05.2 - Rizal Exile, Trial, and Death (Part 2) | Life and Works of Rizal

Summary

The video script delves into the life and beliefs of Filipino national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, particularly his stance against revolution as expressed in his 'Rizal Manifesto.' It highlights Rizal's use of strong language like 'absurd' and 'criminal' to describe rebellion, suggesting he viewed it as dangerous and misguided. Despite this, the script reveals Rizal's desire for a prepared and educated Philippines to achieve independence. The narrative also poignantly describes Rizal's final moments, his interactions with family, and his execution by a Filipino firing squad under Spanish orders. It concludes with the irony of Rizal's unfulfilled last wishes and the enduring legacy he left behind, influencing the nation's perspective on freedom and identity.

Takeaways

• 📜 Rizal's Manifesto: The transcript discusses Rizal's opposition to the concept of revolution, as evidenced by his own words in the 'Rizal Manifesto'.
• 🔍 Rizal's Disapproval: Rizal used strong language such as 'absurd,' 'disastrous,' and 'criminal' to describe the revolution, indicating his disapproval.
• 🏛️ Desire for Independence: Despite his disapproval of the violent approach, Rizal did express a desire for the Philippines to become independent, but with proper preparation first.
• 📚 Education as Prerequisite: Rizal emphasized the importance of education for the Filipino people as a prerequisite for achieving independence and liberty.
• 💌 Last Letters: Rizal wrote his final letters to loved ones, including his close friend Ferdinand Blumentritt and his brother Paciano.
• 🚶‍♂️ Walk to Bagumbayan: The script describes Rizal's final walk to Bagumbayan, where he was executed, reflecting on places he passed and his life.
• 🔫 Firing Squad: Rizal faced a firing squad composed of Filipino soldiers under Spanish colonial command, highlighting the complex dynamics of colonial power.
• 🗣️ Final Requests: Rizal made specific requests for how he wanted to be executed, showing his courage and dignity in the face of death.
• 🕰️ Time of Death: The exact time of Rizal's death is noted as 7:03 a.m., marking a significant moment in Philippine history.
• 📌 Legacy and Burial: Rizal's body was not initially given a proper burial or returned to his family, but was later moved to a monument in his honor.
• 📚 Posthumous Works: Josephine Bracken, Rizal's wife, translated his last poem into Tagalog to inspire revolutionaries, showing the ongoing impact of his work.

Q & A

What is the main theme discussed in Renato Constantino's essay 'Veneration Without Understanding' regarding Rizal's views?

The essay discusses Rizal's opposition to the concept of revolution, as evidenced by his Manifesto where he used words like 'absurd,' 'disastrous,' and 'criminal' to describe the violence of the revolution.

What does the term 'Rizal Manifesto' refer to in the script?

The 'Rizal Manifesto' refers to a document or statement where Rizal expressed his disapproval of revolution, stating that he opposed it from the very beginning and considered it impossible.

According to Ambeth Ocampo, what was Rizal's stance on Philippine independence?

Ambeth Ocampo suggests that Rizal did desire independence for the Philippines but emphasized the need for preparation through education and development of a national personality before seeking independence.

What significant literary work did Rizal compose while in prison, as mentioned in the script?

While in prison, Rizal composed the poem 'Mi Ultimo Adios,' which was found hidden inside an alcohol stove given to him by his sister Trinidad during a visit.

Describe the emotional scene between Rizal and his mother during her visit before his execution.

The script describes a heart-wrenching moment where Rizal's mother, Teodora, and his sister Trinidad visited him. They wept and Rizal fell to his knees asking for forgiveness, but were not allowed to embrace each other by the Spanish guards.

What were Rizal's final requests before his execution?

Rizal requested to be shot without blindfold and facing the firing squad. When his request to be shot in the front was denied, he asked to be shot in the back, near the heart, instead of in the head.

How did Rizal maintain his composure during his walk to Bagumbayan for his execution?

Rizal remained calm, appreciating the beauty of the scenery and even sharing nostalgic memories with the priests accompanying him, showing his composure despite the circumstances.

What was the reaction of the crowd as Rizal was led to his execution?

