The Revolution of 1896 and Rizal, Rizal's Last Hours, and the Martyrdom of Rizal

Summary

The script delves into the life and works of Rizal, focusing on the 1896 Philippine Revolution and his final hours. It recounts the Katipunan's decision to revolt, Rizal's skepticism about their chances against the Spanish, and his eventual execution. The narrative captures Rizal's calm demeanor before his death, his refusal to be blindfolded, and his last moments facing the firing squad. The aftermath includes the discovery of his grave and the efforts to honor his memory, highlighting his legacy as a martyr for Philippine independence.

Takeaways

• 🇵🇭 The script discusses the life and works of Rizal, focusing on the 1896 revolution, his last hours, and his martyrdom.
• 🔥 The revolution of 1896 was influenced by the Cuban revolution, and the Katipunan saw it as an opportune time to strike against Spanish rule.
• 🗺️ Dr. Rizal was approached by the Katipunan to lead the revolution, but he expressed doubts about their ability to succeed due to lack of arms, training, and credible leadership.
• 🕋 The last hours of Rizal were marked by a series of visits from Spanish officials and priests, and he spent time writing his farewell poem and last letter.
• 🎖️ Rizal was executed by a firing squad at Bagumbayan, showing bravery and composure during his final moments.
• 🙏 Rizal requested to face the firing squad but was denied, and he refused to be blindfolded, choosing to face his execution with dignity.
• 💔 After his execution, Rizal's body was quickly removed and buried in a shallow grave at Paco Cemetery without any ceremony.
• 🕊️ Rizal's followers later found his grave and ensured he was properly buried, marking the site with a simple wooden crucifix.
• 📜 The script provides a detailed account of Rizal's final day, including his interactions with visitors and his personal reflections.
• 🌅 Rizal's execution took place at 7:03 AM, and his death was met with shouts of 'Viva España' by Spanish spectators.
• 📚 The script serves as an educational lesson on Rizal's life, the revolution, and his ultimate sacrifice for the cause of Philippine independence.

Q & A

What was the significance of the Cuban revolution in 1895 to the Filipino revolutionaries?

The Cuban revolution in 1895 inspired Filipino revolutionaries, as they saw it as an opportunity to strike against Spain when the Spanish forces were divided, fighting on both sides of the Pacific.

What was the decision made at the Mantalvan cave in April 1896 by the Katipunan?

At the Mantalvan cave in April 1896, the Katipunan decided that the time for revolution in the Philippines had come.

Who was Dr. Pio Valenzuela and what was his mission regarding the Katipunan?

Dr. Pio Valenzuela was chosen by the Katipunan Supreme Council as its official emissary to convince Dr. Jose Rizal to join and lead the Katipunan, as he was seen as the true savior and leader by the Filipinos.

Why did Dr. Rizal initially express his disagreement with the Katipunan's approach to revolution?

Dr. Rizal believed the Katipunan lacked the capability to defeat the Spanish army due to insufficient arms, inadequate skills and training, and a lack of credibility in its hierarchy which could lead to confusion in command.

What was the method of Dr. Rizal's execution?

Dr. Rizal was executed by a firing squad at Bagumbayan, now known as Luneta, on December 30, 1896.

What was the significance of the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to Dr. Rizal?

The statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was significant to Dr. Rizal as he had carved it himself while still in Ateneo, and he received it from Father Luis Visa during his last hours.

What did Dr. Rizal do during the time he was left alone in his cell from 12 pm to 3:30 pm?

During the time he was left alone, Dr. Rizal was busy writing, likely finishing his farewell poem and his last letter to Professor Blumentritt.

What was the request made by Dr. Rizal to the officials before his execution?

Dr. Rizal requested to face the firing squad, but the officials explained that it could not be done as strict instructions stated he should be shot in the back.

What was the reaction of the Spanish spectators after Dr. Rizal's execution?

After Dr. Rizal's execution, the Spanish spectators shouted 'Viva Espana, muerte a los traidores', expressing their support for Spain and calling for the death of traitors.

How was Dr. Rizal's body treated after his execution?

Dr. Rizal's body was quickly loaded onto a cart and taken to the Paco cemetery, where it was dumped into a shallow grave without a coffin and left unnamed.

What did the loyal followers of Dr. Rizal do after his execution?

The loyal followers of Dr. Rizal remedied the rude treatment of his body by properly burying him with a wooden crucifix marked with the letters 'R P J' on top of the grave site.