Exercise 7: Focusing on Important Rizialian Traits and Virtues

Present Realities:

Rizalian traits and virtues are considered by a good number of the current
young and middle-aged Filipino as “old fashioned”. They, usually, associate
these with “nerds” or with the “all work and no play” type of persons. For them,
their ideal person is described as “tunay na lalaki” or “macho,” “walang
inuurunga,” “maabilida” and as a song goes, “maginoo pero medyo bastos.” It
is really quite different to try to be like Rizal in a period and society with different
standards. People tend to look askance at anyone who tries to do anything
heroic or who declares that he wants to be like Rizal. Revisiting the traits and
virtues of Dr. Rizal is, therefore recommended for the Filipino youth in order to
rekindle the latent patriotism within them. Being like Rizal is an act which requires
brains, determination, courage to be different, and most of all a lot of heart.
Although the country is no longer under foreign rule of dictatorship, Filipinos still
have to be Rizal-like in order to progress as a nation. Corruption, human rights
violations, poor quality of education, lawlessness in some parts of the country,
oppression of the poor and the marginalized members of society, and others
must be remedied if the Philippines wants to improve its this world country status.
Only individuals with Rizal’s traits and virtues could pull this country out of this
“quagmire.”

Activity:

Follow the instructions and write your answers on the spaces provided.

1. Listed below are some important traits and virtues of Dr. Jose Rizal.
a. Love for God l. Courage
b. Love for parents m. Initiative
c. Love for country n. Courtesy and politeness
d. Love for fellowmen o. Thrift
e. Love for the p. Gratitude
environment/nature q. Charity
f. Love for justice r. Devotion to truth
g. Love for education s. Honesty
h. Idealism t. Humility
i. Noble conduct u. Creativity
j. Self-sacrifice
k. Self-control
 Cite particular occasions or events give in the book where Rizal showed,
manifested or practiced the traits and virtues listed above.

2. Examine carefully Dr. Rizal’s important traits and virtues, compare them
with your own traits and virtues and decide if you would like him to be
your role model.
3. Is it important for an individual to have a role model? Explain your answer.
4. What is the advantage of having Rizal as a role model? Will it increase
chances of becoming an ideal Filipino citizen and successful professional?
5. Who is your personal hero? Does she or he have Rizal’s traits and virtues?

Integration:

In the space provided, write your answers after doing the activity.

In two or three statements, complete the following:

I realized that:

I resolve that:

Exercise 8: Servicing others, a Social Responsibility

Present Realities:

The “kanya-kanya” or “to each his own” mentality has influenced many
Filipinos into alienating themselves from others. It is not uncommon to hear
about antagonism between the rich and the poor, the strong and the weak, the
Christians and the Muslims, the rightists and the leftists, and this results in man
going against his nature as a social individual who should be willing to love and
serve others are part of God’s plan of creation, these same gifts could also be
sources of misery, pain, cruelty, injustice, and oppression, if these will be directed
to one’s own circle of friends only. Water, when contaminated by poison, can
be a source of death instead of life to those who drink it. The contaminated of
man’s natural ability to love and serve others, with jealousy, rivalry, pride,
prejudice, ignorance, and misunderstanding leads to one’s refusal to be socially
concerned and responsible for those who do not belong to his “in-group,” his
family members, friends, or those belonging to the same social strata.

Activity:
 Follow the instruction and write your answers on the space provided.

1. Explain the meaning of the saying “No man is an Island”.

2. Read an article on “Servicing Others,” copies of which will be given to the
class by the teacher. React on it and write your explanations.
3. Who are the “others” in your life?
4. Should we limit our “service for others” to our “significant others” or the
people who are close to us, either by blood relationship or through
friendship? Explain your answer fully.
5. How did Rizal do his share of “servicing others”? Enumerate specific
examples of how Rizal was able to do his social responsibilities/
6. How can you do your share of “servicing others”? Explain your answer
fully.

Integration:

In the space provided, write your answers after doing the activity.

In two or three statements, complete the following:

I realized that:

I resolve that: