ALUMBRA

“He who died wholehearted- “For the longest time, praxis and ly for the country, will be re- history of different social move- membered by the nation in ments taught us that when the spirit and history, in written class consciousness of the peo- memories, and in mementos ple reaches its peak, a certain of liberties.” -San Pascual, E. maturity-- then, the people will a “Rizal is not just a national have a resolute commitment to hero. He is also a person, a trample the current exploitative person that is not far from system.” -Perez, L. various people now like “History gives us foresight. us. Let us not only Studying it will give us a glimpse understand Rizal but also of what might happen in the ourselves and the Rizal with- near future.What happened in in us.” -Aberin, J. the past is connected to present “We should not stop caring and future. The past should be for the country, even if every- the cornerstone of a better and one is doing otherwise, even brighter tomorrow.” -Bautista, T. if they think it is not right. Be “The best this nation could do is blinded by the society who not wait for someone like Rizal sees bravery as act of trea- to rise from the ranks but to son.” -Perez, G. imitate some of what Rizal have “Even in the brink of death, his done and avoid doing the same love for the country did not mistakes he made.” -Catindig, C. falter, but instead it created a “It is in the initiative to make a spark that continues to light up change that makes a difference Philippines’ past, present, and in the society. Mere words are future.” -Ventanilla, T. unimportant if not accompanied by actions.” -Dealca, P. LIBERTAD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF WRITERS Ellainemor San Pascual Marc Teomar Bautista creators of Alumbra, a magazine Gee Christine Perez in partial fulfillment of Philippine GRAPHICS AND LAY-OUT ARTIST Tamara Ventanilla Institutions (PI 100) class. Janine Aberin Leah Perez Patricia Dealca 2 Christine Grace Catindig

We see the light Of all the years we have buried our caught up with the way life is changing. today are those belonging on the so- faces on books that directs us to Chances are we do not appreciate life called “Generation of Self-entitlement” history, do we actually under- anymore. Our group “Libertad” aims to meaning, the older generations are very stand it or we now trapped in the trance free us from labyrinth that is brought by much aware of how we value freedom of of high grades and memorization? An- change, to light up , otherwise called as speech to the extent of voicing out even other question, does the darkness that “Alumbra”, the road to understanding the most irrelevant opinions of all times, blinds us will disappear soon? Rizal, which is the title of our magazine. which of course, is really saddening but Now, as we reside on the 21st century, it In here we set forth various understand- here we are, the “Libertad” proving oth- is no wonder that every thing is getting ing of our dear National Hero, through erwise. We can still be the youth that faster, accessible and far more efficient the alumbra of knowledge and deep Rizal envisioned. than ever. What used to be heavy books analysis of his life and his works written Furthermore, the goal of this magazine can now be transported on tablets or in different contexts. is to instill and help in the manifestation phones, what used to be snail mails It is no denying that Dr. Jose Rizal, our of the importance of Rizal in today’s are now e-mails, you see, every thing is National hero, seemed to be reduced context, no matter how many will claim changing and so are we, our thoughts, on mere representations made for him. that “past is past”, “move on” and all. It our actions, our views about life that we Even though the law ensured that he does not remove the fact that the his- then fail see to other things. What about should be studied, it does not actually tory will always have an effect on the history? What about the things that give justice to Rizal as a whole. This is present day. Social imagination says so ought to be acknowledge? the manifestation of a society darkened that to understand the present and the Moreover, the thing that is scary about by the world of modern age and era. future, we must have a background, a modernity is that we do not ponder Therefore, this magazine will consist of history check on the societies involved anymore on life in general. We get articles that will serve as sun rays, sun in order to improve and comprehend the rays that will give warmth in the form situation. of enlightenment to those who will set Humans are diverse beings, meaning, their hands and time in reading what we we change, we are capable of change. have compiled. With that said, this magazine will pave Many have said that the generation of way in giving light, giving off sunrays on the pathway to enlightenment in the hope that the darkness that is clouding our appreciation will disappear and per- haps ignite the change that is needed in the country. 3

