Longno, Jenzel John M. Column #1 Seat #3 GR 450 TTH 1:30-3:00P.M.

November 5, 2019

Ambeth Ocampo’s Rizal Articles

1. Rizal on ‘walang forever’- The article presented how the unexpected love of Rizal to Segunda Katigbak
wherein she left an impression to Rizal that made him write about her but still, it ended bitterly for them.

2. Jose Rizal or Jose Rizal Mercado- The article tackles about what really should we address our nation hero
whether Rizal or Mercado but the author wants this to end by calling him Jose Rizal as he identified himself as
Jose Rizal.

3. Rizal from cradle to grave- This article talks about the effect of Rizal in the country that even, stores,
products, places and others things are named after him and how Rizal's things are more expensive than other
heroes' things.

4. To know Rizal, read Rizal- The article showed and explained that with all of Rizal's works that he left, for
one to fully know, understand and learn all about him, one has to read his writings.

5. Rizal at Christmas- The author of the article explained in the article how Rizal celebrated his Christmas
because even though he was exiled, he still had connection to his family and was still able to send letters.

Article I like Best

With the five articles I have read by Ambeth R. Ocampo, the best one for me is the, “Rizal from cradle to
grave”. There are several reasons that I would like to point out on why I believe it is the best for me. First, the
author clearly presented and even gave examples about Rizal’s impact to his country. It was stated that products,
establishments and brand names which are named under the heroes’ name, mostly used was Rizal’s name. This
clearly depicts that not only to one but to many, Rizal was a great influencer. Second, upon reading you can
already see that even Rizal existed long ago, it’s as if in the present he is alive as you can see him almost
everywhere, even in your pockets. Third, the way the author used “cradle to grave” in a different manner and
meaning like how it was punned that one can be born in a Rizal hospital and die and lie in a Funeraria Rizal. It
gives more emphasis that not only it influenced and affected us intentionally but also in an unintentional events
and happenings of our lives. Fourth, it pointed out the value of Rizal’s things and belongings compared to other
heroes who also sacrificed their life for the country. The price varies twice or thrice with each other and how things
associated with him costs very much compared to those of the original copies of letters of other heroes. This is why
I believe this article is the best one for me because in every aspect you can see the difference of how the Filipinos
value Rizal and his artworks. One could clearly see and be able to understand the big difference Rizal has with the
other heroes and without question, for almost all of the Filipinos, he is really our National Hero.
Questions:
1. Which characters from El Filibusterismo represents Rizal and how are they similar or different from the
characters that represent Rizal in Noli me Tangere.
2. Did the two novels really made an impact on the minds of the Filipinos even if they were mostly written in
Spanish? Are there any factors that gave enlightenment to the people aside from the novels?
3. Are there any facts or theories that there were more than just two novels like some kind of a series which were
unfinished and what could be the possible theme of these sequels?