these are  just some of the funny questions I remember during our quiz.

During those time, google is not available.

We only depend on books in the library.

But now I got an information from www.joserizal.ph site.

This is similar to the books that i've read 14 years ago.

It's about many sided personality of our hero.

Actor

Rizal acted as a character in one of Juan Luna’s paintings and acted in school dramas.

Agriculturist

Rizal had farms in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte (1892-1896) where he planted lanzones, coconuts and other fruit-bearing trees.

Ambassador Of Good Will

His friendliness, goodwill and cultural associations with friends entitled him as one.

Animal Lover

As a small boy, Rizal loved animals including birds, fish, insects, and other specimens of animal life. Fowls, rabbits, dogs, horses, and cats constituted his favorites. As much as possible, he did not wish fowls to be killed even for food, and showed displeasure in being asked to eat the cooked animal. The family garden in Calamba abounded with insects galore and birds native to the Calamba environs. He wrote about and sketched animals of the places he had toured.

Anthropologist

He made researches on the physical and social make up of man.

Archeologist

Rizal studied monuments and antique currency everywhere he went. He drew most of the monuments he saw.

Ascetic

Rizal always practiced self-discipline wherever he went.

Book lover

He had a big library and brought many books abroad.

Botanist

Rizal maintained a garden in Dapitan where he planted and experimented on plants of all kinds

Businessman

He had a partner in Dapitan in the Abaca business there (1892-1896).

Cartographer

He drew maps of Dapitan, The Philippines and other places he visited.

Chess Player

He played chess and bear several Germans and European friends and acquaintances.

Citizen of the world

His extensive travels and multitude of friends in Europe, Middle East and Asia made him one.

Commentator

Rizal always expresses and published his personal opinion.

Conchologist

He had a good shell collection in Dapitan. An American conchologist praised him.

Educator

Rizal taught in his special school in Dapitan.

Ethnologist

In his travels, Rizal was able to compare different races and he noted the differences.

Father of community school

He proposed college in Hong Kong and his special school in Dapitan made him a father of community schools.

Fencer

He fenced with Europeans and Juan Luna and other friends in Europe.

Freemason abroad

He was member of La Solidaridad Lodge in Spain.

Horticulture and farmer

He experimented on and cultivated plants in Dapitan.

Historian

His annotation of Antonio de Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas entitled him as one.

Humorist

There are many humorous incidents in the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

Ichthyologist

He collected 38 new varieties of fish in Dapitan.

Japanophile

His admiration of Japanese traits and his knowledge of her language proved he was one.

Journalist

He authored the published many articles in Spanish and English and London.

Laboratory worker

He was employed in the clinic of Dr. L. Wecker in Paris.

Linguist

He spoke over 20 foreign languages.

Lover of truth

He chided Spanish writers for not writing the truth about the Filipinos. He was always truthful since boyhood.

Musicians

He played the flute and composed pieces of music and cultivated music appreciation.

Mythologist

Rizal used mythology in his Noli and Fili.

Nationalist

He gave full expression of the native spirit strengthened by world civilization and loved and defended everything Filipino.

Newspaperman

He wrote and published articles in many publications and was one of the organizers of the La Solidaridad.

Ophthalmologist

He graduated in an ophthalmologic college in Spain.

Orientalist

Rizal admired the special characteristic and beauties of Oriental countries peoples.

Pharmacologist

Rizal treasured and popularized the usefulness and preparation of cures for treatment of his patients.

Philologist

Rizal loved of learning and literature is unequalled.

Philosopher

Rizal not only loved wisdom but also regulated his life and enjoyed calmness of the life at all time

Physical culturist

Rizal maintained a good health by exercising all parts of his body and eating proper foods

Physicians

He treated several patients afflicted not only with eye diseases.

Plant lover

As a child, Rizal spend most of his time in the family garden which was planted with fruit trees,

Shrubs and decorative trees. His diaries contained detailed description and sketches of plants, flowers and fruits he saw in the places he visited. He wrote poems on flower he like very much as his poems To the Flowers of Heidelberg.

Poet

Rizal wrote over 35 poems including his famous Ultimo Adios.

Politician

Although Rizal did not engage in Politics, he exposed the evils of the political activities of the Spaniards in the Philippines through his writing.

Polyglot

Rizal spoke and wrote in 20 languages.

Proofreader

In Germany, He worked as a part-time proofreader of his livelihood.

Propagandist

As a reformer, Rizal encourages the recommendation of improving the government entities and discourage abuses publishing articles.

Public relation man

He worked for better cooperation of rulers and subjects in his country.

Reformer

He published the modern methods of government administration, so changes could be made.