“Ikaw na kasi magaling!” Education is the most powerful weap- fervently, so full of passion that I realized In the end, when both sides are heard, one on which you can use to change the how much I lack love for the Education of- will see that people are pointing fingers world.” fered to me. He even started his poem with and claiming ignorance that they think -Nelson Mandela these lines: others possess. With all the quotations written about The vital breath of prudent Education Why do we do that? What do we want to education, I specifically chose this one Instills a virtue of enchanting power, achieve with that statement? Does this because with it, I always remember my She lifts the motherland to highest station mean that we are bit by bit losing love to- parents saying, “Pahalagahan mo yung And endless dazzling glories on her show- wards education? What will now happen? I pag-aaral mo, ‘yan lang ang paimamana er. guess, the often take for granted gift given naming sa inyo ng kapatid mo.” Cliché as it What is usually confronted to us is the to us was described by Rizal as may sound due to the constant reiteration fact that we “smart-shame” people. We So education without a stint or measure of this to us, the youth, I think, we often see them negatively, throw stones at them gives neglect its truest sense. thinking that they only want to get high Security and peace to lands in which she Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s poem entitled, “Through grades so they always recite and all, think- lives. Education our Motherland receives light”, ing too that they want to be the center of According to one article in GMA news tv which he wrote when he was only 15 everything. Our sight gets blurry with the written by Julia Jasmine Madrazo-Sta. Ro- years old, sparked my interest most upon thought of “glory” and see it as a burden mana, this culture of us, is also seen on the searching for his works. You see, I belong rather than a reward, an everlasting re- movies produced in the country. Looking in the generation often people call as the ward that would greatly benefit the bet- back, one would realize that the nerdy one “Generation of Self-entitlement”, meaning terment of our fellowmen. The worst result is always bullied or ignored, the “dumb” everyone has an opinion of their own. This of which is we become “anti-intellectuals”. and funny one is the one who’s always is even evident in the advent of Social Me- Why is that? Why do we fear Education so appreciated. dia and the fast sharing of information, be much that we get nauseated, perhaps in a Nevertheless, according to Sta. it true or not, on the internet. With these, lighter word, annoyed, even with just the Romana, this could be ex- tons of comments and posts are seen, thought of it? plained through Virgilio Gas- videos become viral, and in one instant, a To give a short background, “Anti-intel- par Enriquez’ “Sikolohiyang seemingly normal person could be made lectualism” was explained well by Isaac Pilipino”. It was said that into a star the next day. Asimov on 1980 when he said, “There is the reason for such be- What concerns me the most is that, we, a cult of ignorance in the United States, havior is that, the “pa- Filipinos, have the tendency to believe and there has always been. The strain of what is readily available to us, without anti-intellectualism has been a constant deeper analysis and the such. Moreover, thread winding its way whenever, someone tries to correct them, through our political and what happens is that, they call you names cultural life, nurtured by the like, “Pabibo!”, “Pa-star”, or tell you phras- false notion that democracy es such as, “Ikaw na! Ikaw na magaling!”, means that my ignorance is just “Edi wow!”, “Pauso ka naman!”. What does as good as your knowledge.” this mean? We, more often than not, close This could be observed especially in our minds to what could be the start of Social Media, a post perhaps with change. It’s as if we are so afraid of love the hope of enlightening anyone for education, growth and intelligence that who could read it, would either when someone shows these, we have the get tons of like sign, or comments tendency to act hostile towards them. of annoyance saying, “Ang da- This is all contrary to Rizal’s perception mi-dami mong alam!!”. “Ikaw na! Ikaw of Education, wherein, he described it so na talaga!”, “Woo ‘te, nosebleed ako!” 4

ELLAINEMOR SAN PASCUAL kikisama” is so engraved in our culture, whole. I, myself, often get blinded by the back then, this perhaps is the reason why meaning that we always go for what is loads of assignments and papers that I Rizal, wholeheartedly embraced educa- common, what is chosen by the majority. have to finish until I end up ranting about tion because only a number of them get The “common” that is meant here are what how much I want to graduate already, how the opportunity to have one. we consider as those belonging on lower much my professors are being inconsider- Realizations of which include that to us, middle class and below. “We don’t have a ate, how much my groupmates are being people who are the so-called “privileged” culture of anti-intellectualism because we rude to everyone, how much Math does should be the step towards letting Educa- value ignorance; what we value is our ca- not make sense in the real life. Sometimes, tion finally become a Right, not only by maraderie with the common Filipino.”, Ro- or most of the time, school and education paper but also by virtue, by action and by mana even added. is just too much to bear but then I will real- nation. Since, as of now, we are currently And it’s