Living Life Without Regrets

photo from: istockphoto.com

It might not be simple to engage in a fight with a pen rather than a sword or a gun against powerful enemies, but a young gentleman, who attracted much attention for writing against the church and society, proved something beyond astounding. Who would have thought Rizal has what it takes to be a hero? Jose Rizal might not be fitted to be as an ideal hero for the eyes of the other Filipinos, but behind those achievements masked a story to tell on how he believes life would have been for the Philippines if it weren't for the Spaniards. He is the symbol of nationalism and the patriotic side we must expose for our country.
"On this battlefield man has no better weapon than his intelligence, no other force but his heart. "
                                                                                                 - Jose Rizal

We get to discern the situation of Rizal in Dapitan, on how he fought and educate the young and envision his plans for the future. His stay in Dapitan has been the far most simple yet interesting part of the story because it's nearing the climax, the cause of independence and the bravery of the Filipinos. Rizal lived his life to the fullest by living like an ordinary person without regrets and lived while he still can endure being away. The movie started with his death and burial, the foreshadowing of an expected event. 
"To foretell the destiny of a nation, it is necessary to open a book that tells of her past."
                                                                                                - Jose Rizal

Rizal was taken to Dapitan for exile because of his issues for Spain and to retract his sins concerning religion. He has gone to Dapitan without any benefits of a trial. His 4-years sojourn wasn't felicitous; he underwent the feelings of disappointment, fear, love, and happiness all at once. Rizal continued to live his life normal despite his issues. He chose to live in the commandant's house, but then left after winning second in the lottery.  The money he won in the lottery has been very helpful for him to establish his life and to start again in Dapitan. Dapitan, a place in Mindanao, became a primary witness to the most productive moments of his life, and his love for Josephine Bracken. He was able to continue his passion for arts and literature, perform medical practices for the poor people, educate and establish a school for the boys, and devote his time doing community services. To perform his work very well, he situated places designated for his pupils, his patients, and his main house, the Casa Residencia.  Being locked away without your loved-ones felt so saddening, it can resort to two events- it will lower your confidence to fight or it will fuel your determination to go on. Rizal being a man he is does something to satisfy his need, his need to fight for the country. His suggestion to bring his mother to Dapitan was accepted. During the stay of his sister, Maria, and his mother with him, he operated his mother's eyes but got infected when she removed the bandages in her eyes, ignoring his son's instructions. Because of Rizal's ability in the field of  Ophthalmology, he was able to cure his mother of infection. 


EDUCATION FOR THE YOUTH

Rizal instituted a school to teach the young men of English and Spanish, and also about the things they need to apprehend. He aspired to teach his pupils to strive for resourcefulness and self-sufficiency. Rizal knew the value of Education and how it can help oneself, so he wanted to utilize what he learned to teach his pupils. 

HIS JOSEPHINE

Rizal helped people who can hardly see and have problems with their sights because he is a famous ophthalmologist himself. He has a patient named Mr. Taufer, the foster father of Josephine Bracken, that has a vision impairment. Rizal operates Mr. Taufer's eyes, but his vision improves minimally. Rizal lives for four years in Dapitan but still lonely. Josephine captivated Rizal with her appearance and entered his life. He perceived Josephine as a woman he'll marry. Rizal went to the parish to grant them marriage but, he must return to being a Catholic himself in which he did not agree. Both live in a marriage with a surrounding scandal spread by the priests; however, they considered themselves as a married couple and shared a kiss in the setting sun. As time goes by, Josephine was pregnant with Rizal's baby, but then the accusation of his sister, Maria, came into the scene. What if Josephine is a spy?  And Maria told Jose that every food, prepared by Josephine, would be checked and tested by another person. This burns up his anger that resulted in Josephine's miscarriage.

⧫

Rizal wanted to go to Cuba to volunteer his services as a physician. Rizal requested the Governor-General to grant his request; however, he was not feeling good when his request was granted. The travel to Cuba turned out to be his end.  While cruising the sea, the captain received a message to arrest and confine Rizal in his cabin. 
The telegram contains a message which read: 
" Not advisable that Rizal can go to Cuba. He should be watched"
Rizal was then confined in Fort Santiago and underwent a series of investigations and was accused as the organizer for the insurrection among the Filipinos. The charge against him was carried out as a death penalty. On December 29, he was formally informed of his death sentence. He wrote a poem saying, 
"The patriot must give priority to the nation's welfare or the common good (Tayo) over the interests of his class, group or family (kami) and those of his person (Ako)"
                                                                      - Jose Rizal

He also left poems for his loved ones to share his love for them in which was given to his sister, Trinidad. His death stirs emotions from the outside force and causes them to move forward and fight for independence.


References:

n.a(2014).Rizal Life in Dapitan. Retrieved October 8, 2019, from https://www.slideshare.net/quelz/rizals-life-in-dapitan
n.a(n.d.). Jose Rizal in Dapita. Retrieved October 8, 2019, from https://www.roughguides.com/destinations/asia/philippines/mindanao/north-coast/dapitan/jose-rizal-in-dapitan/

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