The crowd had mixed reactions; some felt sympathy for Rizal, while others, particularly the Spanish, were impatient for his execution. There were also some who hoped for a last-minute rescue by revolutionaries.

Who composed the firing squad that executed Rizal, and what was significant about their composition?

The firing squad that executed Rizal was composed of Filipino soldiers, which was significant as it highlighted the irony of Filipinos being used to carry out the execution ordered by the Spanish colonial government.

What was the immediate aftermath of Rizal's execution as described in the script?

After Rizal was shot, a man approached and gave him a 'tiro de gracia' or mercy shot to the head to ensure his death. His body was not returned to his family nor given a proper burial by the Spanish, but was instead buried in an unmarked territory.

How did Rizal's wife, Josephine Bracken, honor his memory after his death?

Josephine Bracken honored Rizal's memory by translating his final poem into Tagalog and distributing it among revolutionaries to inspire them.

Outlines

00:00

📜 Rizal's Views on Revolution

The first paragraph introduces the topic of Rizal's stance on revolution, referencing Renato Constantino's essay 'Veneration Without Understanding.' It highlights Rizal's disapproval of the concept of revolution, as evidenced by his strong language in the Rizal Manifesto, where he uses terms like 'absurd,' 'disastrous,' and 'criminal' to describe the act of rebellion. The paragraph also mentions that despite Rizal's apparent opposition to revolution, Ambeth Ocampo argues that Rizal did desire independence for the Philippines, but only after proper preparation and education of the people.

12:18

🕯️ Rizal's Final Days and 'Mi Ultimo Adios'

Paragraph 2 delves into Rizal's final moments, detailing his interactions with his mother and sister before his execution. It describes the emotional scene where Rizal, despite his impending death, composed the poem 'Mi Ultimo Adios' (My Last Farewell), which was hidden in an alcohol stove given to his mother. The paragraph emphasizes Rizal's calm demeanor and intellectual clarity even in the face of death, contrasting it with the narrator's personal experience of anxiety after a traumatic event.

18:50

🚶‍♂️ Rizal's Walk to Bagumbayan and His Execution

This paragraph narrates Rizal's walk to his execution site at Bagumbayan, accompanied by his lawyer, priests, and military personnel. It describes the scenery he observed and his reflections on his past, including his time at the Ateneo. The crowd's mixed reactions to Rizal's execution are also depicted, ranging from sympathy to impatience for his death. The paragraph culminates with Rizal's arrival at the execution site, setting the stage for the final moments of his life.

23:52

⚔️ The Execution and Aftermath

Paragraph 4 focuses on the execution of Rizal, noting the irony that Filipino soldiers were part of the firing squad, albeit under Spanish orders. It details Rizal's final requests, his calm demeanor, and the execution process, which included a 'tiro de gracia' or mercy shot to end his suffering. The paragraph also discusses the违背 of Rizal's wishes regarding his burial and the eventual placement of his remains in an ivory urn under a monument, contrary to his desire for a simple funeral. It concludes with a reflection on Rizal's complex views on revolution and his ultimate acceptance of it through his final poem.

28:54

📚 Conclusion and Reflection on Rizal's Legacy

The final paragraph serves as a conclusion to the discussion on Rizal's life, emphasizing the importance of understanding his experiences and beliefs. It invites viewers to consider their own perspectives on Rizal and acknowledges that while Rizal may not experience a 'resurrection,' his legacy continues to be celebrated and discussed. The paragraph ends with a teaser for upcoming videos that will explore Rizal's contributions further.

Keywords

💡Rizal Manifesto

The Rizal Manifesto refers to the writings of Dr. Jose Rizal, particularly his essay 'Veneration Without Understanding,' which is mentioned in the script. It is a key piece of literature that reflects Rizal's thoughts on revolution and his opposition to it. The manifesto is significant in understanding Rizal's stance on the Philippine revolution and his preference for a peaceful and educated approach towards achieving independence.

💡Revolution

Revolution, in the context of the video, refers to the violent uprising against colonial rule that Rizal is said to have opposed. The script discusses Rizal's use of words like 'absurd,' 'disastrous,' and 'criminal' to describe the act of rebellion, indicating his belief that such actions were not only futile but also dangerous and morally wrong. The concept is central to understanding Rizal's political philosophy and his vision for the Philippines.