as if no matter how much adorn- ize, what will happen to me, to my fellow- caged in the thought of consumerism and ment Rizal gives to it, the things he men- men, to my country if there’s no education capitalism, more so, of technology, where tioned as Security and Peace, are contrary that would light our way, just as what Rizal we do not make the most of the education to how we view intellect is. described it to be. presented to us, we must learn to appreci- I am starting to feel that we are getting too To living minds the joy of virtuous ways ate what Education brings forth to society. carried away with the fast pacing world of She offers our dear motherland the light Where education reigns on lofty seat technology, that tendencies are, we do not That leads us to immortal glory’s height Youth blossoms forth with vigor and agility stop and reflect about life anymore, about From out his lips the watercrystal pure, These realizations of mine originated from how much we are learning. I realize that Of perfect virtue shall not cease to go. the words of Rizal, how a fifteen-year old we should do away from “Basta pasado, With careful doctrines of his faith made gave so much importance to the Education okay na!” just so we could finish doing it sure, that a nineteen-year old often ignore. At The powers of evil he will overthrow, first, I thought it was just some poem full already. Like feaming waves that never long endure, of flowering words but after reading it for I know this, I am no stranger to But perish on the shore at every blow, a lot of time, his words struck me hard. Ed- procrastination, cramming And from his good example other men ucation truly is not merely enclosed inside and cursing life as a shall learn the four corners of the classrooms, nor the Their upward steps toward the heavenly four sides of our books, its effects are a lot greater than what we see. As someone paths to turn. belonging in the Youth sector, we should Education is something that is de- serve as a stepping stone of what Rizal prived of us, Filipinos, ever since wrote as full of vigor and agility through the beginning of time. Back the lights given by education. Not those then, only few women get who close their windows in the morning a chance to enter college. when the light of the sun come shining in. Now, only few get a I do fear the day that education will no chance to enter col- longer be treasured, that it will just be an- lege, worst case sce- other word in the dictionary, but I still have nario, is that they can’t faith in the youth. I believe that we will be even go to school in the heroes in our own ways. first place even though it The barbarous nations She knows how to is mandated in the Laws tame, that it is every right of Fili- From savages create heroic fame pino to have the education they deserve. Education should not be a privilege. However, due to the situation 5

When Religion GEE PEREZ PATRICIA DEALCA meets Nationalism The Philippines being largely com- some are found abroad. ma will read out messages written in the posed of a Christian population is fa- Espiritual Pilipino Catholic Church letters of the sect’s founder. The symbolic miliar to the cross, saints, rosary, the The Espiritual Pilipino Catholic Church was leadership of a Suprema as in Ciudad Mis- Bible, and Jesus Christ as the articles and founded by Wencislao P. Santoto, together tica expresses this religious belief of some persona used when talking about religion. with six other people in 1952. Members of sort of equality in gender among deities On the other hand, Jose Rizal, the Philip- this group, like the other Rizalist sects, can or gods. pine flag, the Noli Me Tangere and El Fili- be found in the different municipalities at . busterismo are those names which usually the foot of Mount Banahaw. This particu- Watawat ng Lahi rise when nationalism becomes the topic lar sect believes that Jose Rizal and Jesus Iglesia ng Watawat ng Lahi, according of the conversation. What happens then if Christ is the same person because of the to reports, is considered as the original those “nationalist artifacts” were regarded parallelisms of their lives, and characteris- Rizalista group. Among the dates this sect by some groups as their own “religious tics. considers as the holiest were the birth date articles” -- what happens when religion Its members believe that Rizal’s poem Mi of Jose Rizal, and his death anniversary meets nationalism? Ultimo Adios or Huling Paalam is a sign on December 30. During these days, the A divine being and a deity – this is how and a reminder of Rizal’s second coming. members of this group conduct a gransd the Rizalistas view Jose Rizal, the national It chooses its leader according to the sac- parade and an offertory of flowers, flags hero of the Philippines. There are different rifices, problems and trials in life that a and other small treats. religious movements that worship Rizal. person has encountered. Aside from the Bible, Iglesia ng Watawat These movements have varying beliefs re- Ciudad Mistica De Dios ng Lahi also has the “Sugong Kayumang- garding Rizal’s divinity such as Rizal being Another sect that belongs to the Rizalist gi”, which the members consider as their God himself, him being the second son of religion is Suprema de la Iglesia del Ciudad second most important