Module 2 Who and What MAde Rizal Our National Hero

Summary

In this educational discussion on 'GE 1213 Life and Writings of Rizal,' the lecturer delves into the reasons behind Rizal's status as the Philippines' foremost national hero. The session explores Esteban Ocampo's article, examining three definitions of a hero from Webster's dictionary to assess Rizal's qualifications. It also addresses the lack of an official proclamation naming Rizal as the national hero, highlighting the collective recognition by Rizal himself, the Filipino people, and foreigners. The lecture concludes by emphasizing Rizal's omnipresence in Philippine culture, symbolizing the common people and serving as a constant reminder of his heroic legacy.

Takeaways

• 📘 The lecture is about discussing the life and writings of Rizal, focusing on what and who made him the foremost national hero of the Philippines.
• 🎓 The students are expected to have read the assigned material and be familiar with the topic before the lecture.
• 📽 A video clip is shown where Filipinos were asked basic questions about Rizal, revealing a lack of knowledge among many about their national hero.
• 😔 The inability of some Filipinos to answer basic questions about Rizal is highlighted as a concern and a reason for the importance of this course.
• 📚 The lecture will delve into the article by Esteban Ocampo to understand the definitions and reasons behind Rizal's status as a national hero.
• 🔍 The students are encouraged to learn and be able to answer questions about Rizal confidently by the end of the course.
• 🏆 Rizal is considered a national hero based on three definitions from Webster's New International Dictionary, which he fulfills through his actions and contributions.
• 🌟 Rizal's prominence in history, his willingness to face danger and suffering for the Filipino people, and his enduring legacy are the reasons for his hero status.
• 🤔 There is no official law or proclamation declaring Rizal as the national hero; it is a collective recognition by the people and influenced by various groups.
• 👥 Rizal himself, the Filipino people, and foreigners have collectively contributed to his recognition as the national hero.
• 🗿 Rizal's presence is ubiquitous in Philippine culture, from monuments to currency, symbolizing his importance and the respect he commands.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the discussion in the transcript?

The main topic of the discussion is the exploration of who and what made Rizal the foremost national hero of the Philippines.

What is the purpose of the video clip shown in the class?

The video clip is shown to assess whether Filipinos can answer basic questions about Rizal, highlighting the importance of knowing about the national hero.

Why is it 'sad' that most of the people in the video clip could not answer the questions about Rizal?

It is 'sad' because Rizal is the national hero and it is expected that Filipinos should have basic knowledge about him.

What are the three definitions of a hero provided by Esteban Ocampo from Webster's New International Dictionary?

The three definitions are: 1) A prominent person taking an admirable part in a remarkable action or event, 2) A person of distinguished valor or enterprise in danger, fortitude in suffering, or result, and 3) Communication tools that can be used as lectures, speeches, reports, and more.

How does Rizal fit into the first definition of a hero?

Rizal fits the first definition as he was a prominent person in history, taking part in significant events such as creating La Liga Filipina, writing Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, and encouraging ilustradas to participate in the revolution.

What actions of Rizal demonstrate that he fits the second definition of a hero?

Rizal's willingness to participate in the revolution through his writings, his leadership in propagating nationalism, and his eventual exile and facing death at the hands of the Spaniards show his fortitude in danger and suffering.

Why is there no need to quantify Rizal according to the third definition of a hero?

There is no need because it is widely acknowledged that Rizal's life and works are worthy of emulation, as evidenced by his continued influence and presence in Philippine culture and education.

Who, according to the transcript, made Rizal the national hero in the minds and hearts of the Filipino people?

There is no single person or group responsible; rather, it is a collective recognition by Rizal himself, his own people, and foreigners who recognize his impact on the Filipino people.

Why is Rizal not officially declared as the national hero of the Philippines?

There is no law or presidential proclamation declaring Rizal as the national hero, indicating that his status as a national hero comes from a broader cultural and historical consensus rather than an official decree.

What are some ways Rizal is commemorated and remembered in the Philippines?

Rizal is commemorated through monuments, his image on currency such as the one peso coin, and his presence in various forms of media and merchandise, serving as a constant reminder of his contributions and heroism.

What is the significance of Rizal being featured on the one peso coin rather than higher denomination bills?

Featuring Rizal on the one peso coin signifies that he represents the common people, as this coin is more likely to be in the possession of everyday Filipinos, serving as a reminder of his heroism and connection to the masses.