💡Liberties

Liberties, as mentioned in the script, pertain to the freedoms and rights that Rizal desired for the Philippines. He emphasized the importance of education as a prerequisite for achieving these liberties, suggesting that a knowledgeable and hardworking populace would be deserving of such freedoms. This concept is integral to Rizal's belief in the empowerment of the Filipino people through enlightenment and self-improvement.

💡Mi Ultimo Adios

Mi Ultimo Adios, or 'My Last Farewell,' is a poem written by Rizal in his final moments before his execution. The script describes how Rizal managed to compose this piece despite his imminent death, showcasing his resilience and clarity of mind. The poem is a poignant expression of Rizal's love for his country and his hope for its future, and it is a significant part of his literary legacy.

💡Bagumbayan

Bagumbayan, mentioned in the script, is the place where Rizal was executed. It is a historical site that holds great significance in the Philippine revolution narrative. The script describes Rizal's walk to Bagumbayan and the emotions surrounding his final moments, making it a poignant symbol of sacrifice and the struggle for freedom.

💡Firing Squad

A firing squad refers to a group of soldiers tasked with executing Rizal by firing their rifles simultaneously. The script describes the composition of the firing squad, which included Filipino soldiers, indicating the complex dynamics of colonial rule where local forces were used to enforce the will of the colonial power. This term is crucial in understanding the execution process and the role of the military in colonial times.

💡Spanish Colonial Government

The Spanish Colonial Government is the ruling authority during the time of Rizal and is mentioned as the entity that ordered his execution. The script highlights the role of the Spanish colonial forces in Rizal's death, emphasizing the oppressive nature of colonial rule and the resistance faced by those advocating for change.

💡Tiro de Gracia

Tiro de Gracia, or 'mercy shot,' refers to the final shot given to Rizal after he fell to ensure his death. The script describes this as an act of mercy, although it also underscores the brutality of the execution. This term is significant in understanding the historical methods of execution and the final moments of Rizal's life.

💡Unmarked Territory

Unmarked territory is mentioned in the script in relation to the burial of Rizal's body. Initially, Rizal was buried in an unmarked grave, reflecting the disregard for his final wishes by the Spanish authorities. This term is important in understanding the disrespect shown towards Rizal and the subsequent efforts to honor his memory.

💡Revolutionary

Revolutionary, as used in the script, refers to the individuals involved in the fight for Philippine independence. The term is significant in the context of Rizal's final poem, 'Mi Ultimo Adios,' where he acknowledges the sacrifices of these individuals. The concept of a revolutionary is central to the video's theme of resistance and the struggle for freedom.

Highlights

Renato Constantino's essay 'Veneration Without Understanding' suggests Rizal's disapproval of the concept of revolution.

Rizal's manifesto indicates his opposition to revolution, stating it as 'absurd,' 'disastrous,' and 'criminal'.

Rizal's desire for the Philippines' independence is evident but with the prerequisite of educating the people first.

Ambeth Ocampo's interpretation of Rizal's manifesto shows Rizal's true intention for Philippine independence.

Rizal's last days were filled with visits from his family, including his mother and sister.

Rizal's emotional farewell to his mother and sister, highlighting the human side of the hero.

The composition of 'Mi Ultimo Adios' within an alcohol stove, a secret message to avoid Spanish guards.

Rizal's last letters to his loved ones, including his close friend Ferdinand Blumentritt and his brother Paciano.

Rizal's walk to Bagumbayan, his final journey, accompanied by his lawyer, priests, and military personnel.

Rizal's final requests before his execution, including not being blindfolded and facing the firing squad.

The irony of Filipino soldiers forming part of the firing squad that executed Rizal.

Rizal's calm demeanor and normal pulse as checked by a Spanish military doctor before his execution.

Rizal's unusual reaction of smiling and laughing in the face of death, contrasting with typical anxiety.

The Jesuits' attempt to have Rizal kiss the crucifix, which he defiantly refused, choosing to face his death.

The execution of Rizal and the subsequent 'tiro de gracia' or mercy shot to end his suffering.

The disregard for Rizal's wishes regarding his burial and the eventual placement of his remains in an ivory urn.

The annual commemoration of Rizal's life and death, despite his request for no anniversaries.

Rizal's wife, Josephine Bracken, translating his last poem into Tagalog to inspire revolutionaries.

Historian Xiao Chua's view on Rizal's ambivalence towards revolution and his ultimate acceptance through his final poem.

The importance of understanding Rizal's life and beliefs in the context of personal and national identity.

The conclusion of Chapter 5 and a look forward to discussing Rizal's legacy in future videos.

Transcripts

O, para hindi ka mahirapan mag-pause.

Ah, yes. Ang Rizal Manifesto.

Ayon sa essay ni Renato Constantino na "Veneration Without Understanding,"

ito'y isang ebidensya para masabi natin na ayaw ni Rizal sa konsepto ng rebolusyon.

And honestly, 'pag binasa mo siya,

mage-gets mo rin kung bakit naging ganito 'yung kaniyang opinyon.

Sa manifesto kasi, sinabi ni Rizal…

"From the very beginning... I opposed it,

I fought against it, and I made clear that it was absolutely impossible."

Makikita din natin 'yung strong disapproval ng bayani through his chosen words.

Ginamit niya ang mga salitang "absurd," "disastrous," and "criminal"

para i-describe ang nangyayaring himagsikan.

Maaaring i-suggest ng mga salita na ito na baka tinignan ng bayani ang paghihimagsik

hindi lamang bilang isang biro,

ngunit bilang isang mapanganib at maling landas.

Dahil tuloy dito, marami ang nag-a-assume na ayaw ni Rizal

na kailanman lumaya ang Pilipinas.

Pero ayon kay Ambeth Ocampo,

Kung babasahin natin 'yung manifesto ni Rizal sa kabuuan nito,

makikita natin na ninanais niyang lumaya ang Pilipinas.

Pero kinakailangan ay mayroon munang paghahanda bago ito gawin.

"'I have given many proofs that I desire liberties for our country;

I continue to desire them.

But I laid down as a prerequisite the education of the people so that,

by means of such instruction and hard work,

they may acquire a personality of their own and so become worthy of such liberties.'

If pabor pala,

then bakit kailangan niya pang sabihin ito sa manifesto?

Bakit ganiyan 'yung mga pag-wo-wording ng bayani?

Honestly,

hindi ko alam at napapagod na rin ako mag-isip at mag-sulat

at napakarami ko pang pending na activities kaya ibato na lang natin doon sa may PhD.

December 29.

Alas sais ng umaga.

Binasa ni Captain Rafael Dominguez kay Rizal ang sintensya nito.

Na bukas daw, alas-7 ng umaga, sa Bagumbayan,

babarilin si Rizal ng isang firing squad.

Noong araw din na 'yun, nakatanggap si Rizal ng bisita mula sa kaniyang ina,

na si Teodora,

at kapatid na babae, na si Trinidad.

Kasama rin nila ang iba niyang kapatid,

pero hindi na sila pinayagan pang pumasok sa loob.

Nakakabiyak ng puso ang naging sunod na eksena sa loob ng kulungan ni Rizal.

Hindi na kasi natago ng mag-ina ang kanilang naramdaman.

Nag-iyakan ang dalawa at lumuhod ang bayani sa harap ni Teodora

habang nanghihingi ng kapatawaran.

Syempre, mga nonchalant at nanatiling manhid 'yung mga gwardyang Kastila

sa kanilang nasasaksihan.

Hindi nila hinahayaang maglapit sa isa't isa ang mag-ina,

kaya't kahit huling yakap man lang ay hindi nila nagawa.

Pagkatapos ng ilang saglit,

sinundo na ni Trinidad si Donya Teodora sa selda.

Dito, binigyan siya ni Rizal ng isang alcohol stove at bumulong.

"There's something inside."

Wikang Ingles, para hindi maintindihan ng mga gwardiyang nakapaligid.

Sa loob ng stove ay mayroong isang tula.

Walang nakasulat na pamagat at wala ring nakasulat na petsa.

Kalaunan, ang tulang ito ay binigyan ng pangalan.

Ito ay kilala na natin bilang "Mi Ultimo Adios," o "Huling Paalam.