tome. Rizal’s fa- God, the god of the pre- Spanish Malay Mistica de Dios, Inc. also commonly called mous novels Noli Me Tangere and El Fil- religion, and some see him as a spiritual as Ciudad Mistica De Dios. A great num- ibusterismo were also regarded by some guide. The Rizalists believe that Rizal is the ber Membership of this group came from elders as counterparts of the Bible. key to their salvation. Santa Lucia, a barrio in the municipality Iglesia Sagrada Familia Rizal is even dubbed as “Kristong Kayu- of Dolores, Quezon province. Members of A cult found in Sitio Rongot in Calamba, manggi” or the “Brown Christ.” this sect believe that Rizal’s life and death Iglesa Sagrada Familia believes that on the The Rizalistas though unified in their faith mirrors those of Christ’s. judgment day, their God, Rizal will build in Jose Rizal are divided into different sects Ciudad Mistica de Dios is commonly led his kingdom in Rongot which is said to be whose beliefs on the relationship of Christ by women as it was founded by a woman the most poverty-stricken barrio in Calam- and Rizal varies. These sects have different named Maria Bernarda Balitaan. Several ba. Rongot will be the New Jerusalem. founders, are founded on different dates times a day, as early as five in the morning, Iglesia Sagrada Familia is lead by Gloria Bi- by different people, and are scattered in the members of Ciudad Mistica de Dios bat whom the followers call Nanay Gloria. different parts of the Philippines. Some offer prayers and conduct ceremonies. The cult is made up of 100 members which sects are found mainly in Calamba, Lagu- Saturday is their equivalent of Sabbath, is mostly composed of older women. One na, the “promised land”, and at the foot during which their leader called the Supre- of their distinct characteristics is that they of Mt. Banahaw in Quezon Province and are dressed in white matched with their long hair. They believe in the concept of Though divided by varying views, they all Trinity: Apo Asyong, Amang Rizal, and Inang Adarna. The cult claims that these “believe that the salvation of mankind three are all Rizal and Apo Asyong or Se- nor Don Ignacio Coronado, is the real Rizal. 6 depends on their God, Rizal. Born on February 2, 1890, Apo Asyong as- serts that the one shot in Luneta is fake. Apo Asyong died last December 21, 1957. Iglesia Sagrada Familia is founded by Dan- ny Bibat, Nanay Gloria’s older brother. Danny has just gotten back from the war and when he settled in Tatalon Quezon City, an old woman came to him and told him to meet up with Apo Asyong. Danny

was convinced to migrate in Rongot with Filipino society run in matriarchy. In addi- U for Omega and A for Alpha. his family and started Iglesia Sagrada Fa- tion to that, these priestesses cannot en- The Bathalang AEIOU, which is represent- milia. Danny died in 1972 and Nanay Gloria gage in any sexual relations nor marriage. ed by the sun, is the isip (mind). took over in leading the cult. Universal One Faith House of Prayer for All On the other hand, the Bathalang IEOUA is The members kneel throughout their rit- Nations and Humanity, Inc. the bibig (mouth). uals chanting and praying with pictures, Universal One Faith House of Prayer for Bathalang AIE, the bird, is the ilong (nose). posters and statues of Rizal in an altar. At All Nations and Humanity, Inc was found- The other Gods are Bathalang ELOHEIN or the start of the service, they sing Lupang ed last June 26, 2007 by Artemio Espiritu the mata (eyes), Bathalang IAOUE or the Hinirang and another version with differ- Ugali. The members decided to form an- taynga (ears), and the Bathalang AUAEI or ent lyrics praising Rizal and other heroes. other sect due to difference in views and the kamay at paa (hands and feet). opinions from other existing Rizalist sects. twwwThe majority sees this as witchy or Samahan ng Tatlong Personas Solo Dios Unlike the other sects, they meet only a form of occultism, but besides spiritual Like Iglesia Sagrada Familia, Samahan ng twice a month. liberation, they also include in their duties Tatlong Personas Solo Dios (STPSD) be- The sect believes that Bathalang UA, The the caring for the environment. Like other lieves that there is only one God in three Divine Mother of Nature, and Jose Rizal religious groups and social movements, persons. It is founded by Agapito Illustre are one. Rizalists are only standing for what they and built their church in Kinabuayan, Do- There are seven Gods. These Gods are believe in. The Rizalists’ aim to liberate Fil- lores, Quezon. Its difference with Iglesia represented by combinations of vowels. ipinos from different kinds of oppression Sagrada Familia is that the group’s guiding The vowels are also equated to a human’s and attain peace and unity for the country. force is the Voice or Voices of the spirits of body parts. nature. Their goal is uniting Filipinos and UA, the heart, means God—Diyos ng Dilim achieving spiritual liberation. Unlike the at Bathala ng Liwanag. It is also the cry of former, STPSD is composed of both men an infant. The sect believes that it is pure, and women. However, only women form a language that only the infant and God the college of seven priestesses can be- understands. It is also the combination of come priests in line with the belief that the 7

