Rizal in Dapitan: Dwelling and Living his purpose

(A Reflection Paper on “Rizal sa Dapitan” Movie)

By: Alleikka F. Trambulo

BAB 1-B

“I shall return, but shall find myself isolated; because those who smiled at me before
will reserve their rejoicings for another happier being. And in the meantime I run
after a vain idea, perhaps a false illusion.” -Jose Rizal

Rizal was a true Filipino. All the alluring beauties of foreign countries and all the
beautiful moments of his sojourn in alien lands could not make him forget of home not
turn his back to his own nationality. True that he studied abroad, acquired the lore and
languages of foreign nations, and enjoyed the life of the Western world but he remained
at heart a true Filipino with an unquenchable love for the Philippines and the unshakeable
determination to die in the land of his birth.

Rizal sa Dapitan (Rizal in Dapitan) is a 1997 Philippine biographical film about

the life of Dr. Jose Rozal starring Albert Martinez and Amanda Page as Josephine Bracken
directed by Tikoy Aguiluz was distributed by Viva Videos. An intriguing and nationalistic
movie written by Pete Lacaba that lasted about an hour and forty minutes that truly
encapsulates my spirit of nationalism.

Two-thirds of the movie’s setting and mood, were indeed light and heartwarming
which makes me pay attention throughout the duration of the movie. We used to see
movies about the struggles of Rizal, manifested the cruelties of the friars and Spanish
government to him and mourned about his painful execution. But “Rizal sa Dapitan”
movie is truly for-keeps as it depicts the simple living of Rizal. Thus, this movie simply
tells and describes the life of Rizal in Dapitan. From the very beginning, the writer/author
of the story wants to highlight that the life of Rizal is not only full of hardships and writing
novels but the writer also wants the viewers to picture out the peaceful and serene life
of Rizal even though he was exiled in Dapitan.

When Rizal was exiled in Dapitan in 1992, and he began adapting to his new home.
This Philippines’ foremost Hero never failed to help his countrymen at his outmost
resources when he helped the local residents by offering free education and established
a school for boys, rendering his services as a doctor including treating his mother, Dona
Teodora Alonza. Also, he promoted community development projects, engaged himself
into farming and commerce; and continued his artistic and literary works.
Rizal as a Physician and Scientist
I madly idolize Rizal especially when offered medical services especially to the
father of Josephine Bracken. With surgical skills acquired in Europe, many people came
to Dapitan just to consult with Rizal. He was indeed a nationalistic doctor.

Also, in his spare times, Rizal engaged himself to different scientific works.
Together with his students, they explored on jungles and coasts to seek for some
specimens which will be sent to Europe, and in return the European scientist will send
the scientific equipment. In his stay at Dapitan, he collected several shells and species
like beetles, rare frogs, and dragonfly.

Rizal as a Teacher
Resilient. Selfless. That is how I describe Rizal as a teacher. I couldn’t be more
amaze at the actions of Rizal when it comes to education. He established a school in
Dapitan where it began with 3 pupils who increased to 16 and eventually 21. He didn’t
ask the students for payment but instead, ask them to help in his farming and gardening.
He taught them Spanish, English, Mathematics and how to work. His class started after
lunch until 4:00 in the afternoon. From the movie, you can see the sincerity and fulfillment
in the eyes of Rizal everytime he sees an improvement from his students. Rizal becomes
more determined to teach those young minds when the parents of his student came by
and personally thank him for letting their children acquire education amidst poverty.

Rizal as Businessman
Rizal truly manifested that he doesn’t only excel in science and literacy but also in
the world of Commerce. In partnership with Ramon Carreon, a Dapitan Merchant; Rizal
organized a Cooperative Association for Dapitan Farmers to improve farm products,
collect funds from their purchases and established other livelihood programs for the
farmers.

Rizal as a Lover
This part of the story where you can find the softest side of Rizal. Rizal met his
fiancée, Josephine Bracken who brought her blinded stepfather George Taufer but later
on she left him for she loves him so much. One day, they decided to marry, but the
Church refused them due to his novel, Noli Me Tangere featuring the unlawful acts of
church and the Spanish government. Despite of the initial opposition of the sisters of
Rizal, the lovers perseveres and decided to marry themselves before the eyes of God.
Their love with each other sprouted into a baby boy named Francisco (in honor with
Rizal’s father, Don Francisco Mercado) but did not survive after Josephine gave birth to
him.

With the different roles of Rizal presented in the movie, this helps me conclude
why Rizal is our foremost National Hero. If I’ll rate this movie, I’ll give 4 out of 5 stars.
The powerful lines, the clarity of the scripts, the settings, cinematography, sounds and
the presentation of scenes and facts in an orderly manner were really out of the box.
However, one thing I’ve noticed is the character in the movies especially the character of
Josephine Bracken. Some of them, didn’t gave me a big impression while portraying their
character.

In addition, since this is a Philippine biographical movie, the author well-presented

the valid argument, factual statements and evidences which is worthy to watch and an
effective tool for educational purposes. And as a student who found of reading History,
it was indeed a “jam-packed” movie suited in all ages and viewers.

Adios Dapitan!
The movie ended when Rizal bid goodbye to Dapitan bringing the good and tale
memories he has for the last four years and 13 days. As he embark to another journey,
people in Dapitan will never forget him.

As Rizal bid goodbye to Dapitan, Satisfaction and fulfillment filled my heart after
watching the movie yet it leaves me a challenge to make an impact and sense of
involvement to continue spreading the information to the younger generations and impart
them the sense of nationalism. “Rizal sa Dapitan” movie taught that a true of meaning of
success is not about recognitions or wealth, but it’s about giving what you have to others
that they don’t have.

Sources:
 Rizal sa Dapitan Movie. Take from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPzeKJx0sZY
 https://www.slideshare.net/arvingaring5/rizal-chapter-22-exile-in-dapitan-
gregorio-f-zaide
 https://www.slideshare.net/bensaralikarim5/exile-in-dapitan-37612020
Dwelling & Living his purpose

A Reflection Paper on “Rizal in Dapitan” Movie

Submitted by:
Alleikka f. trambulo
Bab1-b
October 21, 2019