Kahit malapit ng malagutan ng hininga,

Rizal still had the sound mind to write.

Which is, for me,

is really surprising.

Kasi dati,

kinagat ako ng isang pusa.

And at that time, akala ko talaga e katapusan ko na.

So it shocks me na hindi niya na-embody si Sisa noong last days niya

kasi nung kinagat ako ng pusa, I became anxious for two months.

In my defense, nakita ko kung paano namatay 'yung pusang kumagat sa'kin.

And, it was... it was really morbid. Jesus Christ.

Anyway. Sa pagkakataong ito,

ating basahin ang kaniyang mga huling liham

sa kaniyang mga minamahal sa buhay.

At simulan natin sa liham ni Rizal sa kaniyang pinakamalapit na kaibigan,

si Ferdinand Blumentritt.

Kinabukasan ng umaga,

kahit ilang oras na lang mananatili sa mundo,

nagsulat pa rin si Rizal.

At isa sa kaniyang mga sinulat na liham ay para sa kaniyang kuya na si Paciano.

Sa isang liham din,

ipinarating ni Rizal sa kaniyang pamilya ang kaniyang will

o mga kahilingan para sa kung ano ang dapat mangyari

pagkatapos ng kaniyang kamatayan.

December 30. Malapit nang mag-alas syete.

Si Rizal, na nakasuot ng itim,

ay kailangan na maglakad papunta sa Bagumbayan.

Kasama niya sa paglalakad ang kaniyang abogado at dalawang pari,

gayundin ang mga sundalo at militar.

Habang naglalakad, may mga pamilyar na lugar na natanaw si Rizal.

Nakita niya ang mga bundok ng Cavite at ang Corrigidor.

Sabi niya sa isang pari, "Ang ganda-ganda ngayon, Padre."

"Sa mga ganitong umaga, namamasyal ako kasama ang aking kasintahan."

Pagdaan naman nila sa Ateneo,

nakita ni Rizal na ang mga tore nito ay nakasilip sa mga pader.

Natanong niya, "Ayan po ba ang Ateneo?"

"Dyaan ko ginugol ang masasaya kong mga taon."

Maraming tao ang nakapila para masaksihan kung ano ba ang mangyayari.

Ang ilan sa kanila ay naaawa kay Rizal.

Ang iba naman, lalo na ang mga Kastila,

e naiinip na at gusto na siya makitang mamatay.

May mga ilan din na iniisip na dadating ang kaniyang pamilya

o kaya may mga katipunero na ililigtas siya sa pagkakabitag.

Ah. Nandito na si Rizal.

Walong sundalo ang bumuo ng firing squad ni Pepe,

at lahat sila ay, surprisingly, Filipino.

Sa likuran nila,

nakatayo naman ang isang hanay ng Spanish troops na may hawak na mga rifle.

Nakahanda para patayin ang sinumang sundalong Filipino na mag-alangan

o makaligtaan ang kanilang mga marka.

Question.

Ang ibig bang sabihin nito e Filipino din ang pumatay kay Rizal?

Well, technically,

it is true na mga Filipino 'yung nag-pull ng trigger,

pero remember, Spanish colonial government pa rin 'yung nag-utos

na i-execute si Rizal.

So tigil mo na 'yan.

Anyway, alam na ni Rizal na it's basically the end, mamamatay na siya.

Kaya't bago pa mahuli ang lahat, Rizal made his final requests.

Hiniling niyang patayin siya nang walang takip sa mata

at kung sakali e kaharap niya 'yung mga babaril.

Pumayag 'yung commander ng firing squad na huwag na siyang piringan,

pero hinindian niya 'yung request na paharap 'yung pagbaril.

So ang ginawa ni Rizal,

ni-request na lang niya na huwag na sa ulo padaanin 'yung bala,

kung hindi sa likod na lang, sakto sa bandang puso.

Doon, pumayag na ang kapitan.

Nang magkasundo na 'yung dalawa,

pinasalamatan na ni Rizal ang kaniyang abugado

dahil sa pagsusumikap nito na ipagtanggol siya.

Nanatiling kalmado si Rizal.

In fact, sinuri ng isang Spanish military doctor ang kaniyang pulso

at nagulat siya ng malamang normal ito.