There’s more to Rizal JANINE ABERIN than what meets the eye the movie about Rizal should be made, then, an issue about Josephine Bracken, We see him almost everyday; in the person he turned out to be, how he ex- and other personal attacks to Rizal. How Luneta Park, in elementary text- perienced different things in Europe, and the story was presented in the movie was books talking about things that how he had his ups and downs when it unusual, yet intriguing, creative and could represent our countries, or even during came to love. create a spark of interest to those who are our jeepney rides, whenever we look for Characters: watching it. coins to spare, or when we pass by random For me, Cesar Montano’s portrayal of Rizal streets, see monuments of him standing was excellent. Starting from the looks and The movie also discussed some of the is- strong in the middle of heat and rain. How- the attire and event the way he talked, it sues about Rizal which were usually unan- ever, do we really know who this person is? was as if Cesar Montano is Rizal himself. swered, or left untouched. It was able to Despite of our daily encounters with this The supporting characters also did an ex- give a resolution to it in a unique way (the man that we call our national hero, how cellent job as well, which made the movie characters talking to the people related to well do we really know Jose Rizal? Does more realistic as possible. Rizal and his issues, i.e. his mother, Teodo- he become more of symbol rather than a Deal breaker: ra Alonzo, his brother, Paciano and Jose- real person? Have we decreased his value Nonetheless, despite the over-all good re- phine Bracken). Also, it was good that they in mere letters, monuments and coins? marks on the movie, one aspect was really included different witty punch lines which In two different movies, Jose Rizal was alarming to watch. The movie’s portrayal they were able to relate to Rizal (i.e., the presented to us. And surprisingly, he was of Andres Bonifacio seemed unrealistic— Rizal deodorant which would prevent the portrayed to us in two different ways as he seemed childish, immature, always in a users to smell like Indios). well: one served as a lens to see who Rizal rush, and in a way, he became a “fanboy” really is, and the other served as a lens to of Rizal. To conclude, what was worse was Characters: analyze Rizal in a deeper perspective, not that the portrayal of Bonifacio in this film The two main characters, the moviemak- only as a person, but as a relevant part of did no justice to the actual Bonifacio him- ers, were able to give justice to their roles. our country’s history. self. Their view on Rizal is critical, which rep- Jose Rizal (1998) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Bayaning 3rd World resents how some people who do not Over-all: Over-all: know much about Rizal see him as a na- In our eyes, Jose Rizal has always been this “Kung kasalanang pagdudahan ang pag- tional hero. man who stood on a pedestal in Luneta kabayani ni Rizal, mukhang magkakasala Park, or the man that we see everyday in kami sa pelikulang ito.” Deal-breaker: that little coin inside our pockets. Howev- This one line from the movie is almost Over-all, the movie was good, the issues er, in this film by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Rizal enough to tell everyone what it really is presented were highly relevant to the way was portrayed as a normal human being about. This independent film by Mike de people should understand and see Rizal— living his life, just like how a normal person Guzman was all about the issues regarding it became a magnifying glass, in a way that would during his time but the catch here is our country’s national hero, mainly focus- it wanted its audience to look at the tiny that, he has this overwhelming love for his ing on the issue of the retraction of Rizal’s details of our National Hero that might country and his countrymen. views on the Catholic church. seem irrelevant but is really important in This movie laid out almost everything that The charm of this film is the unpredictabil- analyzing him, his life and his works. All we didn’t know about Rizal: how his child- ity in its story telling: you never know what of its parts went together with each other would be next. First it would be about how and all the actors and actresses gave jus- 8hood was like, how he lived his life inside tice to the characters that they portrayed. the school which helped mold him to be

Understanding Rizal in the 21st century TAMARA VENTANILLA The Philippine Institutions (PI) 100 lot from doing it. One of the lessons that of comprehending how Rizal despite years classes, despite the topic of talking they realized was that people from differ- has passed, still managed to touch the about Rizal’s life and works may ent walks of life have their own way of un- lives of his countrymen. sound cliché, are never a bore. In two derstanding Rizal, what he is and what he No matter what their reason might be classes handled by Ma’am Iday Mendigo, did for the country. from thinking that way, it does not cloud she required the students to make a short Requirements like these gave the students the fact that they all see him as a represen- documentary about Rizal in the contem- an opportunity to see how and why the tation, a representation of how