Rizal: Hero or a “God”?

(Case Study)

Prepared for:

Atty. Ronn B. Castillo

Prepared by:

Leeweng M. Saludes

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 Table of Contents

I. Introduction

II. Background and Context

A. Dr. Jose P. Rzial: The National Hero

B. The Emergence of Rizal as a Spiritual Figure: Rizalism

III. Interview

A. Summary

B. Reflection

IV. Analysis

A. Rizal: Hero, God, or Both? A Spectrum of Beliefs

B. Connection to Filipino Identity and Nationalism

V. Conclusion

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Introduction

Is the Philippines' national hero merely a historical figure, revered for his intellect

and sacrifice, or has he transcended the mortal realm to become something more extreme

– a spiritual being, perhaps even a divine manifestation for a segment of the Filipino

community? Is he just a writer, doctor, and reformist like we were taught at school? Or

has he influenced some Filipinos that much, so that they reach different kinds of beliefs

about who he was? Does our history have a gap? Was part of it not told? Is Rizal just a

kid who grew up in Calamba, or was he something more? How popular was he back then,

who held that much power to make some Filipinos think that he was some kind of

spiritual being? Was he the national hero as we believe he is, or is he some kind of divine

being? Is Rizal a hero or a “God”?

Way back in 1861, as the Philippines was under the cruel Spanish colonial rule, a

clever young boy named Jose Rizal was born. He was raised by an educated family in

Calamba, Laguna. Rizal was a doctor, writer, artist, and linguist who, through his travels

and studies in Europe, keenly observed the injustices tormenting his homeland.

He chose the pen as his sword. His two controversial novels, "Noli Me Tángere"

and "El Filibusterismo," bravely exposed the corruption of the Spanish friars and the

abuses of the colonial government. These powerful works resonated deeply with

Filipinos, awakening a dormant sense of national identity and inspiring a yearning for

dignity and freedom. Rizal advocated not for violent revolution, but for peaceful reforms,

education, and the moral upliftment of his countrymen. He believed that Filipinos must

first improve themselves to gain the liberty that they’ve all been wanting.

Despite his commitment to peaceful means, his influence was undeniable and

feared by the Spanish authorities. After establishing the civic organization La Liga

Filipina, he was swiftly arrested and deported to Dapitan. As the Philippine Revolution

started in 1896, fueled in part by the very nationalist sentiment in Rizal's writings, the

Spanish pinned the blame on him. Spanish authorities saw him as a threat to their reign in

the Philippines.

On December 30, 1896, at Bagumbayan (now Luneta Park), Rizal faced a firing

squad. His execution, intended to end the rebellion, instead served as the ultimate

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catalyst. His martyrdom inspired the nation, transforming him from a reformist

intellectual into the unquestioned symbol of Filipino sacrifice and the embodiment of the

struggle for independence. His death awakened the nationalist soul of the Filipinos.

Rizal's historical importance lies not only in his intellectual contributions and his

heroic death but in his life through legacy. He became the central figure around whom

Filipino nationalism united. He is revered for his unwavering patriotism, his pursuit of

knowledge, courage in speaking truth to power, and his ultimate sacrifice for the love of

his country. Up to present, his ideals continue to inspire and challenge Filipinos to strive

for a just, enlightened, and truly independent nation.

This case study aims to thoroughly explore the diverse and often complex

perceptions of Dr. Jose Rizal that emerged in the Philippines. This study will specifically

investigate how he is viewed not only as the revered national hero, but also, for some, as

a profound divine or spiritual figure.

Through an examination of 'Rizalism' and its various manifestations, including

insights gathered from a direct interview with a spiritual adherent, this paper will analyze

the intersections of these seemingly disparate views. This will also critically discuss their

significant implications for contemporary Filipino identity and nationalism.

This case study will tackle the background of Dr. Jose P. Rizal and the spark of

Rizalism. For us to have a deeper understanding of Rizalism, an interview with a rizalist

is conducted. His knowledge about the formed group will help us understand their

perception of our national hero and how it affects their nationalism. Through this

interview, we will be able to reflect on how they perceive differently Rizal’s heroism. By

then, we can relate their beliefs and their views of Rizal to their love for our country. We

will be able to identify their nationalistic point of view and conclude if Rizalism is a

realistic way of showing nationalism.

II. Background and Context

A. Dr. Jose P. Rzial: The National Hero

Born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna, Jose Rizal quickly distinguished

himself as an exceptional intellect. He pursued higher education in Manila, then

extensively traveled and studied in Spain, France, Germany, and England, becoming
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proficient in various fields including medicine, ophthalmology, and several languages.

During his travels, he wrote his two influential novels, "Noli Me Tángere" (1887) and "El

Filibusterismo" (1891). These works, sharply critical of Spanish colonial abuses and the

friarocracy, ignited a developing sense of national consciousness among Filipinos.

Rizal became a prominent figure in the La Liga Filipina–an intellectual and

political reformist group composed of Filipinos who did not reside in Europe. Through

essays, articles, and his novels, he tirelessly advocated for peaceful reforms from Spain,

including equal rights for Filipinos, representation in the Spanish Courts, and an end to

friar abuses. He championed education and enlightenment as the primary means to

achieve national progress and dignity, believing in the capacity of Filipinos to govern

themselves once prepared.