Researcher

Being a wide reader, he compared the old and new practices in life.

Revolutionist

Rizal encouraged reforms, discouraged old, impractical usage, and desired new and useful laws to benefit his countrymen. He desired changes for the better.

Rhetorician

Rizal has always practiced the art of persuasive and impressive speaking and writing.

Rural reconstruction worker

He practiced rural reconstruction work in Dapitan in 1894 and succeeded.

Sanitary engineer

His construction of a water system in Dapitan exemplified this practice by Rizal.

Scientist

Rizal’s practice of many sciences here and abroad made him noted scientist.

Sculptor

His works of his father and of Father Guerrico, S. J. typified his sculptural ability.

Sharp shooter

He could hit a target 20 meters away.

Sinologist

Rizal’s ancestry and his ability to speak Chinese made him one.

Sociologist

In Rizal’s study of Philippines social problems, he always encouraged and introduced solutions.

Sodalist

He always joined fraternities, associations and brotherhood, for self-improvement.

Sportsman

He engaged from a surveying class at the Ateneo after passing his A. B. there.

Tourist

He was considered the foremost tourist due to his extensive travels.

Traveler

He traveled around the world three times.

Tuberculosis expert

For having cured himself of this disease, he became and was recognized as an expert.

Youth leader

He considered the youth as "the hope of his Fatherland."

Zoologist

He was fond of pets. He researched later on their physiology, classification and habits.

  

As I said I read several biography of José Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda, written by different author.

I also bought his popular fiction novel sequel books entitled " NOLI ME TANGERE! (TOUCH ME NOT!)"

and "EL FILIBUSTERISMO (THE PRODIGAL)".

This is one of the situation in our room while waiting for our instructor.

One of my classmate approached me and asks if I have an assignment and If I already read the chapters for our long quiz.

Ofcourse! I proudly said. Then he respond... I also read biography of Rizal, I did not find anything there if he was CIRCUMCISE.

What? I'm sorry? Why you want to know, Is it necessary to include that in his biography?

  While we continue talking my classmate at the back is tapping my shoulder and asks, girl, is it true that Rizal is not been circumcised?

I ignored him, and go back to the guy who talk non-sense. Okay, what exactly is your point?

He said, do you read  bible? Ofcourse, I'm a pastor's kid, I read bible daily. 

Do you know Jesus'  biography? I said,  yes in Matthew and in Luke in the new testament. Why?

Okay my point here is that in in Jesus' biography in Luke 2:21 After eight days had passed, the infant was circumcised and named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

You see, in Jesus' biography everything is mention His birth, ministry, death and ofcourse CIRCUMCISION.

So, in my opinion Rizal is not been circumcise, because is not mention in any of his books.

Then everyone in our room laughs. Now I got his point.

Then, the instructor arrived. Okay class, what is this noise?

I can't believe that this guy has the courage to ask the same question to our instructor.

The only answer she gave is that, it never mention in any books. And don't mind if this is not mention.

I'm here to distribute the result of your semi-finals.

Since Most of the students got 2 and 3 grades during the semi-finals, she gave us a challenge.

A challenge to memorize the last poem written by Rizal before he died.

It was entitled "My Last Farewell" a 14 stanzas poem with 5 lines per stanza.

Not just that, we should memorize Spanish Version " Mi Ultimo Adios" not the english version.

If we do so, we will be exempted to final written exam.

Those who can memorize will surely get a above 1.75 grades. She gave us 3 weeks to memorize.

Imagine, she not our only subject, we have research papers. But anyway is our choice memorize.

We have a 1 week out of town field trip. Mosts of us brings the copy of that poem while on tour.

Every student you will hear memorizing inside our dorm.

After our field trip, we went to my classmates house to do our research paper.

Her uncle saw us memorizing what's written on the paper while we  are waiting for other group. 

He proudly said, I also memorize that poem wayback in my college days in the University of the Philippines. 

My classmate respond, uncle what version did you memorize? He said, English, My Last Farewell. 

Oh I see. Ours is Spanish version, my classmate replied. 

Oh, you have a terror teacher. I will guess only 10% of the student from your class could memorize that poem.

The time has come for our oral exam as they said.

We are called alphabetically. I'm second on the lists of names.

My firsts classmate who stand on the front is very confident and yes She did it!

Now it's my turn. Please Read the poem below. A poem that melts my heart and give insight how Rizal and other martyrs sacrifice thier lives for freedom of the future generation.

Mi último adiós

¡Adiós, Patria adorada, región del sol querida,

Perla del mar de oriente, nuestro perdido Edén!

A darte voy alegre la triste mustia vida,

Y fuera más brillante, más fresca, más florida,

También por ti la diera, la diera por tu bien.