Filipinos, porary period. The topic was, “Ano si Rizal citizens see the national hero in the way who only know Rizal through textbooks kung buhay siya ngayon?” and left the stu- that they do. Others might see him as a and by mouth, see him as a person and as dents to their imagination and creativity representation of independence for spark- National hero. That is the ultimate power, about their documentaries. There were six ing people’s hearts and inspiring them and at the same time, burden of the title groups in total, and one group in particular to stand up to the oppression caused by “National hero” and that is to embody the shared their experiences about making the colonization. They might also see Rizal whole citizenry in a single person, for the documentary. Kahapon, Bukas, Ngayon - only as the national hero for writing Noli current and future generations to follow. by Dukha productions showed how Rizal Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Some This could perhaps be the real reason why was the representation of every Filipino. even recognize him as a god, a deity. He Rizal was given such a prestige title for is According to Shaira Venzon, director of represents many ideas to each and every name was able to surpass the challenge of the documentary, they chose their con- mind of Filipinos. It could be seen as a way time and change. cept because as she said in an online inter- view, “Bakit kailangan mamili ng isa kung “they all see him as a representation, a pwede naman sa lahat?” Through random interviews with people about who they representation of how Filipinos, who only know think Rizal would be were he alive now, Rizal through textbooks and by mouth, see him they got to see the different perspectives of the many possibilities and understand as a person and as National hero. what it means to the people that they in- terviewed. Though they were pressed for time, having made the said requirement in four days considering all the other require- ments from other subjects, they learned a It is worth noting how Pinoy netizens have celebrated Rizal’s birthday in the past two years on twitter by reimagining what Rizal would be like as a millennial. Check these out! Millennial Rizal # 1 be like… about pain, it demands to be felt.” #RizalMeetsFaultInOurStars *updates twitter and types last words before death* 4r@y k0h Millennial Rizal # 6 be like… bh3!!!!! #JejeSiPepe Jason Derulo: Talk dirty to me Millennial Rizal # 2 be like… Jose Rizal: Erhm… In what language? *rewrites modern Noli Me Tangere* “Oh my gosh, Victorina, you can’t just ask someone why they’re indio!” #RizalMeetsMean- Do you have Rizal-themed jokes? Send them to libertadfunpage@ Girls gmail.com to have your very own Rizal jokes featured! If you have Millennial Rizal # 3 be like… cheesy Rizal pickup lines as the one below, make sure to send them *rewrites Simoun’s line* “I can buy you... your friends... and this too! bapor tabo!” #RizalMeetsAnneCurtis Manliligaw: Isa lang naman ang pinagkaiba namin ni Jose Rizal eh. Millennial Rizal # 4 be like… Babae: Ano ‘yun? After Rizal got shot: Rizal thinks to himself, “That’s the thing Manliligaw: Siya tinamaan sa likod, ako… tinamaan sa’yo. 9

The day I turned “Jose Rizal” When our professor in Culture and Speech Communica- tion (SC130) announced that our final project will be a mad house costume party, the first person that popped out of my mind that I think I can easily imitate is Dr. Jose Rizal because all I need is a coat and a moustache and little wax for my hairdo, that’s it, my transformation from Teomar to Jose Rizal. I also remember when I was in elementary and high school; my classmates were teasing me that I look like Jose Rizal, I even act- ed as Jose Rizal in our short play in school. How I wish I just don’t look like him, I wish I am also a genius like him. To act like Rizal for a day is indeed a quite tough role to internalize because we’re totally different. I’m not fond of writing poems, reading novels; I don’t do sketches and such. I’m just a typical guy who loves surf- ing the internet, playing games online, watching science fiction movies and weird YouTube clips. When internalizing the role of Rizal, I wonder if Rizal exists in our generation, will he take self- ies and photos of what he is doing or perhaps what he could be eating at the moment to keep his virtual friends updated, will he also go to clubs and parties whenever he wants to, will he post his rants about the wrongdoings of the government in his social media accounts? We never know. We will never know. If Rizal exists today, some may say that he can become the pres- ident of the Republic of the Philippines because of his brilliance, but I guess some millennials will think of him as crazy because he is too radical and adept in various academic fields. Nowadays, it is so heartbreaking and saddening that we have this concept called “smart-shaming.” The victims of smart-shaming are people who rectify other people who commit mistakes in a constructive way but those people who had done wrong will say “here we go again, yes we know you’re smart and we’re stupid blab blah blah.” They misinterpret things and don’t want to be critic constructively. Dr. Jose Rizal will surely be a victim of smart-shaming if he lives in present time. Imagine him giving lectures on Facebook and in- stead of getting applause or thumbs up, he will be getting rude comments, angry emojis instead. I have friends from other schools who are taking Rizal subject and I saw their rants on Facebook that they don’t see his relevance in 10