Despite his peaceful stance, his radical ideas and undeniable influence made him

a marked man. After returning to the Philippines and establishing the civic organization

La Liga Filipina, he was deported to Dapitan. As the Philippine Revolution erupted in

1896, the Spanish colonial government falsely implicated Rizal as its leader. Following a

swift and unjust trial, he was sentenced to death. On December 30, 1896, Jose Rizal was

executed by firing squad at Bagumbayan (now Luneta Park) in Manila. His martyrdom

did not end the rebellion; instead, it served as the ultimate fuel, igniting the revolution

with renewed passion and securing his status as the Philippines' national hero.

The journey of Jose Rizal from a brilliant intellectual to the Philippines' national

hero is a complex narrative. It is significantly shaped by his inherent qualities and the

strategic choices of the American colonial government. When the United States took over

the Philippines from Spain after the Spanish-American War in 1898, they faced the

challenge of pacifying a nation that had just fought for independence. To establish their

benevolent assimilation policy and foster a sense of national identity under American

tutelage, the U.S. colonial administration, particularly under Governor-General William

Howard Taft, embarked on a deliberate campaign to promote Jose Rizal as the national

hero.

While having no single "official proclamation" by the American government, they

effectively gave their stamp of approval to recognize Rizal. Taft, with other American

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officials and some conservative Filipinos, championed Rizal's image. They supported the

construction of monuments in his honor, named streets and towns after him, and declared

December 30th as a national holiday – Rizal Day. This widespread presence in public

spaces was a deliberate strategy to embed Rizal's image into the civic life of Filipinos.

The colonial authorities carefully curated and promoted aspects of Rizal's life and works

that aligned with their goals. They highlighted his commitment to education, his

advocacy for social reform, and crucially, his non-violent approach to the independence

struggle. His writings were encouraged to be studied, but often with an emphasis on his

reformist rather than revolutionary ideas.

Decades after American colonial rule, in 1956, the Philippine Congress passed

Republic Act No. 1425, popularly known as the Rizal Law. This landmark legislation

mandated that the life, works, and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels Noli Me

Tángere and El Filibusterismo, be included in the curricula of all public and private

schools, colleges, and universities.

The primary intent of the Rizal Law was to instill and foster a deeper sense of

nationalism and patriotism among Filipino youth. By requiring students to study Rizal's

life and his powerful critiques of colonial abuses, the lawmakers aimed to remind

Filipinos of their struggle for freedom. To keep alive the memory of Rizal's sacrifices and

the historical injustices that necessitated the fight for independence. This will promote

critical thinking and civic consciousness, and will encourage students to analyze societal

problems, understand their role in nation-building, and uphold Rizal's ideals of integrity,

courage, and intellectual pursuit. Also, this will strengthen national identity. Providing a

common historical and ideological foundation for all Filipinos, uniting them under the

banner of their national hero.

B. The Emergence of Rizal as a Spiritual Figure: Rizalism

"Rizalism" is a broad term that refers to the collection of religious and quasi-

religious movements that worship Dr. Jose Rizal as a divine, spiritual, or messianic

figure. These groups, often found in the more rural and mystical regions of the

Philippines. They do not simply admire Rizal as a national hero; they worship him as a

Filipino Christ, a god, or a prophet sent to deliver the nation from oppression. The core of

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their belief system centers on the idea that Rizal's martyrdom was a redemptive act,

similar to the passion of Christ, and that his spirit remains alive to guide and protect his

followers.

This perspective is distinct from the academic study or mainstream admiration of

Rizal. While historians and scholars analyze Rizal's life, works, and contributions through

a critical lens to understand his role in Philippine history and nationalism, Rizalists

approach him through faith, ritual, and a spiritual interpretation of his life. For them,

Rizal is not merely a historical figure to be studied in textbooks, but a living spiritual

entity to be prayed to and honored as the central figure of their faith. Their practices often

blend elements of folk Catholicism, indigenous beliefs, and Masonic symbolism, creating

a unique and deeply synchronized form of religiosity.

The appeal of Rizalism, the spiritual worship of Jose Rizal, is deeply rooted in the

Philippine colonial history and its socio-religious landscape. Centuries of Spanish and

subsequent American oppression fostered a profound disillusionment among Filipinos,

creating a yearning for a local savior who understood their suffering and promised

liberation. Martyred for his ideals, Rizal became this messianic figure; his self-sacrifice

resonated powerfully with the Christ-like narrative deeply embedded in Filipino folk

Catholicism, providing a native icon for spiritual solace and a hope for ultimate

redemption from foreign domination. This historical suffering, along with his heroic

death, laid fertile ground for his elevation beyond mere national hero to a divine or

spiritual guide.

Furthermore, Rizalism thrives by actively contributing to creating a distinct

Filipino identity, fostering a strong sense of community, and facilitating a natural

synthesis of diverse belief systems. In their quest for an identity independent of their

colonizers, Filipinos found in Rizal a powerful, indigenous symbol around whom they

could forge a unique spiritual and national consciousness. Rizalista groups offer

adherents robust social networks and a shared purpose, providing stability and belonging,

particularly for marginalized communities. This collective identity is often expressed

through a rich syncretic faith that seamlessly blends Catholic elements, indigenous

spirituality, and Masonic symbolism, all centered on Rizal. He becomes the unifying

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figure where patriotism, faith, and a uniquely Filipino worldview converge, offering a

coherent, deep, and meaningful spiritual path for communities who believe in him.

III. Interview

A. Summary

Mr. Eriberto B. Sa

B. Reflection

References

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