Ayon pa nga sa ilang mga nanonood

e nangiti pa raw at natawa itong si Pepe.

Which is again, really weird.

Like, when I was anxious, I can't stop thinking about stuff.

Like alam mo ba na may dalawang forms of rabies,

kailangan pa natin ng mas maraming researches tungkol sa disease na ito sa Pilipinas,

at hindi very friendly ang mga animal bite centers kapag…

Anyway. Ang huling lumapit kay Rizal ay ang mga Heswita.

Nagtaas sila ng crucifix o krus sa harap ng mukha at labi ni Rizal.

Pero ang ginawa ng bayani,

imbis na halikan ang krus e tumalikod ito

at naghanda para harapin ang kaniyang kamatayan.

Itinaas ng kapitan ang kaniyang espada,

inutusan ang kaniyang mga tauhan na maghanda,

at sinigaw ang mga sumusunod na salita:

"Preparen!" "Apunten!" "Fuego!"

Hindi tinupad ng kapitan ang kaniyang salita.

Nang bumagsak si Rizal sa lupa,

may isang lalaki na lumapit sa katawan niya

at binigyan siya ng isang "tiro de gracia" o mercy shot sa ulo.

Time Check. 7:03 a.m.

Patay na si Rizal.

Sigaw ng mga Kastila - "Long live Spain! Death to the traitors!"

Speaking of mga pangakong hindi natupad,

hindi rin nasunod ang mga tagubilin ng bayani sa mga dapat gawin pagkatapos siyang

pagkatapos siyang patayin.

Hindi ibinalik ang kaniyang katawan sa kaniyang pamilya

at hindi rin siya binigyan ng proper burial ng mga Kastila.

Ang ginawa lang sa kaniyang katawan e inilibing sa isang unmarked territory.

Nang maglaon at nahanap ang kaniyang bangkay,

nilagay naman siya sa isang ivory urn.

Noong 1912, iniligay naman ito sa base ng kaniyang sariling monumento.

Taliwas sa gusto niyang simpleng libing.

Sabi niya rin ay ayaw niya ng mga anibersaryo,

pero taon-taon ay pinaparangalan siya ng mga tao.

Kahilingan na kaawaan ng pamilya ni Rizal si Josephine?

Ayoko na lang magsalita.

Ayon sa podcast na Rizal on Air,

wala ng magagawa ang bayani kung hindi natupad ang kaniyang mga kahilingan

dahil patay na siya.

Sa huli, ang mga tao ang nagdesisyon kung ano ba ang pinandigan ni Rizal.

Pagkatapos ng kaniyang kamatayan,

binigay ni Josephine Bracken ang huling tula na isinulat ng bayani kay Andres Bonifacio.

Ginawa niya ito para maisalin ang tula sa Tagalog

at maipamigay sa mga rebolusyonaryo.

Ayon sa historyador na si Xiao Chua,

totoong ambivalent o nag-aalangan itong si Rizal pagdating sa himagsikan.

Pero sa pamamagitan ng kaniyang huling tula,

kung saan pinuri niya ang mga rebolusyonaryo sa larangan ng labanan

at kanilang hindi pag-aalintana na mamatay para sa kahilingan ng kanilang bayan,

masasabi natin na sa huli ay sumang-ayon na rin siya rito.

Sa pag-aaral natin sa buhay ni Rizal,

mapagtatanto natin na hindi lang ito tungkol sa kaniyang mga karanasan.

Sumasalamin din ito sa atin at sa ating sariling paniniwala.

Ika nga nila, kaniya�-kaniyang Rizal.

Tungkol din ito sa perspektibo natin sa kaniya,

at kung ano ba ang Rizal na gusto nating makita.

At habang patuloy nating binibisita at tinatalakay ang kaniyang buhay,

mahalagang matiyak nating hindi na siya makakaranas ng panibagong kamatayan.

Dito na nagtatapos ang Chapter 5 at ang talakayan tungkol sa buhay ni Rizal.

Nawa'y may natutunan ka,

at sa susunod na mga videos ay pag-uusapan naman natin ang kaniyang mga inilimbag.

'Yun lang at maraming salamat sa panonood!