their course, they keep on saying that “ past is past“ , “what’s the TEOMAR BAUTISTA point of knowing the life of Rizal ,” “Okay, Rizal is well educated and we should be like him” These statements were very alarm- 11 ing because some of the youth do not appreciate and recognize Jose Rizal in the history despite the Law ensuring . They do not see the efforts of Rizal in nation building and making our country free from frailocracy, oppression and such. Because of Rizal, after 333 years, we’re no longer colonized by Spaniards and we have a sense of identity as “Filipinos” already not “Indios” or stupid, uncivilized people. After acting as Rizal for a day, there’s one thing I realized, I real- ized that in some ways, I was like Rizal because out of so many people to imitate out there, I chose to imitate a person who con- tributed in the transformation of our country. In that small point, I somehow felt that we are connected again for the reason that ,like him, I dream of change for the betterment of the country. For that I admire his works that showed unconditional love for the country. I had chosen Rizal because I took so much pride of him and he is an epitome of both a martyr and a hero—an individual who would fight in ways he can even though life is going against him already. Rizal and I are different in a lot of aspects but we have the same vision and goal for the Philippines, to make this country a better and great place to live in. He values education so much and so do I. To conclude, I am thankful to Mrs. Rina Locsin for allowing me to be Rizal even for just a day because I was able to share to my classmates the relevance of Rizal in our culture. This is to fur- ther prove that he is a national hero indeed because what we have now, the freedom to express opinions, ability to share ideas for the benefit of our society and such are the end products of Rizal’s sacrifices for our country. He took the initiative in trigger- ing the consciousness of every Filipino regarding the status quo and opened our eyes to the reality and with that I am truly forever grateful.

Sino si Jose Rizal sa iba pang Pilipino GEE PEREZ PATRICIA DEALCA “Magiting. Anak ni teodora… di ko alam ang apelyido.” Merly Lopez 51 yrs. old Cardinderia Helper “Si Rizal ang bayani natin. Magaling siya sa pakikipaglaban tapos pinagtanggol niya dati yung mga Pilipino.” Chester de Vera 32 yrs. old Tricycle driver “Hindi ba siya yung bayani? sabi ng mga teacher ko dati siya nga ‘yung bayani.” Lolita Clemente 71 yrs. old Mango vendor “Siya yung nakipaglaban sa mga Pilipino. Magaling na tao ‘yun kasi siya yung national hero.” Mateo Ventura 58 yrs. old Public Order and Safety Office- Team Leader 12

If, for majority of Pinoy netizens today, Maria Clara is the sizzling beauty of Binondo and Gregorio del Pilar is the Kilabot of Tirad Pass, Jose Rizal is definitely the jock next door of Laguna in the same degree as to how Andres Bonifacio has been christened as the famed Basagulero of Tondo while Ferdinand Marcos has been dubbed by majority of Pinoy cybercitizens as the spunky dictator of Ilocos. Hilarious as these titles may seem at first, they are not at all fictitious for each of these quirky labels, although exaggerated to a certain degree, have their own historical basis that are valid in their own way. Filipinos, being the creative and funny people that they are, have come up with various ways over the past years to reimagine Philip- pine history the best way they know how. So far, they have not only simplified historical events such as Rizal’s heroic life but they too have decided to reimagine Rizal as a contemporary man – one who’s caught up with social media hype and, quite frankly, just like any normal Juan dela Cruz in this modern era. That said, feast your eyes on some of the best jokes crafted by Filipino netizens! Game show host: Saang ‘B’ binaril si Jose Rizal? (Answer: Bagumbayan) Contestant #1: Sa BACK! Guro: Hindi po sinasagot ni Juan ng maayos yung tanong ko. Tina- Host: O sige, sige… pwede ring letter L ang simula. (Answer: tanong ko lang naman ho kung sino ang bumaril kay Rizal. Luneta) Nanay ni Juan: Ayyyyyyyyy. ‘Wag naman ganyan, ma’am. Mabait Contestant #2: I know na!!! Saaaa… LIKOD!!! ho ang anak ko. Inosente po siya. Wala po siyang kinalaman sa Host: Noooo. Para mas madali, R.P. ang initials ng modern name pagkakabaril kay Rizal. ‘Wag niyo po siyang pagbibintangan ng ng lugar na ‘to. (Answer: Rizal Park) ganyaaaan! Contestant #3: Ah! REAR PART! Sa isang klase ng Araling Panlipunan… Host: I resign. Teacher: Class, sinong nakakakilala kay Rizal? Isang araw sa eskwelehan, tinanong ng isang guro si Juan… Diego: ‘Di ko siya kilala, ma’am. Guro: Juan, sino ang bumaril kay Jose Rizal? Teacher: Kilala mo si Rizal? Juan: H-hindi ko po alam. Ana: Hindi po. Guro: Alam mo kung sino. Sino ang bumaril kay Jose Rizal? Teacher: Ikaw, Joross, kilala mo ba siya? Juan: Hindi po ako. Peksman! Joross: Nye? Try niyo ma’am sa kabilang section. Baka nandun Nagalit ang guro at pinatawag ang nanay ni Juan kinabukasan. siya. Dearest Jose Rizal, CHRISTINE CATINDIG You do