III.

Essay

1. Explain the differences and similarities of El Filibusterismo and Noli Me Tangere?

These two novels never get out of being compared to one another, the former is being said to be inferior, while the
latter is regarded as being superior, and vice versa, but why? Aren’t they are supposed to be the same because they are
both written by Rizal, on the same period and time? Well, the fine line between them is the fact that Rizal wrote this in a
different situation and in a different circumstances that force him to alter the taste and theme of the sequel --- El
Filibusterismo. Specifically saying, in Noli, the words and scenes aren’t as heavy as what was being shown in Fili. There
are still love story involved which basically represents life of Rizal during that particular time. On the other hand, Fili is
the point in time where the main character loses his love of his life and turned into another man covering with all the
darkness and grief inside him, came back for a vengeance which ultimately provokes the main theme of the story—
revolution. From light, and colorful to heavy and darkness, and reformation to revolution, quite different aren’t they?

2. Can we liken the word filibuster to the present filipino term pasaway? Explain your answer.

Somehow, but not fully. Being filibuster during the Spanish period in the Philippines means you went overseas and plan
for revolution. Hard-headed or being “pasaway” in Filipino, is doing things even if it is restricted, prohibited or will lead
you to danger. The two align in terms of : “doing things even if there’s a great probability that something unpleasant or
harmful will happen to you”. On the other side, being pasaway sometimes doing the bad or breaking the rules, yet
filibuster is the right thing to do to earn he freedom which is exclusively for you.

3. Explain: Rizal would never subscribe to the “useless spilling of blood” not the uprising itself.

This statement has something to do with the revolution initiated by Andres Bonifacio--the Katipunan who plans to revolt
against the Spanish colonizers. Rizal knows that blood will shed and will turned out to be useless if they will execute the
plan of Bonifacio during that time, because of the lackness of power and capability to protect themselves inj terms of
weapons and arms, they should be prepared and ready enough to confront the bomb, as of this point in time, Rizal
knows they weren’t ready.

4. Which is better : Rizal’s diplomatic reform or Bonifacio’s impulsive revolt?

Personally, I always prefer the one’s silent and made by a pen, the one firmly used by intellect like Rizal’s, in terms of
doing my work, simply because that’s my personality. But asking which one is better than them always hurt my heart,
these two great heroes are oftenly being compared to one another, asking between who’s better, and the choice oftenly
turn to invalidate the other. Well, as what I’ve said the weapon they used reflects their personality and way of life, the
fact that Rizal was highly educated and was born to a well-off family will always use his intellectual capability to protect
his country. On the other hand, Bonifacio who was less educated yet love his countrymen and his own nation, gather all
the men and motivate them to earn the freedom they deserve, he uses his available resources to execute the thing the
same with what Rizal’s aspire for. They are both the key to our attained freedom, they are both the great and most
noble person I’ve ever known in my life. Hence asking which of the weapon they used is better? There’s none, because
regardless of this thing --They are both “best” for me.
Essay: Chapter 9

1. Discuss some of Rizal’s prophecies regarding the future of the Philippines which have actually been fulfilled?

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2. Explain why Rizal concluded that native’s supposed indolence was an end product of the Spanish colonization?

Filipinos during the Spanish period of colonization never given the good education that they deserve, the system and
curriculum were altered and the acting professors – the friars focuses on the religions and Christianity, and never taught
the right specialization intended for the Philippines. They didn’t even give every Filipinos the privilege to study, they only
permit the one’s who can afford it. Women even were stucked in convent. That’s why the Filipinos through the Suez
canal wnet overseas to pursue higher degree and education which they called as illustrados.

3. In your own words, explain the relevance of Rizal’s “ The Philippines a Century Hence” to our country today.

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4. Do you believe that writings of Rizal were able to awaken the Filipino Patriotism?

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5. In what other ways can the Filipino youth of today show their patrioritism to their country?

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III. Essay : Chapter 10

1. Give your own definition of a “bayani or hero” justify your definition.

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2. Do you agree that Rizal deserves the title “the Philippine National Hero” why or why not? Do you have any
suggestions on who deserves the title? Who and why?

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3. Cite one individual who can be a perfect epitome of a hero and justify why.

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4. What do you think are the reasons the concept of bayani or kabyanihan shifted and evolved through time.

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5. Do you agree with Dr. Zeus Salazar that one does not need to die to become a hero?

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