En campos de batalla, luchando con delirio,

Otros te dan sus vidas sin dudas, sin pesar;

El sitio nada importa, ciprés, laurel o lirio,

Cadalso o campo abierto, combate o cruel martirio,

Lo mismo es si lo piden la patria y el hogar.

Yo muero cuando veo que el cielo se colora

Y al fin anuncia el día tras lóbrego capuz;

si grana necesitas para teñir tu aurora,

Vierte la sangre mía, derrámala en buen hora

Y dórela un reflejo de su naciente luz.

Mis sueños cuando apenas muchacho adolescente,

Mis sueños cuando joven ya lleno de vigor,

Fueron el verte un día, joya del mar de oriente,

Secos los negros ojos, alta la tersa frente,

Sin ceño, sin arrugas, sin manchas de rubor

Ensueño de mi vida, mi ardiente vivo anhelo,

¡Salud te grita el alma que pronto va a partir!

¡Salud! Ah, que es hermoso caer por darte vuelo,

Morir por darte vida, morir bajo tu cielo,

Y en tu encantada tierra la eternidad dormir.

Si sobre mi sepulcro vieres brotar un día

Entre la espesa yerba sencilla, humilde flor,

Acércala a tus labios y besa al alma mía,

Y sienta yo en mi frente bajo la tumba fría,

De tu ternura el soplo, de tu hálito el calor.

Deja a la luna verme con luz tranquila y suave,

Deja que el alba envíe su resplandor fugaz,

Deja gemir al viento con su murmullo grave,

Y si desciende y posa sobre mi cruz un ave,

Deja que el ave entone su cántico de paz.

Deja que el sol, ardiendo, las lluvias evapore

Y al cielo tornen puras, con mi clamor en pos;

Deja que un ser amigo mi fin temprano llore

Y en las serenas tardes cuando por mí alguien ore,

¡Ora también, oh Patria, por mi descanso a Dios!

Ora por todos cuantos murieron sin ventura,

Por cuantos padecieron tormentos sin igual,

Por nuestras pobres madres que gimen su amargura;

Por huérfanos y viudas, por presos en tortura

Y ora por ti que veas tu redención final.

Y cuando en noche oscura se envuelva el cementerio

Y solos sólo muertos queden velando allí,

No turbes su reposo, no turbes el misterio,

Tal vez acordes oigas de cítara o salterio,

Soy yo, querida Patria, yo que te canto a ti.

Y cuando ya mi tumba de todos olvidada

No tenga cruz ni piedra que marquen su lugar,

Deja que la are el hombre, la esparza con la azada,

Y mis cenizas, antes que vuelvan a la nada,

El polvo de tu alfombra que vayan a formar.

Entonces nada importa me pongas en olvido.

Tu atmósfera, tu espacio, tus valles cruzaré.

Vibrante y limpia nota seré para tu oído,

Aroma, luz, colores, rumor, canto, gemido,

Constante repitiendo la esencia de mi fe.

Mi patria idolatrada, dolor de mis dolores,

Querida Filipinas, oye el postrer adiós.

Ahí te dejo todo, mis padres, mis amores.

Voy donde no hay esclavos, verdugos ni opresores,

Donde la fe no mata, donde el que reina es Dios.

Adiós, padres y hermanos, trozos del alma mía,

Amigos de la infancia en el perdido hogar,

Dad gracias que descanso del fatigoso día;

Adiós, dulce extranjera, mi amiga, mi alegría,

Adiós, queridos seres, morir es descansar.

José Rizal, 1896

(Modern English translation by Edwin Agustín Lozada) source : Carayanpress.com

And Yes. I did it! no more worries. And yes, only 10% of the student choose to recite the poem. 

The following day is a wriiten exam for those who don't recite.

 I saw the face of our classmates, they look so worried.

When I asks them, they said that 50% of written exam is to write the whole poem of Rizal's  "Mi Ultimo Adios" at the back of test paper.

Our instructor is a terror indeed!  

But wait! AsI reminisce those days, I realized today that in life there is no short cut.

The 90% choose the  easy way, not to memorize and recite. But at the end it's more than hard that they could imagine.

The 10% choose the hard way at first, but at the end it's the right decision to make.

Oh! by the way I got high score on my final grade as promised. Thanks to my teacher. I will not see her again.

By the way, the guy who asks about Rizal's circumcision is already died by cardiac arrests before his wedding 7 years ago.

And the guy on tapped my shoulder, until now he's the only guy I can't forget not because he is cute, but  because of his curiosity to know the answer to Rizal's undocumented issue.

BOOKS OF RIZAL