not know me but I know you and I probably know you better than I know myself in a few aspects of life. This I have never bothered to question because what people claim you have done for our country far exceeds the weight of any of my contributions to our nation so it is only fair that I learn from you and not alone from the things I do and encounter as an average Filipino – one whose thoughts are common and undeserving of any monument, commemoration, and national recognition. You know, Dr. Rizal, what amazes me the most about you or, perhaps, ‘fascinates’ would be the more appropriate term, is how you have managed to reach the consciousness of every Filipino by a fairy eyelash despite you being on top of Mount Apo. Quite frankly, I have not even yet gathered the strength to climb. You probably get this a lot but you are indeed, by every definition of the word, a genius. Because of that, I would honestly consider it a privilege if my lucky stars would allow me to have you as my resident ophthalmologist should my eyes’ vision fail after reading so many of your works that, clearly, not yet in any way cover the entirety of all you have done. Unfortunately, you are no longer around anymore and the best this nation could do is not wait for someone like you to rise from the ranks but to imitate some of what you have done and avoid doing the same mistakes you have made. Nevertheless, as much as I would like to see you the way they do, I would rather fail in my attempt to see you as a person for I believe it is worth a million tries. My question, therefore, is… were you? Were you ever Juan dela Cruz or are you just his idol? If it is the latter, do you ought to remain that way? In all honesty, so much is being said about how you represent our incredible and gifted nation but little do I know about whether or not you actually approve of the praises you have received your entire life and, even more so, after your painful death. For such perceptual distortion and confusion, I do not blame you nor myself but the scholars, historians, educators, and thinkers who mean well but have so unfortunately casted restraints on your famed name. On that regard, does the coal burner in you gets intensely fueled up or do you simply shrug it all off? This I wonder. Also, you have not been around to see it but nowadays, especially the period after your death, it has been quite easy to imbibe the concept of Filipino pride in times of victory so much so that people rarely recognize these days the essence of being a Filipino that stems not just from a collective triumph but also from simple and genuine acts of bravery, integrity, and kindness by ordinary individuals - people who are different from you but should nonetheless be classified as real-life heroes as they are the ones living at this fast-paced world we now have. It’s as if being blinded by the mechanical meaning of “Hero” that is was never understood by those who have uttered it. I say this not to discount your legacy but to ask, do you sometimes feel that how people paint a picture of you somehow represses your spotless mind into a rusty bird cage – one crafted from political biases and interests? And that your imperfections, to a degree, are very much neglected 13and barely ever seen as the accurate reflections of the weaknesses of the country during your time? I wonder. Perhaps, these are some of

the drawbacks of missing out on the revolution and seeing the Philippines become an independent nation. This is the drawback of dying for one’s nation. You will never get to see the effects of your actions, the results of your thoughts, nor would you have the opportunity to explain your very being. I did not fight the battle you fought but your words and nationalistic aspirations will outlive me. That I have accepted. One thing I will never accept is one of the reasons why you became a hero. The commission responsible for your title as the Philippines’ national hero was correct in all that they did except for picking you solely because of your death that seemed dramatic at the time. I do not know if you would side with me on this but I choose to believe that you are capable of becoming a national hero even if you are still alive. For the life of me, I can- not seem to figure out why majority of Filipinos put bad faith on their fellow countrymen by thinking that if they live after being deemed a hero, they might fail on the scale Judas Iscariot, Guy Fawkes, or Benedict Arnold did. I wonder how you’d answer if I ask you this: Is to believe in one’s own nation and its people such an impossible quest for us Filipinos? To be honest, we really do need you. We need you not to die another painful death but to speak your mind in the context of our times for almost every Filipino these days seem so caught up with their own muddy interpretation of your crystal clear work that your importance and significance to today’s society rests not on what you have done anymore but mainly on people’s approach in studying your work and their understanding of who you are. This leads them into missing out on the fact that it takes more than a hero to save the Philippines. So this last question I ask… what can we do to tap into our inner Dr. Jose Rizal? ANS 1 LAGUNA 2 EIGHT 3 RIZALISTAS 4 OUTSTANDING 5 TWENTY-TWO 6 DEC 7 THREE 8 SING 9 PACO 10 EST 14 LEAH PEREZ